Effective Fever Treatments In Hospitals

Fever is a rise in body temperature, usually caused by infection. Fevers caused by viral illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viruses. The severity of a fever is not necessarily related to the seriousness of an illness. For example, life-threatening meningitis might only cause a small temperature rise. A mild fever can help the immune system fight off an infection. However, a high fever can be dangerous and could trigger convulsions. If a fever is accompanied by any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for a fever depends on its duration and cause, as well as other symptoms. Medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever, but sometimes it is better to leave it untreated.

When to seek medical attention

Fever is a rise in body temperature, usually caused by an infection. It is one of the body's most effective ways of fighting infection, and is part of the body's defence against infection-causing germs.

• If you have a fever over 104°F (40°C), you should call your doctor.
• If you have a fever along with any of the following symptoms: an infection, such as the flu; coughing; abdominal pain; vomiting; diarrhoea; pain when urinating; a rash that does not blanche to skin pressure (this can be a sign of a life-threatening illness); hallucinations; neck stiffness; rapid heart rate; chills; muscle spasms; drowsiness; a severe headache that doesn't respond to painkillers; or unusual symptoms that concern you.
• If you have recently travelled overseas.
• If you have had fevers for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high.
• If you have a weakened immune system (from chronic steroid or immune-suppressing therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment).
• If you have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other long-term (chronic) lung problems.
• If you are concerned or worried at any stage, consult with your doctor.
• If you have a child with a fever, consult your doctor. Body temperature is not a reliable indicator of illness in babies and young children, but you should still seek medical advice.
• If your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dehydrated, or not sleeping well due to a fever, you should try to lower their fever.
• If your child is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4˚F (38˚C) or higher, seek medical attention.
• If your child is older than 6 months and has a fever of 104˚F (40˚C) or above, or a fever above 102˚F (38.9˚C) for more than 2 days, seek medical attention.
• If your child looks very ill, is very fussy, or very drowsy, seek medical attention.

Medication

For mild fevers, doctors may not recommend medication to lower body temperature as the fever may be helpful in reducing the number of microbes causing the illness. However, for fevers above 102°F (38.9°C), medication may be required to reduce discomfort. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever in children and adults. It is important to note that ibuprofen should not be used in children under 6 months old, and aspirin should not be given to children unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. These medications work by turning down the brain's thermostat and should be taken every 4 to 6 hours for acetaminophen and every 6 to 8 hours for ibuprofen.

In addition to medication, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and to dress in light clothing to avoid trapping body heat and making the temperature higher. For children, it is recommended to offer extra liquids like water, diluted juice, or Pedialyte if they are older than 6 months. Soft foods in small amounts are also suggested, but it is not necessary to force them to eat.

Fluids and rest

Fever is a rise in body temperature, usually caused by an infection. Fevers caused by viral illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viruses. In cases of mild bacterial infection, it is usually best to let the immune system handle the problem, rather than resorting to antibiotics.

If a fever is mild and there are no other problems, no treatment is required. However, it is important to ensure that the patient stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest. The patient should drink fluids such as water, soup, and gelatin. In the case of young children, it is recommended to avoid too much fruit juice or apple juice, and not to give them sports drinks. For older children, diluted juice, popsicles, or Pedialyte are good options. Babies under the age of one should continue to be fed breast milk or formula, and should not be given water.

It is also important to ensure the patient is dressed in light clothing, as overdressing can trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise further. For babies under one, it is recommended to use a sleep sack or wearable blanket, and to avoid loose blankets. Children over one should be covered with a sheet or light blanket.

Clothing and environment

Clothing and the surrounding environment play a crucial role in treating a fever. The primary goal of fever treatment is to reduce body temperature, and adjusting clothing and environmental factors can help achieve this.

For individuals with a fever, it is essential to wear light and loose-fitting clothing. Dressing in a single layer helps prevent overheating. In addition, avoiding extra blankets and clothing is recommended. For instance, instead of using heavy blankets while sleeping, a sheet or a light blanket is suggested. This practice helps regulate body temperature and prevents further increase in body heat.

Maintaining a cool room temperature is also important. Keeping the surrounding environment cool aids in reducing body temperature and preventing excessive heat buildup. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Water should be lukewarm rather than too hot or cold. Fluids help cool the body, improve heat loss through the skin, and prevent dehydration.

For children with a fever, sponge baths or lukewarm tub soaks are recommended. These bathing methods help lower body temperature and provide comfort. It is important to recheck the child's temperature 15 minutes after the bath and repeat the sponge bath if the temperature remains high.

It is worth noting that while clothing and environmental adjustments are crucial, they should be accompanied by rest and supportive care. Fevers typically resolve within a few days with proper management of these factors.

Physical examination

Medical History and Symptoms:

• Doctors will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including recent travel, exposure to illnesses, and any medications, vitamins, or supplements the patient is taking.
• They will also inquire about the duration of the fever, how it was measured, and any accompanying symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or pain during urination.

Clinical Examination:

• The physical examination will involve a thorough inspection of the patient's skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen.
• This examination aims to identify any visible signs or symptoms that could indicate the underlying cause of the fever.
• For example, a skin rash, redness, or swelling could provide clues about a possible infection or allergic reaction.

Vital Signs and Measurements:

• Vital signs, including body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, will be monitored.
• Body temperature will be measured using an appropriate thermometer, with rectal (for babies) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers being the most accurate and recommended methods.
• Monitoring these vital signs helps assess the severity of the fever and identify any potential complications.

Differential Diagnosis:

• The physical examination findings, along with the patient's medical history and symptoms, will be used to formulate a differential diagnosis.
• This involves considering various possible causes of the fever, ranging from infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic) to inflammatory conditions, adverse drug reactions, or even certain types of cancers.

Diagnostic Tests:

• If the cause of the fever remains unclear, further diagnostic tests may be necessary.
• These could include blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, or other imaging studies, depending on the suspected underlying condition.

The information gathered from the physical examination, along with any additional diagnostic tests, will guide the treatment approach. This may include medications to reduce the fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and supportive care to ensure the patient remains comfortable and well-hydrated.

Frequently asked questions