Virus and bacteria on the offence
Researchers believe that fever manifests when the number of white cells increases
Fever, according researchers, occurs when the number of white blood cells necessary to combat aggression by external agents – such as viruses, bacteria or various substances – increases. By increasing activity, white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, are stimulated to produce substances known as endogenous pyrogens, or “fire-generating substances”. These substances act on the hypothalamus, the body’s temperature control centre – located in the brain – and push it to raise the temperature to help destroy harmful microorganisms.
Phases of fever
Fever evolves in three phases:
First phase. The organism sets in motion all its resources to raise the temperature. The peripheral blood vessels narrow down to remove blood from the skin, so that heat is not dispersed outside; in this phase, you may feel different intensity chills. Muscle activity and oxygen exchange are accelerated. In some cases, you may experience a headache, you sweat, your face becomes red, your breathing accelerates. The heart works faster, increasing its beats (8-10 more per minute for each additional degree of temperature). The mucous membrane of the stomach becomes inflamed and the secretion of hydrochloric acid decreases: that is why you feel less hungry during the presence of fever.
Second phase. The temperature remains at a higher level than normal. The body eliminates water and minerals, while body proteins are demolished to generate energy. When the fever exceeds 39 ° C, febrile seizures that often pass by themselves and generally have no consequences on their health are quite common in children aged between 6 months and 5 years.
Third phase. It can be rapid, with a return to normal temperature in a few hours, or slow, with a fever that takes several days to completely disappear.
How do you measure a fever
How a fever progresses is often very useful to the doctor. Many diseases are characterized by how the fever varies during the day and the week. Therefore, precise rules must be followed when measuring fever. First, it is necessary to note down the temperature, reporting the time and day on which it is recorded, so that the doctor can have a precise picture of its progress. Normally the temperature should be measured twice a day, in the early morning and late afternoon. It is recommended not to measure temperature after meals or following a hot drink.
Fever can be measured in three different reliable ways:
- Oral. To measure the temperature in the mouth, the thermometer must be placed under the tongue or between the gums and the cheek. The thermometer should stay in place for 2-3 minutes. Hot or cold food should not be ingested before measurement.
- Cutaneous. To detect the temperature in the armpits or even in the folds of the groin, the thermometer must be kept for 4 minutes. Special attention should be given to dry sweat. Before measuring it, do not utilize cold compresses or an ice pack in the area.
- In the rectum. If you decide to measure fever in the rectum you must buy the appropriate thermometer, equipped with a bulb longer and thinner than the one used for the other measurements. The thermometer is introduced for about 3-4 cm and should be kept for in position for 1 minute. This method of measuring temperature is not suitable in case of hemorrhoids or other inflammations in the area. You must take in consideration that the temperature of the rectum is about 0.5 °C higher than the oral and axillary ones.
Which pharmaceuticals should you use?
The substances used to lower body temperature are anti-febrile drugs, such as antipyretics. They prevent the production of prostaglandins (substances derived from arachidonic acid, which accomplish various biological actions, for example, intervenes in the mechanisms of inflammation), limiting the development of inflammation and, therefore, preventing the rise in temperature and reducing pain. Their use is suggested when temperature exceeds 38°C, or even below this temperature if you show severe headache or muscle pain.
Antipyretic therapy should always be done when you suffer from heart or lung failure: the fever, in fact, could increase the body’s need for oxygen.
Although they are mainly used to combat pains of different nature, even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – working on the same mechanisms as antipyretics – have the effect of lowering the body’s temperature. Additionally, there are products that bring together two or more active ingredients. Usually the doctor does not recommend these associations, because of their complementary mechanisms. As for antibiotics, they will be prescribed if helpful.
Anti-febrile drugs treat the symptom, not the cause: if after a couple of days the fever doesn’t show signs of decreasing, it is good to seek medical attention, because it could be due to something different from a minor seasonal viral infection (cold or flu), such as a bacterial infection (e.g. bronchopneumonia) or a more dangerous infection.
Home-made remedies
To lower a very high temperature, sponging with water at a temperature of about 27-34 ° C can be used: its function is to ensure rapid heat dispersion, facilitating the reduction of temperature. The use of cold water is contraindicated as it causes peripheral vasoconstriction and the onset of chills. The consumption of liquids must also be strengthened: reduced hydration can cause the temperature to rise by 1 ° C and more. Additionally, drinking is essential to both compensate for the increased loss of water through the evaporation that occurs during the feverish episode, and to preserve an optimal blood flow that help heat dissipation. Finally, it is recommended have a rest, avoid covering yourself excessively, not to exercise and to use light clothing in order to favour the dispersion of heat.
When to ask for medical attention
Usually, fever does not require medical attention, but there are some cases where a visit may be essential. It is therefore important for the patient to describe the progress of the fever and additional other symptoms that may accompany it.
Specifically, medical intervention is required when:
- Fever is accompanied by vomiting or sudden breathing difficulty.
- Fever exceeds 40°C. Very rare occurrence, often a symptom of poisoning or a heat stroke.
- Fever exceeds certain limits (above 39 ° C) in those suffering from heart problems.
- Temperature does not drop after 48 hours even if modest.
- Fever affects children under 6 months of age or the elderly.
- Fever occurs after a day spent in the sun or in a very hot environment.
- Urinary discomfort, abdominal or chest pain.
Source:
