Human body has unique system of temperature regulation. The sensors are present in the brain having two parts temperature conserving and loosing. When the human body is exposed to cold temperature, as in winters the temperature conserving mechanism becomes active. It consists of decreasing blood flow to the skin all over the body, ceasing sweating and contraction of all body muscles to produce heat. This process also becomes active in fever, may be due to any reason. When the body temperature or the environmental temperature increases, as in summers, the temperature lowering system becomes active. It increases blood flow to the skin resulting in increased sweating, making skin wet and decreasing temperature by evaporation.
Fever also known as high fever or high body temperature is a symptom of an underlying disease or illness. It is itself not a disease. It is usually associated with physical discomfort and features of associated illness. Persistent high grade fever for a prolonged period is dangerous and fatal, which may present a serious underlying disease like bleeding in the area of brain related to temperature control. In children, fever associated with sick look, drowsiness, fits, rashes, neck stiffness or ear pain should be immediately consulted with doctor. 9.8 F is the normal temperature of the body which varies according to the weather, clothing and health status of the body. The variation in body temperature may be due to some infections, some non-infective body disturbances, hormonal disorders and certain drugs. The following simple measures help to prevent and properly manage the agony of fever:
CARE OF FEVER:
· Always check body temperature with a good quality thermometer preferably keeping it for two minutes under the arm.
· Always use separate thermometer for each patient if temperature is checked from mouth, and discard when patient recovers.
· Irrespective of age and weather, person having high temperature should remove all extra clothes.
· Never give any medicines to the patient having fever more than 100 F.
· High grade fever should be reduced to 100 F by cold sponging.
· Keep the forehead, arms, and legs including feet wet by regular cold sponging to reduce the fever.
· Never put the wet cloth/mop on the head or body, as it prevents evaporation process.
· Keep the person in well ventilated cool room.
· Give him frequent drinks to reduce dehydration.
· Consult your doctor if the fever persists.
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