For a healthy person, the interval between 36.5 and 37 degrees is considered normal indicators of body temperature. 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. The intersection of the mark of 39 degrees indicates the need for urgent measures. In the article, we will consider how to bring down heat.
Causes of fever
An increase in temperature 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 the trigger mechanism, which raises the temperature of the body. What temperature to bring down in a child, we will find out below.
In the body at the time of temperature increase, 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.
Worsening well-being
These processes in the human body, as a rule, are accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, drowsiness, headache and other signs that are characteristic of a disease that provoked an increase in temperature.
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 malfunctioning of some organs and systems. That is why it is very important to know how to bring down the heat, especially if its performance is above 39 degrees. You can do this at home.
Diseases that trigger fever
Low-grade fever:
- Viral hepatitis B and C.
- Thyroid diseases (thyroiditis, diffuse and nodular goiter, thyrotoxicosis).
- Cystitis in the acute and chronic phase.
- Exacerbated chronic prostatitis.
- Ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, gonorrhea.
- Oncological pathologies.
Moderately elevated temperature (37-38 degrees):
- Chronical bronchitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Tuberculosis of the lungs and other organs.
- Chronic endocarditis and myocarditis.
- Chronic pyelonephritis.
- Chronic glomerulonephritis.
- Chronic salpingo-ooparitis.
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 the temperature may rise. This can only be determined by a specialist after a thorough examination of the patient.
So, consider how to bring down the heat.
Medical methods
A temperature above 38 degrees indicates that the body is actively fighting various infectious pathogens that die at these rates. For this reason, experts do not recommend to bring down the heat if it does not exceed 39 degrees. But what is the temperature to knock down a child?
For infants (under one year of age), the critical point is 38 degrees. With heat above this mark, complications are possible on the heart, nervous system, brain, kidneys, and dehydration. All these unpleasant consequences are possible only with long-lasting heat, but you need to bring it down immediately.
For kids older than a year, the critical mark is 39 degrees. The same complications are likely, but if the fever lasts a long time. Upon reaching critical indicators, it is necessary to quickly and effectively reduce the temperature. You should use any available methods. The main thing in this case is to achieve a result.
Active substances in the composition of drugs
Any antipyretic for adults and children are made on the basis of the following active substances:
- Ibuprofen.
- Paracetamol.
- Acetylsalicylic acid.
- Metamizole sodium.
Each of the above substances has a primary and additional therapeutic effect, however, they have both contraindications and a number of side effects. What can bring down the heat is interesting to many.
Paracetamol
The most common drugs based on paracetamol are considered “Coldact”, “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 to the patient's age. These drugs help relieve pain and heat. It should be borne in mind that paracetamol adversely affects the liver. If the dosage is exceeded, intense allergic reactions can occur.
Ibuprofen
On the basis of ibuprofen, such antipyretics for adults are made as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Novigan, etc. They can also not be taken more than four times a day. A single dosage in this case should not be more than 400 mg. Ibuprofen-based drugs are considered the safest among all similar antipyretic drugs. In addition, these drugs can relieve pain and inflammation.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid is a part of temperature-lowering tablets such as Askofen, Aspirin, Citropack, Citramon, etc. These medicines have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, respiratory and digestive organs. Preparations based on acetylsalicylic acid are contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
Medicines such as Baralgin, Analgin, Trialgin, Revalgin, etc. are made on the basis of metamizole sodium. They effectively relieve pain, but they have a reduced anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. The injection of the drug is most commonly used. Medications are not suitable for self-treatment without the supervision of a specialist, since significant allergic reactions can be observed against the background of their intake.
Choosing an antipyretic drug, it is recommended to give preference to single-component drugs. When combining several drugs, you must carefully read the instructions, as they may not be combined. The simultaneous administration of several drugs based on one active ingredient can lead to an overdose.
If vomiting begins against a background of elevated temperature, it is recommended to use suppositories. For children, preparations are made in the form of syrups. How to bring down the heat using folk methods?
Folk remedies for bringing down the temperature
At home, you can bring down the temperature with the help of folk remedies. It also happens that some recipes are more effective than certain drugs. In addition, such recipes have virtually no side effects, which makes them safe.
There are several folk remedies for heat, for example:
- Cool water to wipe. A cloth dampened with water should be used to wipe the temples, elbow bends, forehead and wrists. This will facilitate heat transfer and lower body temperature.
- Water with vinegar is also used for wiping. A similar mixture can wipe the entire body, including the face. Especially carefully should be moistened armpits, popliteal and elbow bends, neck. After the procedure, you do not need to wrap the patient, you must wait until the body gives up heat, and the temperature begins to drop. To bring down a high temperature in a child should not be vinegar.
- Rubbing 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 little vinegar. This mixture should be laid on gauze and used as a compress.
- Cabbage also has an antipyretic effect. The leaves need to be washed and slightly kneaded so that 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 be hot or cold, it should be pleasant to the 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 salt solution. This method of knocking down temperature is suitable for young children.
A mixture of honey, grated apple and onions is also a good way to get rid of heat. The composition should be taken orally by one spoon. Various herbal teas are no less effective, for example from raspberries, honeysuckle, strawberries and viburnum.
Sweatshops are also used to lower temperatures. Herbs such as St. John's wort, thyme, oregano, mint, birch buds cause excessive sweating, which helps reduce heat. How to quickly bring down the temperature at home?
High temperature drink
A special therapeutic role at high temperature is the water regime. This is due to the fact that heat leads to dehydration. To restore balance, you need to drink as much fluid as possible. In some cases, it is recommended to drink the patient even at night.
Most preferred are herbal teas with a diaphoretic effect. It is also permissible to water the patient with fruit drinks, juices, decoction of dried fruits and milk. The latter should be used carefully, as milk can cause fermentation in the intestines. Liquids should be at room temperature, not hot or cold.
Food
A balanced diet will also help maintain the body's resources during the period of illness. Through force, in case of loss of appetite, it is not necessary to feed the patient. It is necessary to emphasize the use of fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking. You can supplement the diet with products containing vitamin C. It is undesirable to eat spicy and fatty foods, as the body spends a large amount of energy on the digestion of such foods, necessary to restore strength. It is best to eat cereals, light soups, lean meat and fish, dairy products.
We examined 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 cope with this.