At what temperature is a fever considered dangerous. How high can a fever go before it becomes a serious health concern. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. What are the signs of a dangerous fever in children and adults.

Understanding Fevers: Causes and Mechanisms

A fever is often misunderstood as an illness itself, when in fact it’s a symptom of an underlying condition. But why does our body increase its temperature when fighting an infection? Let’s explore the mechanisms behind fevers and their role in our immune response.

Fevers occur when the body’s internal thermostat, located in the hypothalamus, raises the body temperature above its normal range. This increase in temperature is typically triggered by pyrogens, substances produced by the immune system in response to pathogens or other threats.

Common Causes of Fevers

• Viral infections (e.g., flu, common cold)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections)
• Heatstroke
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain medications
• Cancer
• Teething in young children
• Reactions to vaccinations

Is a fever always a sign of infection? Not necessarily. While infections are the most common cause, fevers can also result from non-infectious conditions such as autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or even extreme physical exertion.

Normal Body Temperature and Fever Thresholds

Understanding what constitutes a normal body temperature is crucial for recognizing when a fever occurs. The average body temperature is often cited as 98.6°F (37°C), but this can vary slightly from person to person and throughout the day.

When does a slightly elevated temperature become a fever? Generally, a temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C) is considered a fever in both adults and children. However, it’s important to note that fever thresholds can vary depending on the method of measurement and the individual’s baseline temperature.

Temperature Measurement Methods

1. Oral thermometers
2. Rectal thermometers (most accurate, especially for infants)
3. Ear thermometers
4. Forehead thermometers
5. Axillary (armpit) thermometers

Are all thermometers equally accurate? Not quite. Rectal temperatures are generally considered the most accurate, especially for infants and young children. Oral and ear thermometers can provide reliable readings for older children and adults, while forehead and axillary methods may be less precise but are often more comfortable for the patient.

Fever Severity: When to Be Concerned

While a low-grade fever is often a sign that your body is effectively fighting an infection, higher temperatures can be cause for concern. But at what point does a fever become dangerous?

Fever Severity Scale

• Low-grade fever: 99.5°F to 100.9°F (37.5°C to 38.3°C)
• Moderate fever: 101°F to 103°F (38.4°C to 39.4°C)
• High fever: 103°F to 104°F (39.5°C to 40°C)
• Very high fever: Above 104°F (40°C)

When should you seek medical attention for a fever? As a general rule, adults should consult a healthcare provider for fevers above 103°F (39.4°C) that persist for more than three days. For infants and young children, the threshold for concern is lower, and parents should seek medical advice for any fever in a baby under three months old.

Dangerous Fever Symptoms in Children

Children are more susceptible to high fevers and their potentially harmful effects. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for signs that a child’s fever requires immediate medical attention.

Red Flags for Pediatric Fevers

• Fever in an infant under 3 months old
• Temperature above 104°F (40°C) in a child of any age
• Fever lasting more than 5 days
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears when crying)
• Difficulty waking or unusual drowsiness
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Unexplained rash
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Can a high fever cause brain damage in children? While extremely high fevers can potentially lead to complications, it’s important to note that fever-induced brain damage is very rare. The primary concern with high fevers in children is the risk of febrile seizures, which, while frightening, are generally not harmful in the long term.

Managing Fevers at Home: Safe and Effective Techniques

For most low to moderate fevers, home care is often sufficient. Here are some safe and effective ways to manage a fever and promote comfort:

1. Stay hydrated with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions
2. Rest and avoid overexertion
3. Dress in light, breathable clothing
4. Keep the room temperature comfortable, around 70-72°F (21-22°C)
5. Use a lukewarm compress on the forehead, wrists, or back of the neck
6. Take over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed

Should you try to “sweat out” a fever? This is a common misconception. Bundling up or taking hot baths to induce sweating can actually raise body temperature further and may lead to dehydration. Instead, focus on keeping the environment cool and comfortable.

Fever-Reducing Medications: Benefits and Precautions

Over-the-counter fever reducers can provide relief from discomfort and help lower dangerously high temperatures. However, it’s crucial to use these medications correctly and understand their limitations.

Common Fever-Reducing Medications

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Aspirin (not recommended for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome)

Is it always necessary to treat a fever with medication? Not necessarily. Low-grade fevers often don’t require treatment unless they’re causing significant discomfort. In fact, allowing a mild fever to run its course can help the body fight off infections more effectively.

When using fever-reducing medications, always follow the recommended dosage based on age and weight. Avoid combining different types of fever reducers unless directed by a healthcare provider, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

While most fevers can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these scenarios can help prevent potentially serious complications.

Fever Red Flags for Adults

• Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) that doesn’t respond to medication
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Abdominal pain or unexplained bruising
• Recent travel to an area with endemic diseases
• Compromised immune system due to medication or chronic illness

Can a fever be a sign of a life-threatening condition? In some cases, yes. High fevers can be associated with serious infections like meningitis, sepsis, or malaria. If a fever is accompanied by severe symptoms or occurs in a person with a weakened immune system, prompt medical evaluation is crucial.

The Role of Fevers in Fighting Infections

While fevers can be uncomfortable and sometimes concerning, they play a vital role in the body’s defense against pathogens. Understanding this function can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with fevers.

Benefits of Fevers

• Increased production of white blood cells and antibodies
• Enhanced mobility of immune cells
• Reduced replication of some viruses and bacteria
• Increased metabolic rate to support immune function

Does treating a fever with medication impair the body’s ability to fight infection? While fever-reducing medications can provide comfort, there’s some evidence to suggest that they may slightly prolong the duration of certain illnesses. However, the benefits of reducing discomfort and preventing complications from very high fevers generally outweigh this potential drawback.

It’s important to remember that while fevers are often beneficial, extremely high temperatures can be dangerous. The goal in managing fevers should be to promote comfort and prevent complications while allowing the body’s natural defenses to work effectively.

Preventing Fevers: Strategies for Boosting Immune Health

While not all fevers can be prevented, maintaining a strong immune system can help reduce the frequency and severity of infections that lead to fevers. Here are some strategies to boost your body’s natural defenses:

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
3. Get regular exercise to promote overall health and circulation
4. Ensure adequate sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night for adults
5. Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing
6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
7. Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations
8. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking

Can certain foods or supplements prevent fevers? While no specific food or supplement can directly prevent fevers, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, can support immune function. However, it’s always best to obtain these nutrients from a balanced diet rather than relying solely on supplements.

By implementing these lifestyle strategies, you can help fortify your body’s natural defenses and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing infections that lead to fevers. Remember, however, that even with the best prevention methods, occasional illnesses and fevers are a normal part of life.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions

Despite advances in medical knowledge, many myths and misconceptions about fevers persist. Let’s address some of these common misunderstandings to provide a clearer picture of fever management.

Common Fever Myths

• Myth: Fevers always need to be treated with medication
• Fact: Low-grade fevers often don’t require treatment unless causing significant discomfort
• Myth: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness
• Fact: The severity of a fever doesn’t always correlate with the seriousness of the underlying condition
• Myth: Fevers cause brain damage
• Fact: Fever-induced brain damage is extremely rare and typically only occurs at temperatures above 107.6°F (42°C)
• Myth: Bundling up helps “break” a fever
• Fact: Excessive bundling can actually increase body temperature and lead to discomfort
• Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever
• Fact: Proper nutrition and hydration are important for recovery from any illness, including those with fevers

Are there any benefits to letting a fever run its course? Yes, in many cases, allowing a low-grade fever to persist can actually help the body fight off infections more effectively. The increased body temperature can create an inhospitable environment for some pathogens and enhance immune system function.

Understanding these myths and facts can help individuals make more informed decisions about fever management and when to seek medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about how to handle a fever, especially in young children or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Special Considerations for Fevers in Different Populations

While general guidelines for fever management apply to most people, certain populations require special consideration due to their increased vulnerability or unique physiological characteristics.

Fevers in Specific Populations

• Infants and young children
• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Immunocompromised patients
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions

How do fever thresholds differ for these groups? For infants under 3 months, any fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C) is considered serious and requires immediate medical attention. Elderly individuals may not develop fevers as readily as younger adults, so even a slight temperature elevation could indicate a significant infection. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for any fever to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus.

For immunocompromised patients or those with chronic medical conditions, fever thresholds for seeking medical attention may be lower, and the approach to treatment may differ. These individuals should have a clear plan from their healthcare provider on how to monitor and respond to fevers.

Fever Management in Special Populations

1. Infants and young children: Use age-appropriate fever reducers and dosages; never give aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
2. Elderly: Monitor for signs of dehydration and confusion; ensure proper hydration and comfortable environment
3. Pregnant women: Consult healthcare provider before using any fever-reducing medications
4. Immunocompromised patients: Follow specific guidelines provided by healthcare team; may require more aggressive treatment
5. Chronic conditions: Consider how fever might impact existing health issues; consult with specialist if needed

Why is careful monitoring crucial for these populations? These groups are more susceptible to complications from fevers and underlying infections. Prompt recognition of fever and appropriate management can prevent serious outcomes and ensure timely medical intervention when necessary.

By understanding the unique considerations for different populations, caregivers and healthcare providers can tailor their approach to fever management, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their specific health status or life stage.

When Fevers Get Dangerous | iCare

Having a fever doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to visit a doctor. In fact, a fever can be a good sign because it shows that your body is fighting an illness or infection. A low-grade fever is an essential part of the immune response, and you will often feel better in a few days.

Why Does Fever Occur?

A fever isn’t an illness – it is a symptom of another health condition. Usually, the body develops a fever in response to an infection that is occurring. The illness or disease is detected, then the immune system kicks into gear to fight the virus or bacteria. This response stimulates the body’s defenses, sending out the white blood cells that are needed for protection. Fever can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Flu
• Common cold
• Heatstroke
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Sinus infection
• Internal infection
• Skin infection
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood clots
• Appendicitis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer
• Hormone disorders
• Illegal drugs

Sometimes, fever is a temporary response to a specific cause. For example, young children often have a fever when teething or for a day or two after immunizations.

How Body Temperature Works

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, but it is normal for the temperature to range between 97.7 degrees F and 99.5 degrees F throughout the day. For example, it is common for the body temperature to be higher in the evening compared to the morning. If the temperature goes above 99.5 degrees F, then it is considered a fever in both adults and children.

The body has built-in systems to maintain normal body temperature. Several organs affect temperature regulation, including the skin, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. If the body needs to cool down, then a few responses might occur:

• Sweat production increases to cool the skin
• Blood is moved closer to, or away from, the surface of the skin
• You feel the urge to move to a cooler environment
• Water in the body is retained or released through the sweat glands and urinary system

A fever is not the only factor that can increase body temperature. Heavy clothing, physical exertion, strong emotions, high heat and humidity, menstruation, and certain medications can increase body temperature. When you are taking a person’s temperature, check to ensure these other factors aren’t influencing the thermometer reading. For example, if a child has been running around, have them sit still for 20 minutes before using the thermometer to ensure you are getting an accurate reading.

Tips for Lowering a Fever

Just because a person has a mild fever, doesn’t mean that you need to be proactive in lowering the fever. Often, the best solution is to let the fever run its course by resting at home and staying hydrated. If you notice that the fever is increasing in severity, then these are a few things that can be done at home to see if the fever can be managed without medical treatment:

• Take a lukewarm bath (not cold water)
• Place a cool washcloth on the forehead
• Use over-the-counter acetaminophen, according to dosage directions on the package. Choose children’s brand medication for young members of your family.
• Adjust the thermostat in the house
• Remove blankets and heavy clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially drinks with electrolytes to counteract the minerals lost through sweating

Even though ice baths and alcohol rubs are sometimes recommended as DIY fever treatments, these at-home methods should be avoided. Ice and alcohol rubs cause the body to shiver, which increases the internal temperature even more.

The main benefit of lowering a fever is to help the person be more comfortable, especially when they are trying to sleep at night. Additionally, body temperature regulation is essential to avoid potentially dangerous side-effects, such as seizures.

When is a Fever Dangerous?

A mild fever isn’t considered dangerous. If you or a family member has a low-grade fever with other common illness symptoms, then a few days of rest and healing at home might be just what the doctor ordered. But how do you know when it is time to seek medical attention? If the fever escalates, then it could potentially become dangerous.

These are a few signs that indicate you should seek medical attention immediately. Talk to the doctor if the fever is accompanied by:

• Bruising
• Rashes
• Difficulty breathing

Other signs that you need medical attention might include:

• You’ve recently received one or more vaccinations
• You visited another country recently
• You have a serious pre-existing condition
• A child seems confused or delirious
• A child won’t stop crying
• The person has a weakened immune system or other medical complications

Fevers in Children vs. Adults

One determining factor regarding whether medical care is needed is based on the severity of the fever and the age of the person. You should talk to a doctor when these criteria are met:

• 0 – 3 Months Old: The child has a rectal temperature at or above 100. 4 degrees F
• 3 – 12 Months Old: An oral temperature reading is at or above 102.2 degrees F
• 2 Years Old – Teenage Years: If the child’s fever lasts more than 24 – 48 hours
• Adults: If the fever is above 103 degrees F and lasts more than 48 hours. Any time an adult fever reaches 105 or more, talk to a doctor right away.

Medical Treatment for Fever

Since a fever is a symptom of an underlying condition, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis to determine the best treatment plan. For example, antibiotics might be recommended for a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or strep throat.

If you need medical care right away, then visiting an Urgent Care might be the most effective solution. At our clinic, you don’t have to schedule an appointment or wait for an opening. Walk-ins are welcome! Your entire family has access to fast treatment for a variety of injuries and illnesses.

Visit us anytime to access high-quality services from our board-certified medical team. We provide both urgent care services and emergency treatments. Call iCare ER and Urgent Care if you have questions about available services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.: (214) 407-8668.

High temperature (fever) in adults

What is a high temperature?

Normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day.

A high temperature is usually considered to be 38C or above. This is sometimes called a fever.

Check if you have a high temperature

You may have a high temperature if:

• your chest or back feel hotter than usual
• you have other symptoms, such as shivering (chills), sweating or warm, red skin (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• a thermometer says your temperature is 38C or above

Important

If you feel hot or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer says your temperature is below 38C.

Do I need to take my temperature?

You do not need to take your temperature using a thermometer, but you can if you have one.

Make sure you use it correctly to help get an accurate result. See how to take a temperature.

Treating a high temperature

There are some things you can do to help treat a high temperature.

Do

• get lots of rest

• drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable

Information:

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you do not have a high temperature.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

• a high temperature and you’ve been treating it at home but it’s not getting better or is getting worse

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Causes of a high temperature

Many things can cause a high temperature. It’s not usually a sign of anything serious.

It’s often just caused by your body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu.

Sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious if your temperature is very high or will not come down.

Information:

Advice for children

This page is for adults. For advice about children, see high temperature (fever) in children.

Page last reviewed: 24 May 2023
Next review due: 24 May 2026

Why is temperature dangerous?

What is the danger of temperature?

Most of all, parents are afraid of fever, that is, an increase in body temperature in children.

We have collected several options for “threats” that scare parents if the temperature on the thermometer rises above “critical levels”:

• Protein will coagulate

• The brain will overheat

• Seizures will start

• The child will “burn out”.

What’s in reality?

An increase in temperature (fever) is a protective mechanism of the human body during the fight against infection. The body is able to control this process and it cannot harm itself.

A safe increase in body temperature is considered a mark of up to 42 degrees. And the protein will not curl. It is impossible to boil an egg at this temperature.

Let’s give an example: almost all housewives have an oven in the kitchen; for cooking a pie, a temperature of 180 degrees is required, for cooking fish or meat – 200-220 degrees. You yourself set this temperature and at the same time the oven will not overheat and will not break.

The same is true of the body: by engaging in the fight against viruses and bacteria, the immune system (hostess) begins to produce pyrogens (oven mode switches). Under their influence, the hypothalamus (oven) raises the temperature from normal to 39-40 degrees.

This is required to increase the efficiency of immune mechanisms, to produce acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin), which destroy pathogens. Microbes at this temperature will also hardly be able to multiply.

After the number of bacteria and viruses in the body has decreased, pyrogens cease to be produced and stimulate the hypothalamus, the body temperature returns to normal 36-37 degrees.

Is it necessary to fight “white fever” and give No-shpu?

To increase the temperature, the body activates its forces, reducing heat loss: a spasm of peripheral vessels occurs, the limbs cool, the skin turns pale, trembling and chills are connected.

In the post-Soviet space, it was customary to call this stage of white fever and try in every possible way to turn it into red. This term is absent in international sources, it is believed that this is only one of the mechanisms / stages of temperature increase.

No-shpa is not needed in this case, since its action is directed to the smooth muscles of the internal organs, and not to the vessels.

Febrile convulsions at high temperature.

They occur in about 2-5% of children aged 6 months to 5 years, with a peak usually occurring at 12-18 months of age.

The development is characteristic on the first day of the disease, when the temperature rises sharply beyond 38-39 degrees, the duration of convulsions is up to 15 minutes (usually up to 5 minutes), ending with sleep.

They are benign, do not require treatment and do not recur the next day.

They arise due to the immaturity of the central nervous system of babies, and then the children outgrow them.

Note that for prevention, drinking antipyretics is not effective.

When should the temperature be lowered?

It is necessary to monitor the child’s condition: when he is very ill, his muscles and joints, head and ears hurt, then we must give an antipyretic with an anesthetic purpose, regardless of what the thermometer shows.

What drugs can be used?

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are just them.

In order to get the effect of the medicine, you need to create cool and humid air in the room, it is important to solder the child (to prevent dehydration).

The immune system of the child should be able to fight viruses and bacteria, do not interfere with this by giving antipyretics uncontrollably.

High fever – causes, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment

Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis

Borreliosis

Measles

Whooping cough

Rubella

Diphtheria

Scarlet fever

Chicken pox

Poliomyelitis

Colds

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05 July

High temperature – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

An increase in temperature serves as a protective reaction of the body and can occur under the influence of various factors. Be sure to separate such conditions as hyperthermia (overheating) and fever, which is also accompanied by an increase in body temperature, but its mechanism differs from overheating and requires other measures to influence the body.

Possible causes

Fever is triggered by external (or exogenous) pyrogens – substances foreign to the body that have entered the bloodstream. These include infectious pyrogens: toxins of viruses and metabolic products of microorganisms. The primary group also includes non-infectious pyrogens: certain lipids, proteins and protein-containing substances that enter the body from the external environment or occur in the body during inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, or the decay of tumor tissues. Primary pyrogens, interacting with the cells of the immune system, initiate the production of internal, or endogenous (secondary) pyrogens – cytokines. They, acting on the center of thermoregulation in the brain, cause an increase in body temperature.

The feverish state has its own dynamics and includes several stages.

If body temperature is taken as the criterion for the course of fever, then three stages can be distinguished:

stage 1 – the period of temperature rise;

Stage 2 – the period of preservation, or standing temperature;

Stage 3 – the period of temperature decrease to normal values ​​..

Temperature rise stage

The rate of temperature rise depends on the concentration of pyrogens in the blood and can serve as a diagnostic sign.

A rapid increase in temperature to high values ​​​​is observed with influenza, lobar pneumonia,

and also possible when a foreign protein enters the blood (for example, when transfusing blood components). In this case, there is a strong chill, there is a cooling of the skin, which is due to a spasm of the superficial blood vessels.

A slow rise in temperature is characteristic of adenovirus infection, typhoid fever, brucellosis. In these cases, there may be no pronounced chills, and the first sensations of the disease will be fever, dry eyes, headache, and malaise. Possible blanching of the skin, coldness of the feet and hands.

What should be done?

First of all, it is necessary to warm the patient by wrapping him in a blanket. A heating pad applied to the legs and arms gives a good effect.

Temperature standing stage

After reaching the upper value, the temperature remains at this level for some time. This period is called the stage of standing temperature, when a balance is established between heat production and heat transfer. At this stage of the disease, the patient feels fever, drowsiness. Perhaps lack of appetite, thirst. Depending on the level of temperature rise, a weak or subfebrile temperature is distinguished – 37-38 ° C; moderate, or febrile – 38-39°C; high – 39-41 ° C and excessive – above 41 ° C.

Knocking down the temperature is not always appropriate.

Fever is a protective and adaptive reaction of the body that occurs in response to the action of pyrogens.

At a temperature of 37.5-38 ° C, the body actively fights infection. However, each person reacts differently to elevated temperatures. Therefore, when deciding on a drug-induced decrease in temperature, one should focus on well-being and associated symptoms. This is especially true for children. Conditionally, the threshold temperature at which it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the state of health and external manifestations is a temperature of 38 ° C and above.

The period of maintaining the temperature at a high level depends on the infectious agent, the state of immunity and the treatment being carried out.

In normal cases, this time can vary from one to five days, but in severe cases of the disease, it can be extended for several weeks.

Temperature fluctuations in a febrile patient have a certain rhythm: the maximum values ​​are noted at 5-6 pm, the minimum – about 4-5 am and variability. With inflammation of the lungs, for example, the temperature can stay at a high level for a long time. For bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis are characterized by significant daily temperature fluctuations (1-2 ° C). The so-called debilitating fever is very dangerous, which is characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations (with a rapid rise and fall), sometimes repeated two or three times during the day. There is such a fever with sepsis, the presence of cavities in pulmonary tuberculosis and the decay of lung tissue.

What should be done?

At high temperatures, it is necessary, if possible, to free the patient from excess clothing and provide access to fresh air, eliminating drafts. A cold compress can be applied to the forehead and areas of large vessels (elbows and knees). You can wipe the body with a towel moistened with cool water.

The issue of drug temperature reduction is decided in each case individually.

It is more difficult for a person to endure not high temperature, but intoxication of the body. Therefore, the main measures should be aimed at removing toxic metabolic products from the body. This is achieved by drinking plenty of water, if necessary – cleansing enemas.

When prescribing antipyretic drugs for children, the following nuances are taken into account:

– the age of the child is less than three months, and the temperature has risen above 38 ° C;

– a previously healthy child between the ages of three months and six years has a temperature above 39°C;

– in a child with heart or lung disease, the temperature exceeds 38 ° C;

– a child of any age (up to 18 years old) with a convulsive syndrome, diseases of the central nervous system, in the presence of such external signs as pallor, cyanosis of the skin and cold extremities, general lethargy and lethargy, it is necessary to reduce the temperature if it reaches 38 ° C Otherwise, a convulsive syndrome may occur, which is extremely dangerous and can lead to suffocation.

At high temperatures, the functioning of all organ systems changes.

The heart rate increases by 8-10 beats per minute for every degree of temperature increase. Often there are arrhythmias, more often extrasystole (extraordinary contractions), spasm of blood vessels and increased blood pressure.

The secretory and motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract are reduced, which leads to food retention in the intestines, and the lack of fluid causes constipation. Given these factors, it is necessary to adjust the nutrition of a febrile patient. Preference should be given to liquid easily digestible food, reducing the portion size, but increasing the number of meals.

There is a feature that should be taken into account for patients with diabetes. It must be remembered that fever is accompanied by an increase in blood glucose levels, which requires appropriate measures.

Treatment

The main antipyretic drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac. These drugs act quickly and are quickly excreted from the body.

Although the practice of taking antipyretic pills is widespread, experience shows that side effects are more pronounced in this case.

It is preferable to use rectal suppositories.

With this method of drug administration, the active substance enters directly into the blood through the blood vessels of the rectum. There is no irritating effect of drugs on the gastric mucosa. It becomes possible to administer the drug regardless of food intake.

Temperature reduction stage

The decrease in temperature in infectious diseases occurs either quickly and is accompanied by profuse sweating, and sometimes a drop in blood pressure, or slowly, within one to two days.

What should be done?

You can help the patient with a sharp drop in temperature by quickly changing wet clothes to dry ones and drinking hot tea.

It is important to remember that a decrease in temperature is not an indicator of recovery.