Home Remedies Of Fever
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Fever happens when a person’s body temperature rises above normal. Although fevers are generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort. A very high or persistent fever may necessitate medical attention, but most fevers can be treated at home.
The most common cause of fever is infection. In fact, developing a fever is the body’s way of assisting in the fight against the infection.
Other causes include inflammatory conditions, certain cancers, and adverse drug or vaccine reactions.
However, there are numerous home remedies for fever. Learn about some safe and effective fever home remedies for people of all ages in this article.
Home remedies for adults
When an adult has a fever, there are several things they can do to feel more at ease. These are some examples:
consuming plenty of fluids
The body uses more water to compensate for its elevated temperature during a fever. This can result in dehydration.
Rehydrating the body with water or an electrolyte replacement drink can help.
Resting
It takes a lot of energy to fight an infection. People should get as much rest as they can to help their bodies recover.
Taking a warm bath
When suffering from a fever, many people consider taking a cold bath. Shivering, on the other hand, will raise body temperature even further.
People can instead take a lukewarm or tepid bath to help their bodies cool down. A bath can also help to relax tense muscles.
Using over-the-counter drugs
Fever is usually treated without the use of medications. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications, on the other hand, can help reduce a fever and make a person feel more comfortable. Among these medications are:
ibuprofen
acetaminophen
naproxen
Lightly dressing
When a person has a fever, they may feel hot one minute and cold the next. Wearing too many layers traps heat against the body, raising it even higher.
People should dress in a few layers and add more if they become cold.
Home remedies for children and infants
Children’s fever treatments are very similar to those used in adults. There are, however, a few subtle differences.
To treat a fever, for example, children and infants should try:
Drinking plenty of water
Children with fever, like adults, require plenty of fluids. However, getting young children to drink more water can be difficult.
Alternatives that are more appealing include:
hot chicken broth
popsicles
flavored gelatin
fruit juice diluted
Resting
Children may feel better after using over-the-counter medications. As a result, they may become more animated and playful.
However, it is critical that children rest until their fever or illness has passed.
If a child is having trouble sleeping or relaxing, parents and caregivers can try reading them a story or playing soothing music.
Taking hot baths
When children are sick, they are unlikely to appreciate bathing. Another option is to place a warm washcloth on the child’s forehead to help relieve the fever.
Rubing alcohol should never be applied to a child’s skin to relieve a fever. When alcohol is absorbed through the skin, it can be dangerous.
Using over-the-counter medications
Medication is not usually required for a feverish child, as it is for adults. Taking over-the-counter medications, on the other hand, can help reduce a fever and make a child feel more comfortable.
Acetaminophen is one medication that is appropriate for children of most ages. Tylenol is the brand name for this medication.
The manufacturers of Tylenol claim that it is safe to use even in very young infants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not provide dosage instructions for acetaminophen in children under the age of two.
People who want to treat a young infant should seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist on appropriate dosages.
Certain medications are not appropriate for children under a certain age. These include aspirin, which is not suitable for people under the age of 16, and ibuprofen, which is not suitable for children under the age of three months or those weighing less than five kilograms.
Ibuprofen is also not recommended for children who have asthma.
Symptoms of fever
The body temperature is usually around 98.6°F (37°C). However, body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, especially during physical activity.
A low grade fever is defined as a body temperature of 100-102°F (37.8-39°C). When a person’s body temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C), they have a high grade fever.
A feverish person may also experience the following symptoms in addition to a higher body temperature:
sweating
chills
headache
muscle pain
appetite loss
fatigue
lethargy
Seizures can occur with extremely high fevers. These are known as “febrile seizures.” They are most common in children aged 6 months to 5 years. dependable source
A febrile seizure can cause the following symptoms:
twitching
rolling of the eyes
rigidity in the arms or legs
convulsions
consciousness loss
Febrile seizures usually last a few minutes and do not cause any serious health problems. A child who has had a febrile seizure in the past is more likely to have another one in the future.
When to see a doctor
People should seek medical attention if they or their children have a high or persistent fever that does not respond to medication.
It is also critical to seek medical attention if the fever is accompanied by any of the symptoms listed below:
pain or stiffness in the neck
light sensitivity
rash
dehydration
seizure
These signs may point to a more serious infection, such as meningitis.
Children and infants typically have lower thresholds for seeking medical treatment than adults. People should seek medical attention for a child who:
is under the age of three months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
is between the ages of 3-6 months and has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
has a fever that has lasted more than five days
has additional symptoms of illness, such as a rash
has dehydration symptoms such as sunken eyes, a lack of tears when crying, or dry nappies
is not eating and appears to be ill in general
Summary
Fever is a common infection and inflammation symptom. In most cases, a fever can be relieved at home.
A fever does not usually necessitate medical attention. Taking over-the-counter medications, on the other hand, can lower a person’s body temperature and make them feel more comfortable.
It is critical to remember that some medications are not appropriate for children under a certain age. Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist about appropriate treatments and dosages before giving them to a child or infant.
If a person or their child has a high or persistent fever that does not respond to medication, they should see a doctor. A fever that is accompanied by more serious symptoms of illness necessitates medical attention as well.