For a he althy person, the normal range of body temperature is between 36, 5 and 37 degrees. Body temperature is an indicator that reflects the balance of heat in the body, which depends on the heat exchange of the skin with the environment and various organs.
If the temperature rises, this indicates pathological processes occurring in the human body. Crossing the mark of 39 degrees indicates the need for urgent action. In the article, we will consider how to bring down the high temperature.
Reasons for rising temperatures
Fever is a characteristic protective reaction of the body and the immune system to certain stimuli. When the body is attacked by pathogenic bacteria, immune processes are activated, due to which the synthesis of special proteins - pyrogens - begins. It is these particles that act as a trigger mechanism, whichraises body temperature. We will find out below what temperature to bring down in a child.
In the body at the time of the rise in temperature, the active production of antibodies and interferon begins, which contributes to the inhibition of harmful microorganisms. Accordingly, the higher the body temperature, the greater the amount of interferon produced by the body.
Feeling worse
These processes occurring in the human body, as a rule, are accompanied by deterioration of he alth, drowsiness, headache and other signs that are characteristic of the disease that provoked fever.
When the temperature rises above 39 degrees, negative processes begin that affect the nervous system. High temperature causes dehydration, lowering blood pressure, circulatory disorders and leads to malfunctions of some organs and systems. That is why it is very important to know how to bring down the high temperature, especially if it is above 39 degrees. You can do it at home.
Diseases that cause fever
Subfebrile temperature:
- Viral hepatitis B and C.
- Thyroid diseases (thyroiditis, diffuse and nodular goiter, thyrotoxicosis).
- Cystitis in acute and chronic phase.
- Exacerbated chronic prostatitis.
- Ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, gonorrhea.
- Oncological pathologies.
Mildly elevated temperature (37-38degrees):
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Asthma.
- Tuberculosis of the lungs and other organs.
- Chronic endocarditis and myocarditis.
- Chronic pyelonephritis.
- Chronic glomerulonephritis.
- Chronic salpingo-oophoritis.
High temperature (above 39 degrees):
- Flu.
- Angina.
- Chickenpox
- Pneumonia.
- Acute pyelonephritis.
- Acute glomerulonephritis.
- Gastroenterocolitis.
- Encephalitis and meningitis.
- Viral hepatitis A.
There are quite a few reasons why temperatures can rise. Only a specialist can find out after a thorough examination of the patient.
So, let's look at how to bring down the heat.
Medicated methods
Temperature above 38 degrees indicates that the body is actively fighting various infectious agents that die at such rates. For this reason, experts do not recommend bringing down the heat if it does not exceed 39 degrees. But what temperature to bring down in a child?
For babies (up to a year old), the critical point is 38 degrees. If the heat is above this mark, complications in the heart, nervous system, brain, kidneys, dehydration of the body are possible. All these unpleasant consequences are possible only with a long-lasting heat, but you need to bring it down immediately.
For babies older than a year, the critical mark is 39 degrees. The same complications are likely, but if the fever persists for a long time. Upon reaching critical indicators, it is necessary to quickly and effectively reduce the temperature. In this case, any available methods should be used. The main thing in this case is to achieve a result.
Active ingredients in formulations
Any antipyretic drugs for adults and children are based on the following active substances:
- Ibuprofen.
- Paracetamol.
- Acetylsalicylic acid.
- Metamizole sodium.
Each of the above substances has a main and additional therapeutic effect, but they have both contraindications and a number of side effects. What can bring down a high temperature is interesting to many.
Paracetamol
The most common drugs based on paracetamol are Koldakt, Ibuklin, Teraflu, Coldrex, Panadol, Efferalgan, Rinza and others. They should not be taken more than four times a day, and it is also necessary to adhere to dosages appropriate for the age of the patient. These drugs help relieve pain and fever. It should be taken into account that paracetamol adversely affects the functioning of the liver. If the dosage is exceeded, severe allergic reactions may occur.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen-based antipyretics for adults such as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Novigan, etc. are produced. They also cannot be taken more than four times a day. A single dosage should not be more than 400 mg. Ibuprofen-based preparations are considered the safest among all similar antipyretics. In addition, these drugs can relieve pain and inflammation.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid is part of such tablets that bring down the temperature, such as Askofen, Aspirin, Citropack, Citramon, etc. These medicines have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs and digestion. Preparations based on acetylsalicylic acid are contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
Such medicines as "Baralgin", "Analgin", "Trialgin", "Revalgin", etc. are produced on the basis of metamizole sodium. They effectively relieve pain, but have a reduced anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. The most commonly used injection of the drug. Medications are not suitable for self-treatment without the supervision of a specialist, as significant allergic reactions may occur during their use.
When choosing an antipyretic drug, it is recommended to give preference to one-component products. When combining several drugs, you must carefully read the instructions, as they may not be combined. Simultaneous use of several drugs based on the same active ingredient can lead to an overdose.
If vomiting starts against the background of fever, it is recommended to use suppositories. For children, preparations are made in the form of syrups. How to bring down a high temperaturehelp folk ways?
Folk remedies to bring down the temperature
At home, you can bring down the temperature with the help of folk remedies. It also happens that some prescriptions are more effective than certain drugs. In addition, these recipes have virtually no side effects, making them safe.
There are several folk remedies for high fever, for example:
- Cool water for rubdown. With a cloth dampened with water, it is necessary to wipe the temples, elbows, forehead and wrists. This will promote heat transfer and lower body temperature.
- Vinegar water is also used for rubdowns. You can wipe the whole body with a similar mixture, including the face. Especially carefully should be moistened armpits, popliteal and elbow bends, neck. After the procedure, it is not necessary to wrap the patient, it is necessary to wait until the body gives off heat, and the temperature begins to fall. Vinegar should not be used to bring down a child's fever.
- Sponge with a decoction of green grapes or its juice. This method is suitable for treating even the smallest patients.
- Compress can be made from raw potatoes. It is rubbed and mixed with a small amount of vinegar. This mixture should be put on gauze and used as a compress.
- Cabbage also has an antipyretic effect. The leaves must be washed and mashed a little so that the juice begins to come out of them. Then they are placed on the forehead and chest.
What else helps bring down the temperature? A warm shower can be very effective. Water should not behot or cold, it should be a pleasant body temperature.
In some cases, an enema is used. However, it should not be with pure water, but, for example, with a decoction of chamomile or a s alt solution. This way of bringing down the temperature is suitable for young children.
A mixture of honey, grated apple and onion is also a good way to get rid of high fever. The composition should be taken orally in one spoonful. Various herbal teas are no less effective, for example, from raspberries, honeysuckle, strawberries and viburnum.
Sweatshop natural drinks are also used to reduce fever. Herbs such as St. John's wort, thyme, oregano, mint, birch buds cause increased sweating, which helps reduce fever. How to quickly bring down the temperature at home?
Drinking at high temperature
The water regime has a special therapeutic role at high temperatures. This is due to the fact that the heat leads to dehydration. To restore balance, you need to drink as much fluid as possible. In some cases, it is recommended to give water to the patient even at night.
The most preferred are diaphoretic herbal teas. It is also permissible to give the patient water with fruit drinks, juices, a decoction of dried fruits and milk. The latter should be consumed with caution, as milk can cause fermentation in the intestines. Fluids should be at room temperature, neither hot nor cold.
Food
A balanced diet will also help maintain the body's resources during the period of illness. Through force, with loss of appetite, it is not necessary to feed the patient. Emphasis should be placed on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as on drinking. You can supplement the diet with foods containing vitamin C. It is undesirable to eat spicy and fatty foods, since the body spends a large amount of energy needed to recuperate to digest such dishes. It is best to eat cereals, light soups, lean meat and fish, dairy products.
We looked at how to quickly bring down the temperature at home. There are a great many reasons for its increase, therefore, if you are not a doctor, do not try to diagnose yourself, a specialist will better deal with this.
