When an unusual chill hits, the number on the thermometer gradually rises above normal standards – a situation that many people may encounter in their lives. Sudden hyperthermia, commonly known as "fever", often makes us feel unwell, especially in middle-aged and elderly people, and this situation often causes more worry. At this moment, many traditional ideas and home remedies begin to pop up in our minds. Among them, using a wet towel to wipe the whole body seems to have become the preferred method for many families to cope with high heat. However, is this method really effective in reducing high body temperature, and how should we properly respond to such an emergency?
1. The medical definition of high fever and its risks
High fever, usually defined as a temperature of more than 101° F (38.3°C). Not only is this a natural response to infections or other health problems, but it's also a warning sign, especially for middle-aged and older people. Middle-aged and older people may not have as strong an immune system as they did when they were younger, so a high fever may indicate more serious health problems, such as bacterial or viral infections.
When discussing the risk of high fever, we must recognize that high fever is not just a separate symptom but can be accompanied by other complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even heat stroke. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people with pre-existing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and abnormal glucose metabolism, high fever may worsen these conditions. Therefore, understanding the medical definition of high fever and its potential risks is essential to increase alertness to this common but potentially dangerous symptom.
2. Effectiveness and limitations of the wet towel wipe
Wiping the body with a damp towel is a traditional method of reducing fever, but its effectiveness and safety have been debated. The principle of this method is to use the evaporation of water to remove the heat from the body surface by touching the skin with a wet towel, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing body temperature. While this method can quickly reduce skin temperature to some extent, it does not directly reduce core body temperature.
For middle-aged and elderly people, using a wet towel to wipe the body to reduce fever may be risky. Because the thermoregulatory mechanisms of people in this age group may not be as sensitive as those of younger people, excessive cooling may lead to an overreaction in the body, which in turn can lead to other health problems. In addition, if you use cold water, it may cause the pores of the skin to shrink, which in turn hinders the discharge of heat, which is medically known as "reverse heat trapping". Therefore, when using this method, it is advisable to use warm water and closely monitor the patient's overall response to avoid potential risks.
3. A quick and effective way to reduce fever
In the face of high fever, we can take the following scientific and safe methods to reduce fever:
Oral fever-reducing medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be effective in reducing fever. These drugs reduce body temperature by reducing the production of thermogenic compounds in the body.
Stay hydrated: The body is prone to dehydration when you have a fever, and adequate hydration can not only prevent dehydration, but also help regulate body temperature.
Moderate cooling measures: such as wearing light clothing and ventilating the environment, help the body cool down through natural heat dissipation.
Rest and monitoring: Make sure you get enough rest, monitor your temperature continuously, and seek medical help if your temperature is consistently above 38.3°C.
These methods are safe and effective in most cases, but each person's specific situation may be different, especially for middle-aged and elderly people or people with special health conditions, it is best to consult a doctor before using these methods.
4. Prevention and long-term management
Preventing high fever and effectively managing this symptom, especially for middle-aged and older adults, is key to improving quality of life. Here are some effective prevention and management strategies:
Immunization: Regular vaccinations such as flu and pneumonia vaccines can reduce the risk of infection, thereby reducing the likelihood of fever.
Eat a healthy diet and exercise in moderation: A balanced diet and moderate amount of exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system.
Regular medical check-ups: With regular check-ups, health problems that can lead to fever can be detected and treated early.
Environmental management: Avoid excessive exposure to extreme temperatures to reduce the body's temperature stress.
These strategies not only help prevent high fever, but also help improve the overall health of middle-aged and older adults and reduce the risk of other health problems.