WHAT are the causes that may lead to high body temperature (fever) and HOW you can treat them!

14/02/2021

Fever, also referred to as pyrexia, is defined as having a temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature set point.

A normal body temperature ranges between 37°C and 37.5°C, once elevated over 37°C, it indicates that your body may be fighting an infection, and this is how your immune system protects you against it.

The body temperature measured in the mouth is about half a degree Celsius lower than that measured under the armpit or rectum so please keep the variations in mind.

The main cause of high body temperature is viral infections or bacterial infection. The main characteristic of bacterial infections is sudden overheating and a tendency to recoil, as opposed to viral disease, in which the temperature gradually rises and lasts for a longer period.

Other diseases like rheumatism, inflammatory diseases and immunological disorders may also cause overheating of the body.

Depending on the cause of the fever, additional signs and symptoms of fever may include:

• Sweating
• Chills and trembling
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Anorexia
• Drought

Things to do to treat a high fever:

1) Make cold water compresses, place them on the forehead, and wipe the head out to absorb heat.
2) Sit in lukewarm or cold water if possible so that the temperature drops quickly.
3) Sit in a moderately heated room temperature.
4) The use of antipyretic drugs such as Stopadol (paracetamol), which is considered the fastest pain relief and fever reducer.