Fever is an elevation in body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees F (37.0 degrees C). The body maintains its temperature by producing or dissipating heat as needed. When an infection occurs, the immune system responds by sending in an army of infection-fighting cells. These cells produce chemicals to fight the infection, including endogenous pyrogens--fever-inducing substances. Some infectious germs also manufacture fever-inducing chemicals called exogenous pyrogens. Although it is uncomfortable, fever helps the body fight infection. Fever-reducing interventions are used if a fever gets too high or becomes too uncomfortable.
Fever-Reducing Medicines
Antipyretics are fever-reducing medicines including the over-the-counter medicines acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. These drugs reduce fever by interfering with the actions of prostaglandins on the heat regulation center in the brain. Prostaglandins are substances made by immune cells that contribute to fever and other natural responses to infection. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin are all effective fever reducers. However, infants and children with fever should not be given aspirin unless a doctor specifically recommends it because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of viral illnesses; aspirin use is a possible risk factor for the development of Reye's syndrome.
External Body Cooling
External body cooling can bring down fever. When you have a fever, you often experience the sensation of being cold. Your natural inclination is probably to pile more blankets on your bed or to put on extra clothing. However, this will only serve to further increase body temperature. To reduce fever, wear lightweight clothing and use only a sheet or lightweight blanket to cover yourself. Resist the urge to turn up the heater in your living space. A lukewarm bath or shower can bring down body temperature as cool water pulls heat from the body. Children with fever may resist getting into a lukewarm bath because they feel cold. Their favorite bath toy or bubbles in the water often softens their resistance and brings them happily into the bathtub. Alternatively, a lukewarm sponge bath to bring down fever may be more comforting to someone who is feeling unwell.
Treatment of the Underlying Infection
When fever is caused by a bacterial infection, the lasting cure for the fever is effective treatment and cure of the underlying infection. Your doctor will determine the best antibiotic to cure the bacterial infection causing the illness. There is often a temptation to stop taking antibiotics once the fever breaks and symptoms subside--but this is a mistake. Be sure to take the antibiotic as prescribed and complete the full course of treatment to avoid a relapse. Remember, if you have a viral illness, antibiotics are not needed and will not speed your recovery since they are ineffective against viruses. Viral illnesses typically clear on their own.
References
- Medline Plus: Fever
- Mayo Clinic: Fever
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fever
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition"; Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
