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Fever is a very common symptom of many diseases. In fact, almost everyone has had a fever. This symptom has also been known for centuries. So, do not be surprised if the handling of fever has become a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Maybe one way to reduce fever that is usually done by your family is to place a compress on the forehead. But, which one is better? Cold or warm compress?
Many people use cold compresses to treat high fevers. It is hoped that the cold temperature of the compress can absorb heat from the body so that the fever goes down faster. However, did you know that cold compresses can actually make fever worse? Remember, you need to be careful when dealing with fever. Improper handling can be fatal. So it is important for you to listen carefully to the information about fever compresses below.
Why does the body get a fever?
Fever is characterized by increased body temperature, body chills or sweats, weakness, headaches, and muscle aches. In infants and children, fever usually occurs when the body temperature is over 37 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, adults will catch a fever when the body temperature reaches an average of 38 to 39 degrees Celsius.
You will have a fever if there is an infection in your body caused by a virus or bacteria. Usually viruses and bacteria will reproduce very rapidly in the body at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. In order to defend itself and prevent the reproduction of these viruses and bacteria, the body temperature will also increase. So, fever is a sign that the body is fighting infection.
Generally, diseases that cause fever are flu, sore throat, sinusitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections. Some other dangerous diseases that can cause fever are dengue fever, malaria, inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis), and HIV. Fever can also appear when the child has finished undergoing immunizations or their teeth want to grow. So, if you or your child has a fever, you should immediately consult a doctor to find out the source of the disease so that it can be treated properly.
Should it be cold or warm?
Be careful if you want to give fever-reducing compresses. Usually if you or your child has a fever, you will be compressed with ice cubes wrapped in a cloth or with a cloth that has been dipped in cold water. In fact, this traditional way is the wrong way to reduce fever. Doctors and health professionals around the world do not recommend that you apply cold compresses to people who have a fever. Cold compresses are usually effective for relieving sore muscles, not for reducing fever.
When you have a fever, your body gets hot because this is a natural reaction your body needs to defend itself. If you apply a cold compress, your body will interpret it as a threat to the infection-fighting process. As a result, the body will increase its temperature even more and the fever will get worse. In addition, cold compresses are also at risk of suddenly lowering body temperature. This will trigger the body to shiver. Therefore, you should avoid cold compresses when you have a fever, especially taking cold showers.
If the fever is high enough and you have trouble sleeping or feel very uncomfortable, you should help with a warm compress. However, make sure that the temperature is not too hot. A cloth dampened in lukewarm water is sufficient to help control fever. A warm compress triggers sweat production so that body temperature will naturally decrease from within. In addition, warm compresses can help improve blood flow and make you more comfortable.
Another way to reduce fever
Keep in mind that cold or warm compresses are not a doctor's recommended method of reducing fever. The compress will only help you feel more comfortable when a fever strikes. The best way to reduce fever is to treat the disease that is causing the fever. So, you should always consult a doctor if you or your child has a fever. After that, follow your doctor's advice and take the medicines your doctor prescribes.
Some other tricks to help you feel better when you have a fever are to drink lots of water, keep room temperature so that it doesn't get too hot or cold, and eat enough. Also, don't wear clothes or blankets that are too thick. Wear only one layer of clothing that is thin and breathable. If you cover yourself with a thick cloth, the body heat will actually get trapped inside so that the fever will not go away.
