Adult fever: when and how to treat it?

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Extract from the article: Fever is not an illness in itself that must be fought. It is often simply a rise in temperature. On the contrary, it's a sign that the body is actively defending itself against an aggressor. When it's hard to cope with, here are some tips on how to c

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Fever is not an illness in itself that must be fought. It is often simply a rise in temperature. On the contrary, it's a sign that the body is actively defending itself against an aggressor. When it's hard to cope with, here are some tips on how to calm it down naturally.

The average normal body temperature is 37°C, i.e. between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, depending on the individual. A fever occurs when the temperature exceeds 37.5°C. But between 37.5°C and 38.2°C, it's more commonly referred to as febrile ("low-grade fever").

What is a fever?

A fever is a rise in temperature, which indicates that the body is defending itself against an aggression, such as an infection. Faced with an aggressor, the body sets up several mechanisms to destroy the aggressor, many of which produce heat, hence the rise in temperature.

Causes associated with fever

The most common cause of fever is microbial infection, but it can also be due to intoxication (spoiled food, toxic fungi, snake venom, etc.), allergens in allergy sufferers, or extensive tissue destruction due to injury or surgery.

The symptoms

Symptoms of fever include general malaise, pain in the limbs, a feeling of despondency, chills, loss of appetite and profuse sweating when the fever drops.

Fever: when should you worry?

Fever is often difficult to tolerate when the temperature is very high (39°C or more) or lasts too long and wears off.You may also feel intense pain, spasms, severe headaches or even experience an episode of delirium, when your speech becomes confused.It's important to keep an eye on the fever, as the patient can rapidly lose strength. Exhausted, the body can no longer defend itself effectively against the aggressor. It is therefore important to ensure that the fever remains well tolerated, and if not, to try to bring it down.

Rest and herbal remedies

In case of fever, the best remedy is to lie down, rest and drink plenty of fluids. The temperature should only be lowered if the fever is unbearable or the patient's condition is likely to worsen.Several febrifuge (fever-reducing) medicinal plants are recommended. Don't hesitate to ask a physiotherapist or general practitioner for advice.

Some remedies

Hydrotherapy, treatment with cold water, is one way to reduce fever.Contact with cold water causes the body to lose excess heat.The most common application is to wrap certain parts of the body in a damp cloth.Calves, for example, can be wrapped in cloths that have been soaked in cold water and then lightly wrung out. Change the cloth after a few minutes and repeat 3 to 4 times, 3 times a day.

Fever medication: beware of self-medication

Paracetamol is the reference molecule for fever and pain.Aspirin also lowers temperatures when they are high. Before taking any medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.Beware of self-medication, which can lead to a combination of medicines that are not necessarily compatible. A febrile state is tiring, so take care of yourself by resting and staying well hydrated every day.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Jean Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at Clinique Floréal (Lomé)