Fever (increased body temperature) is
mostly a symptom and sign of an infection.
It can be also present in rheumatic
diseases, connective tissue disorders,
hematological disorders and certain
tumors. This means that treating the
primary disorder and not the fever by
itself should be the primary concern. By
treating the primary disorder, the fever
will disappear spontaneously.
Antipyretics should be given only if the
fever becomes excessive (above 39oC) or is
associated with additional symptoms like
muscle pains, headache, vomiting, muscle
weakness, tiredness, nausea, etc.
In the case of an infection, a fever has a
useful role in the body’s fight against
the infection. That’s why you don’t
need to normalize the body temperature but
only to decrease the temperature to a
level where the increased body temperature
will be bearable and useful at the same
time. Decreasing the fever for 1-1.5oC,
1-2 hours after taking any antipyretic
drug would be acceptable.
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAID) are used for reducing the fever.
Most of the NSAIDs not only reduce the
fever (antipyretic) but also reduce the
pain (painkiller) and inflammation
(anti-inflammatory).
Panadol (paracetamol) doesn’t have
anti-inflammatory properties but is one of
the most used antipyretics and
painkillers. It can also be used by
pregnant women and small kids. Paracetamol
can be used orally (as a tablet or syrup),
rectally (in babies and small kids) and
parenterally (intramuscular and
intravenous). The method of administration
depends upon the occasions.
You should consult your primary health
provider if the fever continues more than
several days.
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