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How to Reduce Fever in Adults: Research-Based Remedies

By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more

Key Highlights:

  • Knowing fever in adults: what’s a fever, causes of fever
  • Figuring out when fever reduction is needed and when to contact a doctor
  • Science-backed natural remedies for lowering fever
  • Store-bought meds for fever
  • Cautions and threats of bringing down fever

Introduction

Fevers are quite common and have been faced by humans forever. Fever itself isn’t a disease, but it signals our bodies fighting off an infection or inflammatory condition. Knowing when and how to lower a fever is vital for good health. It’s equally important to check out all available science-backed home remedies for this common health matter.

In this helpful guide, we’ll talk about the different sides of adult fever. We’ll dive into knowing fevers and figuring out when fever reduction is needed. We’ll also explore both home remedies and store-bought meds for managing fever with info about their success and cautions.


Understanding Fever in Adults

Before diving into practical science-backed home remedies for fever lowering, let’s understand what is fever in adults.

What is a Fever?

A fever is when the body’s temp goes up for a short period. It often happens in response to triggers like infections, inflammation, or other unwell conditions.

  • Normal body temp range: 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)
  • Fever temp ranges:
  • Low-grade: 100.4°F to 102.2°F (38°C to 39°C)
  • Moderate: 102.2°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C)
  • High-grade: 104°F (40°C) or higher

Common Causes of Fever

In general, fever occurs as our body’s defence against infections and other health issues. A few common causes of fever include:

  • Infections: Viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections are usual fever sources in adults.
  • Inflammatory issues: Problems like autoimmune arthritis, lupus, or inflamed bowel disease can lead to fever.
  • Medication side effects: Some meds, like antibiotics and drugs for high blood pressure, may cause fever as a side effect.
  • Heat exhaustion: Being in high temps for too long or doing a lot of work in hot weather can cause fever.
  • Other possible causes: Some diseases, tissue damage, or reactions to vaccines can also trigger fever in people.

Did you know?

  • Fevers can help the body fight off infections by stimulating the immune system. Source: cdc.gov
  • Fevers can cause discomfort, but they are generally not harmful and are part of the body’s defense mechanism.  Source: cdc.gov
  • Fevers can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter fever-reducing medications. Source: cdc.gov
  • Fevers can be caused by various factors, including infections, immunizations, and teething.Source: cdc.gov
  • Fever is a natural response of the body to fight off infections. Source: cdc.gov

Assessing the Need for Lowering Fever

Knowing when it’s right to take steps to lower fever is a key part of managing fever.

When to Get Medical Help

Although fever is an ordinary body response to different triggers, you must not ignore it. It is important to consult a doctor instead of just trying to suppress the fever. Also, consult a doctor or reach out to the nearest hospital in case of –  

  • High fever: A fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher warrants immediate medical help. Strong symptoms coming with your fever: If you have harsh symptoms like breathing trouble, chest pain, or a very bad headache along with your fever, it’s time to get help.
  • A fever lasts for many days without a clear cause: If your fever lasts longer than a few days for no clear reason, see a doctor to find the reason.
  • Conditions that make managing fever harder: Those with medical issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or weak immune systems should be extra careful and contact a doctor when they have a fever.

If your fever is mild — less than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) — you usually don’t need treatment with commonly used medications like paracetamol. Always make sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Science-Backed Home Remedies for Lowering Fever

Several science-backed home remedies can effectively help in lowering fever while allowing the body to fight illnesses. These measures should be followed in addition to the prescribed treatment for fever, which will address it’s underlying cause. 

1. Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids when you have a fever is critical for keeping healthy and aiding recovery. These fluids can help with fever management:

  • Drinking water: Take in at least eight glasses of water per day. It can stop dehydration and help remove toxins from your body.
  • Juices: Fruit and veggie juices full of vitamins and minerals can boost the immune system and replace lost nutrients. Do not consume fruit juice if you are a persoon with diabetes.
  • Herbal teas: These calming drinks can help with hydration. They also provide antioxidants and ease symptoms like blocked nose.
  • Coconut Water: safe for people with diabetes, good for hydration.

2. Rest

Getting enough sleep and rest is key for managing fever. It lets the body focus on getting better. Make sure to stress the need for rest during a fever and avoid using up extra energy.

3. Cooling Measures

Using cooling measures like tepid sponging. Do not use very cold water for sponging. Use them on the forehead, neck, or other pulse points when needed. Don’t wear too many clothes or heavy blankets that can trap heat and extend the fever.

4. Lukewarm Baths

Lukewarm baths can help lower fever by stirring the body’s body temp control mechanisms. Make sure the water isn’t cold or icy because very cold temps can shock the body and make the fever worse.

5. Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet can help manage fever by giving the body the nutrients it needs to fight off infections. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like fruits, veggies, chicken broth, and ginger can help support your immune system during a fever. Consume easy-to-digest food.

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down as per doctor’s advise.
> Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
> Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.
> Sponge exposed skin with tepid water.
> Avoid taking cold baths or showers.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Cautions and Threats of Lowering Fever

Even though bringing down fever can help ease discomfort, it’s critical to know about possible risks and downsides linked to treatment.

Overuse of Meds

Overuse of over-the-counter fever-lowering meds can cause potential harm and negative side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider to make sure you’re using these treatments responsibly.

Ignoring Underlying Issues

Simply focusing on lowering fever without addressing the root cause of the fever can harm your health. Consult a doctor when your fever continues or gets worse to find the root cause and get proper guidance for complete treatment.

Conclusion

Lowering fever in adults is a key part of staying healthy when you’re sick. By putting to use science-backed home remedies like hydration, rest, and proper diet as well as adhering to the prescribed treatment, fever can be effectively managed. Remember, landing on the correct approach to lowering fever is key for a comfy and successful recovery.

Also read: Allergies or Cold? Understanding if Allergies Can Cause a Sore Throat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get rid of a fever?

Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, cooling measures, lukewarm baths, a balanced diet, and taking prescribed medications timely are all advised for treating fever effectively.

How do you break a fever fast in adults?

Make use of home remedies like cool rags, getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and prescribed medications. 

How do you break a fever in adults naturally?

Natural ways to break a fever include staying hydrated, resting, cooling measures, taking lukewarm baths, and maintaining good nutrition. Following the treatment advised by a doctor is most important.

When should you go to the ER for a fever?

Get immediate medical help for a fever.  When you have hard symptoms, like trouble breathing, a stiff neck, or severe headache, or when the fever reaches 104°F (40°C) or higher rush to the nearest hospital.

References:

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Physiology, Fever [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334
  2. National Health Service (NHS). High temperature (fever) in adults [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-adults
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Normal Body Temperature: A Systematic Review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6456186
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Forehead or ear temperature measurement cannot replace rectal measurements, except for screening purposes [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5787302
  5. National Health Service (NHS). High temperature (fever) in children [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children
  6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The neurological and cognitive consequences of hyperthermia [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4944502
  7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Fever in children: Overview [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279455
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu & Pregnancy [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm

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