A high temperature in a child or adult is always a serious cause for concern. Why does it appear, when you need to urgently see a doctor, and when there is no need to knock it down, how to properly reduce it at home - these and many other questions are answered by the experienced specialists of our clinic.
The most optimal temperature for the occurrence of biochemical processes in the human body is considered to be from 36.5 to 37.2°C. If the thermometer shows deviations of 1 - 1.5 ° C up or down, then it means that there is a malfunction in the body’s functioning. Temperatures up to 39°C are called elevated, and temperatures from 39°C are called high.
Types of temperature:
- The norm is from 35°C to 37°C. This indicator directly depends on many factors: time of measurement, gender, age of the person.
- With hyperthermia – temperature above 37°C. This condition is caused by a violation of the mechanisms of thermoregulation: an excess of heat from the outside or, conversely, difficult heat transfer. For example, too warm clothes, heat and sunstroke, burns, physical activity, etc.
- Fever (fever) is a protective reaction of the body to the appearance of foreign agents in it:
- fungal infection,
- viruses,
- bacteria, bacteria
- pathological process - for example, damage to the nervous system, hemorrhage, inflammation, injury, etc.
During fever, thermoregulation 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 pose a serious danger to life.
Temperature 37 °C in children
Many of the causes of hyperthermia in a child are the same as in an adult. For example, children can overheat in the sun in hot weather; their nervous system, which controls the processes of heat production and heat transfer, may also be disrupted3.
In most cases, the child develops a so-called post-infectious low-grade fever, which is associated with a recent acute respiratory viral infection.
In 86% of children, low-grade fever may persist for 3-6 months after viral infection3.
Often a child has a body temperature of 37 °C for no apparent reason. This is the so-called institutional fever or “thermoneurosis”3. With “thermoneurosis,” the child usually tolerates the fever well. Parents may notice that antipyretic drugs do not give the desired effect, and the rise in body temperature is associated with psycho-emotional stress, for example, the stress that the child experiences at school3.
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Is it true that fever is beneficial?
With mild heat, the body's defenses are activated. As soon as an “enemy invasion” 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 reducing the temperature with medications, we prevent the immune system from fighting 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 is enhanced;
- the reproduction of viruses and bacteria is significantly slowed down;
- the liver more effectively neutralizes toxic waste products of pathogenic microorganisms, and the kidneys remove them faster in the urine;
- increased enzyme activity is observed;
- the bactericidal properties of blood serum and lymph increase.
A slight fever, although its symptoms are unpleasant, helps you recover faster. By knocking it down, we expose ourselves to even greater danger. After taking an antipyretic, a person, of course, will feel much better, but the undefeated infection will remain inside, continue to spread quietly throughout the body and can provoke serious complications on the kidneys, for example, pyelonephritis or cystitis.
Causes of temperature 37 °C without cold symptoms
Sometimes the rise in temperature is not associated with the action of viral and bacterial pyrogens; this condition is called hyperthermia1.
Mild hyperthermia may occur in healthy people1:
- ● during intense physical activity1;
- ● after meals1;
- ● against the background of severe stress (“workday hyperthermia” in adults)3;
- ● in hot weather1 and prolonged exposure to the sun2;
- ● as a side effect of taking certain medications1.
In women, a temperature of 37 °C can occur after ovulation5 and 7-10 days before the onset of menstruation6. This temperature reaction is associated with an increase in the level of the hormone progesterone5.
Pyrogens that are formed in the body itself can also affect the thermoregulation center, which is why low-grade fever often occurs with non-infectious diseases4.
For example, a temperature of 37 °C may be a sign
:
- ● neurogenic hyperthermia4, which is associated with imperfect nervous regulation4,7;
- ● iron deficiency anemia2 (low hemoglobin levels due to iron deficiency);
- ● chronic gastritis, hepatitis and colitis2;
- ● peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum2;
- ● urolithiasis and cholelithiasis1;
- ● the presence of foci of inflammation in the body (for example, in the bronchi or genitourinary organs)2;
- ● bronchial asthma2;
- ● autoimmune diseases2;
- ● hormonal imbalance (with menopausal syndrome or increased thyroid function)6;
- ● malignant process2;
- ● diseases of the hypothalamus2.
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How to help the body with fever?
- Do not increase the temperature artificially.
Do not take a hot bath, do not steam your feet, do not apply mustard plasters and alcohol compresses, do not drink alcohol, hot milk, tea, coffee, do not wrap yourself in blankets.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
The drink should be plentiful and warm, maybe at room temperature, and always unsweetened. The best is mineral water with lemon, lingonberry or cranberry juice. The blood becomes more fluid, toxic substances are eliminated faster, and the body does not suffer from dehydration. Sugary drinks are dangerous because water will come out along with sweat, and glucose will become an additional source of food for pathogens.
- Sweat properly and stay in bed
Intense sweating is a natural mechanism of thermoregulation during fever. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body and prevents it from overheating. By wrapping the patient in several blankets and insulated pajamas, we prevent sweat from evaporating. A person with a fever should wear cotton clothing and lie under a light, thin blanket. When clothes get wet, they need to be changed.
- Cleanliness and fresh air.
The room should be clean and well ventilated. As a rule, a sick person breathes through his mouth, which means that an infection will quickly enter his lungs along with moist, stale air. 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 vapor evaporates very quickly and causes sudden hypothermia and severe chills. It is best to wipe the body with a sponge soaked in warm water, or put the patient in a cool bath for a while.
- Food should be light
During illness, everything fried, salty, fatty, spicy, and alcohol should be excluded from the diet. The best choice is low-fat broths, juices, fruit drinks, fresh and boiled fruits and vegetables.
How to lower an adult's fever: 8 best drugs
September 14, 2021
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Content
- How to choose fever pills
- Why does the temperature rise
- What to do at elevated temperatures
- How to reduce fever without medication
- The best antipyretics
- Paracetamol
- Nimesil
- Nurofen Long
- Theraflu ExtraTab
- Ibuklin
- Maxicold
- Rinza
- Aspirin
An increase in temperature is a signal from the body that there is an inflammatory process somewhere. An increase in temperature is a protective response of the immune system, the purpose of which is to eliminate the problem. But there are situations when the temperature urgently needs to be brought down. We will tell you which antipyretic pills are best to choose.
How to lower 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 is approaching 40°C. You can do this in the following ways:
- the patient should drink plenty of warm, unsweetened liquid;
- Cold compresses placed on the forehead, neck, wrist, armpits and groin areas help well, as well as cool foot baths and wrapping in a wet sheet;
- Rubbing should be done like this: moisten a towel in warm water, first wipe your face, and then your arms, body and legs;
- A cooling bath will help lower your temperature and wash away toxins. First, the patient is placed in a warm bath, then cold water is gradually added to it to a temperature of 30 ° C;
- Only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Before his arrival, you need to take antipyretic medications.
Fluctuations in temperature due to influenza
After the first clinical symptoms appear, patients note that the fever lasts up to 4-5 days. While taking medications, the temperature drops to low-grade levels, without reaching normal values. Episodes of relative increase are associated with further spread of the virus. The death of epithelial cells of the respiratory tract leads to the formation of foci of necrosis - this is how the protective barrier is destroyed.
In addition, influenza suppresses the immune system, reducing the number of white blood cells. Damaged epithelium and weak local protection create favorable conditions for the massive proliferation of opportunistic flora - a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Infectious agents such as:
- Haemophilus influenzae (or Haemophilus influenzae);
- Staphylococcus aureus (or Staphylococcus aureus);
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (or Streptococcus pneumoniae).
Therefore, microbial pneumonia is considered the most common complication of influenza. It should be considered if the patient's fever lasts longer than 5 days. Sometimes bacterial pneumonia develops earlier - 3-4 days from the onset of the disease.
It is indicated by a specific change in the temperature curve: after a short period of normalization (without the help of drugs), the patient begins to have a fever again. Therapists warn zealous workaholics about this development of events. If these patients with untreated flu strive to bring down the temperature as soon as possible and “get back to work,” they risk ending up in a hospital bed with pneumonia, pleurisy and losing their health or life.
When is it necessary to urgently call an ambulance?
- The thermometer shows above 39.5°C.
- An increase in temperature is accompanied by abdominal pain (especially in older people and children), vomiting, weakness, limited movement, visual disturbances, or severe tension in the neck muscles (a person cannot tilt the chin to the chest).
- Children under 10 years of age 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 sharply, within 1-2 hours. This is especially dangerous if a child under 6 years of age is sick and has previously experienced convulsions in the heat - in this case, even a low temperature of 37.5 ° C is fraught with serious consequences.
- Mild fever is dangerous for people with seizures and cardiovascular disease.
If elevated temperature is accompanied by weakness, pain in joints and muscles, blurred vision, consciousness, headache, convulsions, difficulty breathing, you should immediately consult a doctor. Also be sure to make an appointment if a slightly elevated temperature lasts more than 7 days.
When a fever becomes dangerous
An increase in temperature in itself can pose a health hazard depending on individual characteristics. Thus, patients of any age with organic lesions of the central nervous system (trauma, tumors, vascular changes, consequences of perinatal pathology) can be very sensitive to the adverse effects of hyperthermia.
An increase in temperature increases metabolism in all tissues, including the brain. Nerve cells need more oxygen, and virus-affected or narrowed vessels cannot meet their needs. In addition, against the background of fever, the production of cerebrospinal fluid may increase, and the outflow may become more difficult.
Hypoxia and compression of the brain causes severe headaches, impaired consciousness, and the appearance of convulsions. Young children with a hereditary tendency to epilepsy or a history of perinatal pathology are predisposed to the development of so-called febrile seizures - seizures occur against the background of an increase in temperature and are often accompanied by loss of consciousness.
For expectant mothers, a high temperature or one that persists for several days also poses a danger. Influenza in the early stages can provoke spontaneous termination of pregnancy; in the first trimester it causes developmental anomalies and deformities, and later – toxic damage to fetal organs and disruption of uteroplacental blood flow. Among the most common child diseases:
- heart defects;
- damage to the organs of hearing and vision;
- mental retardation;
- developmental anomalies of the skeleton, skull, anterior abdominal wall.
Answering the question whether it is possible to lower the temperature during the flu, infectious disease specialists talk about patients for whom fever is especially dangerous:
- pregnant women with fever over 38.5 °C;
- children with complaints of lethargy, weakness, a history of convulsive syndrome at a temperature of 38 °C;
- adults with poor tolerance to body temperature above 38 °C (subjectively feel a significant deterioration in their condition, suffer from severe muscle and joint pain, headaches).
Diagnosis of high temperature without symptoms at Altimed MC
Diagnosis of fever without symptoms in an adult is carried out using modern devices. There are many reasons for the development of the current trait. In order to identify a weak point, it is important to conduct a full functional diagnosis. It is absolutely safe for patients of any age, and is freely used to examine the child’s body.
The main advantages of functional diagnostics:
- quick results;
- absence of pain and discomfort;
- absolute safety;
- high accuracy;
- determination of a pathological condition at an early stage of development;
- checking the functional state of all organs and systems.
This method has virtually no contraindications. It is not recommended to use the modern diagnostic method for pregnant women, people suffering from cancer, or mental disorders.
Nimesil
The active ingredient of the antipyretic drug is nimesulide. These are NSAIDs with pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. You can buy Nimesil at the pharmacy in individual sachets. Among the contraindications to taking Nimesil are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (the full list is listed in the instructions, so be sure to read it before taking the drug). "Nimesil" should be used only after consultation with a doctor.
Nimesil
Berlin-Chemie/Menarini, Germany
Treatment of acute pain (back pain, lower back pain; pain syndrome in the musculoskeletal system, including injuries, sprains and dislocations of joints, tendonitis, bursitis; toothache);
— symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis with pain syndrome; - algodismenorrhea. The drug is intended for symptomatic therapy, reducing pain and inflammation at the time of use. from 24
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Why choose Altimed MC for the treatment of high fever without symptoms
Treatment, if the temperature does not show signs of a cold, is carried out at the Altimed Medical Center. Why is it important to contact us? The main advantages are:
- non-invasive effect on the body (without pain and discomfort);
- Individual approach to each client;
- innovative technical equipment;
- effective treatment plan;
- affordable price range.
From us you can purchase devices for treatment at home. For additional information, please contact the indicated phone numbers.
Maxicold
The drug "Maxicold" contains paracetamol. This antipyretic drug perfectly relieves all symptoms of ARVI. In addition to Maxicold, you can buy Maxicold Rhino at the pharmacy, which will effectively relieve a runny nose and swelling of the nasal mucosa thanks to phenylephrine and pheniramine (vasoconstrictor and antiallergic effects). Maxicold contains vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight colds.
Maxicold
JSC Pharmstandard-UfaVITA, Russia
- symptomatic treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases (including influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)), accompanied by fever, chills, nasal congestion, headache, pain in the bones and muscles, in the throat and sinuses.
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Maxicold Rhino
OJSC Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Russia
- symptomatic treatment of colds, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, accompanied by high fever, chills, headache, runny nose, pain in the sinuses and throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and pain in muscles and joints.
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Paracetamol
You can buy Paracetamol in tablets, capsules, syrup, suspension and in the form of rectal suppositories. The active substance is paracetamol. The antipyretic is available without a prescription. This is the safest remedy, effective and prescribed for ARVI. Compared to other drugs, Paracetamol is weaker because it does not have an anti-inflammatory effect - for bacterial infections it is better to choose other tablets for fever. Paracetamol moderately reduces headaches and reduces general malaise. The temperature begins to drop 30-40 minutes after taking the drug, the effect lasts for 4-6 hours. Paracetamol is safe for both children and the elderly, pregnant and lactating women. The only exception is people with severe liver disease and chronic alcoholism. Paracetamol should not be taken with alcohol, for prophylaxis or as a course - only at high temperatures.
Paracetamol MS
Medisorb, Russia
Paracetamol is used for: relieving moderate or mild pain (headache, toothache, migraine, sore throat, neuralgia, myalgia);
reducing elevated body temperature during colds and other infectious and inflammatory diseases. Paracetamol is intended for symptomatic therapy, reducing pain and inflammation at the time of use, does not affect the progression of the disease. from 4
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Ibuklin
This is a complex antipyretic drug - here paracetamol and ibuprofen (antipyretic and NSAID). You can buy Ibuklin without a prescription; the product reduces fever well, relieves cold symptoms, reduces inflammation and body aches, and improves overall well-being. “Ibuklin” begins to act 20 minutes after administration, and the effect lasts 6-8 hours. Contraindications: liver and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal problems (ulcers, gastritis). Ibuklin should not be taken with alcohol.
Ibuklin
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, India
- symptomatic treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases (colds, flu), accompanied by fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat;
- myalgia; - neuralgia; - back pain; — joint pain, pain syndrome in inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system; - pain from bruises, sprains, dislocations, fractures; — post-traumatic and postoperative pain syndrome; - toothache; - algodismenorrhea. The drug is intended for symptomatic therapy, reducing pain and inflammation at the time of use, and does not affect the progression of the disease. from 78
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