If you are worried about your body temperature, we explain how to control it.
Fever can be worrying, due to the discomfort it generates and the consequences of maintaining a very high fever.
If our temperature exceeds 38.2 degrees Celsius (Cº), we are considered to be having a fever episode.
In this article we will talk about the causes of fever and we will give you tips so that you can lower it as soon as possible.
What is fever?
The normal body temperature of a healthy adult human being is marked at 37.5ºC on average, but this can vary up to 36.5ºC and be considered a normal temperature . The increase in temperature above 38.2ºC indicates that a process of fever has begun in our body.
Fever occurs when our hypothalamus , which is also responsible for regulating body temperature, detects pyrogens . These pyrogenic agents can be of endogenous origin (such as those generated by our own immune system) or of external origin, such as some components of the bacterial wall of certain microbes.
In contact with these pyrogenic agents, the hypothalamus orders to increase body temperature actively, for example by generating heat through brown adipose tissue, and passively, preventing heat loss through vasoconstriction of our circulatory system.
Fever is mainly a defense mechanism , since high temperatures facilitate the action of our immune system (up to a certain point), as well as making our body a more difficult place to colonize for pathogenic organisms, which generally prefer our temperature. remain at normal levels.
Letting a fever rise above 40 degrees has consequences that vary depending on the age and health status of those affected, but once we rise above 42ºC, the effects on our body become potentially lethal .
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8 tips to reduce fever
Moderate fevers , whose duration has not exceeded 4-7 days, can be controlled from home . Depending on the accompanying symptoms, as well as the duration and intensity of the fever, the best thing we can do is go to the health services to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Here are tips you can follow to lower a moderate fever from the comfort of your home.
1. Control the temperature
This is the first step to take if we detect a fever. Controlling body temperature through the use of thermometers, such as digital or mercury ones, allows us to know the severity of our fever . If we present temperatures above 39.4ºC, we should seriously consider seeking medical attention.
In addition, in the event that the fever gradually escalates, we will be able to explain to the doctor the evolution of our symptoms more clearly, which can be helpful for diagnosis.
2. Hydration
Fever makes us dehydrated, so keeping our body sufficiently hydrated is essential for symptom relief . We can consume liquids such as water, broths or infusions to stay hydrated and improve our physical condition, reducing the discomfort caused by fever.
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3. Do not force ourselves to eat
Food is important and should not be neglected because of illness. Even so, when we are feverish, nausea and loss of appetite sometimes make the last thing we want to do is eat something, even though we should. In these cases, drinking broths may be our best option to nourish ourselves while we hydrate.
It has been seen that on certain occasions fasting can help us lower the fever more quickly or help our body defend itself more effectively, accelerating our immune response. Our body can tell us that this is one of those situations by temporarily inhibiting our appetite.
4. Use cold compresses
The use of wet cloths or towels with fresh water will not lower our fever directly , but the relief they provide can reduce our stress and discomfort. The more comfortable we feel, the faster the symptoms of fever will pass, or at least we will suffer less while they last.
5. sleep
Sleeping allows our body to divert more energy resources to the defense and regulation functions of our body. If our immune system is working optimally and the infection is caused by pathogenic organisms, sleep can be a great ally in the fight against the invaders that try to colonize our body .
6. Take antipyretic medication
Reducing our fever is not always the best option. As we have mentioned, fever is a natural mechanism of our body to facilitate our immune response. Using antipyretic medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol will lower our fever and bring us relief, although there are experts who assure that lowering the fever in this way can lengthen the duration of the febrile process.
It is important to take this medication in its recommended dose and avoid giving it to children at an early age. Talk to your doctor or your pharmacist if you have questions about the use of medication, in addition to carefully reading the prospectus to determine the risks involved in taking it.
7. Take lukewarm baths
Cold baths, with ice or ice water can be detrimental to our health when we are sick. A warm bath, on the other hand, can relieve our body temperature and the pain caused by fever , while relaxing us.
8. Wear light and breathable clothing
Our body lowers its body temperature by sweating. Even if we suffer from chills, experts advise not to cover up too much to avoid a too rapid rise in temperature . This will help our body temperature to be better regulated and the fever does not reach such high temperatures.
When to go to the doctor
If fever is our only symptom and its duration does not exceed 4 days, nor does our temperature get too close to 40ºC, it can be incredibly unpleasant but have no long-term consequences for our health. Even so, there are certain cases in which we should go to the doctor as soon as possible :
- Fevers above 39.4ºC
- seizures
- hallucinations
- rashes
- very intense pain
- respiratory distress
- neck stiffness
In newborns under 3 months of age, any fever above 38ºC warrants advice and/or medical attention . For the rest, unless our doctor has told us otherwise, temperatures below 38.9ºC that do not present accompanying symptoms such as those listed above are not a cause for alarm, especially if their duration is short or they respond well to medication. antipyretic.
Bibliographic references
- Walter, EJ, Hanna-Jumma, S., Carraretto, M., & Forni, L. (2016). The pathophysiological basis and consequences of fever. Critical care (London, England), 20(1), 200.
- Walter, EJ, & Carraretto, M. (2016). The neurological and cognitive consequences of hyperthermia. Critical care (London, England), 20(1), 199
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.