Feeling
the Heat
Our normal
body temperature can vary according to the
individual, time of day, and weather. A rise in body temperature is
a protective response to inflammation and injury, as it
enhances the body’s defense mechanisms against the invading
agent. Fever is not an illness but a sign that something’s
going on in your body. Detecting a fever is simple but
determining its cause can be a challenge. A detailed history
and other presenting symptoms are important in helping a
doctor diagnose the underlying
condition.
Some
causes of fever include infections, rheumatoid and auto-immune
diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis,
inflammatory bowel disease), drugs (e.g. antipsychotics,
antibiotics), cancer, and hormonal disorders (e.g.
hyperthyroidism).
Mild
fever usually requires no treatment. As fever is sometimes
accompanied by shivering, sweating, a general feeling of
weakness, headaches or muscle aches, the goal of treatment is
usually to reduce discomfort. In children with a history of
febrile seizures, their temperature should be kept below
38.5°C.
Self-medication
tips
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are
commonly used to reduce fever in both adults and children.
Both are equally effective, but ibuprofen provides greater
reduction in fever in the first four hours. Paracetamol
preparations come in different concentrations so be sure to
check the instructions on the package before giving it to a
child. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if in
doubt.
Ibuprofen syrups should also
be used in caution in young children due to reported cases of
severe allergic reactions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome. It
must also be used with caution in those with underlying asthma
and gastrointestinal problems. Aspirin is an alternative but
it should not be given to children under 16 years of age as it
is associated with Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but
life-threatening disorder that causes inflammation and
swelling of the brain, as well as degeneration of the
liver.
Things to
do
Other than fever-reducing
medicines, sponging can help ease fever as well, and is
usually used in combination with fever medication if the child
is uncomfortable, has high fever (above 40°C), or has
difficulty retaining oral medication. Someone with fever
should also dress lightly, keep himself cool by using a fan,
and drink plenty of fluids.
Seek medical attention if the
fever persists for more than 24 to 48 hours in a child under
two years old, or more than two to three days in older
children and adults. It’s also time to see a doctor if the
fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
• A severe
headache
• Severe swelling of the
throat
• Unusual skin
rash
• Unusual eye sensitivity
to bright light
• Significant stiff neck
and pain when
bending
head forward
• Mental
confusion
• Persistent
vomiting
• Difficulty in
breathing
•
Extreme listlessness or irritability
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