How high should a fever be before seeking medical attention. What temperature constitutes a fever in adults and children. When does a 101°F fever require immediate care. How to interpret fever symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding Body Temperature and Fever

Body temperature is not a static number, but rather fluctuates throughout the day. Recent research suggests that the average body temperature has shifted over time, now hovering around 97.5°F instead of the commonly cited 98.6°F. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a fever is officially defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher, applicable to both adults and children.

Dr. Georgine Nanos, a family physician and CEO of the Kind Health Group, explains that fever serves a purpose: “It indicates that your body is doing what it should do in response to an infection.” In essence, fever is a sign of your immune system actively combating invaders like viruses or bacteria.

When Does Fever Become Concerning?

While fever is a natural defense mechanism, it can become problematic if left unchecked. Potential risks of uncontrolled fever include:

• Severe discomfort (sweating, chills, headaches, fatigue)
• Indication of a serious underlying illness
• Risk of seizures
• Potential brain damage in extreme cases

Therefore, monitoring and appropriately responding to fevers is crucial for overall health management.

Measuring Fever: Types of Thermometers and Their Use

Various types of thermometers are available for measuring body temperature:

1. Digital thermometers (oral, rectal, or axillary use)
2. Tympanic thermometers (ear)
3. Temporal artery thermometers (forehead)

Regardless of the type, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate readings. However, experts caution against fixating on exact numbers. Dr. Mary E. Schmidt, an associate professor of clinical medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University, notes, “A temperature in the low 99s could be a cause for concern in some people, while someone with a fever of 102 may be feeling and doing okay.”

Age-Specific Fever Guidelines and When to Seek Medical Attention

Fever management varies based on age, accompanying symptoms, and underlying health conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

Infants (0-3 months)

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends immediate medical attention for infants 3 months and younger with a fever of 100.4°F or higher. Rectal readings are considered most accurate for babies and typically read about one degree higher than oral measurements.

Older Children and Adults

For individuals over 3 months, there’s no universal temperature threshold that necessitates medical intervention. Instead, consider overall health alongside temperature readings. For instance:

• A healthy adult with a 101°F fever and mild discomfort may recover at home with rest and fluids.
• An adult with underlying conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) experiencing a 101°F fever with severe aches and chills should consult a healthcare provider.

Fever in the Context of COVID-19

As of now, scientists have not identified a specific fever pattern unique to COVID-19. Dr. Elissa Perkins, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center, explains, “People are reporting an array of symptoms with varying degrees of severity, so there is no one set of signs that can tell us for sure, ‘yes or no, this is COVID-19.'”

To determine if someone needs medical evaluation or COVID-19 testing, healthcare professionals consider multiple factors:

• Fever intensity and duration
• Other accompanying symptoms
• Age and overall health history
• Presence of underlying conditions
• Local hospital capacity and testing availability

In some cases, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms may be advised to maintain phone contact with a doctor rather than visiting an emergency department immediately.

Managing Fever at Home: Practical Tips and Precautions

While not all fevers require medical intervention, there are steps you can take to manage fever symptoms at home:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
2. Rest and avoid overexertion
3. Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
4. Apply cool compresses to the forehead, wrists, and ankles
5. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing
6. Keep the room temperature comfortable, not too warm

It’s important to note that these measures aim to provide comfort rather than “cure” the fever, as fever itself is a natural immune response.

The Role of Fever in Disease Progression and Recovery

Fever plays a complex role in the body’s defense against pathogens. While it can be uncomfortable, fever often serves beneficial purposes:

• Enhancing immune system function
• Slowing down bacterial and viral replication
• Increasing the effectiveness of certain medications

However, prolonged or extremely high fevers can be detrimental. Understanding this balance is crucial for proper fever management.

Can fever duration indicate disease severity?

While fever duration can sometimes correlate with illness severity, it’s not a definitive indicator. Some mild infections may cause prolonged low-grade fevers, while severe illnesses might present with brief, intense fever spikes. Always consider fever in conjunction with other symptoms and overall health status.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

Several myths surround fever management. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: Fever must always be treated with medication

Reality: Low-grade fevers often don’t require medication and can help the body fight infection. Treatment should focus on comfort rather than lowering temperature at all costs.

Myth 2: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness

Reality: While high fevers can indicate severe infections, the correlation isn’t always direct. Some serious illnesses may present with low-grade fevers, while benign viral infections can cause high temperatures.

Myth 3: Fever can cause brain damage

Reality: Typical fevers (below 104°F) don’t cause brain damage. However, extremely high fevers (above 107°F) can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Technology and Fever Monitoring: Innovations in Home Healthcare

Advancements in technology have introduced new tools for fever monitoring:

• Smart thermometers with smartphone integration
• Continuous temperature monitoring patches
• Infrared thermal cameras for mass temperature screening

These innovations offer more precise and convenient fever tracking, potentially improving early detection and management of illnesses.

How accurate are wearable devices in detecting fever?

While wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers are increasingly incorporating temperature sensors, their accuracy for fever detection varies. Most are not yet FDA-approved for medical-grade temperature measurement. They can be useful for tracking trends but shouldn’t replace traditional thermometers for diagnosing fever.

Global Perspectives on Fever Management During Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted variations in fever management approaches worldwide:

• Some countries implement widespread temperature screening in public spaces
• Differing thresholds for seeking medical care based on healthcare system capacity
• Cultural differences in fever perception and treatment

These global perspectives underscore the need for context-specific guidelines in managing fever during pandemics.

Do different countries have varying fever thresholds for COVID-19 screening?

Yes, fever thresholds for COVID-19 screening can vary by country. For instance, some nations may consider 37.5°C (99.5°F) as the cutoff, while others use 38°C (100.4°F). These differences often reflect local healthcare policies, testing capacities, and prevalence of the virus in the population.

Understanding fever management is crucial, especially in the context of global health challenges like COVID-19. While a temperature of 101°F can be concerning, its significance depends on various factors including age, overall health, and accompanying symptoms. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or if symptoms persist or worsen. By staying informed and vigilant, we can better navigate the complexities of fever management in both everyday health scenarios and during unprecedented health crises.

What to Know About Fever and COVID-19

When it comes to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, it turns out not much is simple. Not even fever.

Yes, it’s clear that a fever, along with fatigue and a dry cough, is a hallmark of the infection. But how high, exactly, is too high? What should you do if your temperature spikes? How do you know when you need medical help?

As someone who has reported on healthcare for years, I thought the answers to these questions would be relatively straightforward. But after speaking to experts, I came to learn that in the context of COVID-19, how to respond to fever varies based on the person and the circumstance.

Here’s what you need to know.

We tend to think of normal body temperature as a static number, but in fact a person’s body temperature can vary throughout the day, says Georgine Nanos, M.D., a family physician and CEO of the Kind Health Group, a telemedicine service. Nor is there a single number that constitutes “normal” for everyone. Recent research has even found that the average body temperature has changed over the years. Scientists say it is now around 97.5° F, not 98.6° F.

A fever is technically defined as a body temperature of 100.4° F or higher, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is true for both babies and adults.

And a fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “It indicates that your body is doing what it should do in response to an infection,” Nanos says. Indeed, it’s a sign that your immune system is doing its job, fighting off an invader, like a virus or bacteria, in an attempt to prevent it from overtaking your body.

But a fever can be concerning. Aside from how miserable it may make you feel—with sweating, chills, headaches, and fatigue—it could indicate that a serious illness is developing. And an uncontrolled fever could cause seizures or brain damage. So it’s important to pay attention to fevers and respond appropriately.

There are different types of thermometers and ways to use them. Most used today are digital and can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm. But there are also some designed to be used in ears, called tympanic thermometers, or on your forehead, called temporal artery thermometers.

More important than which kind you use is using it according to the directions that come with it, experts say.

They also caution that you shouldn’t get too focused on the exact number on your thermometer. “A temperature in the low 99s could be a cause for concern in some people, while someone with a fever of 102 may be feeling and doing okay,” says Mary E. Schmidt, M.D., an associate professor of clinical medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and president of Schmidt & Libby Health Advisory Group.

What’s more, how healthcare professionals treat fever depends on age, accompanying symptoms, and any individual’s underlying conditions.

For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you call your doctor right away if your infant 3 months and younger develops a fever of 100. 4° F. (Rectal readings are the most accurate for babies and tend to be a degree higher than oral readings.)

For babies older than that and for adults, there is no exact reading that dictates that you need to call the doctor. Instead, you should consider your overall health along with your temperature reading.

So, for instance, an otherwise healthy adult with a fever of 101° F and only mild discomfort may be just fine at home with rest and fluids. But an adult with a fever of 101° F who also has heart disease and diabetes—particularly if the fever is accompanied by severe aches and chills—should call a doctor for guidance.

At this point in the COVID-19 outbreak, scientists have not identified a specific fever pattern tied to this disease.

The same is true of the illness’s other main symptoms. “People are reporting an array of symptoms with varying degrees of severity, so there is no one set of signs that can tell us for sure, ‘yes or no, this is COVID-19,’” says Elissa Perkins, M. D., associate professor of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center who is treating the influx of patients there. “It would make everybody’s lives much easier if that were possible, but it’s not.”

To decide who may need to be seen by a healthcare professional or tested for COVID-19, Perkins says doctors evaluate a fever along with other symptoms, a person’s age, health history, and any underlying conditions. Then, based on the capacity of local hospitals and the limited availability of tests and other supplies, public health professionals may advise people with symptoms of COVID-19 to stay in touch with a doctor on the phone rather than go directly to the emergency department.

“We are giving our best advice based on what we know, and how somebody is doing right now,” Perkins says.

One of the issues confronting people during this outbreak is that many physical and online stores are sold out of thermometers.

If you don’t have one, the CDC says that “a fever may be considered to be present if a person . . . feels warm to the touch or gives a history of feeling feverish.” In other words, Mom’s method of placing the back of her hand on your forehead may be a decent fallback. But given the contagiousness of this coronavirus, remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

And don’t worry if you don’t have someone at home who can do a touch check of your forehead. Schmidt notes most adults are fairly good at gauging when they’re feeling hot and unwell.

You could also look in the mirror. The CDC states that “the appearance of a flushed face, glassy eyes, or chills” could indicate a fever.

As a last resort, if you have a meat thermometer (preferably a digital one, which shows decimal points), you could experiment by placing it under your tongue to get a general sense of your temperature, and whether it’s going up or down. Though the method is certainly unorthodox, and not specifically recommended, I asked two doctors to test it out and they kindly obliged.

Schmidt says that her “meat thermometer read about the same as an oral thermometer over three takes, but was 1 to 1. 5 degrees lower than a temporal artery reading” via her forehead. Nanos also humored my request and says that her meat thermometer “is too variable, and the temperature drops as soon as you start pulling it out of your mouth.”

I gave my meat thermometer a try, too. I found that it gave a comparable reading to my oral thermometer. It took a couple of minutes for the meat thermometer to show a significant rise, but it indicated that I was in the 98 range, just like my oral thermometer reading.

Granted, the meat thermometer reading was not exact and it did drop down as soon as I took it out of my mouth, but if you’re trying to track trends in your temperature and you have no other option, that meat thermometer could be better than nothing.

If you do call a doctor to report your temperature, be sure to note which type of thermometer you used. Healthcare professionals know that different types of thermometers tend to yield slightly different numbers, so they will want to consider that information in assessing how you’re doing.

There is no rule that says you need to lower a fever with over-the-counter medication if you’re feeling only mild symptoms and are not uncomfortable. You may be able to manage with rest (for fatigue), a cold compress (for sweating), blankets (for chills), and lots of liquids (for dehydration).

There is even evidence behind the adage that you should let a fever run its course. Animal studies have found that a fever may help the immune system do its job, and lowering a fever with medication may suppress your body’s ability to fend off the illness, says Matthew J. Kluger, Ph.D., a scientist and retired professor of physiology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Kluger’s groundbreaking research in the 1970s suggests that fever is an adaptive biological response to infection and it may boost the effectiveness of disease-fighting cells. “Treating a fever with medication may make you feel better, but my contention is that it’s not because it lowers your temperature; it’s because the medication is an analgesic, a pain reducer,” Kluger says.

For the most part, healthcare providers say that if you’d like to take a fever-reducer (and it does not interact with any medications you’re taking or worsen any underlying conditions you may have), by all means do so, because it could make you feel more comfortable.

But if your fever is running at or above 103° F, you should call a doctor. A high fever could lead to a seizure or brain damage.

There are two main categories of over-the-counter drugs available to reduce fevers: acetaminophen, most well-known by the brand name Tylenol; and a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, which includes ibuprofen (Advil and others), naproxen (Aleve and others), and aspirin.

In the past weeks, there were reports out of China and Europe suggesting that NSAIDs could make a COVID-19 infection worse. As a result, some healthcare providers had suggested avoiding NSAIDs for fevers during this time.

But experts say that theory is based on anecdotal data, and that for now, there is no reason to avoid ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. The Food and Drug Administration, for example, says “it is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms.” And the World Health Organization notes that “based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. We are also consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known side effects that limit its use in certain populations.”

Perkins, at Boston Medical Center, says that concerns about ibuprofen and NSAIDs could reflect the lack of solid medical research available on the quickly developing health problem. “There’s just a paucity of good, reliable data to inform the medical decisions that we make now, so that is a challenge we’re all facing when we try to decide how to manage these patients,” Perkins says. Still, she has not yet seen any compelling reason to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you suspect COVID-19.

If you think you have a temperature that is worrisome, the first step in most cases is to call a healthcare provider. That’s because a high temperature on its own might not warrant an in-person evaluation right now, depending on your overall condition and risk factors.

“We’re telling patients that if you have mild symptoms and no underlying medical conditions, stay home and self-isolate,” for 14 days, Nanos says. “If you can, have one person care for you so that you will minimize exposure to others in the house.” After 14 days, the CDC says you can discontinue home isolation if you’ve been fever-free for 72 hours and it’s been at least seven days since your first symptoms appeared.

Go to the hospital or urgent care clinic if you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, per the CDC: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or face, or new confusion or fainting.

Perkins reiterates the importance of seeking medical help if you experience emergency warning signs, and says that if you can, “call the emergency department to tell them you are on your way, so they can prepare for you. ”

Rachel Rabkin Peachman

I’m a science journalist turned investigative reporter on CR’s Special Projects team. My job is to shed light on issues affecting people’s health, safety, and well-being. I’ve dug deep into problems such as dangerous doctors, deadly children’s products, and contamination in our food supply. Got a tip? Follow me on
Twitter (@RachelPeachman).

Fever Treatments & Causes | Well-Key Urgent Care Clinic

A fever is a condition that refers to your body temperature being higher than normal. Also known as Pyrexia, a fever is your body’s main defense against infection, as most bacteria and viruses find it difficult to survive at temperatures higher than your body’s normal temperature. Fevers also serve to activate your body’s immune system. Most fevers are caused by infections; however, other causes include heat exhaustion, cancers, autoimmune disorders, and certain medicines.

Symptoms

• If your body temperature is 100. 5 or above, then you have a fever.
• If you have a sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches or headaches, or general fatigue, then you may also have a fever.
• Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and weight loss may accompany a fever.
• If you are having chills, you likely have a fever.

It is important to remember that a fever is usually a symptom of an infection, and to monitor your symptoms very carefully.

Who is at risk?

• If you are suffering from any kind of infection, fever is usually the most common symptom
• If you are taking certain medications, your risk of fever may be higher
• People suffering from heat exhaustion
• People with cancer
• People with autoimmune diseases

Treatment

Treatment of your fever will depend on the cause of your fever. Usually, over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will lower a very high fever. Adults can also take aspirin, although aspirin should not be given to children with fevers. You should also be sure to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
Fever in children requires different treatment than in adults; contact your child’s physician for more information.

Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?

• If your fever lasts for over a week, seek medical attention
• If you have lost weight unintentionally
• If your fever comes and goes and/or stays considerably high
• If you have recently started taking a new medicine
• If you have been exposed to high temperatures and are not sweating (this is a sign of heatstroke)

If you have any symptoms of infection that have lasted more than a few days, see your doctor right away.

If your child has anything more than a low-grade fever that can be treated with cold medicine, seek medical attention immediately, as the fever may be a symptom of a serious infection.

Treatment is available now at Well-Key Urgent Care.

For more information on fevers, see the following websites:

Read Now

Chart to Determine Your Type of Fever – from FamilyDoctor. org

Read Now

Medline Plus (NIH) Fever Page

Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of Wellkeyhealth.com. The pages will open in a new browser window. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.

Rapid pulse (high) – causes of the symptom, methods of treatment

General information

Pulse is the contraction of the heart muscle. Its frequency speaks about the work of the heart, it is enough for an experienced doctor to listen to the pulse in order to suspect a particular disease. Heart rate can change due to excitement, exercise, overeating, and emotional arousal. An additional burden for the heart is excess weight, since there are blood vessels in the fatty layer, which also need to be supplied with blood.

Rapid pulse is a symptom, not a disease. Thus, endocrine diseases, poisonings of a different nature make themselves felt. Fever is also accompanied by a rapid pulse. Far from the last place is occupied by heart diseases, which require special attention. In old age, the heart muscle is quite worn out and sometimes makes itself felt with bouts of tachycardia.

You may be interested in: Fatigue Chorea

Heart rate increases after taking caffeinated foods, drinks (coffee, strong tea, dark chocolate).

The work of the heart is affected by:

• uncontrolled medication
• narcotic
• hallucinogenic substances
• antidepressants

Normal pulse rate

Normal pulse rate is manifested by its rhythm and frequency of oscillations per minute. A normal pulse in a person implies compliance with the rhythm of the appearance of pulse waves, which are recorded equally often in one unit of time. In a situation where the appearance of pulse waves is chaotic, we are talking about an arrhythmic pulse.

Resting heart rate is the rate at which your heart pumps the minimum amount of blood needed for daily activities. The normal resting heart rate for adults, including the elderly and children over 10 years of age, is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The heart rate in childhood gradually decreases until adolescence.

Well trained athletes can average 40-60 beats per minute. In fact, there are many factors that affect resting heart rate. Aging contributes to a faster and higher heart rate, while regular exercise, on the contrary, slows it down.

The normal heart rate undergoes healthy fluctuations in response to changes in body conditions, including exercise, body temperature, body position (eg, getting up too fast), and emotions such as anxiety and arousal.

In order to understand your rate, you need to measure the pulse. How to measure the pulse? If we talk about gadgets, then this is done using a special device, a pulse meter – a heart rate monitor.

But also, you can measure your own heart rate by following these steps :

• measure your resting heart rate in the morning
• after waking up, with the tips of your index and middle fingers, press (or feel) on the pulse of the radial artery in the neck or on the inside of the wrist
• press the artery with your fingers until you feel a strong pulsation
• count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by 2 or count the number of beats in 10 seconds and multiply them by 6

Causes

Fast and high heart rate can cause a number of medical conditions. If the symptoms do not go away on their own, you should see a doctor to find out the cause. Some of the more common conditions associated with increased heart rate are:

Anxiety or panic attacks

Anxiety can make the heart beat harder and faster. Anxiety is a temporary condition, so the person’s heart rate will return to normal when their fear or anxiety is gone. Severe anxiety can trigger a panic attack.

Panic attacks usually begin unexpectedly and reach their peak after only a few minutes. In some cases, they can feel like a heart attack, which adds to the anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), panic attack symptoms include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Confused breathing
• Fear of losing control or dying

Panic attacks are not a sign of any underlying disease. However, if a person is experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks, they should see a doctor or, if the physical condition is normal, a psychologist.

Dehydration

Rapid heart rate associated with dehydration is more common in people :

• doing intense exercise
• heatstroke
• in people with metabolic disorders affecting their ability to absorb electrolytes

Fever

The human body heats up when it tries to fight infection, which means that the heart works harder. An increase in body temperature also occurs when people exercise or spend too much time in hot climates.

Drugs and medicines

Some drugs and medicines can cause an increased heart rate. Among them:

• Caffeine and nicotine
• Prescription drugs, including Ritalin and other treatments for ADHD
• Illicit substances, including cocaine

Hormonal imbalance

Hormones are chemical messengers of the body. Changes in hormone levels can affect heart rate.

Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism, which causes the body to produce too much thyroid hormone, are a common cause of hormonal imbalances. A rapid pulse is one of the symptoms of thyroid disease.

Allergic reactions

Mild allergic reactions should not cause changes in heartbeat. However, a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, can result in a rapid pulse. Anaphylaxis usually occurs within minutes of exposure to the allergen. People experiencing anaphylaxis may experience the following symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Labored breathing
• Swollen throat or tongue

Electrical problems in the heart

The heart uses electrical signals to tell when to pump blood and when to relax. A problem with the heart’s electrical system can cause any of the body’s four chambers to beat at an irregular rate, or to work too fast and hard. This can create a feeling of rapid heart rate.

One of the most common symptoms of an electrical disorder is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). It often occurs during exercise or stress, and usually does not pose a serious threat.

Heart disease

A fast heart rate can be a sign of heart disease. Heart disease is more common in people with cardiovascular risk factors such as:

• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Overweight

When the arteries are clogged, the heart must beat harder to get blood to all organs. This damages the heart and can cause chest pain as well as palpitations.

Heart valve problems

Aortic insufficiency , sometimes called aortic regurgitation, is a condition in which the heart valves do not close properly. This means that the heart cannot pump blood the way it should.

Heart disease and certain other health problems, such as bacterial infection, can weaken the heart and cause heart valve problems. Aortic insufficiency can cause:

• Rapid pulse
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Shock

This is a medical condition in which the heart does not supply enough oxygenated blood to the body. May occur due to the following reasons:

• Lack of blood in the body
• Problem with their heart’s pumping mechanism
• Dilated blood vessels

Shock can make the heart beat faster to make up for the shortfall. People may go into shock after a severe injury, especially if it caused organ damage or severe bleeding. A serious injury is always accompanied by an increased heart rate.

Men’s pulse

Each person’s pulse has its own individual characteristics. The pulse rate for men of different ages or builds will vary and depend on many factors.

These include:

• fitness of the heart muscle, strengthened by aerobic sports (running, swimming, skiing)
• Decreased heart rate may be seen in those who have persistent high blood pressure
• how much blood is pushed out at a time, if this volume is sufficient, then the walls of the vessels expand very well and the pulse is clearly felt
• vascular lumen, some diseases (stenosis or atherosclerosis) cause the affected vessels to narrow

Pulse in women

Due to the physiological differences of the female organism, which during the course of life is subject to significant hormonal fluctuations affecting the o-cocystic system, the norm of heart rate for women differs from the norm of men of the same age.

For a woman over the age of 30, the pulse rate should be 50-70 beats per minute. The maximum allowable threshold is 100 beats. min. at rest.

Indicators may vary, but remain the norm, with the following factors:

• Pregnancy – 85-115 beats min.
• Active physical activity – 90-120 beats. min.
• Mental work – 80-110 beats. min.

Children’s pulse

Children’s pulse can change with age as the body develops. The younger the child, the faster the heart rate. Pulse measurements should be taken when the child is at rest, in the same position (for example, sitting) for several days, so that the picture is clearer.

Between the ages of three and six months, a baby’s resting heart rate begins to slow down and 90-120 beats per minute is considered normal. The body gets used to a new life, the level of emotional stress decreases.

Normal values ​​for arterial pulsation are numbers in the range of 70-130 beats per minute. This is the largest range among all age categories. This is due to the large differences in the growth and development of each child.

Exercise pulse

Exercise makes the heart muscle work harder, which increases the heart rate. It should be borne in mind that the less the body is subjected to various physical exertions and the less prepared for them, the faster and stronger the heart rate will accelerate with the slightest effort.

In this case, an increase in heart rate occurs:

• excessive sweating
• redness of the skin
• severe symptoms of tachycardia are not observed

3a year or two of active training, the athlete’s pulse decreases by 5-10 beats per minute. The first tangible decrease in the heart rate can be felt already after three months of regular exercise, during which time the frequency decreases by 3-4 beats.

Methods of treatment

Special treatment for rapid heart rate is not required. However, people may need treatment for the underlying disorder that caused the symptom.

Treatment varies by health condition, but may include medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical monitoring. Your doctor may recommend regular stress tests to check how your heart is responding to physical stress.

If anxiety is the cause of your heart palpitations, you can try various ways to reduce your stress levels, including:

• Breathing exercises
• Learning how to manage a panic attack
• Accepting your emotions
• Meditation
• Sport
• Contrast shower
• Positive emotions
• Relaxation techniques

Medical treatment is prescribed by a doctor, depending on the cause and the characteristics of the condition of each person.

Prevention

How to prevent high heart rate depends on the cause. If the cause is anxiety, you should develop a calm attitude towards triggers, develop methods for managing stress, learn not to be afraid of your emotions and the body’s reaction to them. When chronic diseases cause a rapid heart rate, it is necessary to talk with a doctor about the next steps.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain a normal pulse. According to the American Heart Association, people can save their heart by using the following tips:

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
• Exercise regularly
• Control chronic diseases
• Control anxiety and stress
• Limit foods associated with heart health problems, including salt and red meat
• Eat more heart-healthy foods such as non-fried fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables

See also:

• IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH TACHYCARDIA
• NORMAL PULSE AND HOW TO MEASURE IT
• COUNTING PULSE IN FITNESS

Infectious and parasitic diseases | “Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute named after MF Vladimirsky”

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease with a wide variety of clinical manifestations and is caused by at least three species of bacteria of the genus Borrelia of the spirochete type.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. The bacteria are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks belonging to several species of the genus Ixodes.

Inadequate therapy can lead to the development of “late stage” or chronic Lyme disease, when the disease becomes difficult to treat, causing disability, or can lead to death.

In some cases, patients do not notice or forget that they removed the tick from the skin, then the presence of clinical stages of the disease, as well as laboratory data, is of diagnostic importance.

Symptoms: fever, headaches, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash called erytherma migrans. Subsequently, neurological, articular and cardiac symptoms join the skin lesions.

Herpetic viral infection

Herpes viral infection is a chronic relapsing infection that includes viral diseases caused by widespread members of the Herpesviridae family.

There are currently two types of herpes simplex virus. Type I of the virus mainly affects the mucous membranes and skin of the mouth, nose, eyes, it is transmitted mainly by household contact, type II causes genital herpes, it is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

The reservoir and source of herpetic infection is a person: a carrier or a patient. Isolation of the pathogen can continue for a very long time.

Viruses that have entered the body tend to persist for a long time (mainly in ganglion cells), causing recurrence of infection during periods of weakening of the body’s defenses (colds, beriberi).

The incubation period is 2-12 days (usually 3-4 days). Distinguish herpetic infection with skin lesions of various localization, oral mucosa, genital organs, eyes, central and peripheral nervous system, internal organs. In addition, generalized herpes, herpes infection of newborns and HIV-infected are isolated.

Symptoms: the appearance of vesicular rashes on an infiltrated base, localized on the lips, around the mouth, on the wings of the nose, on the mucous membranes of the mouth (in their place, patients feel burning, pain, itching) In the presence of type II herpes, rashes are observed on the external genital organs with their subsequent transformation into erosion, crusts. Genital herpes in men is usually accompanied by rashes on the glans, foreskin and / or shaft of the penis. Itching, burning, moderate soreness appear on the skin of the external genital organs. In these places, papular or vesicular elements 2-3 mm in size (sometimes up to 4 mm) in diameter are found, lasting 3-5 days. Bubbles can open with the formation of small erosions. Drying bubbles and erosion turn into crusts, which peel off after a few days. The duration of the disease is 6-12 days.

Acute intestinal infection

Acute intestinal infection – a group of acute human infectious diseases caused by various infectious agents (mainly bacteria), with an alimentary mechanism of infection, manifested by fever and intestinal syndrome with the possible development of dehydration and severe course in the children’s age group and in old people. The mechanism of infection is water and food, less often household (dirty hands). The source of the disease is a sick person or a bacterium carrier. There are several types of intestinal infections depending on the etiology:

Symptoms: fever, weakness, body aches, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, frequent loose stools sometimes mixed with mucus and blood, watery, fetid diarrhea, but in some diseases, such as cholera, the smell may absent; severe, often cramping, abdominal pain; nausea, vomiting is possible; dehydration of the body; slight increase in temperature.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is an acute infectious disease caused by streptococcus Streptococcus pyogenes., characterized by fever and the formation of an inflammatory focus on the skin (less often on the mucous membranes) with clearly contoured edges and increased redness and soreness from the center to the periphery. Has a tendency to relapse. Streptococci are widespread in nature, relatively resistant to environmental conditions. A sporadic increase in the incidence is observed in the summer-autumn period, the entrance gates of infection are minor injuries, abrasions, abrasions.

Symptoms: The incubation period lasts several days, after which local and clinical symptoms appear sharply: chills, general weakness; headache; nausea, vomiting, tachycardia; increase in body temperature; muscle pain; hyperemia; swelling of the damaged area of ​​the skin. In some cases, erysipelas leads to delirious states, convulsions and meningism. There have also been cases when viruses affect not only the skin, but also regional lymph nodes. Most often, an erysipelas appears on the leg, arms, torso and face, less often on the mucous membranes. Depending on what form the erysipelas takes, the symptoms of the disease may vary.

Fever of unknown origin

Fever of unknown origin – a condition in which an increase in body temperature of the patient is the main or only symptom, and the diagnosis remains unclear after routine, and in some cases additional examination (that is, fever of unknown origin is a diagnosis of exclusion ). Fever of unknown origin may be based on a wide range of diseases.