Fever is one of the body's natural reactions against infections and diseases.... This complication occurs when the body temperature rises above its normal range, which is around 37 degrees Celsius.... Fever in itself is not dangerous.... But in some cases, it may indicate a serious problem and requires medical attention.

In this article from GCORP LLC health magazine, we will introduce you to the symptoms, causes and treatment of fever... We also explain the complications of not treating it... Stay with us until the end of this article.

How to measure body temperature?

To measure body temperature, you can use several types of thermometers or thermometers, including: oral, rectal, ear (tympanic), and forehead (temporal) thermometers.

Oral and rectal thermometers usually measure body temperature more accurately.. Ear or forehead thermometers are more convenient, but less accurate.. In infants, rectal temperature is slightly more accurate.

When reporting the temperature to the doctor, tell the number read and the type of thermometer used.

1... Measuring mouth temperature

• Place the oral thermometer on one side of the tongue and push it back.
• Hold the thermometer with your lips, not your teeth.
• After three minutes, remove the thermometer from inside the mouth and read the number on it.

If the child has a runny nose, clean his nose first.... Because mouth breathing affects the number reported when measuring body temperature.

If you had a cold or hot drink before putting the thermometer in your mouth, wait 10 minutes...then take your temperature.

2... Measuring the rectal temperature

• Clean the digital thermometer.
Moisten the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline
• Sleep the baby on the stomach or back.
• Place the thermometer 1 to 2 cm into the anus opening.
• After hearing the beep, take out the thermometer slowly and read the number on it.

3... Measurement of armpit temperature

• Place the oral thermometer under the armpit.
• Bring the arm close to the chest.
• Wait five minutes.
• Remove the thermometer from the armpit and read its number.

The temperature of the armpit is usually 0.5 degrees lower than the temperature of the mouth.

Symptoms of fever

The symptoms of this complication depend on its severity.

1... Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius)

If the fever is mild, it may:

• Make your cheeks red.
• Feel tired.
• Be warm to the touch.

You can generally carry out normal daily activities.

2... high fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius)

If your body temperature is high, you may:

• When you touch you feel warm.
• You feel like you're not well enough to go to work.
• You have pain.

3... very high fever (40°C or higher)

If your body temperature is very high, you want to stay in bed or be still... because you don't feel well enough to do normal activities.... Your body will also feel warm to the touch and you may lose your appetite.

Babies under three months with a fever should be seen by a doctor.... If your baby is three to six months old and has a very high temperature, call your pediatrician and ask him what works for a baby's fever.

Fever during pregnancy may be dangerous for the health of the fetus... If you are pregnant, your body temperature is 5.38 degrees Celsius or the fever lasts more than three days, see your doctor.

Note:

Many viral diseases such as dengue fever or bacterial diseases such as malt fever cause other symptoms in addition to an increase in body temperature. Paying attention to these symptoms helps to diagnose the disease faster... For more information, you can read the article "Dengue fever symptoms", "Malt fever symptoms".

Complications of fever

Children aged 6 months to five years are at risk of febrile seizures.. About a third of children who have a seizure once may experience this condition again in the next 12 months.. It does not allow.

In adults, untreated high fever can cause organ dysfunction and eventually failure.. Even moderate fever can be dangerous for adults with lung or heart disorders because it increases breathing and heart rate.. Elevated body temperature may also worsen the mental status of people with dementia.

Learn more: HMPV virus

The cause of fever in adults and children

Humans, like other mammals, have an automatic body temperature regulation system. The center of this system is located in the hypothalamus of the brain. There are also 2 groups of thermal receptors called thermoreceptors in the body: the first group is located in the hypothalamus and is called central temperature receptors, and the other group is thermoreceptors in the skin that receive the ambient temperature. Voluntary..

When the ambient temperature rises, you take off your clothes and go to the shade or turn on the air conditioner.. these are voluntary reactions... well.... in cold weather, the opposite of these actions happens.

You regulate your body temperature with a series of voluntary and involuntary reactions.... Under normal conditions, all these reactions lead to the temperature of the internal parts of the body remaining constant in the range of 37 degrees Celsius.... But the following factors increase body temperature and fever:

• Viral infection including dengue fever
• Bacterial infection such as typhoid, rheumatic fever and malt fever
• burning heat
• some inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism)
• Cancer tumor (malignant)
• Consumption of certain medications such as antibiotics and medications used to treat high blood pressure or seizures
• Some vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or covid (corona) vaccine

To learn about the causes of fever, we recommend reading the article "What is typhoid". Also remember that some diseases, including hay fever, contrary to their name, do not usually cause an increase in body temperature.

Treatment of fever

Now that you are familiar with the symptoms and causes of high fever in adults and children, you should be familiar with the ways to treat this disease.... Mild fever does not need medicine.... But in case of headache, pain or discomfort, you can use medicines such as acetaminophen.

Home Remedies

Recommended during fever:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water...try to drink 2-3 liters of fluids in 24 hours...this will reduce the risk of dehydration.
• Rest.
• Make sure the room temperature is right (not too hot and not too cold).
• If possible, leave a window open for ventilation... but avoid the cold.
• Use light clothes and sheets.
• Change your clothes and sheets regularly.
• Do not use hot water bottles or electric mats.

Ways to prevent an increase in body temperature

You can prevent fever by reducing your exposure to infectious diseases.... Here are some ways to avoid this complication:

• Get vaccinated against infectious diseases such as influenza and covid-19.
• Wash your hands regularly and teach your children how to do it properly.
• When you don't have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes as much as possible. Because these are the main ways for viruses and bacteria to enter the body.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and teach your children to do this.
• Avoid sharing your glass, water bottle and eating utensils with others.

Endword

Slight and temporary fever is usually not a concern... but high and continuous fever can be a sign of serious problems... especially if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, confusion or severe headache, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately... Diagnosing the cause of the fever and treating it in time can help prevent more serious problems and improve your condition faster.

You can visit the website of GCORP LLC and consult the best specialist doctors including general practitioners online or visit your favorite doctor through the online appointment system to see the general practitioner in person.... You can also have an online consultation with an infectious disease specialist or consult a specialist doctor through the online examination system.. Infectious disease specialist in person in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: hse, mayoclinic