Reduce Fever Info
There are many ways to reduce fever symptoms with and without medications. A fever is an abnormally high body temperature, usually brought on by bacterial or viral infections, but sometimes stimulated by other types of tissue damage. A normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal temperatures for children are: 100.4 F (rectally), 99.5 F (orally), and 99 F (axillary). A fever is a sign that the body is working in the most efficient possible way to get rid of invading pathogens. Most infection causing bacteria and viruses thrive at 89.6 F, so a fever is not always a bad thing. Instead of trying to reduce a fever, figure out what your body is trying to tell you.
The symptoms of a fever depend on what is actually causing the fever.
Common infections that can cause a fever include: respiratory infections (colds, flu, ear, bronchitis), urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, appendicitis, mengingitis, osteomyelitis, and tuberculosis.
Other causes of fever include:
• Autoimmune/inflammatory disease
(arthritis, ulcerative colitis)
• Blood clots
• Cancer
(leukemia, lymphoma)
• Medications
• Teething (low-grade fever)
• After immunizations (low-grade fever)
If an adult or a child has only a mild fever there is no need for treatment, just drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. The fever cold is one of the most common reasons for a mild fever. Dehydration is a common complication from the fever cold which is a result of prolonged sweating and vomiting. A high fever temperature may be dangerous, and steps should be taken to reduce a fever that has reached 104 F.
To reduce fever symptoms:
• Remove excess clothes or blankets (do not cover up someone experiencing chills)
• A lukewarm bath (do not use cold baths or ice this can make the fever worse by inducing shivering which causes your temperature to increase)
• Medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen) all work to inhibit the fever by interrupting the actions of the hypothalamus to reset the body’s thermostat.
• Drink plenty of fluids
Adults should call a medical professional if: fever is over 105 F and not responding to treatment, a fever lasting over 72 hours, have a rash, painful urination, if you have been out of the country, or if you have other serious medical conditions (heart conditions, diabetes, HIV, COPD, or cancer). For infants a temperature higher than 100 F, toddlers 102 F, and children 104 F should be brought to the emergency room. A high fever temperature that is over 107.6 F can possibly cause brain damage, and fevers in adults reaching over 112 F can cause death. If a fever comes down too fast, it can quickly dilate the blood vessels which can turn into shock.
A fever is an important part of the body’s defense system against foreign invaders. The shivering and chills that go along with a raising fever are part of the mechanism to increase the core temperature, once met the shivering will stop. Remember it is important to reduce fever symptoms and seek medical help if the body’s temperature raises over 104 F for adults.
Useful Links
