Norms of body temperature changes in children and adults
A large part of infectious and inflammatory diseases is accompanied by febrile syndrome. The latter means an increase in body temperature above a certain mark. However, many people still do not know what temperature increase is normal, and when it is necessary to sound the alarm.
Why does the temperature rise and stay
The essence of any fever – increasing the production of heat and reducing its release into the environment. Heat can be produced in large quantities during intense physical work, but in this case the mechanisms of protection against overheating are activated, proportionally increasing the heat output.
If the body is sick, special substances begin to be synthesized in it. This process occurs under the influence of bacterial or viral waste products, tissue decay products during purulent processes, etc. d. However, this is not always accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Fever occurs only when the increase in heat transfer does not occur at all or the start of this process is delayed.
It is reliably known that fever – this is one of the protective barriers against infection. Thus, at a high temperature, the activity of viruses (and most often it is they who are responsible for the disease) and the ability of bacteria to reproduce are significantly reduced, while the cells of the immune system only increase their activity. In addition, the action of many liver enzymes that block and contribute to the removal of toxins from the body increases. Finally, the fever – it is a kind of alarm signal, often the first sign of an emerging disease.
The rise in body temperature occurs until the processes of heat transfer and heat production come to an equilibrium state. Most often, this equilibrium point is set between the numbers 38-39°C, however isolated cases of a critical rise to 41.1°C are known.
How to measure body temperature
There are a number of methods of temperature measurement:
- in the armpit;
- in the external auditory canal;
- in the oral cavity;
- in the region of the inguinal fold;
- in the anus;
- in the vagina.
According to WHO data, it is optimal to measure body temperature in the anus. With this method, the indicators are the closest to reality and it is on them that the recommendations of the World Health Organization regarding the use of antipyretics are based.
However, the most convenient from a household point of view is the method of thermometry in the armpit. The temperature norm of a child and an adult in this case – to 36.8 - 37°C. Anything above these indicators requires the attention of a doctor.
What to take if an adult has a fever
Given that the temperature rise – it is a protective mechanism, intrusion into its operation should be as careful as possible. Because people don't know what temperature to go to the doctor with, many even at 37.5°C start to panic and take pills urgently. Unfortunately, even doctors prescribe antipyretic drugs on the very first day of illness.
Modern scientific data indicate that a temperature below 38.5°C measured in the armpit can be safe for the body for a long time – WHO does not recommend reducing it. It is necessary to take more liquid, ensure a constant flow of fresh air (sometimes it needs to be moistened) and a light, balanced diet. In no case should you wrap the patient: chills – this is one of the stages of temperature rise, you just have to endure it.
Aspirin can be used as an antipyretic for adolescents over 15 years of age and adults. It should be taken into account that it is contraindicated in many concomitant conditions (bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer disease, disorders of the blood coagulation system, pregnancy in the 1st and 3rd trimesters, lactation) and can provoke gastric bleeding. In children, even low doses of aspirin can cause the deadly Reye's syndrome.
That is why paracetamol is the best. When taking it in the suggested doses, the risk of developing unwanted reactions is practically zero. Ibuprofen is also not an ideal drug because of the frequent development of dyspepsia (nausea, stool disorders) and because of the same contraindications that aspirin has.
What to do if the child has a fever
Here a lot depends on the condition of the child before the illness and on the child's age. You can immediately bother the doctor with a temperature when the child is less than 2 months old. Such small children do not tolerate fever well. Children under 5 years of age who are at risk of developing seizures also need prompt medical advice. With an extremely high fever (above 41°С) and in the presence of diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system, the child will need to urgently lower the temperature by all possible means, including wiping with water and even immersing him in a cool bath (strictly under the supervision of a doctor!).
There is no norm for a child's temperature to rise, anything that is higher than the optimal 36.8°C for the vital activity of the body, measured in the armpit – a sign of trouble. However, in the category described above, antipyretics should be taken only when the thermometer shows at least 38°C. If the child was initially healthy, then you can ignore the numbers up to 39°C.
The drug of choice in children – paracetamol in an age-appropriate dosage. It is better to give it rectally to the youngest, older children can also take a tablet. The dose must be prescribed by a doctor, as only he can assess the child's condition. The site https://dobrobut.com/ notes that the dosages indicated in the instructions for the medication are not always suitable for each specific case, so it is worth contacting a pediatrician to receive the correct treatment.
The diet of a sick baby should be balanced, easily digestible and most importantly – it should contain as much liquid as possible. You should not forcibly force a child to eat if he has a complete lack of appetite – it is the same protective reaction as a fever. The main thing here – drinking mode.
However, if the appetite is preserved, then there is no need to forbid the child anything. At the temperature, the child can do whatever he likes. The main thing is that the food should be easily digestible, and simply do not cook heavy, fatty dishes with a lot of spices.
Practice shows that people do not always go to the doctor at the first signs of illness, preferring to buy ""something for a cold"" at the pharmacy. Do not self-medicate! A banal acute respiratory infection can easily develop into bronchitis and even pneumonia, and then you will have to be treated longer, more expensively and, possibly, fight with complications.
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