Top 5 fever myths and facts

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For many parents, fever is one of the most concerning and alarming symptoms a child can have. There are many scary fever myths out there – and it’s time to set the record straight! To many pediatricians, fever is considered a good sign that the body is mounting a response to an infection. Here are my top five fever myths and facts:

Myth #1: Temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) are low-grade fevers.

Fact: These temperatures are actually normal variations and are not fevers. The body’s temperature changes throughout the day and is naturally higher in the afternoon and evening. An actual fever is any temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

Myth #2: Fevers are bad, can cause brain damage or seizures and are dangerous to my child.

Fact: Fevers are a protective mechanism and a sign that the body’s immune system is turned on. Most fevers are good for sick children and help the body fight infection. Fevers do not cause brain damage. As for seizures, the vast majority (96 percent) of children do not have seizures with a fever. About 4 percent of children can have a seizure with a fever – this is called a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are scary to watch, but they usually stop within five minutes. They do not cause brain damage or have long-term side effects. Children who have had febrile seizures are not at greater risk for developmental delays or learning disabilities.

Myth #3: All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). After treatment, the fever should go away completely.

Fact: Fevers need to be treated only if the child is uncomfortable. For young children, that usually means fevers over 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C). With treatment, fevers usually come down 2°F or 3°F (1.1°C or 1.7°C) but may not go away completely. There is no harm in not treating a fever.

Myth #4: The exact number of the temperature is very important. If the fever is high, the cause is serious.

Fact: How your child looks is what’s important, not the exact temperature. If the fever is high, the cause may or may not be serious. If your child looks very well, the cause is likely to be less serious. One exception is in babies who are less than 3 months of age. They should always be seen by a health care provider right away if they have a fever because their immune systems are not fully developed. If it’s the weekend and your baby spikes a fever, it’s best to call your doctor’s office and take them to an urgent care.

Myth #5: If the fever doesn’t come down (if you can’t “break the fever”), the cause is serious.

Fact: Whether a fever comes down or not, is not related to the seriousness of the infection. The height of the fever and how long it lasts does not tell us whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. What matters most is how your child looks.

Author

Dr. Erica Wang, Texas Children’s Pediatrics – Grand Parkway

Departments

Texas Children’s Pediatrics

Fever: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Fever is the temporary increase in the body’s temperature in response to a disease or illness.

A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels:

• 100.4°F (38°C) measured in the bottom (rectally)
• 99.5°F (37.5°C) measured in the mouth (orally)
• 99°F (37.2°C) measured under the arm (axillary)

An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day.

Normal body temperature may change during any given day. It is usually highest in the evening. Other factors that may affect body temperature are:

• A woman’s menstrual cycle. In the second part of this cycle, her temperature may go up by 1 degree Fahrenheit or more.
• Physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medicines, high room temperature, and high humidity can all increase body temperature.

Fever is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F (37°C). Many infants and children develop high fevers with mild viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for, not against the person.

Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105°F (40.6°C) unless the child is overdressed or in a hot place.

Febrile seizures do occur in some children. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy. These seizures also do not cause any permanent harm.

Unexplained fevers that continue for days or weeks are called fevers of undetermined origin (FUO).

Almost any infection can cause a fever, including:

• Bone infections (osteomyelitis), appendicitis, skin infections or cellulitis, and meningitis
• Respiratory infections such as colds or flu-like illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, mononucleosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis
• Urinary tract infections
• Viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis

Children and adults may have a low-grade fever for 1 or 2 days after some immunizations.

Teething may cause a slight increase in a child’s temperature, but not higher than 100°F (37.8°C).

Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may also cause fevers. Some examples are:

• Arthritis or connective tissue illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease
• Vasculitis or periarteritis nodosa

The first symptom of a cancer may be a fever. This is particularly true of Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia.

Other possible causes of fever include:

• Blood clots or thrombophlebitis
• Medicines, such as some antibiotics, antihistamines, and seizure medicines

A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102°F to 104°F or 38.9°C to 40°C). This does not mean you or your child has a serious problem. Some serious infections don’t cause a fever or can cause a very low body temperature, most often in infants.

If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest.

The illness is probably not serious if your child:

• Is still interested in playing
• Is eating and drinking well
• Is alert and smiling at you
• Has a normal skin color
• Looks well when their temperature comes down

Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever.

When trying to lower a fever:

• Do not bundle up someone who has chills.
• Remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
• A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is effective after medicine is given — otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
• Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.

Here are some guidelines for taking medicine to lower a fever:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever in children and adults. Sometimes health care providers advise you to use both types of medicine.
• Take acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. It works by turning down the brain’s thermostat.
• Take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger.
• Aspirin is very effective for treating fever in adults. Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child’s provider tells you to.
• Know how much you or your child weighs. Then check the instructions on the package to find the correct dose.
• In children 3 months or younger, call your child’s provider first before giving medicines.

Eating and drinking:

• Everyone, particularly children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin are all good choices.
• In younger children do not give too much fruit juice or apple juice, and do not give sports drinks.
• Although eating is fine, do not force foods.

Contact a provider right away if your child:

• Is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Is 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
• Is 2 years or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours
• Is older and has a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
• Has a fever of 105°F (40. 5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and the person is comfortable
• Has other symptoms that suggest an illness may need to be treated, such as a sore throat, earache, or cough
• Has had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if these fevers are not very high
• Has a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis
• Recently had an immunization
• Has a new rash or bruises
• Has pain with urination
• Has a weakened immune system (because of long-term [chronic] steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment)
• Has recently traveled to another country

Contact your provider right away if you are an adult and you:

• Have a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and you are comfortable
• Have a fever that stays at or keeps rising above 103°F (39. 4°C)
• Have a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
• Have had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high
• Have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other long-term (chronic) lung problems
• Have a new rash or bruises
• Have pain with urination
• Have a weakened immune system (from chronic steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment)
• Have recently traveled to another country

Call 911 or the local emergency number if you or your child has a fever and:

• Is crying and cannot be calmed (children)
• Cannot be awakened easily or at all
• Seems confused
• Cannot walk
• Has difficulty breathing, even after the nose is cleared
• Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
• Has a very bad headache
• Has a stiff neck
• Refuses to move an arm or leg (children)
• Has a seizure

Your provider will perform a physical exam. This may include a detailed examination of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen to look for the cause of the fever.

Treatment depends on the duration and cause of the fever, as well as other symptoms.

The following tests may be performed:

• Blood tests, such as a CBC or white blood cell differential
• Urinalysis
• X-ray of the chest

Elevated temperature; Hyperthermia; Pyrexia; Febrile

• Colds and the flu – what to ask your doctor – adult
• Colds and the flu – what to ask your doctor – child
• Febrile seizures – what to ask your doctor
• When your baby or infant has a fever

• Thermometer temperature
• Temperature measurement

Leggett JE. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 264.

Nield LS, Kamat D. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 201.

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Fever

The state of the body, characterized by a rise in body temperature above normal, is called fever. Normally, the temperature of the human body is maintained at a level of about 37 ° C, however, in some (often infectious) diseases, a protective and adaptive reaction occurs, which is based on an increase in body temperature with the obligatory preservation of the thermoregulation mechanism. This property is a hallmark of fever from hyperthermia (overheating). Pyrogens cause fever – substances that enter the body during infection (exogenous pyrogens) or are formed by cells of the immune system as a result, for example, of inflammation (endogenous pyrogens).

Fever always passes in three stages:

1. Rise in temperature – blood vessels constrict, skin becomes pale, there is a feeling of chills, muscle tremors, metabolism in muscles increases. At this stage, heat production is much higher than heat transfer.
2. Temperature retention – the mechanisms of heat production and heat transfer are balanced – the temperature can be fixed for hours, days or weeks. Skin vessels dilate, the skin ceases to be pale and becomes hot to the touch, chills and trembling go away. At this time, a person experiences a feeling of heat.
3. Drop in temperature – either a sharp or gradual decrease in body temperature is possible. At this stage, heat transfer significantly exceeds heat production, profuse sweating occurs and diuresis increases. This stage begins in case of exhaustion of exogenous reserves or cessation of production of endogenous pyrogens.

There are several types of fever:

• Remittent (laxative) type is characterized by diurnal changes in temperature, which does not drop to normal;
• Intermittent (intermittent) type characterized by rapid diurnal fluctuations in temperature, which falls to normal and rises again;
• Constant fever – slight fluctuations in elevated temperature during the day;
• Relapsing fever – constantly elevated temperature for one or more days, then its reduction to normal and repeated increase;
• Perverse fever – a rise in temperature in the morning is characteristic;
• Incorrect fever – temperature fluctuation during the day occurs without any dependence.

Most often, fever indicates the presence of an infectious disease, but it can also be a symptom of cancer.

Fever is treated by identifying and eliminating the source of the infection. If necessary, fever is removed with the help of antipyretics: Nurofen, Aspirin . For children, Nurfen suspension , Panadol suppositories are recommended. Also, to reduce the temperature, you can use alcohol compresses or cold lotions, body wraps and immersion in a cold water bath.

Pankratova Evgenia Igorevna

The material is for informational purposes only. Medicinal products, biologically active supplements and other products are indicated as an example of their possible use and / or application, which in no way constitutes a recommendation for their use. Before using drugs, dietary supplements and medical equipment and other products, be sure to consult a specialist.

Temperature in case of poisoning – aviclinic.

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Contents

• Is there a temperature in case of poisoning
• Why can the temperature rise
• What is dangerous high temperature
• What temperature is possible in case of poisoning 900 12
• What to do if the temperature rises during poisoning
• How to bring down the temperature
• How to bring down the temperature
• How long does the temperature last

Temperature during poisoning is a frequent occurrence, although sometimes intoxication can occur without it. It all depends on a number of factors, and not always because of the increased readings on the thermometer, you need to worry and rush to take an antipyretic.

Body temperature – comprehensive data on the thermal state of the body. During the day, they can change slightly even in a healthy person. Temperature fluctuations in the range of 35.5–37 ° C are considered normal.

Is there a fever in case of poisoning

Of course, fever is most often present in case of poisoning. The temperature in food poisoning can rise due to exposure to toxins produced by microorganisms. Basically, these are protein substances, and due to a foreign protein, a process of violation of the thermal balance in the direction of increase occurs. Microorganisms can enter the intestines with poor-quality food.

In case of poisoning with natural poisons or chemicals, the temperature may also rise. At the same time, the body enters into a struggle with foreign agents, failures of various systems occur, as a result, an increase in fever.

Rarely, but it happens that the indicators on the thermometer are increased due to strong self-hypnosis: I got poisoned, I feel bad, I have a temperature. In such cases, hyperthermia is psychosomatic in nature.

Why the temperature can rise

In adults and children, as a result of poisoning, when the body’s work is disturbed, diseases accompanied by hyperthermia often develop:

• Acute gastritis. With this disease, the gastric mucosa is inflamed. Inflammation occurs due to the irritating effects of toxins or harsh chemicals. A person feels severe pain in the stomach, nausea. Vomiting is not ruled out. Temperature with gastritis is possible, but rarely exceeds 37.5 ° C.
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, etc.), in which the intestines are inflamed. There is a general intoxication due to the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Diseases develop after microbes enter the human body with poor-quality food or with dirt (hands, fruits, berries, etc. were not washed). The temperature in bacterial food poisoning can reach 38 °C. So the body tries to cope with the infection on its own, which indicates the normal functioning of the immune system.
• Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It is this organ that is one of the first to respond to intoxication. In the acute form of the disease, a person is tormented by severe girdle pains in the abdomen, purple spots appear around the navel. Fever – up to 38. 5–39.5 ° C. Pancreatitis is treated exclusively by surgery.
• Dehydration (due to profuse and prolonged diarrhea and vomiting). A critical drop in the level of fluid in the body indicates severe intoxication. A person feels severe weakness, his skin becomes dry and flabby, his eyeballs sink. The blood thickens, which leads to disruption of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems and some functions of the nervous system.

If the temperature has risen from poisoning, this is a symptom that indicates a serious condition of the victim. The cause of intoxication can only be identified by a doctor after an examination.

Why high temperature is dangerous

Much here depends on the duration of hyperthermia and how pronounced it is. But a particular danger lies in the fact that all organs and systems can suffer from severe fever:

• Cardiovascular: with each increasing degree, the number of heartbeats also increases, the organ works with overstrain, vasospasm occurs, and blood pressure may increase.
• Respiratory: inhalations and exhalations quicken, become superficial.
• Nervous: the patient feels weak, constantly wants to sleep, feels headaches, and convulsions may develop in children due to high temperature.
• Digestive: appetite disappears or decreases, salivation decreases, dry mouth appears, and constipation develops due to lack of fluid.

Strong heat also has a negative effect on metabolism. As a result, the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates begins to prevail over the processes of synthesis. In a laboratory study, ketone (acetone) bodies are observed in the blood, which are the result of a metabolic disorder.

Interruptions in the water and electrolyte balance due to high temperature are manifested in the form of urination disorders in the direction of its frequency. Then less urine is produced, because sodium accumulates in the body, retaining fluid.

Due to fever, provitamins and vitamins are destroyed in the body, and this leads to beriberi.

See also: Headache due to poisoning

What temperature is possible in case of poisoning

The temperature is low, normal or high, but it depends on the cause of poisoning:

• with botulism, escherichiosis – most often a normal or slightly elevated temperature, which remains the same with an erased, mild or atypical course of the disease,
• subfebrile – within 37-38 °C,
• mild fever – between 38-39°C (most commonly seen with poisoning),
• high and very high (39-40°C).

Extremely rare in case of poisoning, but hyperpyretic temperature – 41 °C is possible.

Low

This phenomenon is called hypothermia. At the same time, the temperature is lowered and does not exceed 36 ° C. Hypothermia is possible for the following reasons:

• in case of alcohol poisoning (poor-quality alcohol or in alcoholic coma),
• chemicals,
• poisons, toxins,
• medicinal herbs that can have a toxic effect.

Reduced body temperature can also be due to a lack of vitamin C and some important trace elements.

Low temperature in case of poisoning in a person is accompanied by a weakened state, which manifests itself:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• pale skin and cold sweat,
• numbness of limbs,
• slight tremor of the fingers and many others. others

Signs characteristic of specific poisonings may be added to these manifestations, if low temperature is a symptom of intoxication.

High

In case of hyperthermia, the patient’s body is actively struggling with toxins that caused inflammation after poisoning.

The temperature rises to 37–37.5 °C mainly due to ordinary food intoxications, and above 38 °C – due to infectious poisoning. So the body tries to survive pathogenic microbes by creating a microclimate that is unfavorable for their life. In severe cases of bacterial poisoning, fever can reach 40 ° C.

The temperature in case of poisoning reaches high levels in the following cases:

• in case of microbial intoxication of the body (spoiled food, expired products, fruits cut in the store – watermelon, melon, etc.),
• for non-microbial poisoning (natural poisons),
• for chemical poisoning (paint, cleaning products, drugs, toxic fumes, etc.).

High temperature is both good and bad. It is important as the body’s way of fighting infection. Parallel to this, during the heat, the vessels expand, and slags are more easily removed. But hyperthermia is dangerous at the same time, especially for children and people of respectable age.

What to do if the temperature rises due to poisoning

The main thing is not to panic. Fever is not an independent disease, but only a symptom of a malfunction in the body. If a person has been poisoned, and it rises due to an infection or toxins that have entered the body, this means that assistance with such poisoning should be directed to eliminating the cause of the poisoning (i. e., removing toxins).

To do this, it is necessary to carry out a number of detoxification measures, including gastric lavage, desoldering the patient, sorbents, laxatives, etc.

Is it necessary to bring down the temperature

Temperature (if it has not yet reached critical levels) should not be rushed to reduce at the first signs of an increase. In the body during hyperthermia, interferon is produced, which helps to defeat the infection. Therefore, do not interfere with the body to fight in natural ways. As soon as the cause of poisoning is neutralized, the fever will subside by itself.

What to do if a person has a fever:

• Do not bring down a fever in an adult or a child over 3 years old up to 38.5 ° C (with these indicators, the body is actively fighting),
• above 38.5 ° C – knock down,
• in children under 3 years of age can be knocked down at 37.7 ° C (especially if there have been convulsions).

It is advisable to try to bring down the temperature in case of poisoning, if all the measures taken to provide assistance (gastric lavage, etc. ) did not bring relief. When the temperature rises to high levels, it is not possible to bring it down or the effect is very short-term – urgently call a doctor. In such cases, the body itself can no longer cope, and the help of a specialist is needed.

In which cases hospitalization is required

A person is hospitalized if:

• the temperature is above 38-39 °C for more than 2-3 days and does not go astray,
• had convulsions,
• the patient’s condition is severe,
• diarrhea and vomiting do not stop,
• showing signs of dehydration,
• BP dropped,
• shortness of breath appeared,
• the patient constantly wants to sleep,
• have stomach pains,
• impaired consciousness,
• the anterior wall of the abdomen is tense.

During poisoning with such symptoms, the patient urgently needs help, which can only be fully provided in a hospital.

How to bring down the temperature

It is generally accepted that you should try to remove the heat if the temperature has reached 38. 5 °C. But if even with these indicators a person feels good, you can take your time with antipyretic drugs.

See also: Poisoning in breastfeeding mothers

In general, traditional or folk remedies can help a person who has been poisoned to cope with a fever. If you use folk recipes, then you need to understand that they are not the main treatment and give only an auxiliary effect. Their use should be discussed with the doctor, because even harmless “non-chemical” agents have their own contraindications.

Folk methods

The following remedies and measures will help to slightly lower the body temperature in case of poisoning and alleviate the condition:

• Body cooling. These include wet cloth wraps, rubbing ice cubes on the temples and neck, cold compresses on the forehead, and ice packs. The method does not guarantee a decrease in heat to normal, but the temperature will become slightly lower.
• Decoctions with antipyretic effect. They are prepared without sugar from linden flowers, willow bark, strawberry leaves or poplar buds and have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antipyretic effects.
• Plentiful drink. It is recommended by both folk and traditional medicine. Black and green teas, tinctures of chamomile or calendula will be useful. Another remedy – dill-honey water also reduces fever well, but is not suitable for people with an allergy to honey.

Children tolerate hyperthermia worse than adults. However, not all medicines are allowed to them due to age or due to individual contraindications. Therefore, light folk remedies can be very useful, but at the same time it is important:

• do not wrap the child,
• put him to bed naked, covering him with a sheet or a thin blanket,
• warm the baby’s arms and legs,
• more water for the baby,
• Give a poisoned child an enema with warm water.

These simple home remedies can really help both adults and children with fever at home. But it is better to play it safe and call a doctor.

How to bring down the temperature

There is no need to hurry with this. Before taking the pill, it is better to put the thermometer again, and if its readings are more than 38.5 ° C, you can take the medicine. But at the same time, you need to understand: even the best antipyretic will give only a temporary effect and will not contribute to recovery after poisoning, because it does not destroy the cause of intoxication.

Drugs that can be taken as antipyretics:

• Paracetamol,
• Ibuprofen-based products (Nurofen, Ibuklin, etc.).

Only a doctor can prescribe remedies for fever for children. Usually these are the same drugs, but in a lower dosage. In no case should children be given analgesics and drugs based on Aspirin or Amidopyrine, since adverse reactions of the body are possible from these drugs.

Dosage forms for children are more varied: suppositories, syrups, and tablets suitable for all ages. Preference is given to rectal preparations (suppositories), since oral remedies after poisoning, once in the affected stomach, can provoke additional problems.