How to lower high fever (in adults and childrença)

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

Fever occurs when the body temperature is above 37.8°C if the measurement is taken orally, or above 38.2°C if the measurement is taken in the rectum.

This temperature change is more frequent in the following cases:

• Infection, such as tonsillitis, ear infections, or urinary tract infection;
• Inflammation,such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or giant cell arthritis.

Although it is rarer, fever can also occur in cases of cancer, especially when there is no other apparent cause, such as a cold or flu.

When the fever is not very high, being below 38º C, the ideal is to first try to use homemade and natural methods, such as bathing with warm water or white willow tea, and, if the fever does not decrease, consult the general practitioner to start treatment with antipyretic drugs, such as paracetamol, which should not be used without guidance.

Natural treatments to lower fever

There are several natural methods that can help bring a fever down before antipyretic medication is needed, and they include:

• Remove excess clothing;
• Stay close to a fan or in a ventilated place;
• Place a towel soaked in cold water on the forehead and wrists;
• Take a bath with lukewarm water, not too hot or too cold;
• Keep rest at home, avoiding going to work;
• Drink cold water;
• Drink orange, tangerine or lemon juice because it strengthens the immune system.

However, in the case of a child under 3 months of age, or a person with heart, lung disease or dementia, a general practitioner should be consulted immediately, especially if the fever is greater than 38ºC. The same applies to the elderly, who generally find it more difficult to assess their own temperature, since, over the years, some thermal sensation is lost.

Top pharmacy remedies

If the fever is above 38.9ºC, and if home methods are not enough, the general practitioner may advise the use of antipyretic remedies such as:

• Paracetamol,such as Tylenol or Pacemol;
• Ibuprofen,such as Ibufran or Ibupril;
• Acetylsalicylic acid, such as Aspirin.

These remedies should be used with caution and only in cases of high fever and should not be taken continuously. If the fever persists, the general practitioner should be consulted again to assess whether an examination is necessary to try to identify the cause of the fever, which may require the use of antibiotics to combat a possible infection. Learn more about drugs used to lower fever.

In the case of children, the dose of medication varies according to weight and, therefore, one should always inform the pediatrician before using any medication. Here's what to do to lower your baby's fever.

Home remedies options

A good way to lower the fever before resorting to an antipyretic remedy is to choose to drink warm tea to provoke sweating, thus reducing the fever. It should be noted that these herbal teas cannot be taken by babies without the pediatrician's knowledge.

Some of the teas that help reduce fever are:

1. Ash Tea

Ash tea, in addition to helping to reduce fever, also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve the discomfort associated with fever.

Ingredients

• 50g dried ash bark;
• 1 liter of hot water.

Preparation mode

Place the dried ash bark in water and boil for 10 minutes and filter. Drink 3 to 4 cups a day until fever goes down

2. Quineira Tea

Quineira tea helps to lower fever and also has antibacterial properties. Its action is enhanced when used in conjunction with white willow and elm.

Ingredients

• 0.5 g very thinly sliced rind of Quinoa;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the quinoa bark in the water and let it boil for ten minutes. Drink 3 cups a day before meals.

3. White Willow Tea

White willow tea helps to reduce fever because this medicinal plant has salicoside in its bark, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge action.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 g of white willow bark;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the white willow bark in water and boil for 10 minutes. Then filter and drink 1 cup before each meal.

There are other teas that can be taken to reduce fever, such as macela tea, holy thistle or basil, for example. See 7 Teas to Lower Fever Naturally.

What not to do when a child has a fever

Fever happens very often in children, causing great anxiety in the family, but it is important to avoid doing some things that could make the situation worse:

• Try to warm the child by wearing more clothes, or putting more clothes on the bed;
• Use medication to reduce fever at fixed times;
• Decide to treat fever with antibiotics;
• Insist with the child to eat normally and abundantly;
• Assume the fever is high due to a tooth eruption.

In some cases it is normal for children to have seizures because their brain is still immature, and the nervous system is more vulnerable to a rapid rise in temperature. When this happens, it is important to note the start and end times of the crisis, put the child on his side and reduce the room temperature until the child wakes up. If it is the first febrile seizure, go to the emergency room immediately.

When to go to the pediatrician

It is advisable to consult the pediatrician when the child's fever is accompanied by:

• Vomiting;
• Intense headache;
• Irritability;
• Excessive sleepiness;
• Difficulty breathing;

Furthermore, children under 2 years of age or whose body temperature exceeds 40ºC should always be evaluated by a pediatrician, as there is a greater risk of complications.