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Fever is more than just a rise in body temperature. It is the body's normal reaction to an infection, which usually means something is wrong. Although the slight increase in fever may not be life-threatening, it is still pretty miserable and makes one tired. Many people try to self-treat a fever at home with different remedies before rushing to the doctor. But which remedies actually work? In this blog, we are going to talk about which home fever remedies really work and which ones don't, and when you really need to see a doctor.
Understanding Fever
The fever usually occurs when your temperature rises above its normal range of 98.6°F (37°C). The common causes are viral infections, bacterial infections, inflammatory conditions, heat exhaustion, or even the side effects of some medications. Although a fever in and of itself is not particularly dangerous, it serves as an indication of a disease that the body is battling.
The following are the most common fever symptoms:
- High body temperature
- Sweating
- Chills and shivers
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Effective Home Remedies for Reducing High Body Temperature
Some home remedies can efficiently help you lower a raised temperature or at least make you feel better. Here are some that really work:
Keeping well-hydrated
The single most important thing anyone who has a fever can do is drink plenty of fluids. While you have a fever, you will likely sweat more than normal, and you will lose fluids. Fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths will help replace lost fluids so that you do not get dehydrated, and they might even assist in lower your temperature. Hydration cools your body from the inside out and gives your immune system the energy needed to fight off infection.
Rest
It's a must to rest if you have a fever. Fighting off an infection or any other root cause of your fever requires all your energy. Resting is the best way to save all of your energy. This sleep will assist the body in repairing and recovering, and it may even help to bring the fever down faster.
Cool Compresses
Place a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, neck, or wrists to help bring down a fever. This home remedy pulls the heat away from your body, keeping you cool and more comfortable. Avoid icy cold water, however, because it can cause shivering that may raise your body temperature.
Take a warm bath
A lukewarm bath will help cool down your body if you have a raised temperature. The water should be cooler than your normal temperature, but not cold. This method, like the cool compress treatment, lowers your body temperature through evaporation. Avoid taking cold baths, as they can induce shivering, which in turn can increase your body temperature.
Dress lightly
Keep your body temperature down by wearing light, loose clothing and keeping your surroundings cool. Heavy clothing or blankets may work as a hot compress by trapping warmth and heating up your body more. Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and throw on a light sheet if you feel you must cover up.
Home Remedies That Do Not Work
Wrapping up in blankets
One such misconception is that bundling up in heavy blankets is a solution to "sweat out" the fever. However, what it will actually do is trap the heat and raise your body temperature, making the fever worse. Use a light blanket if you feel cold, but steer clear of thick layers to prevent overheating.
Alcohol
Some believe beer can "disinfect" the interior of the body and help drive down a fever. This is a dangerous myth. Alcohol dehydrates the body and can weaken the immune system, allowing infection to take greater hold. It also might react poorly with drugs, leading to further complications.
Cold Showers or Ice Baths
Even though it may seem logical to run off to take a cold shower or plunge into a bath of ice, this reasoning in fact causes the body to shiver. Shivering increases the body temperature. Instead, it is better to use a lukewarm bath and let the temperature drop gradually rather than make oneself go through extreme cold.
Starving the Fever
The old wives' tale "starve a fever" is archaic and just plain wrong. The truth is that your body needs nutrients and energy to fight off an infection when you have a fever. Light, nutritional meals that are light on the stomach, like broth-based soups, fruits, and whole grains, can really help your immune system win the battle and get you back on your feet faster.
When to seek medical attention
You can manage the vast majority of fevers at home. Sometimes, though, professional medical care is required. You should seek professional care in the following cases:
- Your fever has persisted for three days.
- You have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion, or seizures.
- A rash, along with the fever, appears.
- Your temperature exceeded 103 °F (39.4 °C).
- A fever in a child or infant has been present for more than a day or two with a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C); the child is acting sick in other ways, such as being too sleepy or irritable.
Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals
Do not put home remedies above professional care if home remedies fail to take care of your fever or if the fever is accompanied by serious symptoms. At Continental Hospitals in Hyderabad, we provide comprehensive treatment options for fevers and the diseases underlying them. Our highly experienced doctors are able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases and thereby assure you of the right care to recover quickly and safely.
Why Continental Hospitals?
Many of our doctors are well-educated and expertly trained in managing a variety of conditions, including those that may result from a fever. Advanced Diagnostic Tools: In diagnostic tests, we use some of the most advanced tools to ensure that we identify the exact cause of your fever and find the best way to treat it. Patient-Centered Care: At Continental Hospitals, we believe in keeping you at ease and comfort during your treatment process while paying extra attention to your needs.
Conclusion
Simple home remedies can usually control fever, a common symptom, but it's important to know which ones are truly effective and which ones are not. Some beneficial methods of reducing the fever include keeping hydrated by resting and using cool compresses. Conversely, we should steer clear of other methods, such as alcohol rubs and ice baths. If a fever is persistent or very high and there are other serious symptoms, it's better to seek medical care.
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