A fever generally isn't the sign of a condition or illness in itself, but instead a symptom of some of infection or disease. When the body is trying to fight off an invader, such as bacteria or an infection, the brain turns up the heat to burn the intruders out. However, this leads to a lot of discomfort for people who are suffering from the illness. Sometimes, it's important to simply allow your fever to be over naturally, while sometimes you may look for numerous ways to bring down the fever.
A high temperature can last for a number of days, and it should be taken seriously if your heat reaches a significant level. Here, we'll look at some of the best treatment options to help manage a fever.
Taking Medication:
The first step in treating or managing a fever is usually to take some over-the-counter medication that's designed to help fight infection and reduce your fever. Drugs with the ingredient acetaminophen are designed to affect the areas of the brain that control pain and body temperature. These medications can fight back against chills and high fever, as well as soothing sore throats, easing headaches, and controlling common aches in the body. It's important that when you're looking for the best treatment options to help manage a fever, to you speak to your doctor to ensure that the medicine is right for you.
Another option for medication besides acetaminophen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs or NSAIDs. These can include medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Each drug comes with specific results, but they're all ideal for limiting pain and fever. NSAIDs can work better than acetaminophen when it comes to lowering a fever, and they can be useful for relieving pain in the sinuses too.
Taking Care of Yourself:
Besides medications that can be used to reduce the discomfort you experience during your illness, you should also take steps to look after yourself and your body. For instance, make sure that you stay cool by placing a damp or cool washcloth against your arms, legs, or head. Alternatively, you could take a slightly warm bath to help reduce your overall temperature and diminish your fever.
At the same time, be certain that you take steps to avoid overheating whenever possible. Even if you're feeling chilly on the outside, it's important to remove any extra blankets or clothing that could be affecting your fever. Bundling up causes the temperature in your body to rise further, which can make chills a lot worse.
Sometimes, eating healthier foods can help to reduce some of the problems associated with fever. For instance, sugary drinks and snacks can sometimes slow down a person's recovery, but nutritious choices can help to improve the way that your immune system works so that you can fight back against disease more effectively. Remember, the fever will often go away by itself, but if you have a fever that's over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and you're also vomiting, you should call your doctor and seek help.
If you want to know more about the best treatment options to help manage a fever, speak with your physician.