What is considered a high fever in adults and children. How to treat high fever at home. When to seek medical attention for a fever. What are the common causes of high fever.

Understanding Fever: Definition and Normal Body Temperature

Fever is a crucial defense mechanism employed by the body to combat infections. But what exactly constitutes a fever? Let’s delve into the specifics of body temperature and fever thresholds.

The average normal body temperature is typically considered to be 98.6°F (37°C). However, it’s important to note that “normal” can vary from person to person and fluctuate throughout the day. Body temperature tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon, with factors like eating and physical activity causing temporary increases.

For adults, a fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s worth noting that fever severity can be categorized into different levels:

• Low-grade fever: 99.1°F to 100.4°F (37.3°C to 38.0°C)
• Moderate-grade fever: 100.6°F to 102.2°F (38.1°C to 39.0°C)
• High-grade fever: 102.4°F to 105.8°F (39.1°C to 41°C)

High Fever in Adults: When to Be Concerned

While fever is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, there are instances when a high fever warrants medical attention. But when exactly should you worry about a fever in adults?

If your body temperature reaches or exceeds 104°F (40°C), it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider. This high-grade fever could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Moreover, certain symptoms accompanying a fever should prompt you to seek urgent medical care:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain in any part of the body
• Swelling or inflammation
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain or discomfort while urinating

These symptoms, when combined with a fever, could indicate severe infections, meningitis, or other serious medical conditions that require prompt attention.

Common Causes of High Fever in Adults

Understanding the potential causes of a high fever can help you better assess your situation and determine when to seek medical help. What are the most common reasons for developing a high fever?

Infections are the primary culprits behind most fevers. Viral infections, such as influenza (the flu), are particularly common causes. However, bacterial infections can also lead to high fevers.

Other potential causes of fever include:

• Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
• Reactions to certain medications or vaccines
• Some types of cancers
• Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hormonal imbalances

It’s important to note that the underlying cause of a fever often determines its duration and severity. While viral infections typically resolve on their own within a few days, bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms: More Than Just High Temperature

While an elevated body temperature is the primary indicator of a fever, it often comes with a constellation of other symptoms. Recognizing these accompanying signs can help you better understand your condition and determine when to seek medical attention.

Common symptoms that may accompany a fever include:

• Sweating or chills (sometimes alternating)
• Headache
• Muscle aches and general body pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dehydration
• Skin rash
• Restlessness or irritability

In cases of very high fever, more severe symptoms may manifest:

• Confusion or delirium
• Extreme drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

It’s crucial to monitor these symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Any rapid worsening of symptoms or the appearance of severe symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.

Diagnosing the Cause of a High Fever

When you visit a healthcare provider with a high fever, they will typically conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause. But what exactly does this diagnostic process entail?

The first step usually involves a detailed medical history. Your doctor may ask about:

• The duration and pattern of your fever
• Any accompanying symptoms (e.g., cough, abdominal pain, urinary discomfort)
• Recent surgeries or injuries
• Vaccinations you’ve received recently
• New medications you’re taking
• Recent travel, especially to foreign countries
• Exposure to infectious diseases

Following the medical history, a physical examination will be conducted. This may include:

• Checking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate)
• Examining the throat, ears, and sinuses
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Palpating the abdomen
• Checking for signs of dehydration

Depending on the findings from the history and physical exam, your doctor may order additional tests:

• Blood tests to check for infection markers and assess organ function
• Urine analysis to rule out urinary tract infections
• Chest X-ray if a respiratory infection is suspected
• Cultures of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to identify specific pathogens

In some cases, more specialized tests like CT scans or MRIs may be necessary to pinpoint the cause of a persistent high fever.

Treating High Fever at Home: Effective Strategies

While a high fever can be uncomfortable, it’s often possible to manage it at home, especially if it’s not accompanied by severe symptoms. What are some effective strategies for treating a high fever in adults?

Here are some key steps you can take to manage a fever at home:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions. This helps prevent dehydration and aids in cooling the body.
2. Rest: Allow your body to focus its energy on fighting the infection by getting plenty of rest.
3. Dress appropriately: Wear light, breathable clothing and use light bedding to avoid overheating.
4. Use over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce fever and alleviate associated discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage.
5. Apply cool compresses: Place a damp, lukewarm washcloth on your forehead or wrists to help lower body temperature.
6. Take a lukewarm bath: A bath in slightly warm (not cold) water can help bring down body temperature gradually.
7. Eat light, easily digestible foods: Opt for foods that are easy on the stomach, such as soup, toast, or rice.

It’s important to note that while these measures can help manage fever symptoms, they don’t address the underlying cause. If your fever persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Care for a High Fever

While many fevers can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care becomes necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor for a high fever?

Here are some guidelines for when to seek medical attention:

• Temperature over 103°F (39.4°C) that doesn’t respond to home treatment
• Fever lasting more than three days
• Fever accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness)
• Fever in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions
• Fever following recent travel to areas with endemic infectious diseases
• Fever with a rash that spreads quickly or bruises that appear without explanation

For infants and young children, the threshold for seeking medical care is lower. Contact a healthcare provider if:

• An infant under 3 months has any fever
• A child between 3-6 months has a temperature over 102°F (38.9°C)
• A child of any age has a fever lasting more than 5 days

Remember, these are general guidelines. If you’re ever in doubt about the severity of a fever or associated symptoms, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

Understanding Fever in Special Populations

While the general guidelines for managing fever apply to most adults, certain populations require special consideration. How does fever management differ for elderly individuals, pregnant women, or those with chronic health conditions?

Elderly individuals often have a lower baseline body temperature, meaning that even a slight elevation could indicate a significant fever. They may also have a diminished fever response, making infection detection more challenging. For these reasons, any fever in an elderly person should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Pregnant women with high fevers should seek immediate medical attention, as prolonged high temperatures can potentially harm the developing fetus. Certain medications used to treat fever may also be contraindicated during pregnancy, making professional medical advice crucial.

For individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, fever can have more severe implications. These individuals should have a lower threshold for seeking medical care when experiencing a fever.

Similarly, those undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system (such as chemotherapy or long-term steroid use) should consult their healthcare provider at the first sign of fever, as their ability to fight infections may be compromised.

Preventing Fever: Boosting Your Immune System

While it’s not always possible to prevent fever, especially when it’s a symptom of an underlying infection, there are steps you can take to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of illness. What are some effective strategies for strengthening your body’s natural defenses?

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to ensure you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall health and immune function.
3. Get regular exercise: Moderate, regular physical activity can boost immune function and reduce the risk of infections.
4. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to repair and regenerate.
5. Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and maintain cleanliness in your environment.
7. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations: Vaccines can protect against many fever-causing illnesses.
8. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking: These habits can suppress immune function and make you more susceptible to infections.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help strengthen your immune system and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of fever-causing illnesses.

The Role of Fever in Fighting Infections

While fever can be uncomfortable, it’s important to understand that it plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections. But how exactly does an elevated body temperature help combat pathogens?

Fever serves several important functions in the immune response:

• Enhances immune cell function: Higher temperatures can increase the activity and mobility of white blood cells, allowing them to reach infection sites more quickly.
• Inhibits pathogen growth: Many harmful bacteria and viruses struggle to replicate efficiently at higher temperatures.
• Boosts the effectiveness of antibodies: Fever can enhance the binding of antibodies to invading pathogens, making them easier for the immune system to neutralize.
• Increases metabolic rate: A higher body temperature speeds up cellular processes, including those involved in immune responses.

Given these benefits, it’s not always necessary or beneficial to aggressively treat every fever, especially if it’s low-grade. However, high fevers or those accompanied by severe symptoms should still be managed appropriately to prevent complications.

Understanding the protective role of fever can help you make informed decisions about when to treat a fever at home and when to seek medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the best course of action for managing a fever.

Fever in adults – Harvard Health

Fever is one of the body’s most effective ways of fighting infection. It is part of your body’s defense against infection-causing germs.

You get a fever most often when your body is trying to kill infectious invaders such as viruses or bacteria. A higher body temperature helps the immune system respond more vigorously to the attack, and makes it harder for these microbes to survive.

What is considered a fever in adults?

The average body temperature is 98.6° F (37°C). But “normal” body temperature varies from person to person. It also changes during the day, rising a bit after you eat or exercise. Body temperature is often higher in the afternoon than it is when you wake up in the morning.

Fever means a body temperature of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher.

High fever in adults

While any temperature above your normal temperature range is considered a fever, there are different levels of fever severity:

• Low-grade: 99. 1 to 100.4 F (37.3 to 38.0 C)
• Moderate-grade: 100.6 to 102.2 F (38.1 to 39.0 C)
• High-grade: 102.4 to 105.8 F (39.1 to 41 C)

When to worry about fever

If you have a fever over 104°F (40°C), you should call your doctor.

Seek medical help right away if you have a fever along with any of these symptoms:

• seizure
• loss of consciousness
• confusion
• stiff neck
• trouble breathing
• severe pain anywhere in the body
• swelling or inflammation of any part of the body
• vaginal discharge that is discolored or smells bad
• pain when urinating or urine that smells bad.

Causes of fever

An infection, such as the flu, is the most common cause of fever.

Other conditions can also cause a fever. These include diseases that produce inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; reactions to drugs or vaccines; and even certain types of cancers.

Accompanying symptoms

The following symptoms may also accompany fever:

• sweats
• chills
• headache
• achy muscles
• lack of desire to eat
• rash
• restlessness
• weakness.

A very high fever can cause confusion, extreme sleepiness, irritability, and seizures.

Diagnosing the cause of a fever

To help determine why you have a fever, your doctor will ask you about:

• other symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain when urinating
• recent surgeries or injuries
• recent vaccinations
• new drugs you may be taking
• recent travel, particularly travel abroad.

How to treat a fever at home

By itself, fever is usually harmless, though a high fever can be miserable. These steps may help you feel better:

• Drink plenty of fluids to help cool your body and prevent dehydration.
• Eat light foods that are easy to digest.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, or others), or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to help relieve head and body aches and lower your temperature.
• Take a slightly warm (not cool) bath, or apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists.

Image: yacobchuck/Getty Images

Treat High Fever in Children and Adults

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The Urgency Room is your comprehensive one-stop location for your urgent needs. Our standalone facilities are expertly outfitted with emergency trained providers and  state-of-the-art equipment to handle the variety of aches, pains, breaks, and illnesses that come through our doors every day.

Schedule an appointment at any of our three locations, open 365 days a year, including holidays, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Our telehealth services are available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Situated in Woodbury, Vadnais Heights, and Eagan, The Urgency Room is the quick and convenient alternative to overcrowded and understaffed emergency rooms for residents throughout the Twin Cities.

If you or your child has a high fever, don’t hesitate to seek care. Don’t drudge through hours of waiting at your typical emergency room. Instead, get evaluated and treated at your nearest Urgency Room, fast. With short wait times, friendly staff, and highly experienced providers, you’ll be back to yourself in no time.

What Is Considered a High Fever in Adults?

Most adults have a baseline temperature of 98. 6 F. Generally, temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are considered high for an adult. However, when an adult sustains a temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit for an unusually long period of time, it could also be cause for concern. It’s best to act on the safe side and seek care at The Urgency Room right away. Fevers can be very complex and can stem from many different types of illnesses or infections. The providers at The Urgency Room can accurately assess and diagnose the source of your high fever. 

Fevers occur when the hypothalamus, your body’s “thermostat,” increases your body’s temperature because of fever-producing substances called pyrogens. When pyrogens are released into your blood, you could wind up with a dangerously high fever. Pyrogens could come from bacteria, drugs, toxins, viruses, and fungi. The severity of fever and its detrimental results increase as your condition persists—which is why getting a high fever treated sooner is always your best option.  

High Fever Thresholds 

Once a fever goes beyond the high level, an adult enters dangerous fever levels (104 F – 107 F). This dangerous level, also known as hyperpyrexia, is considered a medical emergency and you should seek medical care immediately. 

To give you a rough idea of the fever levels in adults, here’s a list: 

• Low high fever: 100 F – 101 F
• Intermediate high fever: 102 F
• Serious high fever: 103 F – 104 F
• Hyperpyrexia: 104 F – 107 F

It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the source of a fever as there are an incredible number of diseases and illnesses that have high temperatures as a side effect or symptom. And while fevers most frequently accompany a viral illness, our providers will try and get down to the exact source. 

What Is Considered a High Fever in Children?

A high fever in a child may be any temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if that temperature is sustained above the 100-degree threshold for extended periods. If your child’s temperature is not showing signs of reducing, you should seek emergency care.

The severity and damage a fever can cause vary by the age of the child. Younger children and infants should be seen by a medical provider sooner than an adult or teenager would with a similar temperature.

In addition to high or rising temperatures that last longer than 24 hours, a child with a high fever could have other obvious symptoms. Be on the lookout for severe diarrhea, dehydration, repeated vomiting, seizures, or rash. Your child is especially susceptible to serious infections if they have any type of immune disorder or haven’t received immunizations.

When minutes matter, especially if your child has a high fever, get to your nearest Urgency Room—we have shorter wait times and state-of-the-art equipment to treat your illness fast.        

When Is It Time to Seek Care?

As listed above, the duration one with a high fever should wait to seek medical treatment varies depending on age. An infant should be seen right away even if it has temperatures constituting a low fever in adults. Similarly, an adult can wait until the fever persists for a day or two while a child, depending on its age, should be seen as soon as they’ve had a fever of any temperature for longer than 24 hours.

You may try fever-reducing medicines (ones containing acetaminophen) before seeking medical care, however, always consult with a medical provider if you are uncertain what medicine to administer for your child. 

Consider Using Telehealth for Less Intense Fevers

If you’re not experiencing a medical emergency but you’re concerned about your fever level or that of your child, consider using online care services. The Urgency Room utilizes video technology for patient convenience and overall experience improvement. You won’t have to waste precious time in your vehicle or using public transportation, not to mention waiting in the lobby. Just follow the instructions on our Online Care page.

How Can The Urgency Room Treat High Fevers in Adults and Children?

The Urgency Room is well-equipped to take care of you or your child when experiencing a high fever. Prolonged fever or dangerously high fevers can cause an onslaught of residual health problems, so it is always best to seek care rather than ignore the problem.

All three Urgency Room locations are equipped with providers and staff who have extensive emergency room experience as well as equipment to assess, diagnose and treat your illness or injury. 

Up-to-date technology at our Urgency Room locations includes:

• X-ray machines
• CT scanner
• Ultrasound
• High-complexity lab
• Sedation for adults and children

The Urgency Room also has a large library of at-home aftercare videos for you to reference after you’ve left our in-person care. Before, during, and after illness, The Urgency Room has your well-being as our first priority.

Medical  Care for a Wide Range of Symptoms, Available In-Person or Online

Looking for fast, trusted medical care in the Twin Cities? The Urgency Room can help you avoid the crowds and long waits of typical emergency rooms. Our facilities are owned and operated by members of the Emergency Physicians Professional Association. Our board-certified physicians and staff are here for you when you need medical care the most. 

We’ll always provide you with exceptional medical care closer to home. Schedule your non-emergent visits or log in online to start a visit with one of our providers online.

Temperature scale. Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, Réaumur scale

History

The word “temperature” arose in those days when people believed that hotter bodies contained a greater amount of a special substance – caloric than less heated ones. Therefore, temperature was perceived as the strength of a mixture of body substance and caloric. For this reason, the units of measure for the strength of alcoholic beverages and temperature are called the same – degrees.

From the fact that temperature is the kinetic energy of molecules, it is clear that it is most natural to measure it in energy units (ie in the SI system in joules). However, temperature measurement began long before the creation of molecular kinetic theory, so practical scales measure temperature in conventional units – degrees.

Kelvin scale

Thermodynamics uses the Kelvin scale, in which the temperature is measured from absolute zero (the state corresponding to the minimum theoretically possible internal energy of the body), and one kelvin is equal to 1/273.16 of the distance from absolute zero to the triple point of water (the state at where ice, water and water vapor are in equilibrium). The Boltzmann constant is used to convert kelvins to energy units. Derived units are also used: kilokelvin, megakelvin, millikelvin, etc.

Celsius scale

In everyday life, the Celsius scale is used, in which the freezing point of water is taken as 0, and the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure is taken as 100 °. Since the freezing and boiling points of water are not well defined, the Celsius scale is currently defined in terms of the Kelvin scale: degrees Celsius equals Kelvin, absolute zero is taken to be -273. 15 °C. The Celsius scale is practically very convenient, since water is very common on our planet and our life is based on it. Zero Celsius is a special point for meteorology, since the freezing of atmospheric water changes everything significantly.

Fahrenheit

In England and especially in the USA, the Fahrenheit scale is used. This scale is divided by 100 degrees from the temperature of the coldest winter in the city where Fahrenheit lived to the temperature of the human body. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and a degree Fahrenheit is 5/9 degrees Celsius.

The current definition of the Fahrenheit scale is that it is a temperature scale where 1 degree (1°F) equals 1/180 of the difference between the boiling point of water and the melting point of ice at atmospheric pressure, and the melting point of ice is +32°F. The temperature on the Fahrenheit scale is related to the temperature on the Celsius scale (t ° C) by the ratio t ° C \u003d 5/9(t °F – 32), that is, a change in temperature of 1 °F corresponds to a change of 5/9 °C. Proposed by G. Fahrenheit in 1724.

Reaumur scale

Proposed in 1730 by R. A. Reaumur, who described the alcohol thermometer he invented.

Unit – degree Réaumur (°R), 1 °R is equal to 1/80 of the temperature interval between the reference points – the temperature of melting ice (0 °R) and boiling water (80 °R)

1 °R = 1.25 °C

The scale is now out of use, it has been preserved for the longest time in France, the author’s homeland.

Comparison of temperature scales

¹ Normal human body temperature is 36. 6°C ±0.7°C, or 98.2°F ±1.3°F. The commonly quoted value of 98.6 °F is an exact Fahrenheit conversion of the 19th century German value of 37 °C. Since this value does not fall within the range of normal temperature according to modern concepts, we can say that it contains excessive (incorrect) accuracy. Some values ​​in this table have been rounded.

Comparison of Fahrenheit and Celsius scales

To transfer the degrees of Celsius to Kelvina, it is necessary to use the formula of t = t+t ₀ Where T-temperature in the Kelvins, T-temperature in Celsius, T ₀ = 273.15 Celvina. The degree Celsius is equal in size to Kelvin.

Body temperature

Well, who said that your ideal temperature is 36.6 ° C? And if the thermometer is 35.4 or 37.2 ° C and you feel good at the same time? Is it worth it in this case to sound the alarm, swallow packs of pills for prevention and run to the hospital?
The body temperature of a young healthy person ranges from 36.2 to 36.8 °C. And only for 5% of people are normal indicators below or above the average. That is why some, for whom the lower limits are characteristic, “almost die” at 37.2 ° C, while others simply do not notice such a slight increase.
You can find out what the norm is for you personally if you measure your temperature in the morning, afternoon and evening with good health. After all, during the day it changes: the lowest is before noon, when the body is still sleeping, then it gradually rises and reaches a maximum by about 4 pm.

How to measure temperature correctly?

The temperature of the skin is not the same in different parts of the body, for example, on the foot – only about 20 °C. In sports medicine, there is the concept of weighted average skin temperature (WTC), which is measured at five points (in the forehead, chest, hand, thigh and lower leg).
The most common “home” way to find out the temperature is to put a thermometer under your arm. But it is the least reliable. The temperature in the mouth fluctuates depending on the cold or hot food eaten. It is best to put a thermometer, and only electronic, in the ear or rectum.
If you don’t have a thermometer handy, try to determine the temperature by touching your forehead with your lips or the back of your hand.

What can influence the temperature?

First of all – the individual characteristics of the body. As a rule, people with a slow metabolism have a lower temperature than those with a stable and high metabolism. But if, despite feeling good, you continue to worry about your body temperature being too low, try a school favorite method: put a few drops of iodine on a sugar cube and eat it. If the thermometer creeps up, then everything is in order: the body is working properly, and low readings are your norm.

Factors affecting a woman’s temperature:

Menstrual cycle. 2 weeks before it starts, as a rule, it decreases, and on the first day it increases.
Pregnancy. For no apparent reason, for several months it is increased by several tenths of a degree in 30% of expectant mothers.
Smoking. Nicotine interferes with normal blood circulation, reduces the supply of oxygen to the vessels. These deviations in the system lead to a decrease in body temperature.
Age. Over time, she may change her “healthy” indicators. By the age of 65, they often decrease by 1-2 °. There are some advantages to this: for example, it becomes easier for women to endure the sweltering heat.
Genetics, lifestyle, environment. True, the significance of these factors is not so great.

Our body has the ability to maintain a constant body temperature. Neither the African heat nor the Russian cold can shake it. He possesses this feature thanks to a special organ located in the cerebral cortex – the hypothalamus. It is he who controls the heat balance of a person.
If we are hot, the vessels dilate, passing more blood, the skin heats up, sweating increases, as a result of which the temperature drops. If it is cold outside, the vessels, on the contrary, narrow, the skin remains cold and does not give off heat. By the way, the same hypothalamus makes us shiver when it’s cold. We tremble – and warm up. A person spends a huge amount of energy to maintain the thermal balance, thanks to which he can be active and vital at any time of the year. Without this ability, people would be forced to roam all the time after good weather.

Temperature and sports

During sports, metabolic processes are activated, cardiac output, minute volume of blood, its flow to the skin increase … Such changes lead to an increase in temperature. During normal training, it is small – a few tenths of a degree. In addition, our brain quickly compensates for the costs of habitual exercises and brings the indicators back to normal. Another thing is extreme loads, when the recovery process takes longer, since the changes are very significant. For example, marathon runners have a body temperature of 38.9 at the finish line.°C regardless of the weather. If you dared to run such a race, then the thermometer could rise to 40 ° C and above. It’s just that professional athletes have better thermoregulation mechanisms than ordinary people. In other words, they begin to sweat when there is still plenty of strength left. And an amateur often already suffocates, but at the same time remains completely dry, which is harmful to the body.

Abnormalities

There are situations in which the hypothalamus, which is responsible for maintaining heat balance, needs outside help. Fever is one of the ways the body fights infection, when the inflammatory process ends with the release of blood from unnecessary chemical elements at the cellular level. But if the elevated temperature does not fall below 38.5 ° C for several days, it is necessary to start taking some kind of antipyretic, because the internal organs of a person cannot function for a long time at a high temperature.
The body also needs help when the temperature drops to 35 ° C, which happens due to prolonged hypothermia (hypothermia). In this case, a warm drink and warm clothing are needed. A slight decrease in temperature can also be observed in the post-traumatic period, as well as in elderly people due to low activity or malnutrition.
Often, critical changes in body temperature are caused by inadequate behavior of the person himself. Follow the advice: always dress appropriately for the weather, do not sit in the steam rooms and do not jump into the hole as soon as you decide to become a walrus.

Interesting facts

The highest temperature – 46.5 ° C – was registered in 52-year-old American Willie Jones in 1980. He suffered heatstroke and was taken to the hospital. He was discharged 24 days later in a satisfactory condition. The lowest temperature – the Russian Viktor Kharin in 1960. They found him outside on a frosty night. The protocol says: “A numb body in icy clothes. When tapped, a dull sound is heard, as from blows on wood. The body surface temperature is below 0 °C, signs of life are not determined. Diagnosis: general freezing, clinical death. When the victim was placed in a hot bath and resuscitation began, after 1.5 hours he developed weak breathing and a pulse. For 12 hours, the body temperature of the man rose to 36 ° C.

There is a special method of treatment – pyrotherapy (from the Greek “fire”), when a person is specially injected with pyrogens – substances that cause fever. The feverish state is accompanied by the activity of the pituitary-adrenal system, the acceleration of blood flow in the internal organs by 2-3 times, and the stimulation of the immune system. At such a high temperature, blood clots dissolve more efficiently, dense scar tissue dissolves, degenerate tumor cells die, and the activity of the nervous system is restored.

The need to introduce a single temperature scale arose at the beginning of the 18th century – by that time there were already more than 30 of them. The German physicist Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit and the Swedish astronomer and physicist Anders Celsius, who was the first to manufacture alcohol and mercury thermometers, took up this task.