Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Fever, or pyrexia, is an increase in a person’s core body temperature above a ‘set point’ regulated by the body’s thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. This article discusses about the importance of reducing the fever and ways to do it.
Why is it important to bring the temperature down in fever?
Fever is a natural response of the body’s immune system to fight infection or inflammation. It is a sign that your body is trying to fight an illness or infection. In some cases, reducing the fever may not be necessary or may even interfere with the body’s healing process. However, it’s important to bring down a high body temperature during a fever for several reasons:
- Its metabolic costs outweigh its potential benefits in an already stressed host (patient).
- High fever can cause discomfort and can make it difficult to sleep or rest, which can interfere with the body’s natural healing process.
- High-grade fever can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially in young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.
- In some cases, high fever can cause seizures or convulsions, especially in young children.
- If the underlying cause of the fever is a serious infection or illness, bringing down the fever can help the body fight the infection and prevent further damage.
How to bring down body temperature in fever?
There are several ways to bring down a high body temperature during a fever:
- Medications, such as over-the-counter antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.
- Staying hydrated as fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, soups, broths, etc. is crucial.
- Wear light, breathable clothing to promote heat loss through your skin.
- Resting and avoiding any form of physical exertion is also important, as this can increase your body temperature.
Remember, it’s crucial to know that if a person’s fever is very high (over 103°F), lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing; they must seek medical attention right away.
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