Fever, as we all know, is an increase in body temperature. This is temporary for the most part and is the sign of an illness of some sort. Fevers are typically the sign of the body fighting an infection so it is actually a good thing. It usually comprises sweating, shivering, headaches, body aches, appetite loss and general weakness.

For most people, a fever of up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit is not a cause for concern. In little children and infants however it could signal an infection which needs to be taken seriously. Most fevers go away on their own or with basic over-the-counter medication although it’s probably better to see a doctor for a prescription. If however the fever is over 101F or has lasted for more than 3 days, it is imperative you consult a doctor. Here at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital’s General Medicine Department, we specialise in the management and treatment of all fevers including viral fevers. In addition, our vast resources and the collaboration between departments will ensure that people suffering from fever due to other causes will also be treated with speed.

Make an appointment with one of our specialists if you’ve been suffering from a fever.

Our immune system protects us from many illnesses and infections.

However, on occasion, it may have adverse effects as well. Sometimes the immune system, while fighting an infection may, go into overdrive. This causes toxins to be released into the bloodstream causing inflammation across the body. This can lead to septic shock which can be a fatal condition and must be treated as a medical emergency. Some of the symptoms of sepsis include a fever over 101 F or temperature below 96.8 F, heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, breathing rate more than 20 breaths per minute and infection.

It takes two of these symptoms together for sepsis to be diagnosed. Organ failure can cause severe sepsis which is signaled by discoloured skin, lower urine output, changes in mental ability, breathing trouble and a host of other symptoms. This, in addition to low blood pressure is a sign of septic shock. Septic shock has a mortality rate of nearly 50% so it is imperative the patient receive medical attention immediately.

Here at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital we are prepared for every eventuality and our consultants in the General Medicine Department are experts in the management and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is generally considered to be a disease of civilisation. It is widespread and growing to a point where it is estimated there will be more than 1.5 billion people living with it by the year 2025.

High blood pressure means increased pressure on the artery walls which leads to a host of long-term health complications. If uncontrolled, it dramatically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Risk factors are numerous and range from age to race to family history to obesity and so on. Symptoms are few if any and it develops over the course of years so it is essential that you have regular checkups to ensure you get the right treatment if you have it.

If detected early, it can be controlled through medication and lifestyle changes. Consultants at the Department of General Medicine work with patients to help them manage hypertension over the long run and lead normal, healthy lives.