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Can body temperature rise in summer? Causes and treatment of fever

Temperature healthy person

An increase in body temperature without symptoms often remains unnoticed by the patient - and at the same time, even low-grade fever (from 37.2 to 37.9 °C) can be combined with weakness and affect ability to work and physical activity. Mild malaise is not always perceived as a symptom and is associated with stress, lack of sleep, and a changing daily routine.

In order to prevent overdiagnosis, that is, an erroneous judgment about the presence of a disease in a patient, physiological causes of increased body temperature should be excluded. Before the examination begins, it is necessary to collect a detailed anamnesis, which implies a survey regarding lifestyle, presence bad habits, nature of diet, level physical activity, professional activities.

If at the stage of oral consultation it is found out that increased for a long time temperature without symptoms is associated with physiological processes; you do not have to use numerous laboratory and instrumental research methods and medications.

Fever body in a healthy person the following is observed:

  • while working in a heating microclimate;
  • in the hot season;
  • in case of clothing that does not correspond to the temperature environment.
  • during physical activity;
  • when eating large amounts of food with high energy value;
  • when consuming hot foods and drinks;
  • as a result of stress, fear;
  • as a manifestation of daily fluctuations.

Women of reproductive age who have a fever without symptoms should be assessed for possible pregnancy.

If the temperature rises without symptoms in the second half menstrual cycle, one should also think about physiological mechanisms.

A heating microclimate is a combination of climatic parameters (ambient temperature, air speed, etc.) that promotes the accumulation of heat in the human body, which manifests itself profuse sweating, increased body temperature. To reduce the intensity of the adverse effect, breaks in work, installation of air conditioners, and reduction of working hours are necessary.

Relaxing on the beach in direct sunlight and staying in a hot room are likely factors that cause an increase in body temperature. Closed clothing made of thick fabric, which does not allow air and moisture to pass through, impedes heat transfer - this leads to a temperature imbalance with excess heat accumulation in the body.

Physical activity includes sports or work loads and leads to an increase in body temperature for no reason that can be determined objectively; with sufficient training, patients feel good, temperature readings return to normal after a short rest.

Eating a large breakfast, lunch or dinner, especially if the food was hot, can affect body temperature: values ​​shift up to 0.5 °C from normal level. It is also known that temperature changes when a person experiences strong emotions. An elevated temperature combined with a heat wave or heat wave occurs within a short time after drinking alcohol.

Circadian rhythms are evolutionarily fixed mechanisms that cause body temperature to rise in the evening. The difference between the indicators at different times of the day can be from 0.5 to 1 °C.

In addition, it is important to clarify which method of thermometry the patient uses. Sometimes temperature for no reason is the result of an incorrect assessment of the data obtained during measurement. Rectal temperature is higher than axillary (determined in armpit) and oral (measured in oral cavity).

Determination errors may be associated with a thermometry device - mercury thermometers are considered the most accurate. Electronic and infrared thermometers are sensitive to measurement technology, so you must strictly follow the instructions; the discrepancy between the actual body temperature and the recorded values ​​can reach 0.5 °C.

Temperature as a symptom

Constitutional fever, or thermoneurosis, can cause elevated body temperature without symptoms. Low-grade fever is observed for several months or even longer, while the patient’s health remains satisfactory.

If pathological manifestations are present, they are quite variable, the connection with fever cannot always be traced. These include hyperhidrosis, a feeling of discomfort in the heart area, headaches, mood swings, sleep disturbances, a tendency to low or high blood pressure or sharp fluctuations in its levels for no apparent reason.

Temperature without other symptoms is a presumptive sign:

  1. Infectious and inflammatory process.
  2. Systemic connective tissue diseases.
  3. Endocrine pathology.
  4. Vascular thrombosis.
  5. Neoplasms.

Diseases belonging to the listed groups can begin with an increase in temperature when the clinical picture including additional symptoms. In some cases, the patient's complaints and initial examination do not allow any changes other than fever to be determined.

Infectious diseases are a large group of pathologies, many of which can occur in a latent (latent) form - for example, tuberculosis various localizations, viral hepatitis B and C.

Sometimes high temperature becomes the main manifestation of infective endocarditis, foci chronic infection(sinusitis, tonsillitis, carious teeth). Careful diagnosis is required to confirm or refute the infectious nature of the fever.

Systemic connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, etc.) are associated with immunological disorders and are manifested by inflammatory damage to the connective tissue. Temperature for no reason in adults can be recorded for several weeks and even months before the onset additional symptoms.

A complaint that an adult has a fever without symptoms sometimes characterizes initial stage hyperthyroidism. This is a syndrome of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, manifested by an increase in the level of triiodothyronine and thyroxine and an increase in the intensity of the basal metabolism. The development of pathology can be caused by autoimmune mechanisms; hereditary factors are also important.

Temperature without symptoms in an adult with thrombosis is important diagnostic sign; elimination of fever using heparin therapy in the absence of effect from antibacterial agents suggests the presence of vascular pathology.

Fever due to tumors

In case of neoplasms, temperature without signs of abnormality general condition fixed at the beginning of tumor development bladder, kidneys, liver, hemoblastosis, multiple myeloma. It is believed that the cause of increased body temperature is the production of pyrogens - biologically active substances that contribute to the appearance of fever (for example, interleukin-1).

The severity of fever does not always depend on the size and location of the tumor; elevated temperature without symptoms at the onset of the disease most often corresponds to subfebrile and febrile levels. After tumor removal, as well as during successful treatment With chemotherapy, normalization of temperature indicators is observed.

Fever is characteristic of tumors localized in the cavities of the heart (cardiac myxoma). Before the heart valves are involved in the pathological process, it is difficult to suspect the presence of a neoplasm.

Symptoms characteristic of a full-blown clinical picture of myxoma:

  • sudden increase in body temperature;
  • weight loss;
  • pain in muscles and joints without specific localization;
  • shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling;
  • skin pigmentation.

Fever in myxoma of the heart is resistant to use antibacterial drugs. The blood test shows signs of anemia (decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin), increase in ESR, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, but in some cases erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis (increased levels of red blood cells and platelets) are recorded.

Infective endocarditis is one of the possible complications of the course pathological process with myxoma of the heart.

Fever without other symptoms occurs in patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and is called neutropenic fever. Observed sharp decline the number of neutrophils with the subsequent addition of infection; in this case, the only manifestation of the infectious process is a fever above 38 °C.

It is necessary to carry out antibacterial therapy with monitoring of body temperature and assessment of effectiveness for 3 days after the start of treatment.

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The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Temperature rise body to low subfebrile levels is a fairly common occurrence. It can be associated with various diseases, or be a variant of the norm, or be an error in measurements.

In any case, if the temperature remains at 37 o C, it is necessary to report this to a qualified specialist. Only he, after necessary examination, can tell whether this is a variant of the norm, or indicates the presence of a disease.

Temperature: what could it be?

It should be borne in mind that body temperature is a variable value. Fluctuations during the day in different directions are acceptable, which is quite normal. None symptoms it is not accompanied. But a person who first discovers a constant temperature of 37 o C can be extremely worried about this.

A person's body temperature may be as follows:
1. Reduced (less than 35.5 o C).
2. Normal (35.5-37 o C).
3. Increased:

  • subfebrile (37.1-38 o C);
  • febrile (above 38 o C).
Often, experts do not even consider thermometry results within 37-37.5 o C to be pathology, calling only data of 37.5-38 o C subfebrile temperature.

What you need to know about normal temperature:

  • According to statistics, the most common normal body temperature is 37 o C, and not 36.6 o C, contrary to popular belief.
  • The norm is physiological fluctuations in thermometry readings during the day for the same person within 0.5 o C, or even more.
  • In the morning hours there are usually more low performance, while the body temperature during the day or evening can be 37 o C, or slightly higher.
  • In deep sleep, thermometry readings may correspond to 36 o C or less (as a rule, the lowest readings are observed between 4 and 6 o'clock in the morning, but a temperature of 37 o C or higher in the morning may indicate pathology).
  • The highest measurements are often recorded from about 4 pm until night (for example, constant temperature 37.5 o C in the evening may be a variant of the norm).
  • In old age, normal body temperature may be lower, and its daily fluctuations are not so pronounced.
Whether an increase in temperature is a pathology depends on many factors. So, long-term fever 37 o C in a child in the evening is a variant of the norm, and the same indicators in an elderly person in the morning most likely indicate pathology.

Where can you measure body temperature:
1. In the armpit. Despite the fact that this is the most popular and simplest measurement method, it is the least informative. The results obtained can be influenced by humidity, room temperature and many other factors. Sometimes there is a reflex increase in temperature during measurement. This may be due to anxiety, for example, from a doctor's visit. When thermometry is performed in the oral cavity or rectum, such errors cannot occur.
2. In the mouth (oral temperature): its values ​​are usually 0.5 o C higher than those determined in the armpit.
3. In the rectum (rectal temperature): normally it is 0.5 o C higher than in the mouth and, accordingly, 1 o C higher than in the armpit.

Also quite reliable is the determination of temperature in ear canal. However, for accurate measurements you need a special thermometer, so this method It is practically not used at home.

It is not recommended to measure oral or rectal temperature with a mercury thermometer; you should use an electronic device for this. For thermometry in children infancy There are also electronic dummy thermometers.

Do not forget that a body temperature of 37.1-37.5 o C may be associated with an error in measurements, or talk about the presence of pathology, for example, an infectious process in the body. Therefore, consultation with a specialist is still required.

Temperature 37 o C - is this normal?

If the thermometer shows 37-37.5 o C, don’t get upset or panic. Temperatures greater than 37 o C may be associated with measurement errors. To ensure accurate thermometry, the following rules must be observed:
1. The measurement should be carried out in a calm, relaxed state, no earlier than 30 minutes after physical activity (for example, a child’s temperature after active play can be 37-37.5 o C or higher).
2. In children, measurements may be significantly elevated after screaming and crying.
3. It is better to carry out thermometry at approximately the same time, since low readings are more often observed in the morning, and in the evening the temperature usually rises to 37 o C and above.
4. When conducting thermometry in the armpit, it should be completely dry.
5. Where measurements are taken in the mouth (oral temperature), it should not be taken after eating or drinking (especially hot drinks), if the patient is short of breath or breathing through the mouth, or after smoking.
6. Rectal temperature may increase by 1-2 o C or more after physical activity or a hot bath.
7. A temperature of 37 o C or slightly higher can occur after eating, after physical activity, against a background of stress, anxiety or fatigue, after being in the sun, when being in a warm, stuffy room with high humidity or, conversely, excessively dry air.

Another common cause of a temperature of 37 o C and above can always be a faulty thermometer. This is especially true for electronic devices, which quite often produce measurement errors. Therefore, upon receipt high performance, determine the temperature of another family member - maybe it will also be too high. And it’s even better to always have a working mercury thermometer in the house for this case. When an electronic thermometer is still indispensable (for example, to determine the temperature of small child), immediately after purchasing the device, take measurements with a mercury thermometer and an electronic one (for any healthy family member). This will make it possible to compare the results and determine the error in thermometry. When conducting such a test, it is better to use thermometers of different designs; you should not take the same mercury or electric thermometers.

There are often situations when, after an infectious disease, the temperature remains at 37 o C or higher for a long time. This feature is often called a "temperature tail". Increased performance thermometers may persist for several weeks or months. Even after taking antibiotics against an infectious agent, a reading of 37 o C can remain for a long time. This condition does not require treatment and goes away on its own without a trace. However, if, along with a low-grade fever, cough, rhinitis or other symptoms of the disease are observed, this may indicate a relapse of the disease, complications, or indicate a new infection. It is important not to miss this condition, as it requires consultation with a doctor.

Other causes of low-grade fever in a child are often:

  • overheat;
  • reaction to preventive vaccination;
  • teething.
One of the common reasons for a child's temperature to rise above 37-37.5 o C is teething. In this case, thermometry data rarely reaches figures above 38.5 o C, so usually just monitoring the baby’s condition and using physical cooling methods is enough. Temperatures above 37 o C can be observed after vaccination. Usually the indicators are kept within the subfebrile range, and if they increase further, you can give the child a one-time antipyretic drug. An increase in temperature as a result of overheating can be observed in those children who are excessively wrapped and dressed. It can be very dangerous and cause heat stroke. Therefore, if the baby overheats, he should first be undressed.

Fever may occur with many non-infectious diseases. inflammatory diseases. As a rule, it is accompanied by others, quite characteristic features pathology. For example, a temperature of 37 o C and diarrhea streaked with blood may be symptoms of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. In some diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, low-grade fever may appear several months before the first signs of illness.

An increase in body temperature to low levels is often observed against the background of allergic pathology: atopic dermatitis, urticaria and other conditions. For example, shortness of breath with difficulty in exhaling, and a temperature of 37 o C or higher, can be observed during exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

Low-grade fever can be observed in pathologies of the following organ systems:
1. Cardiovascular system:

  • VSD (vegetative dystonia syndrome) - a temperature of 37 o C and slightly higher can indicate sympathicotonia, and is often combined with high blood pressure, headaches and other manifestations;
  • High blood pressure and temperature 37-37.5 o C can occur with hypertension, especially during crises.
2. Gastrointestinal tract: a temperature of 37 o C or higher, and abdominal pain, may be signs of pathologies such as pancreatitis, non-infectious hepatitis and gastritis, esophagitis and many others.
3. Respiratory organs: a temperature of 37-37.5 o C may accompany chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
4. Nervous system:
  • thermoneurosis (habitual hyperthermia) – often observed in young women, and is one of the manifestations of vegetative dystonia;
  • tumors of the spinal cord and brain, traumatic injuries, hemorrhages and other pathologies.
5. Endocrine system: Fever may be the first manifestation of increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism), Addison's disease (insufficient function of the adrenal cortex).
6. Kidney pathology: a temperature of 37 o C and above may be a sign of glomerulonephritis, dysmetabolic nephropathies, and urolithiasis.
7. Genital organs: low-grade fever can be observed with ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and other pathologies.
8. Blood and immune system:
  • a temperature of 37 o C accompanies many immunodeficiency conditions, including oncology;
  • a slight low-grade fever can occur with blood pathologies, including common iron deficiency anemia.
Another condition in which the body temperature constantly remains at 37-37.5 o C is oncological pathology. In addition to low-grade fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, pathological symptoms from various organs (their nature depends on the location of the tumor).

Indicators of 37-37.5 o C are a variant of the norm after surgery. Their duration depends on individual characteristics body and volume surgical intervention. A slight fever may also occur after some diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopy.

Which doctor should I contact if I have an elevated body temperature?

Since an increase in body temperature can be caused by a wide range of various reasons, then the choice of specialist to contact when high temperature, is determined by the nature of other symptoms a person has. Let's consider which doctors should be contacted in various cases of increased body temperature:
  • If, in addition to fever, a person has a runny nose, pain, sore or sore throat, cough, headaches, aches in muscles, bones and joints, then it is necessary to contact general practitioner (), because we're talking about, most likely, about ARVI, colds, flu, etc.;
  • If you have a cough that does not go away for a long time, or a constant feeling of general weakness, or a feeling that it is difficult to breathe, or whistling when breathing, then you should consult a general practitioner and phthisiatrician (sign up), since these signs may be symptoms of either chronic bronchitis, either pneumonia or tuberculosis;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with ear pain, leakage of pus or fluid from the ear, runny nose, sore throat, sore or sore throat, feeling of mucus flowing through back wall throat, a feeling of pressure, fullness or pain in the upper part of the cheeks (cheekbones under the eyes) or above the eyebrows, then you should contact otolaryngologist (ENT) (make an appointment), since most likely we are talking about otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with pain, redness of the eyes, photophobia, leakage of pus or non-purulent fluid from the eye, you should contact ophthalmologist (make an appointment);
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with pain when urinating, lower back pain, frequent urge to urinate, then you need to consult a urologist/ nephrologist (make an appointment) And venereologist (make an appointment), because a similar combination of symptoms may indicate either kidney disease or a sexually transmitted infection;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea, then you should contact infectious disease doctor (make an appointment), since such a set of symptoms may indicate intestinal infection or hepatitis;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with moderate abdominal pain, as well as various symptoms of dyspepsia (belching, heartburn, feeling of heaviness after eating, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, etc.), then you should contact Gastroenterologist (make an appointment)(if there is none, then see a therapist), because this indicates organ diseases digestive tract(gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, etc.);
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with severe, unbearable pain in any part of the abdomen, then you should urgently contact surgeon (make an appointment), since this indicates in serious condition(for example, acute appendicitis, peritonitis, pancreatic necrosis, etc.), requiring immediate medical intervention;
  • If elevated body temperature in women is combined with moderate or mild pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort in the genital area, unusual vaginal discharge, then you should contact gynecologist (make an appointment);
  • If elevated body temperature in women is combined with severe pain lower abdomen, bleeding from the genitals, severe general weakness, then you should urgently contact a gynecologist, since these symptoms indicate a serious condition (for example, ectopic pregnancy, uterine bleeding, sepsis, endometritis after an abortion, etc.), requiring immediate treatment;
  • If elevated body temperature in men is combined with pain in the perineum and in the prostate gland, then you should contact a urologist, as this may indicate prostatitis or other diseases of the male genital area;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with shortness of breath, arrhythmia, edema, then you should contact a therapist or cardiologist (make an appointment), since this may indicate inflammatory heart diseases (pericarditis, endocarditis, etc.);
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with joint pain, skin rashes, marbling of the skin, impaired blood flow and sensitivity of the extremities (cold hands and feet, blue fingers, feeling of numbness, goosebumps, etc.), red blood cells or blood in urine, pain when urinating or pain in other parts of the body, then you should contact rheumatologist (make an appointment), since this may indicate the presence of autoimmune or other rheumatic diseases;
  • Temperature in combination with rashes or inflammations on the skin and symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections may indicate various infectious or skin diseases(for example, erysipelas, scarlet fever, chickenpox, etc.), therefore, if such a combination of symptoms appears, you need to contact a therapist, infectious disease specialist and dermatologist (make an appointment);
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with headaches, surges in blood pressure, or a feeling of interruptions in heart function, then you should consult a therapist, as this may indicate vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with tachycardia, sweating, or enlarged goiter, then it is necessary to contact endocrinologist (make an appointment), as this may be a sign of hyperthyroidism or Addison's disease;
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with neurological symptoms(For example, obsessive movements, coordination disorder, deterioration of sensitivity, etc.) or loss of appetite, causeless weight loss, then you should contact oncologist (make an appointment), since this may indicate the presence of tumors or metastases in various organs;
  • An elevated temperature, combined with very poor health, which worsens over time, is a reason to immediately call an ambulance, regardless of what other symptoms the person has.

What studies and diagnostic procedures can doctors prescribe when body temperature rises to 37-37.5 o C?

Since body temperature may rise against the background wide range various diseases, then the list of studies that the doctor prescribes to identify the causes of this symptom is also very wide and variable. However, in practice, doctors do not prescribe the entire possible list of examinations and tests that could theoretically help identify the cause of elevated body temperature, but use only a limited set of certain diagnostic tests, which with maximum probability allow us to identify the source of the temperature. Accordingly, for each specific case, doctors prescribe a different list of tests, which are selected in accordance with the accompanying symptoms that a person has in addition to elevated body temperature, and indicating the affected organ or system.

Since most often elevated body temperature is caused by inflammatory processes in various organs, which can be of either infectious origin (for example, sore throat, rotavirus infection, etc.) or non-infectious (for example, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.), then always if it is present, regardless of accompanying symptoms, is appointed general analysis blood and a general urine test, allowing you to navigate in which direction you should go further diagnostic search and what other tests and examinations are necessary in each specific case. That is, in order not to prescribe a large number of studies of different organs, they first do a general blood and urine test, which allows the doctor to understand in which direction to “look” for the cause of the elevated body temperature. And only after identifying the approximate spectrum possible reasons temperature, other studies are prescribed to clarify the pathology that caused hyperthermia.

Indicators of a general blood test make it possible to understand whether the temperature is caused by an inflammatory process of infectious or non-infectious origin, or is not associated with inflammation at all.

So, if ESR is increased, then the temperature is caused by an inflammatory process of infectious or non-infectious origin. If the ESR is within normal limits, then the increased body temperature is not associated with the inflammatory process, but is caused by tumors, vegetative-vascular dystonia, endocrine diseases etc.

If, in addition to the accelerated ESR, all other indicators of a general blood test are within normal limits, then the temperature is due to a non-infectious inflammatory process, for example, gastritis, duodenitis, colitis, etc.

If a general blood test reveals anemia, and other indicators, except hemoglobin, are normal, then the diagnostic search ends here, since the elevated temperature is caused precisely by the anemic syndrome. In such a situation, anemia is treated.

A general urine test allows you to understand whether there is pathology of the urinary system. If there is one according to the analysis, then other studies are carried out in the future to clarify the nature of the pathology and begin treatment. If urine tests are normal, then to find out the cause of the elevated body temperature, the urinary system organs are not examined. That is, a general urine test will allow you to immediately identify the system in which the pathology caused an increase in body temperature, or, on the contrary, dismiss suspicions of diseases of the urinary tract.

Having determined from a general analysis of blood and urine the fundamental points, such as infectious or non-infectious inflammation in a person, or a non-inflammatory process at all, and whether there is pathology of the urinary organs, the doctor prescribes a number of other studies to understand which organ is affected. Moreover, this list of examinations is already determined by the accompanying symptoms.

Below we present options for lists of tests that a doctor may prescribe for elevated body temperature, depending on other accompanying symptoms a person has:

  • For a runny nose, sore throat, sore or raw throat, cough, headache, aching muscles and joints, usually only a general blood and urine test is prescribed, since such symptoms are caused by ARVI, flu, colds, etc. However, during an influenza epidemic, a blood test may be prescribed to detect the influenza virus to determine whether a person is dangerous to others as a source of influenza. If a person is often sick colds, then he is prescribed immunogram (sign up) (total quantity lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes, T-helpers, T-cytotoxic lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, NK cells, T-NK cells, NCT test, assessment of phagocytosis, CEC, immunoglobulins of classes IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA), to determine which parts of the immune system are not working correctly and, accordingly, what immunostimulants need to be taken to normalize the immune status and stop frequent episodes of colds.
  • At a temperature combined with a cough or a constant feeling of general weakness, or a feeling that it is difficult to breathe, or whistling when breathing, it is necessary to mandatory do x-ray chest(sign up) and auscultation (listen with a stethoscope) of the lungs and bronchi to find out whether a person has bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis. In addition to x-rays and auscultation, if they do not give an accurate answer or their result is questionable, the doctor may prescribe sputum microscopy, determination of antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus in the blood (IgA, IgG), determination of the presence of mycobacterial DNA to distinguish between bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in sputum, bronchial washings or blood. Tests for the presence of mycobacteria in sputum, blood and bronchial washings, as well as sputum microscopy, are usually prescribed when tuberculosis is suspected (either asymptomatic persistent prolonged fever or fever with cough). But tests for determining antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus in the blood (IgA, IgG), as well as determining the presence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in sputum, are carried out to diagnose bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia, especially if they are frequent, long-lasting or untreatable antibiotics.
  • Temperature, combined with a runny nose, a feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat, a feeling of pressure, fullness or pain in the upper part of the cheeks (cheekbones under the eyes) or above the eyebrows, requires a mandatory x-ray of the sinuses (maxillary sinuses, etc.) (sign up) to confirm sinusitis, sinusitis or other type of sinusitis. In case of frequent, long-term sinusitis or that cannot be treated with antibiotics, the doctor may additionally prescribe the determination of antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumoniae in the blood (IgG, IgA, IgM). If the symptoms of sinusitis and elevated body temperature are combined with blood in the urine and frequent pneumonia, then the doctor may prescribe a test for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA, pANCA and cANCA, IgG) in the blood, since in such a situation systemic vasculitis is suspected.
  • If the elevated temperature is combined with a feeling of mucus running down the back wall of the throat, a feeling that cats are scratching in the throat, soreness and soreness, then the doctor prescribes an ENT examination, takes a smear from the mucous membrane of the oropharynx for bacteriological culture in order to determine the pathogenic microbes that caused inflammatory process. The examination is usually carried out without fail, but a swab from the oropharynx is not always taken, but only if a person complains of frequent occurrence similar symptoms. In addition, when frequent appearance such symptoms, their persistent non-existence even with antibiotic treatment, the doctor may prescribe the determination of antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumonia and to Chlamydia trachomatis(IgG, IgM, IgA) in the blood, because these microorganisms can provoke chronic, often recurrent infectious and inflammatory diseases of organs respiratory system(pharyngitis, otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis).
  • If an elevated temperature is combined with pain, a sore throat, enlarged tonsils, the presence of plaque or white plugs in the tonsils, or a constantly red throat, then an ENT examination is required. If such symptoms persist for a long time or appear frequently, the doctor will prescribe a smear from the oropharyngeal mucosa for bacteriological culture, as a result of which it will become known which microorganism provokes the inflammatory process in the ENT organs. If the sore throat is purulent, then the doctor will definitely prescribe blood tests for the ASL-O titer in order to identify the risk of developing complications of this infection such as rheumatism, glomerulonephritis, myocarditis.
  • If the temperature is combined with pain in the ear, discharge of pus or any other fluid from the ear, then the doctor must conduct an ENT examination. In addition to the examination, the doctor most often prescribes bacteriological culture of ear discharge to determine which pathogen caused the inflammatory process. In addition, tests may be prescribed to determine antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumonia in the blood (IgG, IgM, IgA), to determine the titer of ASL-O in the blood, and to detect herpes virus type 6 in saliva, oropharyngeal scrapings, and blood. Tests for antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumonia and for the presence of herpes virus type 6 are performed to identify the microbe that causes otitis. However, these tests are usually prescribed only for frequent or long-term otitis. A blood test for the ASL-O titer is prescribed only for purulent otitis in order to identify the risk of developing complications of streptococcal infection, such as myocarditis, glomerulonephritis and rheumatism.
  • If elevated body temperature is combined with pain, redness in the eye, as well as discharge of pus or other fluid from the eye, then the doctor must perform an examination. Next, the doctor may prescribe a culture of the eye discharge for bacteria, as well as a blood test for antibodies to adenovirus and IgE content (with particles of dog epithelium) in order to determine the presence adenovirus infection or allergies.
  • When elevated body temperature is combined with pain when urinating, lower back pain or frequent trips to the toilet, the doctor will first and without fail prescribe a general urine test, determination of the total concentration of protein and albumin in daily urine, urine test according to Nechiporenko (sign up), Zimnitsky test (sign up), as well as a biochemical blood test (urea, creatinine). In most cases, these tests can determine whether you have kidney disease or urinary tract. However, if the above tests do not provide clarity, the doctor may prescribe Cystoscopy of the bladder (make an appointment), bacteriological culture of urine or scraping from the urethra to identify a pathogenic pathogen, as well as determination PCR method or ELISA of microbes in scrapings from the urethra.
  • If you have a fever accompanied by pain when urinating or frequent trips to the toilet, your doctor may order tests for various sexually transmitted infections (for example, gonorrhea (sign up), syphilis (sign up), ureaplasmosis (sign up), mycoplasmosis (sign up), candidiasis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia (sign up), gardnerellosis, etc.), since such symptoms may also indicate inflammatory diseases of the genital tract. To test for sexually transmitted infections, your doctor may prescribe vaginal discharge, semen, prostate secretions, a urethral smear, and blood. In addition to tests, it is often prescribed Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (sign up), which allows us to identify the nature of changes occurring under the influence of inflammation in the genital organs.
  • With elevated body temperature, which is combined with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea, the doctor first prescribes a stool test for scatology, a stool test for helminths, a stool test for rotavirus, a stool test for infections (dysentery, cholera, pathogenic strains of intestinal sticks, salmonellosis, etc.), stool analysis for dysbacteriosis, as well as scraping from the anal area for culture in order to identify the pathogenic pathogen that provoked the symptoms of intestinal infection. In addition to these tests, the infectious disease doctor prescribes blood test for antibodies to hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses (sign up), since such symptoms may indicate acute hepatitis. If a person, in addition to fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea, also has yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes, then only blood tests for hepatitis (antibodies to hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses) are prescribed, since this indicates specifically about hepatitis.
  • If there is an elevated body temperature, combined with abdominal pain, symptoms of dyspepsia (belching, heartburn, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, etc.), the doctor usually prescribes instrumental studies and biochemical blood test. For belching and heartburn, a blood test for Helicobacter pylori and fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) (), which allows you to diagnose gastritis, duodenitis, stomach ulcers or duodenum, GERD, etc. For flatulence, bloating, periodic diarrhea and constipation, the doctor usually prescribes a biochemical blood test (activity of amylase, lipase, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, concentration of protein, albumin, bilirubin), a urine test for amylase activity, a stool test for dysbacteriosis and scatology and Ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity(sign up), which allow you to diagnose pancreatitis, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, biliary dyskinesia, etc. In complex and unclear cases or suspected tumor formations, the doctor may prescribe MRI (sign up) or x-ray of the digestive tract. If there are frequent bowel movements (3-12 times a day) with unformed feces, banded stools (feces in the form of thin ribbons) or pain in the rectum, then the doctor prescribes colonoscopy (make an appointment) or sigmoidoscopy (sign up) and stool analysis for calprotectin, which allows identifying Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal polyps, etc.
  • In case of elevated temperature in combination with moderate or mild pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort in the genital area, abnormal vaginal discharge, the doctor will definitely prescribe, first of all, a smear from the genital organs and an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. These simple studies will allow the doctor to determine what other tests are needed to clarify the existing pathology. In addition to ultrasound and smear on flora (), the doctor may prescribe tests for sexually transmitted infections ()(gonorrhea, syphilis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gardnerellosis, fecal bacteroids, etc.), to identify which vaginal discharge, urethral scraping or blood are donated.
  • At elevated temperatures, combined with pain in the perineum and prostate in men, the doctor will prescribe a general urine test, prostate secretion for microscopy (), spermogram (), as well as a smear from the urethra for various infections (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, fecal bacteroides). In addition, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
  • At a temperature combined with shortness of breath, arrhythmia and edema, it is imperative to do ECG(), chest x-ray, Ultrasound of the heart (sign up), as well as take a general blood test, a blood test for C-reactive protein, rheumatic factor and titer ASL-O (sign up). These studies allow us to identify the existing pathological process in the heart. If the studies do not clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may additionally prescribe a blood test for antibodies to the heart muscle and for antibodies to Borrelia.
  • If an elevated temperature is combined with skin rashes and symptoms of ARVI or flu, then the doctor usually prescribes only a general blood test and examines the rashes or redness on the skin in various ways (under a magnifying glass, under a special lamp, etc.). If there is a red spot on the skin that grows over time and is painful, your doctor will order an ASL-O titer test to confirm or deny erysipelas. If the skin rash cannot be identified during examination, the doctor may take a scraping and order a microscopy to determine the type. pathological changes and the causative agent of the inflammatory process.
  • If the temperature is combined with tachycardia, sweating and enlarged goiter, you should do Ultrasound of the thyroid gland (), and also take a blood test for the concentration of thyroid hormones (T3, T4), antibodies to steroid-producing cells of the reproductive organs and cortisol.
  • When the temperature is combined with headaches, jumps blood pressure, a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart, the doctor prescribes blood pressure monitoring, ECG, ultrasound of the heart, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, REG, as well as a general blood test, urine and biochemical blood test (protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, urea, creatinine , C-reactive protein, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lipase, etc.).
  • When the temperature is combined with neurological symptoms (for example, loss of coordination, deterioration of sensitivity, etc.), loss of appetite, causeless weight loss, the doctor will prescribe a general and biochemical blood test, a coagulogram, as well as an x-ray, Ultrasound of various organs (sign up) and, possibly, tomography, since such symptoms may be a sign of cancer.
  • If the temperature is combined with pain in the joints, rashes on the skin, marbling of the skin, impaired blood flow in the legs and arms (cold hands and feet, numbness and a crawling sensation, etc.), red blood cells or blood in the urine and pain in other parts of the body, this is a sign of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. In such cases, the doctor prescribes tests to determine whether a person has joint disease or an autoimmune pathology. Since the spectrum of autoimmune and rheumatic diseases is very wide, the doctor first prescribes X-ray of joints (sign up) and the following nonspecific tests: complete blood count, concentration of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, lupus anticoagulant, antibodies to cardiolipin, antinuclear factor, IgG antibodies to double-stranded (native) DNA, ASL-O titer, antibodies to nuclear antigen, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, the presence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes viruses in the blood. Then, if the results of the listed tests are positive (that is, markers of autoimmune diseases are found in the blood), the doctor, depending on which organs or systems have clinical symptoms, prescribes additional tests, as well as X-rays, ultrasound, ECG, MRI, to assess the degree of activity of the pathological process. Since there are many tests to identify and assess the activity of autoimmune processes in various organs, we present them in a separate table below.
Organ system Tests to determine the autoimmune process in the organ system
Connective tissue diseases
  • Antinuclear antibodies, IgG (antinuclear antibodies, ANAs, EIA);
  • IgG antibodies to double-stranded (native) DNA (anti-ds-DNA);
  • Antinuclear factor (ANF);
  • Antibodies to nucleosomes;
  • Antibodies to cardiolipin (IgG, IgM) (sign up);
  • Antibodies to extractable nuclear antigen (ENA);
  • Complement components (C3, C4);
  • Rheumatoid factor;
  • C-reactive protein;
  • ASL-O titer.
Joint diseases
  • Antibodies to keratin Ig G (AKA);
  • Antifilaggrin antibodies (AFA);
  • Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP);
  • Crystals in a smear of synovial fluid;
  • Rheumatoid factor;
  • Antibodies to modified citrullinated vimentin.
Antiphospholipid syndrome
  • Antibodies to phospholipids IgM/IgG;
  • Antibodies to phosphatidylserine IgG+IgM;
  • Antibodies to cardiolipin, screening - IgG, IgA, IgM;
  • Antibodies to annexin V, IgM and IgG;
  • Antibodies to phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex, total IgG, IgM;
  • Antibodies to beta-2-glycoprotein 1, total IgG, IgA, IgM.
Vasculitis and kidney damage (glomerulonephritis, etc.)
  • Antibodies to the basement membrane of the glomeruli of the kidneys IgA, IgM, IgG (anti-BMK);
  • Antinuclear factor (ANF);
  • Antibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), total IgG, IgA, IgM;
  • Antibodies to complement factor C1q;
  • Antibodies to endothelium on HUVEC cells, total IgG, IgA, IgM;
  • Antibodies to proteinase 3 (PR3);
  • Antibodies to myeloperoxidase (MPO).
Autoimmune diseases of the digestive tract
  • Antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides (IgA, IgG);
  • Antibodies to parietal cells stomach, total IgG, IgA, IgM (PCA);
  • Antibodies to reticulin IgA and IgG;
  • Antibodies to endomysium total IgA + IgG;
  • Antibodies to pancreatic acinar cells;
  • Antibodies of the IgG and IgA classes to the GP2 antigen of pancreatic centroacinar cells (Anti-GP2);
  • Antibodies of the IgA and IgG classes to intestinal goblet cells, total;
  • Immunoglobulin subclass IgG4;
  • Calprotectin fecal;
  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, ANCA Ig G (pANCA and cANCA);
  • Anti-Saccharomyces antibodies (ASCA) IgA and IgG;
  • Antibodies to intrinsic factor;
  • Antibodies of the IgG and IgA classes to tissue transglutaminase.
Autoimmune liver diseases
  • Antibodies to mitochondria;
  • Antibodies to smooth muscles;
  • Antibodies to liver and kidney microsomes type 1, total IgA+IgG+IgM;
  • Antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor;
  • Autoantibodies for autoimmune liver diseases - AMA-M2, M2-3E, SP100, PML, GP210, LKM-1, LC-1, SLA/LP, SSA/RO-52.
Nervous system
  • Antibodies to the NMDA receptor;
  • Antineuronal antibodies;
  • Antibodies to skeletal muscles;
  • Antibodies to gangliosides;
  • Antibodies to aquaporin 4;
  • Oligoclonal IgG in cerebrospinal fluid and serum;
  • Myositis-specific antibodies;
  • Antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor.
Endocrine system
  • Antibodies to insulin;
  • Antibodies to pancreatic beta cells;
  • Antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (AT-GAD);
  • Antibodies to thyroglobulin (AT-TG);
  • Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (AT-TPO, microsomal antibodies);
  • Antibodies to the microsomal fraction of thyrocytes (AT-MAG);
  • Antibodies to TSH receptors;
  • Antibodies to steroid-producing cells of reproductive tissues;
  • Antibodies to steroid-producing cells of the adrenal gland;
  • Antibodies to steroid-producing testicular cells;
  • Antibodies to tyrosine phosphatase (IA-2);
  • Antibodies to ovarian tissue.
Autoimmune skin diseases
  • Antibodies to intercellular substance and the basement membrane of the skin;
  • Antibodies to protein BP230;
  • Antibodies to protein BP180;
  • Antibodies to desmoglein 3;
  • Antibodies to desmoglein 1;
  • Antibodies to desmosomes.
Autoimmune diseases of the heart and lungs
  • Antibodies to cardiac muscles (myocardium);
  • Antibodies to mitochondria;
  • Neopterin;
  • Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (diagnosis of sarcoidosis).

Temperature 37-37.5 o C: what to do?

How to reduce the temperature to 37-37.5 o C? Reducing this temperature with medications is not required. They are used only in cases of fever above 38.5 o C. An exception is an increase in temperature by later pregnancy, in young children who have previously had febrile convulsions, as well as in the presence of severe diseases of the heart, lungs, nervous system, the course of which may worsen against the background high fever. But even in these cases, reduce the temperature medications it is recommended only when it reaches 37.5 o C and above.

The use of antipyretic drugs and other methods of self-medication can complicate the diagnosis of the disease and also lead to unwanted side effects.

In all cases, the following recommendations must be followed:
1. Think: are you doing thermometry correctly? The rules for taking measurements have already been discussed above.
2. Try changing the thermometer to eliminate possible errors in measurements.
3. Make sure that this temperature is not normal. This is especially true for those who have not previously regularly measured their temperature, but have detected elevated data for the first time. To do this, you need to consult a specialist to eliminate symptoms. various pathologies and examination appointments. For example, if a temperature of 37 o C or slightly higher is constantly detected during pregnancy, and there are no symptoms of any diseases, this is most likely the norm.

If the doctor has identified any pathology leading to an increase in temperature to subfebrile levels, then the goal of therapy will be to treat the underlying disease. It is likely that after healing the temperature will return to normal.

In what cases should you contact a specialist immediately:
1. Low-grade fever body level began to rise to febrile levels.
2. Although the fever is mild, it is accompanied by other severe symptoms ( severe cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty urinating, vomiting or diarrhea, signs of exacerbation of chronic diseases).

Thus, even a seemingly low temperature can be a sign serious illnesses. Therefore, if you have any doubts about your condition, you should inform your doctor about them.

Prevention measures

Even if the doctor has not identified any pathology in the body, and a constant temperature of 37-37.5 o C is normal, this does not mean that nothing can be done at all. Long-term low-grade fevers are chronic stress for the body.

To gradually bring your body back to normal, you should:

  • promptly identify and treat foci of infection and various diseases;
  • avoid stress;
  • give up bad habits;
  • follow a daily routine and get enough sleep;

Body temperature 37 - 37.5 - reasons and what to do about it?


Before use, you should consult a specialist.

As a rule, high body temperature is considered a manifestation of a cold. However, this is only partly true.

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There is hardly a single person who has never had a fever. As a rule, it (high body temperature, fever, hyperthermia) is considered a manifestation of a cold. However, this is not always true.

The temperature, as a rule, rises under the influence of special substances - pyrogens. They can be produced as our own immune cells, and also be products of the vital activity of various pathogenic microorganisms.

The exact role of hyperthermia in fighting infection has not yet been established. It is believed that at elevated body temperatures, protective reactions are activated in the body. But everything is good in moderation - if the thermometer shows 38-39 degrees Celsius, then the need of organs and tissues for oxygen and nutrients increases significantly, and, consequently, the load on the heart and lungs increases. Therefore, if the body temperature goes beyond 38 degrees, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs, and if this same fever is poorly tolerated (tachycardia or shortness of breath occurs), then at a lower temperature.

Reasons for rising temperature

Frequent

If an increase in body temperature is accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, or cough, questions about its cause probably will not arise. It is clear that you have become a victim of an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), and in the coming days you will have to lie under a blanket, armed with a handkerchief and hot tea.

While ARVI is the most common cause of fever in cold latitudes, in the southern countries the palm belongs to intestinal infections. With them, an increase in body temperature occurs against the background of typical gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.

Rare

Body temperature can increase significantly with an overdose or intolerance to certain medications (anaesthetics, psychostimulants, antidepressants, salicylates, etc.) and with poisoning with toxic substances (cocadinitrocresol, dinitrophenol, etc.) acting on the hypothalamus - the part of the brain where the temperature center is located. regulation. This condition is called malignant hyperthermia.

Sometimes it is caused by congenital or acquired diseases of the hypothalamus.

Banal

It happens that in the summer, after spending several hours in the sun, or in the winter, after steaming in a bathhouse, you feel headache and aches throughout the body. The thermometer will show 37 degrees with tenths. In this case, fever indicates general overheating.

The best thing to do is take a cool shower and lie down in a well-ventilated area. If the temperature has not decreased in the evening or has exceeded 38 degrees Celsius, this indicates a serious heatstroke. In this case, medical assistance is necessary.

Extraordinary

Sometimes fever is psychogenic, that is, it can arise from certain experiences and fears. Most often it occurs in children with an excitable nervous system after past infection. If this condition is detected, parents need to show their child to a pediatric psychoneurologist.

Dangerous

If, after hypothermia or an acute respiratory viral infection, shortness of breath appears, the temperature rises, and at night your underwear becomes wet from sweat, a visit to the doctor is necessary - most likely, you have “earned” pneumonia (pneumonia). The doctor’s phonendoscope and X-ray machine will clarify the diagnosis, and it is best to be treated in the pulmonology department of the hospital - pneumonia is not to be trifled with.

If, simultaneously with an increase in temperature, sharp pain in the stomach, do not delay calling the emergency medical service. In such a situation, there is a high probability of acute surgical disease (appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, etc.), and only timely surgery will help avoid disastrous consequences.

Exotic

Particular attention should be paid to fever that appears during or immediately after a visit to one of the warm countries. It may be the first sign indicating that you have caught some kind, for example, typhus, encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever. And most common cause Fever among travelers is malaria - a serious but completely curable disease. The main thing is to contact an infectious disease specialist in time.

Prolonged fever

It happens that low-grade (37-38 degrees) fever lasts for weeks or even months. This condition requires careful diagnosis.

Fever of infectious nature

If prolonged fever is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and unstable stools, this may be a sign of dangerous diseases such as HIV infection or malignant neoplasm. Therefore, all patients with long-term fever are prescribed an HIV antibody test and a consultation with an oncologist - there is no such thing as excessive vigilance in relation to such diseases.

Fever of non-infectious nature

A prolonged rise in temperature accompanies autoimmune diseases eg rheumatoid arthritis. However, fever is not the first thing such patients complain about.

It happens that the endocrine system is “responsible” for long-term fever. Most often, the thyroid gland is the culprit if it produces excessive amounts of hormones. This condition is called thyrotoxicosis, and in addition to elevated body temperature, it is characterized by weight loss, tachycardia, extrasystole, irritability and (over time) characteristic bulging eyes (exophthalmos). An endocrinologist will help you cope with this.

These are just the most common causes of hyperthermia, but the list could go on. So if you feel unwell, use a thermometer - perhaps it will help you find out about a health problem in time and take appropriate measures.

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An increase in body temperature is possible with various diseases V childhood. At the same time, the question of whether to shoot it down raises many conflicting opinions.

One of the parents heard that when there is a fever, the body fights the disease more actively, and if the temperature is lowered, the duration of the disease will increase. Others have heard that she increased values, and medications against it are very dangerous and threaten serious health problems.

As a result, some parents are afraid to bring down the temperature even in cases where this is required, while others give the baby medication even if it rises slightly. Let's figure out what really needs to be done in these cases, and whether this symptom is a sign of a disease.

How to measure temperature correctly?

Measuring in the armpit area is the most accessible and simplest, which is why it is the most common.

However, there are other ways to measure:

  1. In the mouth (oral temperature is determined). For measurement, a special thermometer in the form of a pacifier is usually used.
  2. In the rectum (rectal temperature is determined). This method is used when the child is less than 5 months old, since children older than six months will resist the procedure. The thermometer (necessarily electronic) is treated with cream and inserted into the baby’s anus about two centimeters.
  3. In the groin fold. The baby is placed on his side, the tip of the thermometer is placed in a fold of skin, and then the baby’s leg is held pressed to the body.

It is important that the child has a separate thermometer, and before use it should be treated with alcohol or washed with soapy water.

Also, when measuring, you need to be guided by the following rules:

  • In a sick child, measurements should be taken at least three times during the day.
  • Do not determine the temperature if the baby is very active, crying, has taken a bath, is wrapped up warmly, or if the air temperature in the room is high.
  • If you determine oral temperature, this should be done 1 hour before eating and drinking or 1 hour after, as drinks and food tend to increase oral values.

Normal values

Features of temperature in infants are instability and rapid increase in any illness. In addition, in infants under one year of age it is normally slightly higher than in older children.

The normal temperature for a child under 12 months is considered less than +37.4°C, and for a child over 12 months – less than +37°C. These are indicators for measuring temperature in the armpit area, as well as in the inguinal fold. For rectal measurements, the norm is less than +38°C, and for oral measurements – less than +37.6°C.

The most reliable indicators are provided by using mercury thermometer, and electronic thermometers have a significant error. To find out how different the reading of an electronic and mercury thermometer is, measure the temperature of any healthy family member with two thermometers at once.

Classification

Depending on the indicators, the temperature is called:

  • Subfebrile. The indicator is up to +38 degrees. Typically, this temperature is not reduced, allowing the body to produce substances that protect it from viruses.
  • Febrile. The increase is more than +38°C, but less than +39°C. Such a fever indicates that the child’s body is actively fighting infection, so parents’ tactics should take into account the child’s condition. If it is severely worsened, antipyretic drugs are indicated, but a cheerful and calm child may not be given medication.
  • Pyretic. The readings on the thermometer are from +39°C to +41°C. It is certainly recommended to reduce this temperature with medications, since the risk of seizures increases.
  • Hyperpyretic. The most dangerous is temperature above +41°C. If you see this indicator on the thermometer, you should immediately call ambulance.

Pros

  • Allows you to quickly diagnose many diseases in early period and begin timely treatment.
  • With the influenza virus, high temperature is important for high levels of interferon, which allows you to successfully overcome the infection.
  • At elevated body temperatures, microorganisms stop multiplying and become less resistant to antibacterial agents.
  • Fever activates immune system baby, enhancing phagocytosis and antibody production.
  • A child with a fever remains in bed, thanks to which his energies are completely focused on fighting the disease.

Cons

  • One of the complications is the appearance of seizures.
  • With a fever, the load on the child’s heart increases, which is especially dangerous if the baby has arrhythmias or heart defects.
  • When the temperature rises, the functioning of the brain, as well as the liver, stomach, kidneys and other internal organs, suffers.

Stages

To trigger the mechanism of raising body temperature, foreign substances that enter the child’s body - pyrogens - are usually needed. They can be various infectious agents, including single-celled viruses, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria. When pathogens enter the body, they are absorbed by white blood cells(leukocytes). At the same time, these cells begin to produce interleukins, which enter the brain with the blood.

Once they reach the body's temperature regulation center, located in the hypothalamus, these compounds change perception normal temperature. The baby's brain begins to determine a temperature of 36.6-37 degrees as too low. It instructs the body to produce more heat and at the same time constrict blood vessels to reduce heat loss.

The following stages are distinguished in this process:

  1. Heat is produced in the baby's body in greater quantities, but heat transfer is not increased. Body temperature rises.
  2. Heat output increases and a balance is established between heat production and heat removal from the body. The temperature decreases, but not to normal levels.
  3. Heat production decreases due to death infectious agents and reducing the production of interleukins. Heat transfer remains high, the child sweats, and the temperature returns to normal.

It should be noted that the temperature can decrease lytically (gradually) or critically (sharply). The second option is very dangerous due to the dilation of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.

Is immunity really developed?

Numerous studies have confirmed that in some infections, an elevated temperature promotes faster recovery. It was also found that the use of antipyretics for some time prolongs both the duration of the disease itself and the period of contagion. But, since these effects do not apply to all infections that occur with high fever, it is impossible to talk about the unambiguous benefits of fever.

Scientific research have shown that active compounds produced at high temperatures (among them interferon) in some cases help to recover faster, and in some diseases they have a negative effect on their course. In addition, for many children this is a very dangerous condition.

What happens if you don't reduce the temperature?

For a long time, high temperature was considered a factor that could disrupt blood clotting and cause overheating of the brain. Therefore, they were afraid of it and tried to reduce it in every possible way. However, modern scientific research has shown that it is not the high temperature itself that leads to health problems, but the disease that manifests itself with such a symptom.

At the same time, doctors note that fever poses a danger to children with chronic pathologies internal organs, symptoms of dehydration, impaired physical development or diseases of the nervous system.

The danger of hyperthermia lies in the large expenditure of energy and nutrients to maintain a high temperature. Because of this internal organs overheat and their function is impaired.

Maximum allowed values

It is determined primarily by the age of the baby:

If you see numbers on the thermometer higher than those indicated in the table, this indicates a high probability of a serious illness, therefore it is extremely important to urgently call a doctor with such temperature measurement results.

When are antipyretics needed?

It is usually recommended to bring down a febrile temperature if the child does not tolerate this condition well, however, there are situations when it is worth giving an antipyretic drug for low-grade symptoms:

  • If the child is less than 2 months old.
  • When the baby has diseases of the cardiovascular system.
  • The child had a history of seizures when he had a high fever.
  • If the child has diseases of the nervous system.
  • When a child has hyperthermia caused by overheating.

Additional symptoms

High temperature is rarely the only manifestation of a child’s health problems. It is accompanied by other signs of disease.

Red throat

Redness of the throat against the background of fever is characteristic of viral and bacterial infections affecting the nasopharynx. Such symptoms often appear with sore throat, scarlet fever and other childhood infections. The child complains of pain when swallowing, begins to cough, and refuses food.

Runny nose

The combination of high fever and runny nose most often occurs when viral infections when viruses infect the nasal mucosa. The child may also have symptoms such as weakness, refusal to eat, difficulty breathing through the nose, lethargy, sore throat, and cough.

Cold feet and hands

The condition when, at elevated temperatures, a child has pale skin and its blood vessels are spasmed is called white fever. With such a fever, the baby’s limbs will be cold to the touch. The child usually has chills. This condition requires immediate appeal for medical care. The child's body should be rubbed with hands, but wiping with water and other methods of physical cooling is prohibited. To relieve spasm of skin vessels, the doctor will recommend taking an antispasmodic, for example, No-shpu.

Convulsions

Increased body temperature can cause seizures. Due to their association with elevated temperature, such convulsions are called febrile. They are diagnosed in children under 6 years of age with readings above +38°C, as well as in children with pathologies of the nervous system at any reading.

During febrile convulsions, the child’s muscles begin to twitch, the legs may straighten and the arms may bend, the baby turns pale, does not respond to the environment, and possible holding of breath and bluish skin. It is important to immediately lay the baby down on a flat surface with his head turned to the side, call an ambulance and not leave the baby for a minute.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Such symptoms, accompanied by an elevated temperature, usually indicate the development of an intestinal infection, but they can also be caused by the consumption of certain foods by a small child. In children under 3 years of age, the intestines have not yet fully matured, so those foods that are normally tolerated by older children can cause dyspepsia and fever.

In addition, the combination of fever with vomiting can signal not only damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Such symptoms are characteristic of meningitis and acetone syndrome. In children under 7 years of age, vomiting may occur with elevated body temperature and without brain or brain damage. digestive system. It occurs at the peak of the temperature increase, usually once.

Abdominal pain

The appearance of complaints of pain in the abdomen against the background of fever should alert parents and cause them to call an ambulance. This can also be the case serious illnesses, requiring surgery (for example, appendicitis), and kidney disease, and diseases of the digestive tract. To clarify the cause, the child will be prescribed tests and additional examinations.

No additional symptoms

The absence of other signs of the disease often occurs during teething, as well as in situations where the disease is just beginning (other symptoms appear later). High temperature like the only symptom, often seen with kidney infections. The disease can be confirmed by urine tests and ultrasound examination.

Reasons

Elevated temperature acts as a protective reaction of the child’s body to the entry of infectious agents, but can also be caused by non-infectious causes.

Diseases

Infectious diseases are very common causes of fever:

Disease

How does it manifest itself besides high temperature?

What to do?

The appearance of a runny nose, dry cough, complaints of sore throat, body aches, muscle pain, nasal congestion, sneezing.

Call a pediatrician, give plenty of fluids, and, if necessary, give an antipyretic.

Chicken pox or other childhood infection

The appearance of pain in the ear, as well as discharge from the ear, cough, runny nose.

Contact a pediatrician to examine the child and prescribe appropriate treatment for the situation.

When to call a doctor?

A doctor should be called in every case of fever, since only a specialist can determine what caused it and how to treat the baby.

Indications for calling a doctor immediately are the following situations:

  • The temperature rose above the levels considered maximum for of a certain age child.
  • The fever triggered the onset of seizures.
  • The baby is disoriented and has hallucinations.
  • If there are other dangerous symptoms - vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, ear pain, rash, diarrhea and others.
  • The child's temperature has been elevated for more than 24 hours and during this time the condition has not improved.
  • The baby has serious chronic illnesses.
  • You doubt that you are able to correctly assess the baby’s condition and help him.
  • The child recovered, but the temperature rose again.
  • The baby refuses to drink and the parents note symptoms of dehydration.

What to do?

Once the cause has been identified, you need to determine how to deal with this symptom. Taking into account the baby’s condition, his age, temperature figures and related facts, parents and the doctor decide whether antipyretic drugs are needed.

Antipyretics

In most cases, such medications allow, albeit briefly, to improve the child’s condition, allow him to sleep and eat. For sore throat, otitis media, teething, and stomatitis, these drugs reduce pain.

Will rubbing down help?

Rubbing with vinegar, alcohol or vodka, used in the past, is now considered by pediatricians harmful procedures. Doctors do not advise wiping the child even with a cool towel, because such actions provoke vasospasm in the child’s skin, and this in turn will reduce heat transfer. In addition, when rubbing, alcohol-containing liquids will actively enter the child’s body, which can lead to poisoning of the baby.

Rubbing is permissible only after using medications prescribed by a doctor to relieve spasm of peripheral blood vessels. For the procedure, use only water at room temperature. In addition, you can dry the child provided that the baby does not mind, since with resistance and screams the temperature will increase even more. After wiping, the child should not be wrapped, otherwise his condition will worsen.

Food and liquid

A child with a fever should drink a lot and often. Give your baby tea, compote, water, fruit juice or any other liquid that he agrees to drink. This is extremely important for heat transfer through greater evaporation of sweat from the skin, as well as for faster elimination of toxins through urine.

Food should be given to the baby in small quantities. Let the child eat according to his appetite, but not much, because as food is digested, the body temperature will increase. Both food and drinks offered to the child should have a temperature of approximately 37-38 degrees.

Folk remedies

It is recommended to drink tea with the addition of cranberries: it stimulates active sweating. At the same time, this drink should be given with caution - in babies under one year old it can cause allergies, and older children should not consume cranberries if they have any stomach diseases.

Another great one folk remedy with an antiseptic and antipyretic effect is raspberry, which can be given to a child in the form of jam, juice or tea. But in cases where there is a risk of allergies, it is better to avoid using raspberries.

How safe is the treatment?

How many days does a child have a high fever?

For the baby, it is not the fever itself that is dangerous, but the cause of the appearance of this symptom. If parents do not know what triggered the rise in the baby’s temperature and the next day after the increase, the condition did not improve, and additional alarming symptoms appeared, they should immediately seek medical help. This way you will establish the cause of the child’s illness and will be able to influence it, and not just the symptom.

If the parents know the cause of hyperthermia and it does not pose a danger, the child is examined by a doctor and therapy is prescribed, then the temperature can be brought down within several (3-5) days by monitoring the child. If there are no positive changes in the course of the disease over the last three days, despite treatment, you should call the doctor again and undergo additional examination.

Rules

  • Having chosen a specific drug to reduce fever, determine the required single dose according to the instructions.
  • You should take antipyretics only when necessary.
  • The next dose should be at least 4 hours after the previous dose for paracetamol or 6 hours for ibuprofen.
  • You can take a maximum of 4 doses of the drug per day.
  • The medicine taken by mouth is washed down with water or milk. You can also drink it during meals - so irritant effect medications on the gastric mucosa will be reduced.

Which medications should I choose?

Drugs that are recommended in childhood for high fever are paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both drugs reduce pain equally, but ibuprofen has a more pronounced and longer-lasting antipyretic effect. At the same time, paracetamol is called safer and is recommended as the drug of choice for infants in the first months of their life.

Infants Such drugs are often given in the form of rectal suppositories or syrups. This is due to the ease of use of these forms - they are easy to dose and give to the child. For older children, preference should be given to tablets, syrups and soluble powders.

The effects of medications taken by mouth begin within 20-30 minutes after consumption, and rectal suppositories– 30-40 minutes after administration. Suppositories will also be the most preferable option if a child has vomiting attacks. In addition, syrups, powders and tablets often contain flavor and odor additives that can cause allergies.

You may hear recommendations to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together or alternating between these drugs. Doctors believe it is safe, but not necessary. The combination of these drugs is as effective as taking ibuprofen alone. And if you have given this medicine, and the temperature does not decrease, you should not give additional paracetamol, it is better to immediately call an ambulance.

Why should aspirin not be given to children?

Even in adulthood, it is advised to avoid taking aspirin if possible if you have a fever, and it is completely contraindicated for children under 18 years of age.

In childhood, aspirin has a pronounced toxic effect on the liver and causes serious complications, which doctors call “Reye's syndrome.” This syndrome affects internal organs, in particular the liver and brain. Also, taking aspirin can affect platelets and cause bleeding and allergies.

  • In the room, reduce the air temperature to 18-20 degrees to increase heat transfer (if the baby does not have chills). You should also take care of sufficient humidity (60% is considered the optimal level), since dry air will contribute to the child’s body losing fluid and drying out the mucous membranes.
  • When choosing clothes for a child, make sure that the baby is not cold, but you should also not overheat the baby with overly warm clothes. Dress your child the same way you are dressed or a little lighter, and when the baby starts to sweat and wants to undress, allow him to generate more heat this way.
  • Limit your child’s activity, because some children run and jump even at temperatures above 39 degrees. Since movement increases body heat production, distract your child from active games. However, do this so that the baby does not cry, because due to hysterics and crying, it will also increase. Offer your child reading books, watching cartoons, or some other quiet activity. There is no need to force your child to lie down all the time.

Painful conditions in the human body are often reflected in temperature indicators. Inflammatory processes, fighting viruses, hormonal surges change body temperature. Fluctuations in indicators towards growth are associated with the reproductive system of women.

Any woman before menopause is a potential mother. Everything is arranged so that fertilization occurs during the period of ovulation, and the work of all systems is aimed at creating better conditions for a small embryo.

Temperature and pregnancy - the connection is obvious

Nature has provided for the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus and its development to continue successfully. One of necessary conditions for this process – an increase in the woman’s body temperature. Progesterone is responsible for retaining the fetus and affects heat exchange, maintaining a stable temperature within 37⁰ and slightly higher for better functioning of the embryo. Therefore, such a temperature, before the onset of the expected menstruation, may indicate the onset of pregnancy.

During the development of the embryo, an increased body temperature is noticed in most women. This is due to the restructuring of the body, where serious metamorphoses with hormones take place. All systems begin to work out the cycle given by nature. Everything changes - emotional background, hormonal, and with them heat exchange reactions undergo serious changes.

Not all women notice an elevated body temperature in the first weeks of pregnancy; not everyone checks the temperature, and cannot even say whether there was an increase and what indicators are typical for it.

Sometimes women observe an increase in t⁰ to 37 - 37.5⁰, but do not feel it discomfort. This stage is asymptomatic in strong, physically healthy, emotionally stable representatives of the fair sex.

There are exceptions; for some women, in the first weeks of pregnancy, the body produces the following pas de deux:

  • the intestines became very relaxed for no reason;
  • nasal congestion and signs of a cold appeared for no reason;
  • the temperature changes, increasing to 37⁰;
  • unstable nervous system women organize bright concert performances for close relatives, free of charge, but very emotional.

A modern young expectant mother, if she has approached motherhood competently, knows approximately when fertilization could occur and what news to expect. Measuring body temperature during such a period is natural. She will not wait for prompts, and will regularly monitor the temperature herself. Daily records with temperature readings will help guide the gynecologist correctly.

If the temperature remained at 37⁰ for several days during the period of expected conception, the girl will assume the onset of pregnancy. Other stable first signs, even before the expected delay in the cycle, will tell you that she was not mistaken. Elevated body temperature may persist until childbirth.

Is a fever a sign of pregnancy?

Temperature changes a few days before menstruation are signs of successful fertilization and subsequent fixation on the walls of the uterus. This is how the hormone progesterone works in the female body in the first weeks of conception. Normally, the female body does not feel temperature and does not notice what is happening unless measurements are taken.


During this period, it is very important to take temperature measurements at the same time of day. The daily procedure will not take much time. Then the first signs of pregnancy will be recorded in the chart and health monitoring expectant mother will become mandatory.

A rise in temperature and mild malaise often indicates:

  • cold;
  • viral infection;
  • inflammation.

But signs very similar to a cold are sometimes false in the first weeks of conception. A higher than normal t⁰ may be a symptom of illness, or indicate signs of pregnancy.

Temperature 37 - the first signs of pregnancy

The temperature remains at 37 degrees for 10 days, and there are no other signs of a cold - it is likely that this is pregnancy.

Young woman keeping a chart basal temperature to control ovulation and expected a miracle, she would feel the moment of conception immediately. If 4 days before expected menstrual days BT stays at 37⁰ for about 3-4 days, we can assume that fertilization has taken place and entry into the first trimester of pregnancy has occurred.

Was everything left to chance? Check and compare other first motherhood books. If the following symptoms become noticeable:

  • breast swelling;
  • nausea or severe vomiting;
  • strong reaction to strong odors and aromas;
  • drowsiness, fatigue;
  • emotional outbursts.

Most likely, fertilization was successful. When girls' behavior resembles a hysteria at its worst and such passions play out on empty space That a woman sometimes doesn’t recognize herself is also a sign of pregnancy. Hormones do such things, you need to remember this and try to restrain yourself.

The girls did not find any primary signs, and t ⁰ remains at 37, wait for your period. They'll make everything clear.

If temperature readings at a certain period of time are observed above 37.5⁰ and the woman feels:

  • chills;
  • malaise;
  • nasal congestion;
  • signs of ARVI.

A woman has an assumption about the beginning of motherhood; during this period she should quickly relieve all symptoms of a cold or viral infection.

You can only use products that will not harm the fetus:

  • plenty of warm drinks (cranberry, lingonberry fruit drinks);
  • raspberry jam - a natural analogue of aspirin;
  • honey, if there are no allergic symptoms;
  • foods rich in vitamin C.

This will help cope with colds. Warm tea with lemon, lemon balm, manarda will remove antioxidants and remove the infection.

Don't use strong drugs from colds and viruses, if you suspect that your condition coincided with conception. The first signs of the disease should be extinguished according to the doctor’s instructions.

Seek advice, get advice on what you can use for treatment if the disease drags on and your suspicions remain valid.

Perhaps all of the listed symptoms are false, and sneezing and a stuffy nose are additional confirmation of an interesting situation. Changes in the body can play such a joke (performance).

To prevent the development of a serious illness, a sign of which may also be increased t⁰ and delayed menstruation, contact a specialist at the hospital. You can't risk your health.

What if the body temperature is low?

It also happens that t⁰ on the thermometer does not cross the normal threshold.


A decrease in body temperature may be an indicator of abnormalities in a woman’s health. A harbinger of anemia, for example. What if this happens during pregnancy? Consultation is simply necessary! Urgently see the doctors.

If for a woman a low body temperature is the norm throughout her adult life, and no serious illnesses have been identified, during the period of planning motherhood, you should contact a gynecologist in advance. A thorough diagnosis is simply necessary. This may be a sign of poor health - perhaps incompatible with pregnancy.

It is possible that these individual indicators for a woman will be recognized as the norm. Then there is nothing to worry about - restructuring all systems female body with pregnancy it will make adjustments, and in the future the heat exchange regime will stop at the norm of 36.5⁰.

If the first signs of pregnancy appear abruptly and are perceived by a woman as a disaster, it is necessary to consult a psychologist, drink soothing teas with mint, for example. Prepared for your interesting situation, the woman will only rejoice at the long-awaited miracle, listen to her body, and accept the changes in her body without hysterics. Even an elevated temperature will not frighten her.