How to break a Fever
A fever causes an elevation in temperature brought on by inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and bacterial and viral infections. Hyperpyrexia differs from a fever, which occurs when a person’s temperature is 105.8 degrees F and above. The average temperature is 98.7 degrees, and a low-grade fever is 99.1 F to 100.4 F; a moderate grade is 100.6 to 102.2 F, and a high grade is 102.4 to 105.8.
Fever temperature reads differently depending on the reading location. Rectal, tympanic, and urine readings are higher in temperature than oral and axillary readings. Individuals have different baseline temperatures, which can affect a fever.
A fever causes an increase in metabolic rate for every degree Celsius above average body temperature. Other effects of a fever include breaking down protein and fat for energy instead of glucose. Fevers serve to fight off infections.
Table of Contents
What Causes a Fever?
A fever occurs from a part of the hypothalamus in the brain with fever-activated neurons. These substances can cross over the blood-brain barrier and access the brain, causing the body to create illness symptoms.
Some causes of a fever include sepsis (74% of fever hospitalizations). Drug reactions can induce fevers in a hospital setting.
Some noninfectious causes of fever include medications, autoimmune disorders postoperative stress and immune-mediated processes.
Physical Effects of a Severe Fever
Hyperthermia, which is around 105.8 degrees, causes neurologic damage and effects on cognitive function. The cardiovascular system can cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the digestive system. The liver function can decline under an extended period of a high fever; there can be permanent damage after the fever fades. Kidney injury can occur, and an increase in temperature of only 2 degrees Celsius decreases the glomerular filtration rate. Spontaneous bleeding and slower clotting times can occur from a high fever.
A fever is an inflammatory response beyond the injury or infection site.
Call the doctor when you or someone you know has a fever above 100 degrees.
How to Break a Fever
Common over-the-counter antipyretic medicines to break a fever include Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Antipyretic medications reduce enzymes in the hypothalamus to reduce the proinflammatory mediators. Antipyretics are not for everyone and can cause discomfort and adverse effects.
How to Break a Fever Naturally
Apple Cider Vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal benefits have been proven effective in a study against Candida albicans and E.coli. The study showed no additional growth when apple cider vinegar was applied to the trays during incubation. Vinegar contains vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamins A, B, and C, and antioxidants. Vinegar improves circulation, which can boost healing and faster recovery.
Feverfew inhibits leukotriene production, which is an inflammatory mediator. Additionally, feverfew inhibits cytokines that respond to infection and injury in the body.
Echinacea suppresses cytokine production as well as allergy and inflammatory pathways. Echinacea works as an immune modulator to reduce respiratory infections. It can alleviate symptoms of cold, cough, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections. Research shows that echinacea reduces fever severity.
American Sweetgum is a leaf and seed that reduces oxidative stress and has antiviral properties.
Willow Bark is an effective pain reliever due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an active ingredient in aspirin.
Marshmallow root inhibits the replication of the flu (influenza) and is effective against infections like MRSA.
Herbs with strong antioxidant properties effectively treat fever caused by infection. Antioxidants slow cellular damage caused by free radicals as a result of infection.
How to Break a Baby’s Fever
The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) recommends using warm compress of herbs and plenty to drink. Using a warm apple cider vinegar compress on a child for 15 minutes decreases their temperature by 1-2 degrees more effectively than just warm water alone. Additionally, apple cider vinegar can be soothing to the skin and balance out the pH. Using a warm causes vasodilatation, so there is high blood flow, and the circulatory system can work more effectively at fighting infection.
Due to the possible damage to a child’s body from the side effects of common medications, using a homeopathic fever reducer may be a safer alternative, combined with cooling the body externally.
Dehydration is a common symptom in someone with a fever, especially children. Staying hydrated with electrolytes and water can help children and adults regulate their body temperatures effectively. In a study of dengue fever, proper hydration prevents some signs of dengue fever.
Hydration requires electrolytes and water to get water into the cells throughout the body. The study recommended five glasses of water.
Marshmallow root herb in body wash lower fevers in children in a shorter period than the control group. Also, there are no side effects compared to the children given acetaminophen. Marshmallow root loose herbs can be added to a bath or brewed as a tea to use as a wet compress.
Conclusion
Fevers can be drug-induced or as a result of infection. There are multiple ways to break a fever naturally from apple cider vinegar, electrolytes and marshmallow root. Focusing on reducing infection by using herbs can lower various symptoms throughout the body utilizing a holistic approach.
Megan Santiago
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