A fever is the bodies natural reaction to an infection. Increasing the temperature of the body serves several purposes:
1. It increases the mobility of the white blood cells of the immune system helping them to get to the site of infection faster.
2. It increases the speed by which the white blood cells destroy the infectious agent.
3. It increases the speed by which white blood cells are created.
4. It decreases the effectiveness of toxins secreted by the infectious agent.
5. It decreases the ability of bacteria to reproduce as most bacteria are extremely temperature sensitive.
Let's first consider adults:
In adults, there is more room for error. In adults, a fever doesn't become serious until it sustains an oral temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour without dropping below 103 F. Keep in mind that a fever is merely a symptom, an indicator of your body being in fight mode. The most common cause of a fever is a minor bacterial or viral infection. It is very rare for a bacterial or viral infection to cause a fever of over 105. It is important to seek medical attention if your fever stays above 105 F or if you experience other symptoms such as stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, skin lesions, or any other unusual symptoms.
With Children over 2 years of age, the same temperature guidelines are in place, over 105 F for over an hour without dropping below 103 F. Kids are not able to communicate as well as adults. The fever is ok as long as your child - is somewhat active and playing, is eating and drinking, is alert, has normal skin tone, and looks generally well. There is no risk of any brain damage until the fever reaches 107.6 F, which is difficult to achieve without bundling a very sick child.
Seizures can occur when your child has a fever. The important thing to remember is that though they can be terrifying, they rarely cause any permanent harm.
If your child is between 3 mos. and 2 years, seek medical attention if the fever goes above 102.2 F or lasts more than 48 hours.
If your child is under 3 months, call the child's doctor if their rectal temperature goes over 100.4 F.
In all cases, it is imperative that you follow these rules during a fever:
1. keep well hydrated - Fever and associated vomiting or diarrhea can wipe out water stores extremely quickly. Straight water can upset the stomach. Soup, popsicles, & jello can help supplement water.
2. Do not give too much sweetened drinks or juice - These feed bacteria and can make the infection last longer. It's better to drink diluted fruit juice or water.
3. Give a room temperature bath - Cold baths can cause shivering which will bring the temperature up.
4. Do not bundle up someone with the chills - A thin blanket will do, heavy blankets or wraps can take their temperature too high too quickly.
5. Although I am not advocating the use of over-the-counter medicines, NEVER give any child aspirin when they have a fever - This can lead to a very serious condition called Reye's Syndrome.
If you do take steps to lower a fever, keep in mind that you are much better off lowering the fever than eliminating it all together. A low grade fever helps you to get better quicker.
It's a good idea to contact a pediatrician if your child: Has a fever and another ongoing illness/condition, recently had an immunization, has new skin problems, has trouble urinating or pain when urinating, has compromised immune function, or if they have recently traveled out of the country.
Call 911 immediately if your child has a fever and any of the following:
- Is crying and cannot be calmed down (children)
- Cannot be awakened easily or at all
- Seems confused
- Cannot walk
- Has difficulty breathing, even after their nose is cleared
- Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
- Has a very bad headache
- Has a stiff neck
- Refuses to move an arm or leg (children)
- Has a seizure
If you're an adult, call the doctor if:
- Have a fever over 105 °F (40.5 °C), unless it comes down readily with treatment and you are comfortable
- Have a fever that stays at or keeps rising above 103 °F
- Have a fever for longer than 48 - 72 hours
- Have had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high
- Have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other chronic lung problems
- Have a new rash or bruises appear
- Have pain with urination
- Have trouble with your immune system (chronic steroid therapy, after a bone marrow or organ transplant, had spleen removed, HIV-positive, were being treated for cancer)
- Have recently traveled to a third world country
Dr. Dennis Barker DC is a Chiropractor in the Community of Fletcher Hills serving the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and all of San Diego County.
Visit us at www.fletcherhillschiropractic.com and www.facebook.com/fletcherhillschiro
