Question

A person having a high fever may be breathing faster than normal. The reason for this faster breathing is due to
A. Additional need of ${O_2}$ for germs
B. Mental worry of the patient
C. High temperature of body
D. Loss of appetite

Answer 1

Fever is a febrile condition when the body temperature is higher than normal. A normal temperature varies from person to person, but the average is around $98.6^{\circ}F$. The increase in body temperature is usually a sign that the body is trying to fight an illness or infection. A temporary increase in average body temperature of $98.6^{\circ}F$ or $37^{\circ} C$.

Complete answer:-
Respiration takes place in the lungs by inhaling and exhaling in human beings. The breathing rate increases when the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood increases. It occurs during heavy exercise, the action of proprioceptors, an increase in body temperature, and motor impulses from the brain. The temporary increase in the body's temperature also occurs in response to some disease or illness. During fever, there is an increased rate of perspiration which leads to reduced blood and urine volumes. Rapid breakdown of Protein leads to increased excretion of nitrogenous products with the urine. Due to increased metabolism, there is an increased demand for oxygen by tissue cells which is fulfilled by the heart contracting more frequently and keeps up with the demand therefore breathing is also accelerated to increase the exchange rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, A person having a high fever tends to breathe faster than normal due to the increase in body temperature.

Therefore, Option (C) is the correct option.

Note:- The normal respiratory rate of a healthy person is 12-16 breaths per minute. The increased breathing is to decrease the temperature in febrile conditions whereas in mental worries it relieves anxiety by supplying more oxygen to the brain cells.