What temperature is considered a dangerous fever for adults. How to recognize symptoms of high-grade fevers. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. What are the potential causes and treatments for dangerous fever levels. How to properly take a child’s temperature and assess fever severity.

Understanding Fever: What Constitutes an Elevated Body Temperature?

A fever occurs when the body’s temperature rises above its normal range. While slight fluctuations throughout the day are normal, a persistent elevation may indicate an underlying issue. But at what point does a fever become concerning?

Generally, a body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C) is considered elevated. However, medical professionals typically don’t consider a fever significant until it reaches about 100.4°F (38°C). Temperatures below this threshold are often referred to as low-grade fevers.

It’s crucial to understand that fevers themselves are not inherently dangerous. They are, in fact, a natural defense mechanism employed by the body to combat infections. The elevated temperature creates an environment less hospitable for pathogens, helping to slow their growth and reproduction.

Low-Grade vs. High-Grade Fevers

Fevers can be categorized into two main types:

• Low-grade fever (pyrexia): Generally between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.4°F (38°C)
• High-grade fever (hyperpyrexia): Above 100.4°F (38°C)

While low-grade fevers are rarely cause for immediate concern, high-grade fevers may require medical attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or if they persist for an extended period.

The Danger Zone: When Does a Fever Become Life-Threatening?

For adults, a fever becomes potentially dangerous when it exceeds 103°F (39.4°C). At this point, the risk of complications increases significantly. However, the true danger zone is reached when body temperature surpasses 106.1°F (41.2°C).

At temperatures this high, the body’s proteins begin to break down, and organ damage becomes a real possibility. This level of hyperpyrexia can lead to severe complications, including:

• Delirium
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Organ failure

Is immediate medical attention necessary for all high fevers? Not always. For most healthy adults, a fever up to 103°F (39.4°C) can typically be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter fever reducers. However, if the fever persists for more than three days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical care.

Unraveling the Causes: What Triggers Dangerous Fever Levels?

Fevers are typically a symptom rather than a condition in themselves. They occur when the body’s immune system detects and responds to foreign invaders. But what specifically can lead to dangerously high fevers?

Common Causes of High-Grade Fevers

• Severe viral infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis)
• Fungal infections
• Certain medications or drug reactions
• Heatstroke
• Autoimmune disorders

In some cases, extremely high fevers can be associated with specific medical conditions, including:

1. Intracranial hemorrhage
2. Thyroid storm
3. Serotonin syndrome
4. Sepsis
5. Kawasaki syndrome
6. Drug overdose

Do all infections cause high fevers? Not necessarily. The severity of a fever doesn’t always correlate directly with the seriousness of the underlying condition. Some minor infections can cause high fevers, while some severe infections might only result in low-grade fevers or no fever at all.

Recognizing the Symptoms: How to Identify a Potentially Dangerous Fever

Understanding the symptoms associated with different fever levels can help you determine when to seek medical attention. As body temperature rises, symptoms typically progress in severity.

Symptoms of Low-Grade Fevers

• Mild chills
• Slight sweating
• Headache
• Thirst
• Reduced appetite
• Feeling warm to the touch
• Fatigue

Early Symptoms of High-Grade Fevers

• Intense sweating
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Severe fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea

Advanced Symptoms of High-Grade Fevers

• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Decreased urine output
• Contracted pupils

Symptoms of Extremely High Fevers (Above 106.1°F / 41.2°C)

• Extreme confusion or delirium
• Weak, rapid heartbeat
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Hallucinations

Can fever symptoms vary from person to person? Indeed, individual responses to fever can differ. Some people may experience severe symptoms with relatively low fevers, while others might have minimal symptoms even with high temperatures. It’s crucial to consider both the temperature and associated symptoms when assessing the severity of a fever.

Treatment Approaches: Managing Fevers at Home and When to Seek Professional Help

The appropriate treatment for a fever depends on its severity, underlying cause, and associated symptoms. In many cases, low-grade fevers can be managed effectively at home, while high-grade fevers often require medical intervention.

Home Management of Low-Grade Fevers

For fevers below 100.4°F (38°C), the following strategies can be helpful:

• Rest: Allow your body to conserve energy for fighting the infection
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Cool compresses: Apply to forehead, wrists, or back of neck to help reduce discomfort
• Light clothing: Wear breathable fabrics to allow heat to dissipate
• Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort

When to Seek Medical Attention

Medical care should be sought immediately if:

• Fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) in adults
• Fever persists for more than three days
• Fever is accompanied by severe symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache)
• There are signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• The person has a compromised immune system or chronic medical condition

Is it always necessary to lower a fever? Not always. Remember, fever is a natural defense mechanism. Unless it’s causing significant discomfort or reaching dangerous levels, allowing a low-grade fever to run its course can actually help your body fight off the infection more quickly.

Pediatric Fever Concerns: Special Considerations for Children’s Temperatures

When it comes to children, fever assessment and management require special attention. Children’s bodies often respond differently to infections compared to adults, and their normal temperature ranges can vary based on age and method of measurement.

Normal Temperature Ranges for Children

• Rectal temperature: 97.9°F to 100.3°F (36.6°C to 37.9°C)
• Oral temperature: 97.7°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C)
• Axillary (armpit) temperature: 96.4°F to 98.6°F (35.8°C to 37°C)

For children, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is generally considered a fever, regardless of the measurement method.

When to Be Concerned About a Child’s Fever

Seek medical attention if:

• An infant under 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• A child of any age has a temperature above 104°F (40°C)
• The fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years
• The fever persists for more than 3 days in a child 2 years or older
• The child shows signs of dehydration, lethargy, or severe discomfort

How does fever management differ for children compared to adults? Children are more susceptible to rapid temperature changes and dehydration. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor them closely, ensure adequate fluid intake, and consult a pediatrician if there’s any doubt about the severity of their condition.

Accurate Temperature Measurement: Ensuring Reliable Fever Detection

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for proper fever assessment and management. Different methods of temperature taking can yield slightly different results, and it’s important to understand these variations.

Common Temperature Measurement Methods

1. Oral (mouth): Generally accurate and easy to use for adults and older children
2. Rectal: Most accurate method, especially for infants and young children
3. Axillary (armpit): Less accurate but non-invasive
4. Tympanic (ear): Quick and convenient, but can be less accurate if not used correctly
5. Temporal artery (forehead): Non-invasive and quick, but accuracy can vary

Tips for Accurate Temperature Measurement

• Use a digital thermometer for most accurate results
• Ensure the thermometer is clean and properly calibrated
• For oral temperatures, wait at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking
• For rectal temperatures in infants, use a lubricated probe and insert only about half an inch
• Take multiple readings to ensure consistency

Are forehead and ear thermometers reliable for home use? While convenient, these methods can be less accurate than oral or rectal temperatures. They’re useful for quick screening but should be confirmed with more reliable methods if a fever is suspected.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Fever-Inducing Illnesses

While not all fevers can be prevented, many fever-inducing illnesses can be avoided through proper hygiene and preventive measures. Implementing these strategies can help reduce the risk of infections that commonly cause fevers.

Key Prevention Strategies

• Regular hand washing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Staying up to date on vaccinations
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep)
• Properly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Practicing food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses

Specific Precautions for High-Risk Individuals

Some people are at higher risk for developing severe infections and dangerous fevers. These groups should take extra precautions:

• Elderly individuals
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Those with compromised immune systems
• Pregnant women
• Young children

Can dietary changes help prevent fever-inducing illnesses? While no diet can completely prevent infections, a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support a healthy immune system. Additionally, certain foods and supplements (like vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics) may help boost immunity and reduce the risk of some infections.

Understanding fever danger levels, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial aspects of managing one’s health. While fevers are often a sign that the body is fighting an infection, extremely high temperatures can pose serious risks. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by fevers and maintain optimal health.

How High of a Fever Is Dangerous for Adults?

5% to 20% of the US population gets the flu every year, resulting in 31.4 million outpatient visits annually. Whether you have the flu, the coronavirus, or another illness, one of the early symptoms is often a high-grade fever.

How high of a fever is dangerous for adults? Keep reading to find out.

By knowing how to recognize the symptoms, you can visit a doctor for treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, the cause of your fever might lead to bigger complications in the future.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Instead, learn how to recognize dangerous fever levels with this guide. 

A Little About Fevers

A fever is an elevation in body temperature. Usually, a body temperature above 98.6 F is considered elevated. However, a fever isn’t considered significant until it reaches about 100.4 F.

How high of a fever is dangerous for adults? Another below 100.4 F is considered a low-grade fever. If you have a fever above 100. 4 F, you need to see a doctor.

Otherwise, your fever could result in delirium or convulsions. 

Possible Causes

Dangerous fever levels occur when your immune system is attacking a foreign invader, including a:

• Virus
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Drug
• Toxin

These invaders are fever-producing substances called pyrogens that trigger your body’s immune response. Pyrogens tell your brain to increase your body temperature to fight off the infections. Common medical conditions associated with high-grade fevers include:

• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Thyroid storm
• Serotonin syndrome
• Sepsis
• Kawasaki syndrome
• Drug overdose

A fever is also a natural response to colds, flu, infections, and autoimmune disorders. 

Symptoms

You’ll likely notice different symptoms between a low-grade and high-grade fever.

For example, low-grade (pyrexia) fever symptoms include:

• Chills
• Sweats
• Headaches
• Thirst
• Low appetite
• Feeling hot
• Achy or tired eyes

An early high-grade (hyperpyrexia) fever can cause:

• Extreme sweating
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea

As the fever progresses, you might experience:

• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Mold confusion
• Vomiting
• Decreased urine
• Contracted pupils

When your fever hits above 106. 1 F, it can lead to:

• Extreme confusion
• Weak, fast heartbeat
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Hallucinations

If you’re wondering how high of a fever is dangerous for adults, a fever about 106.1 F is extremely dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent long-term consequences.

Treatment

You don’t always need to treat a low-grade fever. Remember, fevers indicate your body is fighting off an infection.

If you start to develop fever-related symptoms, however, you might want to use over-the-counter medications. These can include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of water.

If you develop a high-grade fever, however, the fever won’t go away until the infection is gone. Depending on the specific pathogen, you’ll likely need medical treatment.

Visit your local urgent care center right away if you develop a high-grade fever.

How High of a Fever Is Dangerous for Adults?: Know When It’s Time to See a Medical Professional

To recap, how high of a fever is dangerous for adults? If it’s above 106.1 F, it’s time to visit a medical professional.

Don’t wait to receive treatment. Contact us or just walk in to discuss your options.

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.