Fever is the body's natural response to viruses, infections or other ailments: by creating an inhospitable environment for the bacterium, it dies within a couple of days. Sometimes, a fever is difficult to identify. This difficulty becomes a challenge when the cause is serious. This article is for you to learn how to diagnose yourself with fever and gives you tips on what to do if your fever gets worse.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Diagnosis
Step 1. Get a thermometer and measure your fever
If it's 39 ° C or less you can try to treat yourself at home and see how you react. If it's higher than 39.5 ° C, call your doctor or go straight to the emergency room; you may need specific care.
Step 2. Try to feel the skin
If you have a fever it may be difficult to tell if the temperature is 38 or 39 ° C. Better to evaluate any other symptoms (see below).
- If you're trying to diagnose someone, try to feel their temperature by comparing it to your skin. This should help you figure out if the person is feverish or not. If your skin is much fresher then there may be a fever.
- When is this valuation method accurate? One study found that people who diagnosed fever with skin factor alone "seriously overestimated" the incidence of fever by at least 40%.
Step 3. Look for signs of dehydration
Fever comes when the body has a higher core temperature in reaction to some infection, virus, or other. It is a natural defense mechanism. One of the most important consequences of this rise in temperature is that the patient becomes dehydrated.
-
Signs of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Headache and fatigue
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Dehydration can also worsen if it is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. If you have one or both symptoms, you need to fill up with fluids to compensate for the loss.
Step 4. Assess if you have muscle pain
In many cases, they are associated with dehydration, but can be more pronounced in patients with fever. Note: If the fever is accompanied by stiffening of the back and muscles, call your doctor right away as you may have contracted bacterial meningitis, which is dangerous to the brain.
Step 5. Look for particularly bad signs
If you have a fever over 40 ° as well as flickering of vision, dehydration, headache, muscle aches and asthenia you may experience any of these symptoms. If so, go to a doctor right away:
- Hallucinations
- Confusion or irritability
- Convulsions or epilepsy
Step 6. If in doubt, go to a doctor
If your child has a fever that goes above 39.4 ° C, go to the pediatrician. In most cases, treating a mild or moderate fever at home is normal, however, in a few cases, the cause may require medical attention.
Method 2 of 2: Basic Treatment
Step 1. In cases of mild or moderate fever, doctors always advise letting it run its course
Fever is a natural response of the body to a foreign element. Blocking it before the body is able to attack "the enemy" can prolong the illness or hide symptoms related to the fever itself.
Step 2. Get something
An over-the-counter drug such as an NSAID can help you treat fever-related pains. Often, low doses of NSAIDs lead to good results.
- Aspirin is for adults only. Children could get Reye's Syndrome. It is therefore better to leave aspirin only to adults.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are acceptable substitutes for all ages. If your temperature remains high even after the recommended doses, do not take any more and consult a doctor instead.
Step 3. Drink plenty of fluids
Fluids are essential for those with fever as they avoid the risk of dehydration. Drink mostly water. Fizzy drinks and tea, in moderation, can help calm the stomach. Try to eat soup, broth, and other liquids in addition to something solid.
Advice
- You will feel hot and your cheeks will redden a little from the heat. If you have an ice pack, place it on your forehead or face to cool off a little.
- You will alternate heat with chills. They are usually, but not always, symptoms of the flu.
- Chills are often symptoms of fever but can also be symptoms of something more serious like meningitis or hypothermia. If you do, call a doctor for a more detailed diagnosis. Violent chills can affect the brain, lead to dehydration, epilepsy and shock.
- Feel your cheeks. If they are hot, it usually means fever.
- Take vitamins. C is best for fighting colds and ailments. It will decrease your chances of getting sick.
Warnings
- If you have a thermometer, it's best to use it to figure out if you really have a fever. If it doesn't drop below 39 ° after a day, it's best to go to the doctor.
- If after two continuous days the fever does not go down, go to the doctor.
