WHEN A FEVER STRIKES: HOME REMEDIES AND MEDICATIONS.

     

A temperature between 100F-101F in adults or children is considered a low fever. A high fever is when the body temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit in an adult (or above 101 degrees Fahrenheit in a child). A fever this high may indicate the presence of a serious infection that has triggered your immune system.

The fever is the immune system’s attempt to kill the infection. Very rarely, however, this immune response can result in a fever high enough to cause permanent harm or even life-threatening complications due to overheating.

WHAT CAUSES A FEVER?

            Fever is the result of an immune response by your body to a foreign invader. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, drugs, or other toxins. These foreign invaders are considered fever-producing substances (called pyrogens), which trigger the body's immune response. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point in order to help the body fight off the infection.

            Fever is a common symptom of most infections, and thus a risk factor for fever is exposure to infectious agents. In children, immunizations (such as flu shots) or teething in may cause low-grade fever. Autoimmune disorders, medication reactions, seizures, or cancers may also cause fevers.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A FEVER?

            A fever can cause someone to feel very uncomfortable. Signs and symptoms of a fever include the following:

·         Temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and children

·         Shivering, shaking, chills

·         Aching muscles and joints or other body aches

·         Headache

·         Intermittent sweats or excessive sweating

·         Rapid heart rate and/or palpitations

·         Skin flushing

·         Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded

·         Weakness

·         With very high temperature (> 104F/40C), convulsions, hallucination, or confusion is possible. Seek medical attention.

HOW IS A FEVER DIAGNOSED?

            Along with having the generalized symptoms of a fever, taking one's temperature with a thermometer can confirm the diagnosis of a fever. A temperature between 100F-101F in adults or children is considered a low fever while high grade fever ranges from 103F-104F. Dangerous temperature are high-grade fevers that range from over 104F-107F or higher (extremely high fevers are also termed hyperpyrexia).

TREATMENT

            When high fever strikes it is advisable to take immediate steps to reduce the body temperature. A Cool water bath or cold towel applied to the patient’s skin helps reduce his body temperature. Cool fluids taken orally will also rehydrate and reduce the patient’s body temperature. Below is a list of other natural ways and synthetic drugs (with their side effects and common brands) which reduces a fever. Next the cause of the fever should be identified and treated.

·        Fever Natural remedies.

1) Add a half cup of vinegar to lukewarm bath water and soak for five to ten minutes.

2) Boil artichokes and cook until soft. Eat the bottom part of the leaves.

3) Add one teaspoon of tulsi leaves to one cup of hot water, steep for five minutes, and drink three to four times a day. A high fever should be gone by the next day. Other herbs that can encourage sweating and bring out a fever are peppermint, elderflowers and yarrow.

4) Place a slice of raw onion on the bottom of each foot and wrap feet in a warm blanket.

5) Dip a washcloth in a bowl of warm water mixed with a cup of vinegar. Wring it out, and apply to the forehead to treat a high fever.

6) Add one teaspoon of mustard seeds to one cup of hot water, steep for five minutes, and then drink.

7) Slice a potato and soak the slices in vinegar for ten minutes. Then place the slices on the forehead while you lie down and place a washcloth on top. Results should be seen in about 20 minutes.

8) Place a slice of lemon on the bottom of the feet and cover with a wet cotton sock. Cover this sock with a wool sock. An alternate sock treatment is to soak two washcloths in egg whites, place this on the soles of the feet, and cover with socks.

9) Warm a mixture of two tablespoons of olive oil and two large crushed garlic cloves. Apply the mixture under the sole of each foot, wrap each foot with plastic, and keep on for the night. Olive oil and garlic are both wonderful home remedies for fever.

10) For a high fever, soak 25 raisins in half a cup of water. Crush the raisins into the water and strain. Add the juice from a half of a lime to the water and drink twice a day.

·        Fever medications

1.    IBUPROFEN stops the hypothalamus from raising the body temperature. It comes in 200 mg tablets purchased over the counter at a drugstore. It's OK to take one to two tablets every four hours to decrease one's temperature. Use the lowest possible effective dose. Children's doses are based on the child's weight.

Side effects of ibuprofen include nausea and vomiting, which may be prevented if the medication is taken with food. Rare side effects include diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and stomach pain. People with stomach ulcers or kidney disease, pregnant women, and those with an aspirin allergy should avoid ibuprofen.

2.    ACETAMINOPHEN also prevents a fever from occurring. It comes in 325 mg tablets or 500 mg tablets over the counter. It may also be available in liquid formulations. Again, one to two tablets every four hours should be used to eliminate a fever. Like many other medications, children's doses are based on the child's weight. New recommendations suggest that total dose should not be more than 3 grams per 24 hours in adults.

Side effects are rare, but some people are allergic to the medication. Extremely large doses (overdose) may cause liver failure. Therefore, people with liver disease and chronic alcohol users should avoid this medication.

Common brand names of acetaminophen are Aspirin Free Anacin, Feverall, Genapap, Panadol, Tempra, and Tylenol. Read the product label for specific ingredients described as acetaminophen. Many other drugs contain acetaminophen in combination with other drugs so medicines should be checked to ensure that the total dose, even with combination medicines, should not exceed 3 grams in 24 hours.

3.    A fever can cause anyone to become very dehydrated. Drink lots of fluids. Attempts to cool the skin may only make a person more uncomfortable. This may also cause shivering, which will actually increase the body temperature if the fever is being caused by an infection. Further therapy depends on the cause of the fever and the accompanying symptoms. Basic cold symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

4.    ASPIRIN is not the first choice drug for fever reduction; it should not be used in children. Aspirin may be toxic in large doses in adults or cause Reye's syndrome in children. Do not give aspirin to individuals 18 years or younger unless directed by a physician to give a specific dose.

5.    If the fever is caused by exposure to hot weather or overexertion (for example, heat stroke, hyperthermia, and heat exhaustion), the technique is different from treating any other fever. Neither acetaminophen nor ibuprofen will be effective. The person needs to be cooled immediately. If the person is confused or unconscious, seek emergency medical help immediately. While waiting for help, remove the person from the hot environment and remove his or her clothes. The body should be cooled with a wet sponge, and a fan should be directed over the person.

Seek prompt medical care if your fever is persistent despite treatment or causes you concern.

PREVENTION OF FEVER IN ADULTS

            Most fevers come from an infection. Individuals can help prevent the spread of infection and thus prevent fever.

·         The best way to prevent the spread of infection is to wash the hands frequently and avoid touching the face or mouth as much as possible.

·         Keep the home and work environment clean.

·         Avoid direct contact with sick people.

·         Do not share cups or utensils, towels or clothing, especially if they are not clean.

·         Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment when working with animals.

·         Make sure immunizations are current and get the appropriate preventive medication and immunizations when necessary if traveling to another country.

·         Do not use illegal drugs.

·         During strenuous exercise, stay well hydrated, wear cool clothing, take frequent breaks, and cool down after the workout. Avoid use of alcohol and drugs that can alter behavior and judgment, and don't prevent a person from seeking shelter from the heat.