Why does fever rise?
Fever is a normal response of the body to foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When the body recognizes a foreign
invader, the brain acts to increase body temperature. Most bacteria can only withstand a certain
temperature range and cannot survive beyond that. Fever
does not rise as a result of damage to the body by microbes, it occurs as a reaction to this situation when the body
is exposed to microbes. Fever increases antiviral substances produced by the body and minerals such as copper and
zinc. These increase the body's resistance to infection.
What is normal body temperature?
Different areas of the body are at different temperatures. For example, liver temperature is in the range of 40.5 C or higher for some enzymatic
reactions. Skin temperature is between 33.5-35 C
. If you ask someone what the normal body temperature is, they will definitely answer 37 C
. However, this is an average value. The normal temperature range for most people is
35.5 -37.5 C. The temperature is normally lowest in the morning and highest between 16:00 and midnight
. A woman's fever rises during ovulation and is slightly higher than normal during pregnancy. Children's body
temperature is variable due to their body size and activity levels.
Where should the temperature be measured?
Fever, It can be taken under the tongue with a mercury thermometer for 3-5 minutes. However, the
use of this thermometer is prohibited. Sublingually is a standard place to take temperature. Temperatures can be taken rectally
in the same way, although rectal temperatures are usually one degree higher than sublingual. This represents a temperature close to body
temperature. The axillary region (armpit) is the most misleading area. This place is usually 0.5 C cooler than
sublingually. In daily practice, if the temperature is taken rectally, one degree is subtracted; if it is taken from the armpit, one degree is added. External ear canal temperature is measured with an infrared
probe and is increasingly used. A possible ear infection /
disorder (otitis media) v The plot may give incorrect information. The best way to take ear temperatures is to measure them three
times and average the results.
What is high fever and what are its dangers?
Fever is any temperature between 37.5 -40.5 C. In particular, parents worry that high fever
will damage their child's brain. However, unless the hypothalamus, which is the brain's temperature regulator or
thermostat, is damaged, the body does not allow the temperature to rise excessively.
Hypothalamus damage may result from brain infection or poisoning. When the weather
gets hot, there may be a danger of heat stroke. In the event of heat stroke, the body loses its ability to
cool itself and control body temperature, and brain damage may occur. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids and keep the body cool in extreme
temperatures. Another
big concern for parents is febrile seizures (convulsions, seizures). Seizures occur in 2-6% of children with high fever. These seizures work like an electrical circuit breaker, as the body's
protective mechanism against rising fevers. Although they can be very traumatic for parents,
these seizures are neither caused by nor do they damage the nervous system.
Unless there is damage to the brain, the temperature rarely rises above 40.5 C.
/> Treatment of fever
If the fever is not above 40.5 C, the main goal of treatment should not be to reduce the fever. Moderate and high
fevers (below 40.5°C) rarely last more than 3-5 days and should usually be allowed to "run their natural course." A doctor or parent concerned about bringing the fever down should
avoid fighting the fire instead. It is similar to a fireman turning off the fire alarm. Fever is a
symptom of the disease, and suppressing the fever does not eliminate the disease. The child's fluid needs should be closely monitored and allowed to rest. Vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration, causing the body
to lose fluid. It makes it difficult for the child to maintain a constant temperature at high temperatures. In this case, fluid and electrolyte
support should be provided. Excessive covering or wrapping the child in a blanket should be avoided.
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