When the fever "breaks," the temperature returns to an acceptable range and the patient becomes:

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When the fever "breaks," the temperature returns to an acceptable range and the patient becomes afebrile (a- means "not" or "without," so afebrile means without fever).A true fever results from an alteration in the hypothalamic set point.Substances that trigger the immune system,such as bacteria or viruses,stimulate the release of hormones in an effort to promote the body's defense against infection.These hormones also trigger the hypothalamus to raise the set point,inducing a febrile episode.Febrile means the patient does have a fever.The term fever of unknown origin (FUO)refers to a fever whose cause cannot be determined.The condition of pyrexia or fever occurs because heat loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excess heat production,resulting in an abnormal rise in body temperature.

When the Fever "Breaks," the Temperature Returns to an Acceptable