What temperature is considered a fever in adults. How high of a fever is too high. When should you worry about a fever. What are the causes and symptoms of fever. How to treat a fever at home. What to know about kids’ fevers.

Understanding Fever: What It Is and Why It Occurs

Fever is a natural defense mechanism employed by the body to combat infections. It’s an elevation in body temperature that occurs when the immune system is actively fighting off invading pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. By raising the body’s temperature, fever creates an environment that’s less hospitable for these microorganisms, making it harder for them to survive and multiply.

But what exactly constitutes a fever? The average normal body temperature is typically considered to be 98.6°F (37°C), although this can vary slightly from person to person and fluctuate throughout the day. Generally, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is classified as a fever.

Different Levels of Fever Severity

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

Understanding these ranges can help you gauge the severity of a fever and determine when medical attention might be necessary.

When Does a Fever Become Dangerous for Adults?

While fevers are generally beneficial, there are instances when they can become concerning. A fever over 104°F (40°C) is considered high and warrants a call to your healthcare provider. However, it’s not just the temperature that matters; certain accompanying symptoms can indicate a more serious condition.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a fever along with any of the following:

• 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 burning sensation when urinating

These symptoms could indicate a more severe underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Fever

Infections are the most frequent cause of fevers, with influenza being a prime example. However, other conditions can also trigger a rise in body temperature. These include:

• Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
• Reactions to medications or vaccines
• Certain types of cancers

Accompanying a fever, you might experience various symptoms that can provide clues about the underlying cause. These may include:

• Sweating and chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rash
• Restlessness
• General weakness

In cases of very high fevers, more severe symptoms such as confusion, extreme drowsiness, irritability, and even seizures may occur.

Diagnosing the Cause of a Fever: What to Expect

When you visit a healthcare provider with a fever, they will likely conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause. This process typically involves asking about your recent medical history and any accompanying symptoms.

Your doctor may inquire about:

• Other symptoms like coughing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or urinary discomfort
• Recent surgeries or injuries
• Recent vaccinations
• New medications you’ve started taking
• Recent travel, especially to foreign countries

This information helps your healthcare provider narrow down potential causes and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Home Remedies: Managing Fever Effectively

While fevers are generally harmless and serve a protective function, they can be uncomfortable. Here are some steps you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and support your body’s healing process:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help cool your body and prevent dehydration.
2. Eat light: Opt for easily digestible foods that won’t strain your digestive system.
3. Get ample rest: Allow your body the energy it needs to fight off the infection.
4. Use over-the-counter medications: Ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help relieve aches and reduce fever.
5. Apply cool compresses: A lukewarm bath or damp washcloths on the forehead and wrists can provide comfort.

Remember, these measures are aimed at making you more comfortable rather than “curing” the fever. The fever itself is part of your body’s natural defense mechanism.

Children and Fevers: Special Considerations

Fevers in children often cause more concern for parents, but it’s important to remember that, like in adults, fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. However, there are some specific considerations when it comes to children’s fevers.

When to Check for a Fever in Children

Parents should consider taking their child’s temperature if they notice any of these symptoms:

• Excessive sweating
• Dry, hot skin
• Presence of a rash
• Unusual paleness or redness of the face
• Changes in breathing patterns
• Cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, sore throat)
• Mood changes (irritability, fatigue)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea)
• Pain in any part of the body
• The child expressing feeling unwell

Accurate Temperature Taking in Children

While feeling a child’s forehead can give a general indication, using a digital thermometer is the most accurate method for measuring body temperature. For children, temperatures can be taken orally or rectally, depending on the age of the child and their ability to cooperate.

It’s worth noting that home-use tympanic (ear) and temporal artery (forehead) thermometers may not be as accurate as those used in medical settings. When in doubt, consult with your pediatrician about the best method for your child.

Understanding Fever Patterns and Their Significance

Fevers can follow different patterns, which can sometimes provide clues about the underlying cause. Healthcare professionals often consider these patterns when diagnosing illnesses:

• Continuous fever: Temperature remains above normal throughout the day and doesn’t fluctuate more than 1°C in 24 hours.
• Remittent fever: Temperature fluctuates during the day but never returns to normal.
• Intermittent fever: Temperature elevates at certain times of day but returns to normal at other times.
• Relapsing fever: Fever-free periods are followed by short periods of fever.

These patterns can be indicative of specific conditions. For instance, a continuous fever might suggest pneumonia, while an intermittent fever could point to malaria in certain geographical areas.

The Role of Fever in Different Medical Conditions

While infections are the most common cause of fevers, various other medical conditions can also lead to elevated body temperatures. Understanding these can help in recognizing potential underlying issues:

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to periodic fevers. These fevers are often accompanied by other symptoms specific to the disorder.

Medications and Vaccines

Some medications can cause drug fevers as a side effect. Similarly, vaccines work by stimulating the immune system, which can sometimes result in a low-grade fever as the body responds to the vaccine.

Cancers

Certain types of cancers, particularly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, can cause fevers. These are often accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or night sweats.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Conditions like heat exhaustion or heatstroke can cause the body temperature to rise dangerously high. These are medical emergencies that require immediate attention.

Recognizing the potential causes of fever beyond common infections can help in seeking appropriate medical care when necessary.

Fever Management in Special Populations

While the general guidelines for managing fevers apply to most adults, certain groups may require special considerations:

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may not always develop fevers in response to infections due to a less reactive immune system. When they do occur, fevers in the elderly can be more serious and may require closer monitoring.

Pregnant Women

Fevers during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can potentially affect fetal development. Pregnant women with fevers should consult their healthcare provider promptly.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with HIV/AIDS, may be more susceptible to serious infections. Even a low-grade fever in these individuals warrants medical attention.

Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions

People with conditions like heart disease or chronic lung diseases may have a harder time tolerating fevers and may need to seek medical advice sooner.

Understanding these special considerations can help ensure appropriate care for individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of fevers.

The Impact of Fever on the Body: Beyond Temperature

While we often focus on the elevated temperature associated with fever, it’s important to understand the broader impact that fever has on the body:

Metabolic Changes

During a fever, the body’s metabolic rate increases. This leads to higher energy consumption and can result in fatigue and weakness.

Cardiovascular Effects

Fever can cause an increase in heart rate and may lead to dehydration due to increased fluid loss through sweating. This can put additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

Neurological Impact

High fevers can affect brain function, leading to symptoms like confusion, irritability, or even seizures in extreme cases.

Immune System Activation

Fever stimulates various aspects of the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. This includes increased production of white blood cells and antibodies.

Understanding these systemic effects helps explain why we feel unwell during a fever and underscores the importance of supportive care during these times.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many common beliefs about fever that aren’t supported by medical evidence. Let’s address some of these misconceptions:

Myth: Fever is always harmful and needs to be treated

Fact: Fever is generally a beneficial response that helps the body fight infections. Unless it’s causing significant discomfort or is dangerously high, it doesn’t always need to be treated.

Myth: The height of a fever corresponds to the severity of the illness

Fact: The degree of fever doesn’t necessarily indicate how serious the underlying condition is. Some minor illnesses can cause high fevers, while some serious conditions may cause only a slight temperature elevation.

Myth: Fevers can cause brain damage

Fact: Typical fevers (under 106°F) don’t cause brain damage. However, extremely high fevers, usually resulting from heat stroke rather than illness, can potentially lead to brain damage.

Myth: You should always use fever-reducing medications

Fact: While these medications can provide comfort, they’re not always necessary. If the fever isn’t causing significant discomfort, it’s often best to let it run its course.

Understanding these facts can help alleviate unnecessary anxiety and guide more appropriate responses to fevers.

When to Return to Normal Activities After a Fever

Recovering from a fever doesn’t just mean waiting for your temperature to return to normal. Here are some guidelines for resuming your regular activities:

General Rule of Thumb

Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before returning to work, school, or other normal activities.

Listen to Your Body

Even after your fever breaks, you may still feel fatigued or weak. It’s important to rest and gradually return to your normal routine as you feel able.

Consider the Underlying Cause

If your fever was due to a contagious illness, you may need to wait longer before returning to public spaces to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Follow Medical Advice

If you’ve seen a healthcare provider for your fever, follow their specific recommendations for returning to normal activities. They may provide guidance based on your individual situation and the cause of your fever.

Remember, taking the time to fully recover not only benefits you but also helps protect those around you from potential infection.

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

Kids’ Fevers: How High is Too High?

Fevers often get a bad rap, particularly when it comes to children. Although they leave many parents worried, in most people, a fever is rarely dangerous. In fact, they are actually a good thing. Fevers are a natural way that our bodies fight off infections by increasing the body’s temperature in order to make it more difficult for germs to live and multiply.  When it comes to kids’ fevers, here is some helpful information to help you determine how high is too high:

When to Check for a Fever

A child’s temperature can change slightly during the day, depending on the time of day and how active your child is. The normal range for body temperature taken orally (by mouth) ranges from 97.7°F to 99.5°F. Parents should take their child’s temperature if they notice any of the following symptoms:

• Excessive sweating
• Dry, hot skin
• A rash
• Very pale or very red face
• Changes in breathing such as unusually fast, slow, noisy or strained
• Cold symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat or hoarseness
• Mood changes such as irritability, crankiness, fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain in any part of your child’s body
• Your child says, “I feel sick”

How to Take Your Child’s Temperature

Your first inclination may be to feel your child’s forehead to determine if he or she has a fever. But, a digital thermometer is the best method to take both oral and rectal temperatures quickly and accurately. Despite their appeal, tympanic (ear) and temporal artery (forehead) thermometers that are available for home use often aren’t as high quality or accurate as those used in physician’s offices.

There are three ways to check your child’s temperature:

• Oral: Suitable for children age 5 and older. Be sure your child has not had anything to drink in the 10 minutes prior to taking their temperature.
• Rectal: The most accurate method to take a temperature for children under the age of 5.
• Axillary (Armpit): Not quite as reliable, armpit temperatures are generally used for infants. This method is also used when older children aren’t cooperative or can’t close their mouth due to congestion.

How High is Too High?

Whether or not a visit to your child’s physician for a fever is necessary depends on a variety of factors, including age. Call your pediatrician if:

• Your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F or higher
• Your child is 3 to 6 months old with a fever of 101.0 °F or higher
• Your child is 6 months or older with a fever of 103. 0 °F or higher
• Your child has a fever 104.0 °F or higher regardless of age

You should see a physician for any fever under the following circumstances:

• Lethargy that persists after taking fever-reducing medication
• Lasting more than 3 consecutive days with or without an obvious source of infection, such as cold symptoms
• In conjunction with severe pain
• In conjunction with sore throat lasting more than 24-48 hours
• Accompanied by pain when urinating
• Accompanied by headache, stiff neck or red or purple-colored patches on the skin
• In a child with compromised immunity
• Occurrence following a trip overseas

Caring for a Child with a Fever

Children with fevers who aren’t uncomfortable typically don’t need treatment, and for fevers under 102°F medicine is usually not necessary.

Ways you can care for a child with fever include:

• Keeping them home from daycare, school or extracurricular activities until he or she has had no fever or symptoms for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Avoiding clothing that’s too warm. You should also refrain from covering your child with extra blankets, as they stop the heat of the fever from escaping.
• Keeping your child hydrated by giving them plenty of cool, clear liquids. Pedialyte and water are preferable, but if it encourages your child to drink more you can also offer fruit juices, popsicles or sports drinks like Gatorade.
• Checking for early signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, decreased urine output or decreased frequency of urination. If you have an infant younger than 6 months old with less than 6 to 8 wet diapers per day or an older child that urinates fewer than three times a day or once every 8 hours, call your child’s doctor immediately.
• Helping reduce discomfort with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for children 6 months and older. Infants age 2 to 6 months may be given Tylenol, but you should consult with you his or her doctor prior to use. Our dosage calculator can be used for guidance here as well.
• Lowering the fever with lukewarm baths. You should never use cold baths.

Schedule an Appointment

HealthPark Pediatrics offers sick visits by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Urgent visits may be scheduled after hours on weekdays between 5:30-6:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 919-896-7066. This number can also be used after hours to reach our dedicated nurse triage line.

Fever | Didkovsky N.A., Tanasova A.N.

L fever – an increase in body temperature as a result of a non-specific protective and adaptive reaction of the body, characterized by a restructuring of thermoregulation processes and occurring in response to exposure to pathogenic stimuli. There are fever infectious and inflammatory nature (viruses, bacteria, intracellular parasites) and non-infectious genesis (autoimmune processes, allergic diseases, tumors, metabolic disorders, the use of certain drugs, etc. ) [2]. The regulation of body temperature is carried out with a complex interaction of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. The most common trigger in the development of hyperthermia are exogenous pyrogens (bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc.), which, when ingested, stimulate the production of endogenous pyrogens by blood cells [4].

Fig.1. The mechanism of development of fever under the influence of exogenous and endogenous pyrogens. ACTH – ACTH, CRF – corticotropin-releasing factor, PGE2 – prostaglandin E2 (CECIL Textbook of Medicine, 19 h edition).

Currently, 11 cytokines are known to have pyrogenic activity, the most important of which are interleukins – IL-1 and IL-6, as well as tumor necrosis factor – TNF-a [4]. Endogenous pyrogens are produced by stimulated monocytes and macrophages. The properties of pyrogens are also possessed by a-, b- and g-interferons. IL-1 and TNF-a are transported with the blood stream to target cells that carry specific receptors for these cytokines, and act on thermosensitive neurons in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus through increased prostaglandin (PG) synthesis E ₂ and PGF _2a from arachidonic acid.

Fig. 2. Metabolism of arachidonic acid (according to A.A. Yarilin) ​​[3]. International abbreviations for prostaglandins (PG), leukotrienes (LT) and thromboxanes (Tx) are used.

The exact mechanism of “switching” of the thermoregulation center under the action of PG has not yet been established. The direct effect of cytokines on the nervous tissue is not excluded. An increase in body temperature activates metabolic processes, the functions of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems (an increase in the production of antibodies, interferon, an increase in chemotaxis, phagocytic and bactericidal activity of neutrophils), an increase in the antitoxic function of the liver, and an increase in renal blood flow. IL-1 and TNF-a are able to enhance the immune response by activating T-cells and stimulating the production of IL-2. Under the action of IL-1, B-cell proliferation is enhanced, which is accompanied by an increase in antibody formation. It is important to note that these processes proceed most intensively at a temperature of 39°C. Under the action of endogenous pyrogens, the synthesis of “acute phase” proteins (fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, complement fractions B, C 3-4, alpha-glycoprotein, serum amyloid A, proteinase inhibitors) is stimulated by the liver, which play an important role in specific and non-specific protection. Hyperthermia is accompanied by a decrease in serum levels of iron, zinc and copper, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.

In a typical course, fever goes through the following phases or periods – a prodromal period, a period of temperature rise, a period of relative stability, a period of decrease in body temperature, each of which is accompanied by certain vegetative reactions. What changes accompany the development of fever?

1) Tachycardia. With an increase in body temperature by 1 ° C, an increase in heart rate by 10–15 beats per minute occurs.

2) It is possible to develop extrasystole, which is due to both the direct toxic effect of bacteria and viruses, and the activation of the sympathetic-adrenal system under the influence of cytokines.

3) In the phase of temperature rise, an increase in blood pressure is possible, and in the phase of temperature decrease, blood pressure drops to a collaptoid state against the background of a decrease in TPS.

4) Upon reaching the maximum body temperature, the process of sweating increases significantly (up to 1 liter of sweat per day is possible), which can contribute to a decrease in BCC and lead to a deterioration in the condition of patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Fluid losses are also aggravated by a compensatory increase in respiratory rate at the height of fever.

5) At the height of fever and even after normalization of temperature, transient appearance in the urine of protein, casts and an increase in creatinine levels is possible. These changes are associated with the direct damaging effect of fever.

6) Fever affects the activity of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, which is manifested by impaired secretion of digestive juices, impaired motility and absorption processes. As a result, there may be a decrease in appetite, the development of a syndrome of impaired absorption and constipation (the latter has a particularly adverse effect on elderly patients). Loss of appetite during fever is associated both with functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and with the direct influence of cytokines. So, with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of TNF-a (which has a second name in Western literature – “cachectin”) and partially IL-1, depletion may develop due to the suppression of hunger / appetite (which is most typical for chronic infections and oncological processes).

7) Against the background of fever, metabolic processes in cells increase sharply (with an increase in body temperature by 0. 6 ° C, the level of basal metabolism increases by approximately 10%), redox processes accelerate, and oxygen consumption increases. Hyperthermia can increase blood glucose levels, increasing protein catabolism (negative nitrogen balance). Loss of protein up to 300-400 grams per day is possible. A decrease in diuresis against the background of a reduced BCC can lead to the development of metabolic acidosis.

8) Changes in consciousness (from minor to the development of a delirious state) are associated with the release of b-endorphins under the influence of TNF-a and IL-1. The risk group includes young children, the elderly, patients with pathology of the cardiovascular system, as well as people who abuse alcohol.

9) Due to the immaturity of the central nervous system and the imperfection of the thermoregulation system in children under the age of 5 years, the development of febrile convulsions is possible.

10) An increase in body temperature can lead to the activation of latent herpesvirus infection (HSV-1). For reasons that are not completely clear, most often herpetic eruptions accompany diseases caused by a pyogenic bacterial infection (pneumococci, streptococci, meningococci), malaria, and rickettsiosis. Nasolabial herpes is a marker of reduced cellular immunity. It is important to note that subjective sensations during fever are of a different nature. Some patients are sensitive to even small fluctuations in body temperature, while others do not experience discomfort with a significant increase in temperature (for example, with pulmonary tuberculosis). However, in most cases, patients complain of weakness and malaise, headache, pain in the muscles and joints, chilling or excessive sweating, which “pushes” the doctor to prescribe antipyretics. When deciding on the need to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is necessary to take into account both positive and potentially dangerous manifestations of fever. It must be remembered that fever, like any protective-adaptive reaction, with the depletion of compensatory mechanisms or with a hyperergic variant, can cause the development of pathological conditions. So, an excessive increase in temperature leads to inhibition of immune responses, dysfunction of parenchymal organs, the development of febrile convulsions, functional and degenerative disorders in the cardiovascular and central nervous system. A critical decrease in body temperature can contribute to the development of collapse due to a sharp drop in total peripheral resistance and aggravate the condition of patients with pathology of the cardiovascular system.

So in what case is it necessary to use antipyretics?

An increase in body temperature within 3°C does not have a damaging effect on the human body, however, its increase by more than 6°C (i.e. more than 42.2°C) leads to irreversible changes in the structures of the brain, which is a state incompatible with life. When deciding on the need to prescribe NSAIDs, it is necessary to take into account the age of the patient, the severity of the underlying and concomitant diseases, as well as the subjective tolerance of fever.

Currently NSAIDs are widely used in the symptomatic treatment of fever in ARVI. However, little attention is paid to non-drug (physical) methods of lowering body temperature, which is especially important in pediatric practice. I would like to remind you that physical methods to lower the temperature (such as wiping the body with a weak solution of vinegar, applying cold to the area of ​​​​large arteries, wet wrapping, a warm (not cold!) bath, an enema with water at room temperature) are recommended not only in the domestic , but also in modern foreign literature, can be quite effective and have no side effects. It is necessary to remember such rules for caring for patients with fever, such as an adequate drinking regimen, a sparing diet, mandatory ventilation of the room, and the prohibition to “wrap up” the patient, since the latter prevents heat transfer.

In febrile conditions on the background of infectious and inflammatory diseases, rectal suppositories Cefecon N are used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Cefecon N suppositories are a unique combination of naproxen, caffeine and salicylamide, which ensures high antipyretic, analgesic activity. Cefecon H has a number of advantages over oral NSAIDs.

Before entering the systemic circulation, medicinal substances must pass through the stomach, small intestine, liver, where they are destroyed and adsorbed to a certain (sometimes significant) degree, which can lead to damage to this organ. Even if taken on an empty stomach, drugs enter the systemic circulation on average no earlier than 30 minutes later. When taking drugs orally in the form of powders and especially tablets, there is the greatest likelihood of their local irritating effect on the gastric mucosa.

With the rectal route of administration, the intake of substances adsorbed in the rectum is carried out simultaneously through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which are especially developed in this area. In this case, an insignificant part of the adsorbed drugs enters the portal vein, which carries blood from the internal organs to the liver. Moreover, bioavailability from the rectal mucosa for a number of drugs is equivalent to that after intravenous administration. Thus, the introduction of NSAIDs in suppositories can reduce the risk of side effects from the gastrointestinal tract and ensure that the full dose of the drug is delivered, regardless of food intake and concomitant therapy (for example, antacids). In this regard, the use of NSAIDs in the form of rectal suppositories (Cefecon N) seems to be a very promising direction.

Despite the fact that, in the understanding of the patient, fever is often an undesirable manifestation of the disease, the doctor, when determining the strategy for treating the patient, must take into account the positive factors of the hyperthermic reaction. Moreover, the elimination of fever should not be the main goal of the therapy (which often occurs in the presence of SARS). It is well known that the course of an infectious disease without a temperature reaction may indicate that the patient has an immunodeficiency state and is an unfavorable prognostic factor.

1. Luchsheva Yu., Cold. How to deal with it. The effectiveness of symptomatic therapy for acute respiratory viral infections // Pharmaceutical Bulletin No. 37 (236), 2001.

2. NSAIDs: the role of rectal suppositories.//Russian Medical Journal, Vol. 10, No. 21(165), 2002, pp. 982–986.

3. Yarilin A.A., Fundamentals of immunology, M. “Medicine”, 1999, pp. 163–168.

4. Bruce Beutler, Steven M. Beutler, The Pathogenesis of Fever// CECIL Textbook of Medicine,19th edition, 1994, p.1568–1571.

5. Cranswick N, Coghlan D., Paracetamol efficacy and safety in children : the first 40 years// Am J Ther, 2000, 7(2): 135–41.

6. Glasow.J.F.T., Middleton B., Reye syndrome – insights on causation and prognosis// Arch Dis Child, 2001, 85, 351–353.

Hemorrhagic fevers

Hemorrhagic fevers are a group of acute infectious diseases caused by representatives of four types of viruses: arenaviruses, bunyaviruses, flaviviruses and filoviruses. Common to these diseases is severe intoxication and a characteristic thrombohemorrhagic syndrome.

Viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers are widespread in many parts of the world. Some are also found in developed countries, but Africa, Asia and South America are endemic for most types of pathogens.

The course of hemorrhagic fever, depending on the pathogen, can vary from moderate to extremely severe. Mortality from individual variants of infection ranges from 10 to 90%. Certain variants of hemorrhagic fever lead to severe damage to internal organs and often to death.

The prognosis of the disease depends on the type of virus, the age and general condition of the patient, in particular on the activity of his immune system.

Synonyms English

Viral hemorrhagic fevers, hemorrhagicfevers, VHF, VHFs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers vary depending on the type of virus that caused the disease. Common manifestations for all infections are severe fever itself and increased bleeding. Symptoms in the initial stage of the disease are most often nonspecific, however, in the process of further development of the pathological process, signs of damage to certain organs and body systems may appear.

Main symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers:

• fever;
• weakness, dizziness;
• muscle pain;
• skin hyperemia;
• petechial rash on skin and mucous membranes;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• redness of the eyes;
• blood in stool, bloody vomiting;
• drop in blood pressure.

General information about the disease

Hemorrhagic fevers can be caused by four families of RNA viruses: arenaviruses (Arenaviridae), bunyaviruses (Bunyaviridae), filoviruses (Filoviridae) and flaviviruses (Flaviviridae). Arenaviruses cause Lassa fever, Argentinean, Brazilian, Venezuelan and Bolivian fevers, bunyaviruses cause Crimean-Congo fever, Rift Valley fever, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, filoviruses cause Ebola fever, flaviviruses cause yellow fever, Dengue fever, etc.

“Reservoirs” of viruses are some animals and insects, most often small rodents, bats, mosquitoes, ticks. As a rule, certain types of hemorrhagic fevers are found mainly in the habitat of those animals that are the source of a particular pathogen. For example, the source of the Rift Valley fever virus, which is common in Africa, is mosquitoes. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa, it is spread by ticks. The source of some diseases, such as Ebola, remains unknown, suggesting that it may be bats. Some types of viruses are transmitted through the blood or semen of an infected animal or person, through unsterile needles. Certain causative agents of hemorrhagic fevers can be infected by inhalation of microparticles of faeces and urine of animal carriers.

All representatives of the viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers are united by a common pathogenesis. They tend to affect the vascular endothelium, which explains the development of the hemorrhagic syndrome in most hemorrhagic fevers. After the virus enters the bloodstream through insect bites, scratches, abrasions, injections, the respiratory mucosa, a local reaction to infection is first formed, followed by viremia and a generalized lesion of the microcirculation system (the virus also infects the cells of the vascular wall). When the pathogen enters the bloodstream, it adheres to the cell membrane, penetrates into it, actively multiplies and spreads to other tissues of the body. This is accompanied by the release of biologically active substances that violate the permeability of blood vessels, the rheological properties of blood. A manifestation of this process is a rash, hyperemia of the skin, redness of the vessels of the sclera, internal bleeding may occur, accompanied by a sharp drop in blood pressure, shock. A number of viruses cause damage to the bone marrow, in particular megakaryocytes. Weakening of the body’s immune system, a weak or delayed response of protective mechanisms can lead to the rapid development of the pathological process, accompanied by massive bleeding, multiple organ damage.

Who is at risk?

• Those who work with infected people or animals, such as medical workers, biologists, pest control workers, livestock farm workers.
• Living in endemic areas.
• Intravenous drug users.
• Those who neglect barrier methods of contraception.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on anamnesis, physical examination, results of laboratory and instrumental studies. When questioning the patient, attention is drawn to possible contact with the pathogen – travel to regions endemic for the disease, contact with animal carriers or infected people. The incubation period of most hemorrhagic fevers is 10-21 days, so the disease can develop after returning from a trip to a dangerous area. If hemorrhagic fever is suspected, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies in the hospital as soon as possible to differentiate the disease from other diseases and establish the type of pathogen:

• Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR). In a general blood test for hemorrhagic fevers, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia can be detected. In some cases, such as Lassa fever, these changes are absent. Hemoglobin levels may drop.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). May be upgraded.
• Prothrombin index (PI) , activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are increased.
• Fibrinogen. Fibrinogen and platelet monitoring is used to detect possible disseminated intravascular coagulation.
• The test is used when a urinary tract infection is suspected.
• Culture of biological fluids: blood, urine, throat and nose swabs. Used to identify possible infectious agents.
• Detection of the causative agent of infection in the blood by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• Detection of antibodies to the infectious agent in the blood.

All diagnostic manipulations should be performed with extreme caution due to the high pathogenicity of pathogens.