11.9 : Methods of reducing fever

The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.

Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:

1. Suppose a bacterial infection is the cause of fever. In that case, the healthcare provider obtains culture specimens such as urine, blood, sputum, and wound sites, and appropriate antibiotics are prescribed based on these reports. Antibiotics destroy pyrogenic bacteria.
2. If the fever occurs through viral infection, it lasts only briefly and has limited effects. However, it is essential to be mindful of children below three years of age as their thermoregulatory mechanisms are immature, and a very high temperature could rapidly lead to dehydration and febrile seizures. To manage viral fever, use antipyretic drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce body temperature.
3. If fever is caused by drug hypersensitivity or allergy, patients will have rash or pruritus (itching) symptoms. Treatment involves withdrawing the medication, treating skin integrity impairment, and educating the patient and family about the allergy.
4. Antipyretic or fever-reducing drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) or acetaminophen are provided to induce heat loss. Also, Corticosteroids work on the hypothalamus and reset the raised set-point.

Nonpharmacological Methods Of Reducing Fever:

1. Nonpharmacological methods usually include reducing fever through evaporation, conduction, convection, or radiation.
2. Some methods include tepid sponge baths, bathing with alcohol-water solutions, applying ice packs to axillae and groin areas, and cooling fans.
3. However, it is essential to note that these methods do not induce shivering because that will promote extra heat loss.
4. Hypothermia blankets are used in which a refrigerated solution flows through the equipment's coils, which helps reduce temperature.

Heatstroke:

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Treatment involves relocating the patient to a cooler area, removing extra garments, using cold, damp cloths on the skin, and using oscillating fans to enhance convective heat loss along with medical emergency treatments such as administering intravenous (IV) fluids, irrigating the stomach and lower bowel with cold solutions, and applying hypothermia blankets.