When trying to eliminate an infection, the organism raises our body temperature. And often, because we are not aware of this, we end up trying to eliminate the symptom. But that advice our grandmothers gave, to curl up in a blanket and have a hot cup of tea, can make the situation even worse.
And in the changes of seasons, some diseases occur more frequently. Therefore, the awesome.club decided to investigate the mistakes most made in an attempt to bring the fever down.
1. Eat hot or spicy foods
Faced with an increase of 1 degree in body temperature, the exchange of substances in the body is accelerated, so eating is mandatory. A “strong” food (greasy, spicy) will not be a good idea, as it creates additional work for the digestive system, preventing the body from focusing on fighting infection.
Correct option:
Eat in small portions. Include easily digestible products in the diet, rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins (fruits, cooked vegetables). All food must be at room temperature (not worth heating).
2. Eat products rich in sugar
Experts have found that an increase in the level of glucose in the body reduces the amount of leukocytes, which are responsible for the destruction of infected cells. In a nutshell, you won’t be able to get rid of the fever quickly.
Correct option:
If you want to eat something sweet, give preference to fruits.
3. Drink hot tea or coffee
Heat dehydrates the body, so we need to consume fluids, but in the right way. A cup of hot tea or milk will cause an increase in heat, raising the body temperature. In addition, coffee should also be avoided, as the drink considerably dehydrates the body.
Correct option:
Drink warm tea, juice or water. In case the temperature is below 38ºC, you can even have a hot tea. But remember: no exaggeration.
4. Drink milk
Dairy products are rich in casein protein, which compacts under the influence of fever. With this, the stomach is full of “balls” that are difficult to digest.
Correct option:
To quench your thirst, drink tea, juice or water. Only drink milk after your body temperature has dropped.
5. Breastfeed
When the body temperature is above 38ºC, the proteins present in breast milk become thicker. Due to this, the taste of the liquid changes, and the baby may reject breast milk. In addition, the digestion of milk becomes more difficult, which can cause changes in the stool.
Correct option:
Only lower your body temperature using safe methods and resume breastfeeding after that. If the temperature remains high for a long time, use a mixture of milk and formula. Keep your doctor informed of the situation.
6. Take a lot of aspirin
Aspirin lowers the temperature, but in large quantities is contraindicated because it is linked to respiratory and heart problems. For those under 16, it is best not to give aspirin, as the drug can cause Reye’s syndrome (inflammation of the lungs and brain).
Correct option:
7. Drinking alcohol after paracetamol
By itself, paracetamol is safe and effective, but it has a hepatotoxic effect, that is, it affects the liver. If you take a few pills, it won’t be a problem. But if the substance is combined with alcohol, the blow to the liver will be a double dose, not to mention the possibility of suffering from unpleasant consequences in the form of nausea and hives.
Correct option:
Avoid alcoholic beverages during fever. Even chocolates with alcohol should only be eaten 4 to 6 hours after taking paracetamol.
8. Warm up your legs and take hot inhalations
Hot water increases blood flow and reinforces the temperature rise. Taking inhalations when you have a common cold or sore throat is beneficial, as they are not able to lower the temperature, but rather raise it. The same applies to hot baths.
Correct option:
Warm your legs to a temperature lower than 37.5ºC. Opt for inhalations if you have a respiratory infection or other similar illnesses that occur without an increase in temperature.
9. Do not ventilate the environment
Dry, still air is an ideal environment for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria, which can cause colds and other problems. Therefore, the environment where the person with fever is must be kept with circulating air. Ventilation will not only alleviate the condition of the patient, it will also prevent other family members from suffering from the contagion.
Correct option:
During the summer, keep small windows open at all times as long as they don’t create drafts. Ventilate the room at least twice a day: before and after sleeping – at this time, the sick person should stay in another room. When the air is too dry, use a humidifier or water sprays.
10. Make cold compresses or take cold showers
A drastic cooling helps to lower the temperature, but only for a while. This is an extreme method of “treatment”, and resorting to it is dangerous: the immune system is weakened, which means that the body has a harder time fighting the infection.
Correct option:
Take a quick, warm shower, if necessary. Use a warm damp cloth to wipe away sweat.
11. Get under the blankets
By staying under the covers or wearing warm clothes, we increase the temperature even more, which puts greater pressure on the heart and blood vessels. If you stay too long in this “sauna”, pressure variations and shortness of breath can occur.
Correct option:
Wear light cotton clothes that absorb sweat. You can stay under the covers, but only when the temperature drops.
Do you know other methods to fight fever? Leave a comment telling what technique you use and if it really works!
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