How to Bring Down a Fever

All of us know that normal body temperature for a healthy person is 98.6 degree F. But normal body temperature may vary from person to person and it may change according to food, clothing, environment and exercise. Generally, body temperature above 99ºF is referred to as fever. A low-grade fever or body temperature below 100ºF can be managed with simple home remedies. Children having fever can be a heartbreaking situation for parents. Those who are worried about how to bring down a fever should keep it in mind that knowing the cause of the fever is very important. Treatment can be designed only after knowing the exact cause of fever and other accompanying symptoms.

Bacterial or viral infections like bladder infection, strep throat and sinus infections, tooth decay, ear infections, certain medicines like narcotics, antihistamines, etc., allergies, trauma or injuries, some medical conditions like chickenpox, mumps, measles, cancer, arthritis, etc. can cause rise in average body temperature. A very high fever can affect brain parts resulting in affected vision or restricted limb movement or it can be life-threatening too. High fever treatment involves correct doses of proper medications as prescribed by your doctor. If the fever and the accompanying symptoms are mild, you may lower them with the help of natural home remedies.

How to Lower Fever

In Children
Low-grade fever indicates that the body is employing defense techniques to fight against viral and bacterial infection. But fever causes discomfort and there are always chances of further rise in the body temperature. So you may first change the clothes of your child and dress him/her up in lightweight clothing. Fever can cause pain in body and flushing. You may notice increased irritability in children with fever. Natural ways to bring down a fever include offering a light sponge bath. An extra blanket or a warm shirt is fine but avoid overdressing. Fever causes dehydration of the body; so make sure that your child drinks plenty of water. Avoid cold water or cold drinks. Warm water or water at room temperature should be given to the child. Warm herbal teas work great for fever and cold. A chocolate can give the child more energy to fight fever. If you notice increasing fever at midnight, you may follow home remedies like applying onion, garlic, potato or egg white paste all over the body, especially over the soles of the feet and over forehead.

To lower a fever in a baby quickly, you can offer a sponge bath. Keep the room airy. If it's a baby teething fever, give the baby something cold to chew. You should give him proper doses of medications and painkillers as suggested by the doctor. High degree fever suggests viral infection which needs prompt medications.

In Adults
To reduce fever naturally, you can use cotton washcloth strips soaked in salt water. Take some water in a bowl. Let the water be at room temperature. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to it. Soak washcloth strip in the bowl, wring it and place it on the forehead of the child or the person who has fever. Remove the strip after 5 minutes and again soak it in water and place it on the forehead. Keep doing this until the fever is lowered significantly.

How to break a fever in adults or children depends upon the underlying cause of the fever. Hence, you should consult your physician as early as possible and find out the cause of the fever in the first place. Acetaminophen or an ibuprofen are usually prescribed to bring down the high fever. Antibiotics help reduce fever and other symptoms of infection. Witnessing a child crying due to fever and discomfort can be heartbreaking for parents. But children should not be given the medicines that are meant for adults. Even if you lower the dose, it can cause serious side effects. So consult your doctor before giving any medications to children.