What body temperature is considered dangerous. How to identify high and low grade fevers. What are effective methods for reducing a fever. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. How does hypothermia affect the body. What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite.

The Spectrum of Body Temperature: From Hypothermia to Hyperthermia

Body temperature is a crucial indicator of health, and deviations from the normal range can signify various medical conditions. The human body typically maintains a temperature between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C). However, temperatures outside this range can be cause for concern and may indicate underlying health issues.

Understanding Normal Body Temperature

The average normal body temperature is often quoted as 98.6°F (37°C), but this can vary slightly from person to person. Factors such as time of day, physical activity, and hormonal changes can influence body temperature. It’s important to note that a temperature reading alone doesn’t always indicate illness; context and accompanying symptoms are crucial for accurate assessment.

Hypothermia: When the Body Gets Too Cold

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. This condition can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Recognizing Hypothermia

How can you identify hypothermia? The signs and symptoms include:

• Shivering (although this may stop as hypothermia progresses)
• Slurred speech or mumbling
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Drowsiness or very low energy
• Confusion or memory loss
• Loss of consciousness

In infants, hypothermia may present as bright red, cold skin and very low energy. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if hypothermia is suspected, as it can quickly become a medical emergency.

Preventing and Treating Hypothermia

Prevention is key when it comes to hypothermia. Dressing appropriately for cold weather, staying dry, and limiting exposure to extreme cold can significantly reduce the risk. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, take the following steps:

1. Move the person to a warm, dry location
2. Remove any wet clothing
3. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin
4. Use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels
5. Provide warm beverages if the person is conscious, but avoid alcohol
6. Seek medical attention as soon as possible

Fever: When Body Temperature Rises

A fever is typically defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). Fevers are often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or illness.

Low-Grade Fever

What constitutes a low-grade fever? Generally, a temperature between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a low-grade fever. While often not a cause for immediate concern, low-grade fevers can be indicative of underlying infections or conditions and should be monitored.

High-Grade Fever

High-grade fevers are typically defined as temperatures above 103°F (39.4°C). These fevers can be more serious and may require medical attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or if they persist for an extended period.

When Does a Fever Become Dangerous?

While fevers are often benign and self-limiting, certain circumstances warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

• A temperature above 104°F (40°C) in adults
• A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher in children aged 3 months to 3 years
• Any fever in an infant younger than 3 months
• A fever accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing
• A fever that persists for more than three days

Is there a specific temperature that is universally dangerous? While there’s no single threshold, temperatures above 106°F (41.1°C) can cause brain damage and are considered extremely serious medical emergencies.

Effective Methods for Reducing a Fever

While fevers are often the body’s natural response to infection, there are times when reducing a fever is necessary for comfort or safety. Here are some effective methods:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common antipyretics (fever reducers). Always follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider before administering these medications, especially to children.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is crucial when dealing with a fever. Fluids help regulate body temperature and replace those lost through sweating. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions are good choices.

Cool Compresses

Applying a cool, damp cloth to the forehead, wrists, and the back of the neck can help bring down body temperature. Avoid using very cold water, as this can cause shivering, which may increase body temperature.

Rest and Comfortable Environment

Resting in a cool, comfortable environment can help the body regulate its temperature. Keep the room temperature around 70-72°F (21-22°C) and use light bedding.

Frostbite: A Serious Cold-Weather Concern

Frostbite is a cold-weather injury that occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.

Recognizing Frostbite

How can you identify frostbite? The signs and symptoms include:

• Cold, prickly feeling in the affected area
• Numbness
• Red, white, bluish-white, or grayish-yellow skin
• Hard or waxy-looking skin
• Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
• Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases

It’s important to note that frostbite can occur alongside hypothermia, which is a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Treating Frostbite

If frostbite is suspected, take the following steps:

1. Get to a warm place and remove wet clothing
2. Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or use body heat to warm it
3. Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area
4. Do not use direct heat sources like radiators or fires
5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible

The Impact of Extreme Temperatures on Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are more susceptible to temperature-related health issues. These include:

• Older adults
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Individuals with limited mobility
• Those who work or exercise outdoors
• People experiencing homelessness

These populations may require extra care and attention during extreme weather events or when dealing with fevers.

Special Considerations for the Elderly

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to both hypothermia and hyperthermia. Their bodies may not regulate temperature as efficiently, and they may have underlying health conditions that increase their risk. Regular check-ins during extreme weather and prompt medical attention for fevers are crucial for this population.

Protecting Infants and Young Children

Infants and young children are also at higher risk for temperature-related issues. They have a larger surface area relative to their body mass, which can lead to quicker heat loss or gain. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about dressing children appropriately for the weather and monitoring their temperature during illnesses.

The Role of Technology in Temperature Monitoring

Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to monitor body temperature accurately. From digital thermometers to smart wearables, there are numerous options available for both personal and medical use.

Types of Thermometers

What are the most accurate methods for measuring body temperature? While mercury thermometers have largely fallen out of use due to safety concerns, several other types are now common:

• Digital thermometers: Fast and accurate for oral, rectal, or axillary (armpit) readings
• Tympanic (ear) thermometers: Quick and generally comfortable, but can be less accurate if not used correctly
• Temporal artery thermometers: Non-invasive and quick, using infrared technology to measure forehead temperature
• Smart thermometers: Connected devices that can track temperature over time and share data with healthcare providers

Wearable Temperature Monitors

Wearable devices that continuously monitor body temperature are becoming increasingly popular, especially in healthcare settings. These devices can provide early warning of fever or temperature drops, allowing for prompt intervention.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Temperature-Related Health Issues

As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are increasing. This trend has significant implications for temperature-related health issues.

Rising Heat-Related Illnesses

With more frequent and intense heatwaves, the incidence of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke is expected to rise. Urban areas, in particular, may face challenges due to the heat island effect, where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas.

Changing Cold Weather Patterns

While global temperatures are rising overall, some regions may experience more extreme cold events due to changes in weather patterns. This could lead to increased cases of hypothermia and frostbite in areas unprepared for such conditions.

Adapting to a Changing Climate

How can communities prepare for these changes? Adaptation strategies may include:

• Improving urban planning to reduce heat island effects
• Enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events
• Educating the public about temperature-related health risks
• Ensuring access to heating and cooling for vulnerable populations
• Developing more resilient healthcare systems to handle temperature-related emergencies

The Psychological Impact of Temperature Extremes

While the physical effects of extreme temperatures are well-documented, the psychological impact is often overlooked. Both hot and cold extremes can have significant effects on mental health and cognitive function.

Heat and Mental Health

Extreme heat has been linked to increased irritability, aggression, and even higher rates of violent crime. Additionally, heatwaves can exacerbate symptoms of certain mental health conditions and increase the risk of suicide.

Cold Weather and Mood

Cold weather and lack of sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. Prolonged exposure to cold can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly in older adults who may be less able to leave their homes.

Cognitive Effects of Temperature Extremes

Both high and low temperatures can impair cognitive function. Heat stress can lead to decreased concentration and increased errors in cognitive tasks, while cold exposure can slow reaction times and impair decision-making abilities.

Understanding these psychological impacts is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to address temperature-related health issues. Mental health support should be an integral part of public health responses to extreme weather events and climate change adaptation plans.

Future Directions in Temperature-Related Health Research

As our understanding of the complex relationship between temperature and health continues to evolve, several areas of research are emerging as particularly promising:

Personalized Temperature Management

Advances in wearable technology and artificial intelligence may soon allow for highly personalized temperature management strategies. These could take into account an individual’s health status, activity level, and environmental conditions to provide tailored recommendations for maintaining optimal body temperature.

Novel Treatments for Temperature-Related Illnesses

Researchers are exploring new treatments for conditions like heat stroke and severe hypothermia. These may include targeted therapies that can quickly and safely adjust body temperature, or preventive medications that enhance the body’s natural temperature regulation mechanisms.

Climate-Resilient Urban Design

As cities grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovative urban design solutions are being developed to mitigate temperature extremes. These may include advanced materials for buildings and pavements that reflect heat, increased green spaces to provide natural cooling, and smart systems that optimize heating and cooling in public spaces.

Predictive Modeling for Temperature-Related Health Risks

Machine learning and big data analytics are being employed to develop more accurate models for predicting temperature-related health risks. These models could help public health officials and healthcare providers anticipate and prepare for temperature-related health emergencies more effectively.

As research in these areas progresses, we can expect to see more sophisticated and effective approaches to managing temperature-related health issues, both at the individual and community levels. This ongoing work will be crucial in adapting to the health challenges posed by a changing climate and ensuring the well-being of populations around the world.

Hypothermia|Winter Weather

Español (Spanish)

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Stay safe this winter by learning more about hypothermia and frostbite, including who is most at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if someone develops hypothermia or frostbite.

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite

What is hypothermia?

• Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.
• Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
• While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Who’s most at risk?

Victims of hypothermia are often:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating
• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
• People who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.
• People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?

The following are warnings signs of hypothermia:

Adults:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Babies:

• bright red, cold skin
• very low energy

Infographic: Avoid Spot, Treat – Frostbite and Hypothermia

Don’t wait – take action

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!

If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up.

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
• Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.

• Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead. CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

Top of Page

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).

Who’s most at risk?

You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you

• have poor blood circulation
• are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures

What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?

If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

A person who has frostbite may not know they have it until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.

Don’t wait—take action!

If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical care. Check to see if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious condition and requires emergency medical care.

If (1) a person shows signs of frostbite, but no signs of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, do the following:

• Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite—this increases the damage.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Put the areas affected by frostbite in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.

Don’t substitute these steps for proper medical care. Frostbite should be checked by a health care provider. And remember, Hypothermia is a medical emergency and immediate medical care is necessary.

Be prepared.

Taking a first aid or emergency resuscitation (CPR) course is a good way to prepare for health problems related to cold weather. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.

Being prepared is your best defense against having to deal with extremely cold weather. By preparing your home and car ahead of winter storms or other winter emergencies, and by taking safety precautions during extremely cold weather, you can reduce your risk of developing health problems related to cold weather.

Top of Page

Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger – Health Information Library

Do you think your child may have a fever or chills?

Yes

Fever or chills

No

Fever or chills

How old are you?

Less than 3 months

Less than 3 months

3 months to 3 years

3 months to 3 years

4 to 6 years

4 to 6 years

7 to 11 years

7 to 11 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Male

Female

Female

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Has your child had a fever seizure?

Fever seizures are uncontrolled muscle spasms that can happen when a child’s body temperature goes up quickly.

Yes

Fever seizure

No

Fever seizure

Has your child had surgery in the past 2 weeks?

Yes

Surgery within past 2 weeks

No

Surgery within past 2 weeks

Does your child have symptoms of shock?

Yes

Signs of shock

No

Signs of shock

Does your child have symptoms of heatstroke?

Yes

Heatstroke symptoms

No

Heatstroke symptoms

Does your baby seem sick?

A sick baby probably will not be acting normally. For example, the baby may be much fussier than usual or not want to eat.

Yes

Baby seems sick

No

Baby seems sick

How sick do you think your baby is?

Extremely sick

Baby is very sick (limp and not responsive)

Sick

Baby is sick (sleepier than usual, not eating or drinking like usual)

Do you think your baby may be dehydrated?

Yes

May be dehydrated

No

May be dehydrated

Are the symptoms severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe dehydration

Moderate

Moderate dehydration

Mild

Mild dehydration

Do you think your child may be dehydrated?

It can be harder to tell in a baby or young child than it is in an older child.

Yes

May be dehydrated

No

May be dehydrated

Are the symptoms severe, moderate, or mild?

The symptoms in a baby are different than the symptoms in an older child.

Severe

Severe dehydration

Moderate

Moderate dehydration

Mild

Mild dehydration

Is your child having trouble drinking enough to replace the fluids he or she has lost?

Little sips of fluid usually are not enough. The child needs to be able to take in and keep down plenty of fluids.

Yes

Unable to drink enough fluids

No

Able to drink enough fluids

Is your baby having trouble breathing?

Sometimes babies may have trouble breathing because of a stuffy nose. If your baby’s nose is stuffy, clearing the nose with a rubber bulb may help.

Yes

Difficulty breathing

No

Difficulty breathing

Would you describe the breathing problem as severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe difficulty breathing

Moderate

Moderate difficulty breathing

Mild

Mild difficulty breathing

Is your child having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

The symptoms of difficulty breathing in an older child may be different than symptoms in a baby or young child.

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than stuffy nose

No

Difficulty breathing more than stuffy nose

Is your child drooling and unable to swallow, cry, or make sounds?

Yes

Drooling and unable to swallow

No

Drooling and unable to swallow

Would you describe the breathing problem as severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe difficulty breathing

Moderate

Moderate difficulty breathing

Mild

Mild difficulty breathing

Is your child’s ability to breathe:

Getting worse?

Breathing problems are getting worse

Staying about the same (not better or worse)?

Breathing problems are unchanged

Getting better?

Breathing problems are getting better

Does your child have symptoms of a serious illness?

The symptoms in a baby are different than the symptoms in an older child.

Yes

Symptoms of serious illness

No

Symptoms of serious illness

Did you take a rectal temperature?

Taking a rectal temperature is the only way to be sure that a baby this age does not have a fever. If you don’t know the rectal temperature, it’s safest to assume the baby has a fever and needs to be seen by a doctor. Any problem that causes a fever at this age could be serious.

Yes

Rectal temperature taken

No

Rectal temperature taken

Is it 100.4°F (38°C) or higher?

Yes

Temperature at least 100.4°F (38°C)

No

Temperature at least 100.4°F (38°C)

Have tiny red or purple spots or bruises appeared suddenly?

Yes

Sudden appearance of red or purple spots or bruising

No

Sudden appearance of red or purple spots or bruising

Does your child seem to be in pain?

Yes

Appears to be in pain

No

Appears to be in pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

Signs of pain in a baby or toddler are different than signs of pain in an older child.

5 to 10: Moderate to severe pain

Moderate to severe pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Does your child have shaking chills or very heavy sweating?

Shaking chills are a severe, intense form of shivering. Heavy sweating means that sweat is pouring off the child or soaking through his or her clothes.

Yes

Shaking chills or heavy sweating

No

Shaking chills or heavy sweating

Does your child have a health problem or take medicine that weakens his or her immune system?

Yes

Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems

No

Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems

Besides fever, do you have other symptoms of a more serious infection?

Yes

Symptoms of more serious infection

No

Symptoms of more serious infection

Does your child have a rash that looks like a sunburn?

Yes

Sunburn-like rash

No

Sunburn-like rash

Did you take your child’s temperature?

Yes

Temperature taken

No

Temperature taken

How high is the fever? The answer may depend on how you took the temperature.

NOTE: Most people have an average body temperature of about 98. 6°F (37°C). But it can vary by a degree or more and still be considered normal. If a low body temperature is your only symptom, it’s usually not something to worry about. But be sure to watch for other symptoms.

High: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral

High fever: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral

Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral

Moderate fever: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral

Mild: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral

Mild fever: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral

How high do you think the fever is?

High

Feels fever is high

Moderate

Feels fever is moderate

Mild or low

Feels fever is mild

How long has your child had a fever?

Less than 2 days (48 hours)

Fever for less than 2 days

From 2 days to less than 1 week

Fever for more than 2 days and less than 1 week

1 week or longer

Fever for 1 week or more

Do you think that a medicine or a vaccine may be causing the fever?

Think about whether the fever started soon after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine. Or did it start after you got a shot or vaccine?

Yes

Medicine or vaccine may be causing the fever

No

Medicine or vaccine may be causing the fever

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Babies can quickly get dehydrated when they lose fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

• The baby may be fussy or cranky (mild dehydration), or the baby may be very sleepy and hard to wake up (severe dehydration).
• The baby may have a little less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or the baby may not be urinating at all (severe dehydration).

You can get dehydrated when you lose a lot of fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

• You may feel tired and edgy (mild dehydration), or you may feel weak, not alert, and not able to think clearly (severe dehydration).
• You may pass less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or you may not be passing urine at all (severe dehydration).

Severe dehydration means:

• The baby may be very sleepy and hard to wake up.
• The baby may have a very dry mouth and very dry eyes (no tears).
• The baby may have no wet diapers in 12 or more hours.

Moderate dehydration means:

• The baby may have no wet diapers in 6 hours.
• The baby may have a dry mouth and dry eyes (fewer tears than usual).

Mild dehydration means:

• The baby may pass a little less urine than usual.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

• You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
• It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Symptoms of difficulty breathing in a baby or young child can range from mild to severe. For example:

• The child may be breathing a little faster than usual (mild difficulty breathing), or the child may be having so much trouble that the nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath (severe difficulty breathing).
• The child may seem a little out of breath but is still able to eat or talk (mild difficulty breathing), or the child may be breathing so hard that he or she cannot eat or talk (severe difficulty breathing).

Sudden drooling and trouble swallowing can be signs of a serious problem called epiglottitis. This problem can happen at any age.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue at the back of the throat that you can’t see when you look in the mouth. When you swallow, it closes to keep food and fluids out of the tube (trachea) that leads to the lungs. If the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, it can swell and quickly block the airway. This makes it very hard to breathe.

The symptoms start suddenly. A person with epiglottitis is likely to seem very sick, have a fever, drool, and have trouble breathing, swallowing, and making sounds. In the case of a child, you may notice the child trying to sit up and lean forward with his or her jaw forward, because it’s easier to breathe in this position.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can trigger an allergic reaction and cause a fever. A few examples are:

• Antibiotics.
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital.
• Aspirin, if you take too much.

Fever can be a symptom of almost any type of infection. Symptoms of a more serious infection may include the following:

• Skin infection: Pain, redness, or pus
• Joint infection: Severe pain, redness, or warmth in or around a joint
• Bladder infection: Burning when you urinate, and a frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine
• Kidney infection: Pain in the flank, which is either side of the back just below the rib cage
• Abdominal infection: Belly pain

Symptoms of heatstroke may include:

• Feeling or acting very confused, restless, or anxious.
• Trouble breathing.
• Sweating heavily, or not sweating at all (sweating may have stopped).
• Skin that is red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
• Passing out.
• Seizure.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Heatstroke occurs when the body can’t control its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise.

Severe dehydration means:

• The child’s mouth and eyes may be extremely dry.
• The child may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
• The child may not seem alert or able to think clearly.
• The child may be too weak or dizzy to stand.
• The child may pass out.

Moderate dehydration means:

• The child may be a lot more thirsty than usual.
• The child’s mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
• The child may pass little or no urine for 8 or more hours.
• The child may feel dizzy when he or she stands or sits up.

Mild dehydration means:

• The child may be more thirsty than usual.
• The child may pass less urine than usual.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in children are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and congenital heart disease.
• Steroid medicines, which are used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Not having a spleen.

Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For children up to 11 years old, here are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild according to how you took the temperature.

Oral (by mouth), ear, or rectal temperature

• High: 104° F (40° C) and higher
• Moderate: 100.4° F (38° C) to 103.9° F (39.9° C)
• Mild: 100.3° F (37.9° C) and lower

A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5° F (0.3° C) to 1° F (0. 6° C) lower than an oral temperature.

Armpit (axillary) temperature

• High: 103° F (39.5° C) and higher
• Moderate: 99.4° F (37.4° C) to 102.9° F (39.4° C)
• Mild: 99.3° F (37.3° C) and lower

Note: For children under 5 years old, rectal temperatures are the most accurate.

Sudden tiny red or purple spots or sudden bruising may be early symptoms of a serious illness or bleeding problem. There are two types.

Petechiae (say “puh-TEE-kee-eye”):

• Are tiny, flat red or purple spots in the skin or the lining of the mouth.
• Do not turn white when you press on them.
• Range from the size of a pinpoint to the size of a small pea and do not itch or cause pain.
• May spread over a large area of the body within a few hours.
• Are different than tiny, flat red spots or birthmarks that are present all the time.

Purpura (say “PURR-pyuh-ruh” or “PURR-puh-ruh”):

• Is sudden, severe bruising that occurs for no clear reason.
• May be in one area or all over.
• Is different than the bruising that happens after you bump into something.

You can use a small rubber bulb (called an aspirating bulb) to remove mucus from your baby’s nose or mouth when a cold or allergies make it hard for the baby to eat, sleep, or breathe.

To use the bulb:

1. Put a few saline nose drops in each side of the baby’s nose before you start.
2. Position the baby with his or her head tilted slightly back.
3. Squeeze the round base of the bulb.
4. Gently insert the tip of the bulb tightly inside the baby’s nose.
5. Release the bulb to remove (suction) mucus from the nose.

Don’t do this more than 5 or 6 times a day. Doing it too often can make the congestion worse and can also cause the lining of the nose to swell or bleed.

Severe trouble breathing means:

• The child cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard.
• The child’s nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath.
• The child seems to be tiring out.
• The child seems very sleepy or confused.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

• The child is breathing a lot faster than usual.
• The child has to take breaks from eating or talking to breathe.
• The nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times when the child breathes.

Mild trouble breathing means:

• The child is breathing a little faster than usual.
• The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Not responding when being touched or talked to.
• Breathing much faster than usual.
• Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

If you’re not sure if a child’s fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues:

With a high fever:

• The child feels very hot.
• It is likely one of the highest fevers the child has ever had.

With a moderate fever:

• The child feels warm or hot.
• You are sure the child has a fever.

With a mild fever:

• The child may feel a little warm.
• You think the child might have a fever, but you’re not sure.

A baby that is extremely sick:

• May be limp and floppy like a rag doll.
• May not respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to.
• May be hard to wake up.

A baby that is sick (but not extremely sick):

• May be sleepier than usual.
• May not eat or drink as much as usual.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Pain in children 3 years and older

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child’s normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.

Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following:

• The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.
• The baby doesn’t respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to.
• The baby is hard to wake up.

Symptoms of serious illness may include:

• A severe headache.
• A stiff neck.
• Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
• Extreme fatigue (to the point where it’s hard for you to function).
• Shaking chills.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Fever Seizures

Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older

Postoperative Problems

Fever ✅ Information for Patients from Experts Sanmedekspert

Fever in a child or adult is always a serious cause for concern. Why it appears when you need to urgently see a doctor, and when you don’t need to knock it down, how to properly reduce it at home – these and many other questions are answered by experienced specialists of our clinic.

The most optimal temperature for biochemical processes in the human body is from 36.5 to 37.2°C. If the thermometer shows deviations of 1 – 1.5 ° C up or down, then it means that the body has failed. An elevated temperature is called up to 39°С, and high – from 39°С.

Types of temperature:

• Norm – from 35°С to 37°С. This indicator directly depends on many factors: time of measurement, gender, age of the person.
• In case of hyperthermia, the temperature is above 37°C. This condition is due to a violation of the mechanisms of thermoregulation: an excess of heat from outside or, conversely, difficult heat transfer. For example, clothes that are too warm, heat stroke, sunstroke, burns, physical activity, etc.
• Fever (fever) is a protective reaction of the body to the appearance of foreign agents in it:

1. fungal infection,
2. viruses,
3. bacteria,
4. pathological process – for example, damage to the nervous system, hemorrhage, inflammation, trauma, etc.

In fever, thermoregulatory mechanisms are preserved. There are mild fever (38 – 38.5 ° C), moderate (38.6 – 39.5 ° C) and high (above 39.5 ° C). Temperatures above 40.5 – 41°C are a serious danger to life.

Causes of fever

• Colds.
• Viral and bacterial infections.
• Rheumatism.
• Inflammatory processes in the internal organs.
• Eruption of milk teeth in children.
• Overeating.
• Physical overload.
• Period before menses in women, etc.

Is it true that fever is good for you?

Light heat activates the body’s defenses. As soon as the “invasion of the enemy” occurs, all organs begin to release pyrogen proteins into the blood. They, in turn, trigger an increase in temperature and the production of antibodies and interferon protein, which kill harmful microorganisms. By artificially lowering the temperature with drugs, we interfere with the immune system to fight the infection.

It has been proven that at a temperature of 38 – 38.5°C the following processes occur in the body:

• the production of antibodies to the pathogen and interferon increases;
• significantly slows down the reproduction of viruses and bacteria;
• the liver more effectively neutralizes toxic waste products of pathogenic microorganisms, and the kidneys excrete them faster with urine;
• there is an increased activity of enzymes;
• bactericidal properties of blood serum and lymph increase.

A slight fever, although unpleasant in its symptoms, helps to recover faster. By knocking it down, we expose ourselves to even greater danger. After taking an antipyretic, a person will, of course, feel much better, but an undefeated infection will remain inside, continue to spread quietly throughout the body and can provoke serious complications to the kidneys, such as pyelonephritis or cystitis.

How to help the body with a fever?

• Do not raise the temperature artificially.

Do not take a hot bath, do not steam your feet, do not put mustard plasters and alcohol compresses, do not drink alcohol, hot milk, tea, coffee, do not wrap yourself in blankets.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink should be plentiful and warm, it can be at room temperature, and always unsweetened. Best of all – mineral water with lemon, lingonberry or cranberry juice. The blood becomes more liquid, toxic substances are excreted faster, the body does not suffer from dehydration. Sugary drinks are dangerous because water will come out with sweat, and glucose will become an additional food source for pathogens.

• Sweat properly and stay in bed

Intense sweating is a natural thermoregulatory mechanism during fever. Evaporating from the skin, sweat cools the body and prevents it from overheating. Wrapping the patient in several blankets and insulated pajamas, we prevent the sweat from evaporating. A person with a fever should be dressed in cotton clothing and lie under a light, thin blanket. Linen should be changed as it gets wet.

• Cleanliness and fresh air.

The room must be clean and well ventilated. As a rule, a sick person breathes through his mouth, which means that, together with moist, stale air, an infection will quickly penetrate into his lungs. The air temperature in the room should be approximately 22°C – 24°C. It is extremely important that there are no drafts.

• Do not wipe your body with vodka or alcohol.

Alcohol vapors evaporate very quickly and cause severe hypothermia and severe chills. It is best to wipe the body with a sponge dipped in warm water, or put the patient in a cool bath for a while.

• Food should be light

All fried, salty, fatty, spicy foods and alcohol should be excluded from the diet during illness. The best choice is low-fat broths, juices, fruit drinks, fresh and boiled fruits, vegetables.

How to bring down the temperature correctly and in what cases should it be done?

You need to start lowering the temperature if it is above 38-38.5°C, lasts more than 3-5 days or the thermometer approaches 40°C. You can do this in the following ways:

• the patient should drink plenty of warm, unsweetened liquids;
• cold compresses applied to the forehead, neck, wrist, armpits and groin areas, as well as cool foot baths and wet sheet wraps, work well;
• wiping should be done as follows: moisten a towel in warm water, first wipe your face with it, and then hands, body and legs;
• A cooling bath will help reduce the temperature and flush out toxins. First, the patient is placed in a warm bath, then cold water is gradually added to it up to a temperature of 30 ° C;
• Antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor. Before his arrival, you need to take antipyretics.

When do you need to urgently call an ambulance?

• The thermometer shows above 39.5°C.
• Fever is accompanied by abdominal pain (especially in the elderly and children), vomiting, weakness, limited movement, visual disturbances, or severe neck muscle tension (the person cannot tilt the chin to the chest).
• Children under the age of 10 have a very dry, barking cough. In combination with temperature, this symptom indicates an inflammatory narrowing of the larynx (false croup).
• If the temperature rises above 38°C very quickly, within 1-2 hours. This is especially dangerous if a child under 6 years of age is sick, and he has already experienced convulsions during heat – in this case, even a small temperature of 37. 5 ° C is fraught with serious consequences.
• Mild fever is dangerous for people with convulsive readiness and cardiovascular disease.

If fever is accompanied by weakness, pain in the joints and muscles, blurred vision, consciousness, headache, convulsions, shortness of breath, you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, be sure to make an appointment if you have a slightly elevated temperature for more than 7 days.

What is the maximum temperature possible for a person?

Man learned to measure temperature relatively recently. For the first time such a measurement was carried out with a mercury thermometer in Germany in 1891 year.

Everyone has known since childhood that the normal human body temperature is 36.6 C. Is this really so? It turns out that this is an average indicator, doctors came to it for ease of use. But in practice it is clear that everyone has their own “norm” of an individual temperature indicator. On average, it ranges from 35. 9 to 37.2 C.

So, the personal temperature of each person is formed during the period of growing up and is finally set at about 14 years for women and 20 for men. It depends on many factors – race, age and gender. On average, women are 0.5 degrees warmer than men.

Daily temperature fluctuations

An absolutely healthy person will also have different temperature indicators during the day. The fluctuations are small – within half a degree, but in the morning our body is colder than in the evening. This is how the circadian rhythms of thermoregulation work.

Reduced temperature

If the body temperature drops significantly, the person begins to shiver. Thus, the muscles try to generate more heat. A decrease in temperature below 35C can indicate either a serious illness or extreme overwork. From 33C and below – metabolic processes in the body begin to slow down. At a temperature of 29,5C most people lose consciousness, as the blood supply slows down and oxygen saturation of tissues and organs decreases. Below 26.5 C, the blood coagulates and blood clots form. Because of this, the movement of blood stops and death can occur.

Reasons for rising temperature

Any elevated temperature is a reaction of the body to a provoking external or internal factor. With a cold – for the introduction of a virus or bacteria into the body. Then the body fights with an increase in temperature with a foreign agent. Most pathogens die at a temperature of 38-39C. Therefore, doctors often do not recommend knocking it down at such values. Here you need to navigate how a person transfers it. In young children under 5 years of age, convulsions may occur at a high temperature. In this case, you definitely need to shoot down, drink an antipyretic. In other cases, you need to look at the general well-being, concomitant diseases and the age of the patient.

The temperature rises with poisoning, inflammatory bacterial diseases, systemic connective tissue diseases, endocrine diseases and oncology.