Temperature "good" and "bad". Why is fever dangerous and when should it be dealt with?

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:

1. fungal infection,
2. viruses,
3. bacteria, bacteria
4. 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.

RINZA® and RINZASIP® with vitamin C at a temperature of 39.6 °C

Medicines RINZA® and RINZASIP® with vitamin C, containing paracetamol6,7, help fight the symptoms of colds and flu and eliminate fever. Thanks to him, they have a pronounced antipyretic and analgesic effect. RINZAS® tablets and hot drink** RINZASIP® with vitamin C are used for adults and children over 15 years old, RINZASIP® for children with raspberry flavor can be given to children over 6 years old*6,7,8.

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The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional advice from a doctor. To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, consult a qualified specialist.

Literature:

1. L.I. Kalyuzhnaya. Heat disturbances and fever. / L.I. Kalyuzhnaya, D. A. Zemlyanoy // Pediatrician volume VI No. 1 2015, p. 124-133.
2. Yu.B. Belan. Fever in pediatric practice. / Yu. B. Belan, M. V. Starikovich // Attending physician. No. 10/13, 2013.
3. O.I. Pikuza. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes of fever of unknown origin in children. / O.I. Pikuza, A.M. Zakirova // PRACTICAL MEDICINE, No. 10 (111), 2021, p. 22-25.
4. Tsogoeva L.M. Fever of unknown origin (to help the practitioner). / Tsogoeva L.M., Snopkov Yu.P. // Emergency Medicine No. 5(60), 2014, p. 40-45.
5. V.M. Delyagin. Fever (new touches on an ancient painting). Consilium Medicum. Pediatrics. (App.) 2018; 2: p. 89-93.
6. Instructions for use of the drug RINZA®. Registration number: P N015798/01.
7. Instructions for use of the drug RINZASip® with VITAMIN C. Registration number: LS-002579.
8. Instructions for use of the drug RINZA® for children. Registration number: LP-001821.

*According to the instructions for use.

** In accordance with the instructions for use, the contents of 1 sachet (bag) must be filled with hot water and stirred until completely dissolved, resulting in a hot drink.

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.

When is it time to give antipyretics?

If we are talking about respiratory and other infections, as well as a common cold, it is important not to rush into taking antipyretics. The minimum threshold to which the temperature is not reduced is 38.5˚C. The only exceptions are those adults and children who, due to the individual characteristics of the body, cannot tolerate hyperthermia of any severity without convulsions.

Temperature plays an important role in the production of interferon, a protein that fights infection. This is especially important during viral infections, since only the immune system itself can overcome them. The longer the patient does not bring down the temperature, the more interferon the cells will produce, which means the body will be better armed against the pathogen.

If you take an antipyretic drug at the first sign of an increase in body temperature, the body will remain unprotected against the enemy, and the symptoms of the disease will torment the person longer.

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.

When to see a doctor

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Young people without concomitant pathologies should seek medical help if hyperthermia exceeds 39˚C. Patients belonging to risk groups (elderly, with chronic diseases, small children, pregnant women) should call a doctor at home even with a low-grade fever of 37.9˚C and a moderate fever of 38.0-39.0˚C, for a timely appointment therapy.

An ambulance team must be called if severe intoxication develops, signs of respiratory, cardiac, renal or multiple organ failure.

Emergency medical care is required for patients with fever with any signs of damage to the central nervous system (confusion, agitation or retardation, convulsions).

If a fever above 38.5˚C is not relieved by antipyretic drugs in recommended age-specific dosages within 48 hours, it is also worth calling an ambulance so that doctors can provide emergency care and resolve the issue of hospitalization [12].

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.

Temperature 39.6 °C in a child

In a small child, a temperature of 39.6 °C can appear both as a result of exposure to infections and allergens, and as a reaction to teething, stress, and overheating1,2,3,5. High temperature is dangerous for children, as it can cause complications on the cardiovascular system1,5. In addition, in young patients, the thermoregulation system is not yet sufficiently developed; they give off heat in greater quantities than they produce, and this can lead to hypothermia and illness.

What to do if a child’s temperature rises to 39.6 °C? It is necessary to immediately call a doctor and ensure that the baby is completely rested5. It would be a good idea to ventilate and humidify the air in the room. You can wipe the baby's face and neck with a towel that has been previously moistened with warm water. It is also worth giving a drug containing paracetamol, as it has a pronounced antipyretic effect and is safe for children, according to WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations5.

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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.

Which pill to choose?

This issue is decided by the doctor individually, depending on the age and concomitant diseases of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection.

For example, one patient may be prescribed ibuprofen, but this medicine has many contraindications. In particular, it should not be taken by patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, as well as elderly people, since against the background of a viral infection, their risk of bleeding may increase. As for aspirin, for this infection aspirin should not be prescribed under any circumstances.

Question answer

Why do electronic thermometers make mistakes so often? For high temperatures caused by COVID-19, the best choice, according to WHO, is paracetamol. It has an antipyretic and analgesic effect and is approved for use even in children (over 1 month), as well as pregnant and lactating women. Despite the fact that paracetamol has low toxicity and has fewer side effects than other antipyretics, this cheap and over-the-counter medicine should be taken very seriously. After all, its overdose threatens with dire consequences: the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, blood, heart, brain can be seriously damaged, and coma and death can even occur.

What to do if the temperature does not go away?

Contact the clinic. If you cannot determine which specialist you need, you should start with a therapist - he will assess your general condition and recommend that you take tests that will give a more objective picture (usually a general blood and urine test).

Our clinic provides a full range of medical services in all areas - our allergists, surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, and dozens of doctors of other specialties will provide you with qualified assistance. Here, in the clinic, you can undergo all the necessary tests. A serious plus is that all examinations and treatment measures will be carried out at a time convenient for you.

If you have previously been diagnosed with diseases that have become chronic, be sure to inform the doctor about them during your appointment - this will make it easier for him to navigate the list of examinations that you need to undergo.

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.

What is the danger of a temperature of 40 ° C?

A temperature of 40 degrees is a very dangerous symptom. Such severe fever is accompanied by increasing general dehydration, negatively affects the functioning of all internal organs and leads to severe overload of the cardiovascular system. The consequence of such stress for the body can be acute heart failure and other conditions (especially in elderly patients)1.

A temperature of 40 degrees can also provoke swelling of the nervous tissue with subsequent cerebral edema1. Symptoms of this process are a variety of neurological disorders and depression of consciousness1. Sometimes with such a fever, hallucinations appear and the patient begins to delirium.

In a child, a temperature of 40 °C can lead to seizures3,4,5. This is what makes it especially dangerous for children with neurological disorders.

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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.

Reasons for a temperature of 40 °C without cold symptoms

The cause of a temperature of 40 °C can be not only acute respiratory diseases and their complications. Such severe fever can be caused by:

• severe intestinal infections of viral or bacterial origin;
• a focus of purulent infection in peripheral soft tissues, chest or abdominal cavity, internal organs;
• sepsis;
• meningitis;
• pneumonia;
• consequences of toxic, ischemic or traumatic damage to the deep structures of the brain, accompanied by disruption of the functioning of the thermoregulation center;
• malaria (testing for this disease is mandatory for repeated episodes of a sharp increase in temperature up to 40 ° C with chills).1,2,4,5

There are many diseases that can occur with severe fever. And only a doctor can diagnose them. Therefore, if the temperature rises to 40 °C, you should not self-medicate; you should consult a specialist.

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Symptoms of fever

When a person has a temperature of 38.5, symptoms may be obvious even before it is measured with a thermometer. They arise in response to the action of pyrogens. Changing the balance of heat transfer and heat production can go in two ways:

• increased heat synthesis - typical for children, requires large energy expenditures;
• decreased heat transfer - spasm of small vessels, decreased blood flow to the extremities and skin, local decrease in body temperature.

Against the background of fever, chills occur - a feeling of cold. It is accompanied by involuntary trembling, as a result of which the temperature also rises. At the same time, the person tries to take cover, and drowsiness appears.

After the critical point of temperature increase has been passed, the body tries to maintain the achieved result. Peripheral vessels dilate, heat appears, and the skin becomes hot.