How to lower fever quickly

Fever is a common symptom of many diseases and infections. When the body temperature exceeds 37°C, it can be called a fever. Although it is a natural defense mechanism of our body, sometimes it can become bothersome and cause discomfort. In this article, we will show you some methods to quickly lower fever.

What causes fever?

Fever is caused by an immune response of our body to an infection or other pathological conditions. When the immune system detects the presence of bacteria, viruses or other pathogens in the body, it produces chemicals called "pyrogens" that act on the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus in the brain. This leads to an increase in body temperature.

Why lower fever?

Although fever is a natural defense mechanism of our body and often does not require any specific treatment, there are situations where it may be necessary to lower it. For example:

• If the temperature exceeds 39°C;
• If you experience discomfort or pain due to fever;
• If you have pre-existing heart or lung problems;
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In these cases, it is important to take measures to lower fever and reduce associated symptoms.

Measuring fever

Before starting any treatment to lower fever, it is important to measure it accurately. There are several ways to do this:

• Oral thermometer: this type of thermometer is placed under the tongue and held there until an acoustic signal is heard. It is important not to drink or eat anything before using the oral thermometer, as this could affect the temperature detected.
• Rectal thermometer: this type of thermometer is inserted into the anus and held there until an acoustic signal is heard. This method is considered the most accurate, but may be uncomfortable for some patients.
• Auricular thermometer: this type of thermometer is inserted into the ear canal and measures the temperature of the eardrum. It is important to position it correctly to obtain an accurate reading.
• Forehead thermometer: this type of thermometer uses an infrared sensor to measure the temperature on the forehead. It can be a convenient and fast option, but may not be as accurate as other methods.

Remember that each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that seems most suitable for your needs. In any case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to obtain an accurate reading.

Natural remedies to lower fever

Lowering fever is important to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you prefer natural remedies to over-the-counter drugs, here are some options you could try:

1. Water

Drinking plenty of water helps keep the body hydrated and regulate body temperature. Additionally, water can help reduce fever through sweating.

2. Herbal tea

Herbal teas like mint or lemon tea can help lower fever thanks to their anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.

3. Cold compresses

Cold compresses can help reduce fever by applying a cold cloth to the forehead or to parts of the body that feel warm to the touch.

4. Warm bath

A warm bath can help lower fever by soaking in water for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the water is not too hot as it could increase body temperature.

5. Water-rich foods

Eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help hydrate the body and regulate body temperature. Some examples include cucumbers, watermelons, and broth-based soups.

• Remember that these natural remedies may help alleviate fever symptoms but do not replace medical advice. If fever persists or occurs with other symptoms, consult a doctor.
• If you decide to use over-the-counter medications to lower fever, make sure to follow package instructions and consult a doctor if you have any doubts or concerns.

Fever-reducing medications

There are several types of medications that can help lower fever. These include:

• Paracetamol: is one of the most common and safe drugs for reducing fever. It acts on the hypothalamus's thermoregulatory center, which controls body temperature. Paracetamol can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup, or suppositories.
• Ibuprofen: is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help lower fever. Like paracetamol, it acts on the hypothalamus to reduce body temperature. Ibuprofen can be taken in the form of tablets or syrup.
• Aspirin: is another NSAID that can help reduce fever. However, aspirin should not be given to children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious disease that affects the brain and liver.
• Naproxen: is another NSAID that can be used to reduce fever. Like ibuprofen, it acts on the hypothalamus to decrease body temperature. Naproxen can be taken in the form of tablets or syrup.

It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication to lower fever. There are some medical conditions and medications that may interact with these drugs, so it is important to make sure you choose the right drug and take it in the right dose.

In addition, drugs should not be the only solution for lowering fever. It is also important to rest adequately, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain a healthy and balanced diet to help the body fight infection.

When to consult a doctor

Although most cases of fever can be treated at home, there are some situations where it is necessary to consult a Doctor. Here are some examples:

• The fever lasts more than three days and does not decrease with home remedies.
• The body temperature exceeds 39°C or drops below 35°C.
• Severe symptoms occur such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, mental confusion, or seizures.
• There are signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, reduced urination, or dark urine.
• The patient has a pre-existing medical condition that could compromise the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV.

In these cases, it is important to seek immediate medical assistance. A doctor can prescribe medications to lower the fever or perform further tests to determine the cause of the fever. Additionally, the doctor can monitor the patient's body temperature and provide specific recommendations to help control the fever.

Remember that fever is often a symptom of an underlying problem and should not be ignored. Always consult a doctor if you have doubts about your health or measures to take to lower your fever.

Conclusion

Knowing how to quickly lower a fever can be useful in many situations, but it is also important to understand when it is necessary to consult a doctor. By using home remedies and following the doctor's recommendations, you can alleviate fever symptoms and speed up the healing process. Always remember to maintain good personal hygiene and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight infection. We hope these tips have been helpful and wish you a speedy recovery!