Why does the temperature rise? Increased body temperature. Causes of high body temperature Does the body temperature rise in a hot room

We have known since childhood that the normal body temperature is 36.6 degrees. If the reading on the thermometer is higher, then we are sick. Does a high body temperature always indicate that a malfunction has occurred in the body, and why it rises, and also when an urgent need to see a doctor, AiF.ru tells osteopath, cranioposturologist Vladimir Zhivotov.

Why does the temperature rise?

Few people know that our body temperature tends to change slightly during the day. When a person wakes up, his body temperature can be below the established norm and be 35.5-36 degrees. And in the evening, on the contrary, our body can heat up by 0.5-1 degrees. Any higher indicator is already a signal to start looking for the reasons for the increased temperature.

Why does the temperature rise?

A high temperature for most people is malaise, weakness, a broken state. And, of course, when we see numbers above 37 on the thermometer, we get upset. But in fact, the body's ability to raise the temperature is an amazing gift that nature has given us. It is thanks to hyperthermia that our body is able to independently fight against foreign organisms. An increase in body temperature in response to the introduction of viruses or bacteria is a defense reaction aimed at enhancing the immune response. At elevated temperatures, immune factors work most actively: cells responsible for antiviral and antibacterial responses begin to perform their functions much faster and more efficiently, and immune responses become stronger.

Antibodies circulating in the blood, associated with foreign antigens, as well as fragments of viruses and bacterial membranes, enter the hypothalamus, where the center of thermoregulation is located, with the blood stream and cause an increase in temperature. Since this is a defensive reaction, you should not panic and try to immediately bring down the temperature with the help of antipyretic drugs. By such actions, you will suppress the immune response and prevent the body from fighting infections, because some of them die at a body temperature of about 38 degrees. Not to mention, antipyretic drugs have certain side effects.

Reasons for the rise in temperature

The body fights against something unfavorable and foreign: bacteria, viruses, protozoa. Any inflammatory process in a single organ, be it stomatitis, lactostasis in lactating women, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the appendages and even caries, can lead to an increase in temperature.

Also can provoke a fever food poisoning or any other intoxication. Then the high temperature will be accompanied by a violation of the stool, vomiting, headache. High temperature is also provoked by various endocrine diseases. It is worth donating blood for hormones when an increased body temperature is combined with weight loss, irritability, tearfulness, fatigue. These may be symptoms of increased thyroid function.

If body temperature long time keeps at around 38 degrees and at the same time the person does not feel like a cold, it is urgent to do a fluorography in order to exclude tuberculous damage to the lungs. This study must be done without fail every year for persons who have reached the age of 15.

Sometimes a slight increase in body temperature in women can be associated with the menstrual cycle: when ovulation begins, the body temperature rises, but with the onset of menstruation it returns to normal. In this case, there is no cause for concern.

But sometimes it happens that apparent reasons to increase body temperature, no. Analyzes are normal, no symptoms of a cold are observed. However, nothing happens in the body just like that. A prolonged rise in temperature (just above 37) may raise suspicion of problems in the hypothalamus: the thermoregulatory center, which is responsible for the constancy of body temperature. This can happen at any age, but most often occurs either at the beginning of puberty, or by the time the first menstruation appears and a little later. Along with the fever, adolescents are worried about headaches, insomnia, fatigue and irritability, there are signs of scoliosis.

How to lower the temperature?

First, there is no need to panic and try to lower the temperature if it does not exceed 38 degrees. In this case, bed rest and plenty of drink will be enough. If the temperature is above 38 degrees, you need to look at the state, because for each person the critical body temperature is different. The general recommendation is this: when the temperature is easily tolerated, it is better not to knock it down to 38.2-38.5. If at the same time the head hurts, worries about severe chills or "twists" the joints, you can take medicine. Regular aspirin has a good antipyretic effect. To avoid side effects, it needs to be crushed before taking or simply chewed thoroughly and washed down with mineral water or milk.

Of course, if a child has seizures when the temperature rises, it must be lowered without waiting 38. It should be noted that any case of febrile seizures requires an in-depth examination by an epileptologist and the attention of an osteopath. If the column of mercury has reached the 38 mark, this is in any case a reason to call the local doctor: it is necessary to examine the patient and find out the causes of the fever.

In order to alleviate the patient's condition without medication, you can make cold compresses on the forehead and rub the body with warm water. Moreover, you need to wipe it so that droplets of liquid remain on the skin. It is their evaporation that causes the cooling of the body. If a child is sick, then it is better not to do vodka-vinegar rubdown. A strong smell can cause cramping respiratory tract, and the components of such a solution can be absorbed through the skin and increase intoxication. You can dampen woolen socks with warm water and put on your child. As the socks dry, the body temperature will drop significantly. If the legs are cold, then you need to put on dry warm socks and massage the foot and toes. This will help reduce vasospasm and lower fever.

Alkaline mineral water with a low percentage of mineralization and ordinary boiled water, as well as fruit drinks from cranberries, currants, sea buckthorn and lingonberries, are perfect as a drink at elevated body temperature. The latter, by the way, contains acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).

When should you call an ambulance?

An increased body temperature for more than 3 days is in any case a reason to see a doctor, but sometimes it is better not to hesitate and call an ambulance. This is necessary if:

• Body temperature reached 39.5 and above.
• High temperature is accompanied by vomiting, visual impairment, stiffness of movements, muscle spasm in cervical spine the spine, when the patient cannot tilt the chin to the chest.
• Hyperthermia is accompanied by abdominal pain.
• In a child under 10 years of age, a high fever is accompanied by a barking dry cough. These can be symptoms of an inflammatory narrowing of the larynx, the so-called laryngotracheitis or false croup.
• The child has a seizure attack.
• The body temperature rises sharply to 38 degrees in a child under 6 years old, who previously had convulsions with fever.

"The norm for each person is an objective, real, individual phenomenon ... A normal system is always an optimally functioning system."

V. Petlenko

The "thermostat" (hypothalamus) is located in the brain and is constantly engaged in thermoregulation. During the day, a person's body temperature fluctuates, which is a reflection of circadian rhythms (you can read more about which in the previous mailing number - "Biological rhythms" dated 09/15/2000, which you will find in the "archive" on the mailing site): the difference between temperature body in the early morning and evening reaches 0.5 - 1.0 ° C. Revealed temperature differences between internal organs (several tenths of a degree); the difference between the temperature of internal organs, muscles and skin can be up to 5 - 10 ° C.

In women, the temperature changes depending on the phase. menstrual cycle, if a woman's body temperature is usually 37 ° C, it drops to 36.8 ° C in the first days of the cycle, before ovulation drops to 36.6 ° C, then, on the eve of the next menstruation, rises to 37.2 ° C, and then again reaches 37 ° C. In addition, it was found that in men the temperature in the testicular area is 1.5 ° C lower than on the rest of the body and the temperature of some parts of the body differs depending on physical activity and their position.

For example, a thermometer placed in the mouth will show a temperature 0.5 ° C lower than that of the stomach, kidneys and other organs. Temperature different areas the body of a conditional person at an ambient temperature of 20 ° С internal organs - 37 ° С axillary cavity - 36 ° С deep muscular part of the thigh - 35 ° С deep layers of the gastrocnemius muscle - 33 ° С elbow bend area - 32 ° С hand - 28 ° С center of the foot - 27-28 ° C The critical body temperature is 42 ° C, with it there is a metabolic disorder in the brain tissues. The human body is better adapted to the cold. For example, a drop in body temperature to 32 ° C causes chills, but does not pose a very serious danger.

At 27 ° C, coma sets in, cardiac and respiratory disorders occur. Temperatures below 25 ° C are critical, but some people manage to survive hypothermia. So, one man, covered with a seven-meter snowdrift and dug out five hours later, was in a state of inevitable death, and rectal temperature was 19 ° C. He managed to save his life. Two more cases are known when patients, hypothermic to 16 ° C, survived.

Elevated temperature

Hyperthermia is classified as intermittent, temporary, permanent, and recurrent. Intermittent hyperthermia (fever) is considered the most common type, characterized by daily temperature drops above normal. Temporary hyperthermia means a daily decrease in temperature to a normal level, and then a new increase above normal. Temporary hyperthermia with a large temperature range usually causes chills and increased sweating. It is also called septic fever.

Constant hyperthermia is a constant rise in temperature with small differences (fluctuations). Recurrent hyperthermia means intermittent febrile and apiretic (characterized by the absence of fever) periods. Another classification takes into account the duration of hyperthermia: short (less than three weeks) or protracted. Prolonged hyperthermia can be observed with an increase in temperature for unknown reasons, when a careful study cannot provide an explanation of its causes. Infants and young children have a high fever for longer periods of time, with larger swings and a faster rise in temperature than older children and adults.

Possible causes of hyperthermia

Everything is good

Evening came. It turns out that temperature fluctuations in many people can occur within one day. In the morning, immediately after waking up, the temperature is minimal, and in the evening it usually rises by half a degree. Go to bed and try your temperature in the morning.

You recently went in for sports, danced. Physically and emotionally intense activity increases circulation and warms up the body. Calm down, rest for an hour and then put the thermometer under your arm again.

You have a little overheating. For example, you just took a bath (water or sun). Or maybe you drank hot or strong drinks or just dressed too warmly? Let your body cool down: sit in the shade, ventilate the room, take off excess clothing, have a soft drink. How is it? 36.6 again? And you were worried!

You went through a lot of stress. There is even a special term - psychogenic temperature. If something very unpleasant has happened in life, or maybe an unfavorable atmosphere has developed at home or at work, which makes you constantly nervous, then perhaps this very reason “warms up” you from the inside. A psychogenic increase in temperature is often accompanied by symptoms such as general feeling unwell, shortness of breath and dizziness.

Subfebrile condition is your norm. There are people for whom the normal value of the mark on the thermometer is not 36.6, but 37 ° C or even slightly higher. As a rule, this applies to asthenic boys and girls who, in addition to their graceful physique, also have a subtle mental organization. Did you recognize yourself? Then you can reasonably consider yourself a "hot thing".

It's time to see a doctor!

Tuberculosis. With the current alarming situation with the incidence of tuberculosis, it will not be superfluous to do fluorography. Moreover, this study is mandatory and must be carried out by all persons over 15 years old annually. This is the only way to reliably control this dangerous disease.

Thyrotoxicosis. In addition to fever, nervousness and emotional instability, sweating and palpitations, increased fatigue and weakness, weight loss against a background of normal or even increased appetite are most often noted. To diagnose thyrotoxicosis, it is sufficient to determine the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Its decrease indicates an excess of thyroid hormones in the body.

Iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency often occurs due to latent bleeding, minor but persistent. Often, their causes are heavy menstruation (in particular, with uterine fibroids), as well as stomach or duodenal ulcers, tumors of the stomach or intestines. Therefore, it is imperative to look for the cause of anemia.

Symptoms include weakness, fainting, pale skin, drowsiness, hair loss, brittle nails. A blood test for hemoglobin can confirm the presence of anemia.

Chronic infectious or autoimmune diseases, as well as malignant tumors. As a rule, in the presence of an organic cause of subfebrile condition, an increase in temperature is combined with other characteristic symptoms: pain in different parts of the body, weight loss, lethargy, increased fatigue, sweating. Feeling may reveal an increase in the spleen or lymph nodes.

Usually, finding out the reasons for the appearance of low-grade temperature begins with a general and biochemical analysis urine and blood, lung X-ray, ultrasound of internal organs. Then, if necessary, more detailed studies are added - for example, blood tests for rheumatoid factor or thyroid hormones. In the presence of pain of unknown origin, and especially with a sharp loss of weight, an oncologist's consultation is necessary.

Post-viral asthenia syndrome. Occurs after suffering ARVI. Doctors in this case use the term "temperature tail". The slightly elevated (subfebrile) temperature caused by the consequences of the transferred infection is not accompanied by changes in the tests and passes on its own. But, in order not to confuse asthenia with incomplete recovery, it is better to donate blood and urine for tests and find out if leukocytes are normal or elevated. If everything is in order, you can calm down, the temperature will jump and jump and eventually "come to its senses."

The presence of a focus of chronic infection (for example, tonsillitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the appendages and even caries). In practice, such a cause of fever is rare, but if there is a focus of infection, it must be treated. After all, it poisons the entire body.

Thermoneurosis. Doctors consider this condition as a manifestation of the syndrome of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Along with a low-grade fever, there may be feelings of lack of air, increased fatigue, sweating limbs, attacks of unreasonable fear. And although this is not a disease in its purest form, it is still not the norm.

Therefore, this condition must be treated. To normalize the tone of peripheral vessels, neurologists recommend massage and acupuncture. A clear daily routine, adequate sleep, walks in the fresh air, regular hardening, sports (especially swimming) are useful. Psychotherapeutic treatment often has a lasting positive effect.

Interesting Facts

Lowest human body temperature was registered on February 23, 1994 in Regina, Saskatchewan Ave., Canada, with 2-year-old Carly Kozolofsky. After the door of her house was accidentally locked and the girl remained in the cold for 6 hours at a temperature of -22 ° C, her rectal temperature was 14.2 ° C
From the "Guinness Book of Records"

Temperature in some animals:

Hibernating bat - 1.3 °
Golden hamster - 3.5 °
Elephant - 3.5 °
Horse - 37.6 °
Cow - 38.3 °
Cat - 38.6 °
Dog - 38.9 °
Ram - 39 °
Pig - 39.1 °
Rabbit - 39.5 °
Goat - 39.9 °
Chicken - 41.5 °
Lizard in the sun - 50-60 ° C.

Temperature

Temperature changes are a frequent companion of diseases. Why in most cases it is not necessary to bring down the temperature and how to relieve the fever, if necessary?

What to do with fever is one of the most common questions for physicians and pediatricians. Indeed, fever often frightens patients. However, are increased values \u200b\u200balways a reason for panic? Under what conditions does the temperature hold, and under what diseases does it, on the contrary, fall? And when is antipyretic really needed? What temperature should be normal in children and the elderly? MedAboutMe understood these and many other questions.

Body temperature in adults

Thermoregulation is responsible for human temperature - the ability of warm-blooded organisms to maintain a constant temperature, to reduce or increase it if necessary. The hypothalamus is primarily responsible for these processes. However, today scientists are inclined to believe that it is wrong to define a single center of thermoregulation, because many factors affect a person's body temperature.

In childhood, the temperature changes under the slightest influence, while in adults (starting from 16-18 years old) it is quite stable. Although, it also rarely keeps on one indicator all day. Physiological changes are known that reflect circadian rhythms. For example, the difference between normal temperature in the morning and in the evening in a healthy person will be 0.5-1.0 ° C. A characteristic increase in fever in the evening hours in a sick person is also associated with these rhythms.

The temperature can change under the influence of the external environment, increase with physical exertion, the intake of certain foods (especially often after spicy food and overeating), during stress, a feeling of fear, and even intense mental work.

What temperature should be normal

Everyone knows the value of 36.6 ° C. However, what temperature should actually be normal?

The figure 36.6 ° C appeared as a result of research carried out by the German physician Karl Reinhold Wunderlich in the middle of the 19th century. Then he made about 1 million temperature measurements in the armpit in 25 thousand patients. And 36.6 ° C was just the average of a healthy person's body temperature.

By modern standards, the norm is not a specific figure, but the range from 36 ° C to 37.4 ° C. Moreover, doctors recommend periodically measuring the temperature in a healthy state in order to accurately know the individual values \u200b\u200bof the norm. It should be borne in mind that with age, the body temperature changes - in childhood it can be quite high, and decreases by old age. Therefore, an indicator of 36 ° C for an elderly person will be the norm, but for a child it can talk about hypothermia and a symptom of the disease.

It is also important to consider how the temperature is measured - the values \u200b\u200bin the armpit, rectum or under the tongue can differ by 1-1.5 ° C.

Fever is highly dependent on hormonal activity and therefore it is not surprising that pregnant women often experience fever. Hormonal changes are associated with hot flashes during menopause and temperature jumps during menstruation.

It is very important for expectant mothers to closely monitor their condition, while realizing that a slightly increased or decreased temperature during pregnancy is the norm for most women. For example, if the values \u200b\u200bdo not exceed 37 ° C in the first weeks, and there are no other symptoms of malaise, then the condition can be explained by the activity of female sex hormones. In particular, progesterone.

And yet, if the temperature during pregnancy lasts for a long time, then even subfebrile values \u200b\u200b(37-38 ° C) should be a reason for consulting a doctor. With this symptom, it is important to be examined and tested to exclude the presence of such infections - cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, herpes, hepatitis and others.

Fever during pregnancy can also be a sign of common seasonal SARS. In this case, it is very important not to self-medicate, but to see a doctor. If a common cold is unlikely to pose a danger to the fetus, then the flu can lead to serious consequences, up to a miscarriage by early dates... With flu, the temperature rises to 39 ° C.

Child's temperature

The thermoregulation system in children under 1 year old has not yet been established, therefore, the temperature of a child can change significantly under the slightest influence. This is especially true for babies in the first three months of life. Most often, parents are worried about increased values, however, the reasons for a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be:

• Clothes that are too warm.
• Cry.
• Laughter.
• Food intake, including breastfeeding.
• Swimming in water above 34-36 ° C.

After sleep, the values \u200b\u200bare usually lower, but with active games, the child's temperature rises quickly. Therefore, when making measurements, you need to take into account all external factors that could affect them.

However, too high a temperature (38 ° C and above) can be dangerous for young children. To compensate for the heat, the body expends a lot of water and therefore dehydration is often observed. Moreover, in a child, this condition occurs faster than in an adult. Dehydration can pose a health hazard (often against its background there is a deterioration in the condition, subsequently complicated by pneumonia) and life (with severe dehydration, there can be loss of consciousness and even death).

In addition, some children under 5 years of age have febrile convulsions - when the child's temperature rises to 38-39 ° C, involuntary muscle contractions begin, and short-term fainting is possible. If at least once this condition was observed, in the future, even with a slight heat, the baby needs to bring down the temperature.

Human temperature

Normally, a person's temperature is controlled endocrine system, in particular, the hypothalamus and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4, as well as the hormone TSH, which regulates their production). Sex hormones affect thermoregulation. Nevertheless, infections remain the main reason for the rise in temperature, and too low a temperature in most cases is caused by overwork or lack of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Man is a warm-blooded creature, which means that the body can maintain a stable temperature regardless of environmental factors. At the same time, in severe frost, the overall temperature decreases, and in heat, it can rise so much that a person will receive heatstroke. This is due to the fact that our body is quite sensitive to thermal changes - changes of only 2-3 degrees in temperature significantly affect metabolic processes, hemodynamics and the transmission of impulses through nerve cells. As a result, blood pressure may rise, convulsions and confusion may occur. Frequent symptoms of low temperature are lethargy, at a value of 30-32 ° C there may be loss of consciousness; and high - delusional states.

Types of elevated temperature

For the vast majority of diseases occurring with an increase in temperature, certain ranges of values \u200b\u200bare characteristic. Therefore, to make a diagnosis, it is often enough for a doctor to know not the exact value, but the type of increased temperature. In medicine, there are several types of them:

• Subfebrile - from 37 ° C to 38 ° C.
• Febrile - 38 ° C to 39 ° C.
• High - over 39 ° C.
• Dangerous for life - the border of 40.5-41 ° C.

Temperature values \u200b\u200bare evaluated in combination with other symptoms, since the degree of heat does not always correspond to the severity of the disease. For example, subfebrile temperature is observed at such dangerous diseaseslike tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, pyelonephritis and others. A particularly alarming symptom is a condition in which a temperature of 37-37.5 ° C is kept for a long time. This may indicate disruption of the endocrine system and even malignant tumors.

Fluctuations in normal body temperature

As already mentioned, the normal temperature in a healthy person can change throughout the day, as well as under the influence of certain factors (food, physical activity, etc.). In this case, you need to remember what temperature should be at different ages:

• Children under one year old - a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be considered the norm.
• Up to 5 years - 36.6-37.5 ° C.
• Adolescence - strong temperature fluctuations are possible associated with the activity of sex hormones. Values \u200b\u200bstabilize in girls at 13-14 years old, in boys, drops can be observed up to 18 years old.
• Adults - 36-37.4 ° C.
• Seniors over 65 - up to 36.3 ° C. A temperature of 37 ° C can be considered a serious febrile condition.

In men, the average body temperature is lower by an average of 0.5 ° C than in women.

There are several ways to measure body temperature. And in each case there will be their own norms of values. Among the most popular methods are:

• Axillary (in the armpit).

In order to obtain accurate values, the skin must be dry, and the thermometer itself must be pressed tightly enough to the body. This method will take the most time (with a mercury thermometer - 7-10 minutes), since the skin has to heat itself up. The norm of temperature degrees in the armpit is 36.2-36.9 ° C.

• Rectally (in the rectum).

The method is most popular for young children, as one of the safest. For this method, it is better to use electronic thermometers with a soft tip, the measurement time is 1-1.5 minutes. The norm of values \u200b\u200bis 36.8-37.6 ° C (on average, 1 ° C differs from the axillary values).

• Orally, sublingually (in the mouth, under the tongue).

Our method has not become widespread, although in European countries this is how the temperature is most often measured in adults. It takes 1 to 5 minutes to measure, depending on the type of device. Temperature degrees are normal - 36.6-37.2 ° C.

• In the ear canal.

The method is used to measure the temperature of a child and requires a special type of thermometer (non-contact measurement), therefore it is not widely used. In addition to determining the overall temperature, the method will also help in the diagnosis of otitis media. If there is inflammation, then the temperature in different ears will be very different.

• In the vagina.

Most often used to determine basal temperature (the lowest body temperature recorded during rest). Measured after sleep, an increase of 0.5 ° C indicates the onset of ovulation.

Types of thermometers

Today in pharmacies you can find different types of thermometers for measuring a person's temperature. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Mercury (maximum) thermometer.

It is considered one of the most accurate types and at the same time affordable. In addition, it is used in hospitals and clinics, since it is easily disinfected and can be used for a large number of people. Disadvantages include slow temperature measurement and fragility. A broken thermometer is dangerous because of the poisonous fumes of mercury. Therefore, today it is used quite rarely for children, it is not used for oral measurements.

• Electronic (digital) thermometer.

The most popular type for home use... Quickly measures the temperature (from 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes), informs about the end with a sound signal. Electronic thermometers can be with soft tips (for rectal temperature measurement in a child) and rigid (universal devices). If the thermometer is used rectally or orally, it must be individual - for one person only. The disadvantage of such a thermometer is often inaccurate values. Therefore, after purchase, you need to measure the temperature in a healthy state in order to know the possible range of error.

• Infrared thermometer.

A relatively new and expensive look. Used to measure temperature in a non-contact way, for example, in the ear, on the forehead or temple. The speed of obtaining the result is 2-5 seconds. A slight error of 0.2-0.5 ° C is allowed. A significant drawback of the thermometer is its limited use - it is not used for measurements in the usual ways (axillary, rectal, oral). In addition, each model is designed for its own way (forehead, temple, ear) and cannot be used in other areas.

Relatively recently, thermal strips have been popular - flexible films with crystals that change color at different temperatures. In order to get the result, it is enough to apply the strip to the forehead and wait about 1 minute. This method of measurement does not determine the exact degrees of temperature, but only shows the values \u200b\u200b"low", "normal", "high". Therefore, it cannot replace full-fledged thermometers.

An increase in body temperature is well felt by a person. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Fatigue, general weakness.
• Chills (the more the fever, the more the chills).
• Headache.
• Body aches, especially joints, muscles and fingers.
• Feeling cold.
• Sensation of heat in the eyeballs.
• Dry mouth.
• Decreased or complete loss of appetite.
• Rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias.
• Sweating (if the body can regulate the heat), dry skin (when the temperature rises).

Pink and white fever

Fever can manifest itself in different ways in children and adults. It is customary to distinguish two types of fever:

• Pink (red).

It is named so for its characteristic features - red skin, especially pronounced blush on the cheeks and face as a whole. The most common type of fever, in which the body is able to provide optimal heat transfer - the surface vessels expand (this is how the blood cools), sweating is activated (lowering the skin temperature). The patient's condition, as a rule, is stable, there are no significant violations general condition and well-being.

• White.

A rather dangerous form of fever, in which thermoregulatory processes fail in the body. The skin in this case is white, and sometimes even cool (especially cold hands and feet), while measurement of rectal or oral temperature shows fever. A person suffers from chills, the condition worsens significantly, fainting and confusion may occur. White fever develops when there is a spasm of blood vessels under the skin, as a result of which the body cannot start cooling mechanisms. The condition is dangerous because the temperature rises significantly in vital organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) and can affect their functions.

Thermoregulation is provided by the endocrine system, which triggers various mechanisms to increase or decrease a person's temperature. And of course, disturbances in the production of hormones or the functioning of the glands entail disturbances in thermoregulation. Such manifestations, as a rule, are stable, and the values \u200b\u200bremain within the subfebrile range.

The main reason for the increased temperature is pyrogens, which can affect thermoregulation. Moreover, some of them are not introduced from the outside by pathogens, but are secreted by the cells of the immune system. Such pyrogens are designed to increase the effectiveness of the fight against various health-threatening conditions. The temperature rises in such cases:

• Infections - viruses, bacteria, protozoa and others.
• Burns, injuries. As a rule, there is a local increase in temperature, but with a large area of \u200b\u200bthe lesion, there may be a general fever.
• Allergic reactions. In these cases, the immune system produces pyrogens to fight off harmless substances.
• Shock states.

ARI and high fever

Seasonal respiratory illness is the most common cause of fever. Moreover, depending on the type of infection, its values \u200b\u200bwill be different.

• For a standard cold or mild form SARS is observed subfebrile temperature, in addition, it rises gradually, on average for 6-12 hours. When correct treatment the fever lasts no more than 4 days, after which it begins to subside or disappears altogether.
• If the temperature rises sharply and exceeds 38 ° C, this may be a symptom of the flu. Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, this disease requires the mandatory monitoring of a local therapist or pediatrician.
• If the fever resumed after improvement in the condition or does not go away on the 5th day from the onset of the disease, this most often indicates complications. The initial viral infection was joined by a bacterial infection, with the temperature, as a rule, above 38 ° C. The condition requires an urgent call to the doctor, as the patient may need antibiotic therapy.

A temperature of 37-38 ° C is typical for such diseases:

• ARVI.
• Exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases. For example, bronchitis or bronchial asthma, tonsillitis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Chronic diseases of internal organs during an exacerbation: myocarditis, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart membranes), pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
• Ulcer, colitis.
• Viral hepatitis (usually hepatitis B and C).
• Herpes in the acute stage.
• Exacerbation of psoriasis.
• Infection with toxoplasmosis.

This temperature is typical for the initial stage of thyroid dysfunction, with increased production of hormones (thyrotoxicosis). Hormonal disturbances during menopause can also cause mild fever. Subfebrile values \u200b\u200bcan be observed in people with helminthic invasion.

Diseases with a temperature of 39 ° C and above

High temperature accompanies diseases that cause severe intoxication of the body. Most often, values \u200b\u200bwithin 39 ° C degrees indicate the development of an acute bacterial infection:

• Angina.
• Pneumonia.
• Acute pyelonephritis.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera.
• Sepsis.

At the same time, a strong fever is typical for other infections:

• Flu.
• Hemorrhagic fever, in which the kidneys are severely affected.
• Chicken pox.
• Measles.
• Meningitis, encephalitis.
• Viral hepatitis A.

Other causes of high fever

Thermoregulation disorders can be observed without visible diseases. Another dangerous reason that the temperature has risen is the inability of the body to provide adequate heat transfer. This happens, as a rule, with prolonged exposure to the sun during the hot season or in a too stuffy room. A child's temperature may rise if he is dressed too warmly. The condition is dangerous with heatstroke, which can be fatal for people with heart and lung disease. With severe overheating, even in healthy people, organs, primarily the brain, suffer significantly. Also, fever for no apparent reason can manifest itself in emotional people during periods of stress and intense excitement.

A low temperature is less common than a heat, but at the same time, it can also indicate serious health problems. Indicators of diseases and disorders of the body are considered indicators below 35.5 ° C for an adult, in older people - below 35 ° C.

The following degrees of body temperature are considered life-threatening:

• 32.2 ° C - a person will fall into a stupor, severe lethargy is observed.
• 30-29 ° C - loss of consciousness.
• Below 26.5 ° C - death is possible.

Low temperature is characterized by the following symptoms:

• General weakness, malaise.
• Drowsiness.
• Irritability may occur.
• The limbs get cold, numbness of the fingers develops.
• Disturbances of attention and problems with thought processes are noticeable, the speed of reactions decreases.
• General feeling of coldness, trembling in the body.

Low temperature reasons

Among the main reasons for the low temperature are the following:

• General weakness of the body caused by external factors and living conditions.

Inadequate nutrition, lack of sleep, stress and emotional distress can affect thermoregulation.

• Endocrine system disorders.

Associated, as a rule, with insufficient synthesis of hormones.

• Hypothermia.

The most common cause of low fever in humans. The condition is dangerous by a violation of metabolic processes and frostbite of the limbs only in case of a strong drop in temperature. With a slight hypothermia, a person's local immunity decreases, so this or that infection often develops later.

• Weakened immune system

It is observed during the recovery period, after operations, and can manifest itself against the background of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Also, low temperatures are typical for people with AIDS.

Hormones play an important role in the processes of thermoregulation. In particular, the thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. With their increased synthesis, heat is often observed, but, on the contrary, it leads to a decrease in the overall temperature. On the initial stages often this is the only symptom by which the development of the disease can be suspected.

A stable decrease in body temperature is also observed with adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Pathology develops slowly, it may not manifest itself in other signs for months or even several years.

Low hemoglobin in the blood

Iron deficiency anemia is considered one of the most common causes of low fever. It is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, and this in turn affects the functioning of the whole organism. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen to cells, and if it is not enough, different degrees of hypoxia are manifested.

A person becomes lethargic, general weakness is noted, against which they slow down metabolic processes... Low temperatures are the result of these changes.

In addition, the hemoglobin level can also drop with various blood loss. In particular, people with internal bleeding can develop anemia. If significant blood loss occurs in a short period of time, the volume of circulating blood decreases, and this already affects heat exchange.

Other causes of low temperature

Among the dangerous conditions that require mandatory medical advice and treatment, one can single out such diseases with a low temperature:

• Radiation sickness.
• Strong intoxication.
• AIDS.
• Diseases of the brain, including tumors.
• Shock of any etiology (with massive blood loss, allergic reactions, traumatic and toxic shock).

However, the most common causes of temperatures below 35.5 ° C are improper lifestyle and lack of vitamins. So, nutrition remains an important factor, if it is not enough, then the processes in the body will slow down, and as a result, thermoregulation will be disrupted. Therefore, with various strict diets, especially with a poor diet (deficiency of iodine, vitamin C, iron), low temperature without other symptoms is very common. If a person consumes less than 1200 calories per day, this will certainly affect thermoregulation.

Another common cause of this temperature is overwork, stress, lack of sleep. It is especially characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome. The body goes into a sparing mode of functioning, metabolic processes slow down in the body and, of course, this is reflected in heat exchange.

Since temperature is only a symptom of various disorders in the body, it is best to consider it in conjunction with other signs of disease. It is the general picture of a person's condition that can tell what kind of disease is developing and how dangerous it is.

An increase in temperature is often observed with various ailments. However, there are characteristic combinations of symptoms that appear in patients with specific diagnoses.

Fever and pain

In the event that, with abdominal pain, the temperature is kept above 37.5 ° C, this may indicate serious violations of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, this is observed with intestinal obstruction. In addition, a combination of symptoms is characteristic of the development of appendicitis. Therefore, if the pain is localized in the right hypochondrium, it is difficult for a person to pull his legs to the chest, there is a loss of appetite and cold sweat, an ambulance should be called immediately. Complication of appendicitis, peritonitis, is also accompanied by persistent fever.

Other causes of a combination of abdominal pain and fever:

• Pyelonephritis.
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Bacterial bowel disease.

If the temperature has risen against the background of pain in the head, this most often indicates a general intoxication of the body and is observed with such diseases:

• Influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.
• Angina, scarlet fever.
• Encephalitis.
• Meningitis.

Joint and muscle pain, discomfort in eyeballs are symptoms of fever above 39 ° C. In such conditions, it is recommended to take an antipyretic.

An increased temperature against the background of diarrhea is a clear sign of bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Among intestinal infections with symptoms like this:

• Salmonellosis.
• Cholera.
• Botulism.
• Dysentery.

The cause of the temperature against the background of diarrhea can be severe food poisoning. The combination of such symptoms is very dangerous to health, therefore, self-medication in such cases is unacceptable. It is necessary to urgently call an ambulance and, if necessary, agree to hospitalization. This is especially true if the child is sick.

Fever and diarrhea are contributing factors to dehydration. And with their combination, the loss of fluid by the body can become critical in a fairly short period. Therefore, if it is not possible to adequately compensate for the lack of fluid with drinking (for example, a person has vomiting or the diarrhea itself is pronounced), the patient is injected with intravenous solutions in a hospital. Without it, dehydration can lead to serious consequences, organ damage and even death.

Fever and nausea

In some cases, nausea can be caused by fever. Due to intense heat, weakness develops, blood pressure decreases, dizziness occurs, and this is what causes mild nausea as a result. In this condition, if the temperature is above 39 ° C, it must be brought down. A combination of symptoms can appear in the early days of the flu and be caused by severe intoxication of the body.

One of the causes of nausea and fever during pregnancy is toxicosis. But in this case, values \u200b\u200babove subfebrile (up to 38 ° C) are rarely observed.

In the event that nausea is accompanied by other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, pain, diarrhea, or, conversely, constipation), simply bringing down the temperature is not enough. This combination of symptoms can indicate serious diseases of the internal organs. Among them:

• Viral hepatitis and other liver damage.
• Acute appendicitis.
• Peritonitis.
• Inflammation of the kidneys.
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Bowel obstruction (accompanied by constipation).

In addition, fever and nausea are often observed against the background of intoxication with stale food, alcohol or medicines... And one of the most dangerous diagnoses for these symptoms is meningitis. All of the listed diseases and conditions require mandatory medical advice.

In the event that vomiting occurs against the background of temperature, it is very important to compensate for the loss of fluid. Children with this combination of symptoms are most often referred for inpatient treatment.

Enhancement blood pressure – frequent symptom temperature. Fever affects hemodynamics - the heart rate increases in patients, and the blood begins to move faster through the vessels, they expand, and this can affect blood pressure. However, such changes cannot cause severe hypertension, more often the indicators do not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Art., observed in patients with a fever of 38.5 ° C and above, disappear as soon as the temperature stabilizes.

In some cases, high temperatures, on the contrary, are characterized by a decrease in pressure. There is no need to treat this condition as the readings return to normal after the fever subsides.

At the same time, for hypertensive patients, any, even a slight fever, can threaten with serious consequences. Therefore, they should consult with their doctor and, if necessary, take antipyretics already at levels from 37.5 ° C (especially when it comes to the elderly).

Pressure and temperature are a dangerous combination for patients with such diseases:

• Cardiac ischemia. Cardiologists note that this combination of symptoms sometimes accompanies myocardial infarction. Moreover, in this case, the temperature rises slightly, it may be within the subfebrile parameters.
• Heart failure.
• Arrhythmias.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes.

In the event that low pressure and temperature in the subfebrile range persist for a long time, this may be a sign of oncopathology. However, not all oncologists agree with this statement, and the symptoms themselves should simply become a reason for a full examination of a person.

Low pressure and low temperature are common combinations. Such symptoms are especially characteristic with low hemoglobin, chronic fatigue, blood loss, and nervous disorders.

Fever without other symptoms

An elevated or low temperature without symptoms characteristic of acute infections should be the reason for a mandatory medical examination. Violations can talk about such diseases:

• Chronic pyelonephritis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Malignant and benign tumors.
• Organ infarctions (tissue necrosis).
• Diseases of the blood.
• Thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism.
• Allergic reactions.
• Early stage rheumatoid arthritis.
• Disorders of the brain, in particular the hypothalamus.
• Mental disorders.

Temperature without other symptoms also occurs against the background of overwork, stress, after prolonged physical activity, overheating or hypothermia. But in these cases, the indicators stabilize. If we are talking about serious illnesses, the temperature without symptoms will be quite stable, after normalization, it will rise or fall again over time. Sometimes hypothermia or hyperemia is observed in a patient for several months.

An elevated temperature can cause significant discomfort, and in some cases even pose a threat to life. Therefore, any person needs to know what to do with a fever and how to bring down the temperature correctly.

When to bring down the temperature

Not always, if the temperature rises, it needs to be brought back to normal. The fact is that with infections and other lesions of the body, he himself begins to produce pyrogens, which cause fever. High temperature helps the immune system fight antigens, in particular:

• The synthesis of interferon, a protein that protects cells from viruses, is activated.
• The production of antibodies is activated, which destroy antigens.
• The process of phagocytosis - absorption is accelerated foreign bodies phagocytic cells.
• Reduced physical activity and appetite, which means that the body can spend more energy to fight infection.
• Most bacteria and viruses survive best at normal temperatures. human body... When it rises, some microorganisms die.

Therefore, before deciding to "bring down the temperature", you need to remember that fever helps the body to recover. However, there are still situations in which the heat must be removed. Among them:

• Temperature is over 39 ° C.
• Any temperature at which there is a serious deterioration in the condition - nausea, dizziness, etc.
• Febrile seizures in children (any fever above 37 ° C goes astray).
• In the presence of concomitant neurological diagnoses.
• People with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with diabetes.

Air, humidity and other parameters in the room

There are many ways to lower the temperature. But the first task should always be to normalize the air parameters in the room where the patient is. This is especially important for children in the first years of life, and critical - for babies. The fact is that the child's perspiration system is still poorly developed and therefore thermoregulation is carried out to a greater extent through breathing. The kid inhales cool air, which cools his lungs and the blood in them, and exhales warm air. In the event that the room is too warm, this process is ineffective.

Indoor humidity is also important. The fact is that the humidity of the exhaled air is normally close to 100%. At a temperature, breathing quickens and if the room is too dry, through breathing a person additionally loses water. In addition, the mucous membranes dry out, congestion develops in the bronchi and lungs.

Therefore, the ideal parameters in the room where the patient with fever is located are:

• Air temperature - 19-22 ° C.
• Humidity - 40-60%.

In the event that you need to quickly bring down the temperature, you can use antipyretics. They are taken symptomatically, which means that as soon as the symptom goes away or becomes less pronounced, the medication is stopped. Drinking antipyretics throughout the disease for prevention is unacceptable.

One of the main conditions for the successful action of drugs in this group is drinking plenty of fluids.

The main antipyretic:

• Paracetamol.

Actively prescribed for adults and children, it is considered a first-line drug. However, recent studies, in particular, carried out by the American organization FDA, have shown that when taken uncontrolled, paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. Paracetamol works well if the temperature does not exceed 38 ° C, but in extreme heat it may not work.

• Ibuprofen.

One of the key non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for fever. It is prescribed for adults and children.

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

For a long time it was the main drug in the NSAID category, but over the past decades it has been proven to be associated with severe kidney and liver damage (in case of overdose). Also, researchers believe that taking aspirin in children can cause the development of Reye's syndrome (pathogenic encephalopathy), so at the moment the drug is not used in pediatrics.

• Nimesulide (nimesil, nise).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent last generation... Contraindicated in children.

• Analgin.

Today it is practically not used as an antipyretic, but it can still relieve fever.

The temperature can also be brought down with the help of folk remedies. Among the most common and simple methods are decoctions of herbs and berries. Drinking plenty of fluids is always recommended at high temperatures as it helps to improve sweating and reduces the risk of dehydration.

Some of the more popular herbs and berries used for fever are:

• Raspberry, including leaves.
• Black currant.
• Sea buckthorn.
• Lingonberry.
• Linden.
• Chamomile.

A hypertonic solution will also help to normalize the temperature. It is prepared from ordinary boiled water and salt - two teaspoons of salt are taken for 1 glass of liquid. This drink helps the cells to retain water and is great if the temperature is manifested against the background of vomiting and diarrhea.

• Newborns - no more than 30 ml.
• From 6 months to 1 year - 100 ml.
• Up to 3 years - 200 ml.
• Up to 5 years - 300 ml.
• Over 6 years old - 0.5 liters.

Ice can also be used for fever symptoms. But you need to use it very carefully, since the sharp cooling skin can lead to vasospasm and white fever. Ice is placed in a bag or placed on a piece of cloth and only in this form is applied to the body. Drying off with a towel dipped in cold water is a good alternative. In the event that it is not possible to bring down the temperature, antipyretics do not work, but folk remedies do not help, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

How to raise the temperature

If the body temperature drops below 35.5 ° C, the person feels weak and unwell, you can increase it in the following ways:

• Warm, abundant drink. Tea with honey, rosehip broth helps well.
• Liquid warm soups and broths.
• Warm clothes.
• Covering with several blankets, a heating pad can be used for greater effect.
• Hot bath. Can be supplemented essential oils conifers (fir, spruce, pine).
• Exercise stress. A few vigorous exercise can help improve circulation and body temperature.

In the event that the temperature remains below 36 ° C for a long time, you need to consult a doctor. And after finding out the cause of such a symptom, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, high fever can pose a serious threat to health, and then you simply cannot do without the help of doctors. Ambulance must be called in such cases:

• Temperature 39.5 ° C and above.
• A sharp increase in temperature and the inability to bring it down with antipyretic and other methods.
• Against the background of the temperature, diarrhea or vomiting is observed.
• The fever is accompanied by shortness of breath.
• There are severe pains in any part of the body.
• There are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, pallor, severe weakness, dark urine or lack of urination.
• High blood pressure and temperatures above 38 ° C.
• The fever is accompanied by a rash. Particularly dangerous is a red rash that does not disappear with pressure - a sign of meningococcal infection.

Fever or low temperature is an important signal of the body about illness. This symptom should always be given due attention and try to fully understand its causes, and not just eliminate it with medications and other methods. But at the same time, do not forget that normal temperature is an individual concept and not everyone corresponds to the well-known indicator of 36.6 ° C.