lower fever |
lower fever at home
It is important to know how to reduce fever at home in order to improve your well-being during a cold. Healthline tells how to do this and in which cases you need to see a doctor.
Material content
How to lower fever at home: the right steps
How to lower fever at home: assessing the situation
How to lower fever at home: differences in temperature readings
How to reduce fever at home: when to see a doctor
Babies and toddlers
Young children and teens
Adults
How to lower fever at home: other recommendations
How to lower fever at home: the right steps
If you or someone you care for has a fever, follow these steps to fix it:
• Measure temperature and evaluate symptoms. If your temperature reaches 38 ° C or higher, then you have a fever.
• Stay in bed and relax.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, iced tea, or very diluted juice can help you cope with colds faster.
• Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to lower your temperature. Pay attention to the correct dosage and do not take them with other medicines that reduce fever. You should not give aspirin to your child without consulting a doctor. Children under 6 months of age should not be given ibuprofen.
• Take warm baths or use cold compresses to make you comfortable.
• But no matter what your temperature, consult a doctor.
Fever is the body’s response to fighting infections caused by viruses or bacteria. Heat may also result from sunburn or vaccinations.
How to lower fever at home: assessing the situation
A healthy adult with a low temperature may feel like he was hit by a truck, but a child with a high temperature can sometimes feel quite comfortable.
Fever is not a common symptom. If you have a fever, then you may encounter the following symptoms:
• feeling of weakness;
• loss of appetite;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• increased sweating;
• chills;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• rash.
If your temperature exceeds 39.4 ° C, you should consult a doctor immediately. It is also worth doing if you experience hallucinations or convulsions.
How to lower fever at home: differences in temperature readings
Most people have a base temperature of 37 ° C, although some people have a slightly higher or lower temperature. Different types of thermometers can give different results. It is believed that you have a fever if the thermometer reads 38 ° C or higher.
If you use an axillary thermometer, the temperature will be about 1 ° C lower, so temperatures above 37 ° C will be fever.
Many pediatricians recommend using rectal thermometers for babies. Discuss with your doctor which type of thermometer is best to use.
How to reduce fever at home: when to see a doctor
How and when to treat a fever usually depends on your age. Lack of treatment can lead to serious complications in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Babies and toddlers
Babies under the age of 3 months should be examined by a doctor if they have a high temperature (38.4 ° C or higher).
Children from 3 to 6 months may not need treatment for a fever up to 38.9 ° C. If your child has other symptoms or the temperature rises above 38.9 ° C, you should call your doctor.
Children aged 6 months to 2 years with a temperature not exceeding 38.9 ° C can take OTC drugs under the supervision of a doctor. Tell your doctor if the fever lasts more than a day.
Young children and teens
Children between the ages of 2 and 17 do not usually need medication to lower their temperature to 38.9 ° C. Medications can help them if they experience symptoms such as irritability or muscle pain.
If the temperature rises above 38.9 ° C, medications can be used to reduce it. If the fever lasts more than three days, you should consult your doctor.
Adults
Adults usually do not need medication for temperatures below 38.9 ° C. Fever above this number can be reduced with medication. If your temperature rises above 39.4 ° C or your body does not respond to treatment, you should consult a doctor. Adults with fever and other symptoms, such as severe body pain or shortness of breath, need to make an appointment with a doctor immediately.
Fever in adults over 65 does not automatically require special treatment, although you should be aware of symptoms such as shortness of breath or confusion. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
How to lower fever at home: other recommendations
If you have a compromised immune system, you need to see a doctor. Immune system disorders are common in people with HIV, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
Fever is often a sign of infection. Sometimes these infections spread quickly or are difficult to treat. Therefore, if you have a compromised immune system, it is important to immediately receive medical attention at elevated temperatures.
Now you know how to lower fever at home. These tips will help you maintain your health.
Post a Comment