What does breaking a fever mean?

When that forehead is burning like the sun and the body feels like it’s melting away, there is one thing on everyone’s mind: breaking that fever. But do you really know what it means to break a fever? And how can you tell when your temperature has returned to normal? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers (and then some) in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding Fevers

Before we jump into breaking fevers, let’s first understand what they are. A fever occurs when the body’s internal thermostat (the hypothalamus) raises its temperature above normal due to an illness or infection (or because you accidentally swallowed too much hot sauce). This spike in temperature helps fight off infections by making conditions less hospitable for harmful viruses and bacteria, but also makes us feel pretty crummy.

The Different Types of Fevers

Not all fevers are created equal – there are actually different types depending on their cause:

  • Bacterial: caused by bacterial infections such as strep throat or pneumonia.
  • Viral: caused by viral infections such as the flu or COVID-19.
  • Sinus: caused by sinus infections.
  • Fungal: caused by fungal infections such as histoplasmosis or candidiasis.
  • Parasitic: caused by parasitic infections such as malaria.

Measuring Body Temperature

Now that we know what causes fevers, let’s talk about measuring them. The most common way people measure body temperature is with a thermometer – either orally, rectally, auricularly (in the ear), axillary (underarm), or temporally (on the forehead).

Normal vs Elevated Temperatures

A normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 100.4°F while an elevated temperature starts at around 100.5°F which indicates a fever is present. If your temperature is 103°F or above it’s considered high grade, while anything over 106°F is a medical emergency.

It’s All Relative

But what if you simply run hotter or colder than the average person? Then you’ve got yourself a relative fever! This means your internal thermostat has set itself to a higher (or lower) temperature, and as long as symptoms don’t arise, there isn’t much cause for concern.

Breaking That Fever

Breaking fevers can happen naturally or with medical assistance (but we prefer the natural route). When it comes down to it, breaking a fever means returning body temperature back to normal. Here are some common ways people break their fevers:

Hydration

Drinking fluids such as water, coconut water, Pedialyte™ , ginger tea (trust us on this one), and even chicken soup can help return fluids lost during sweating and help regulate body temperature.

Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain and bring down temperatures by blocking prostaglandins – chemicals released in response to illness that cause inflammation.

Resting

It’s time to binge-watch all those shows you’ve been putting off! Rest allows the immune system to focus its energy on fighting off infections instead of doing other things like maintaining cardiovascular health or keeping eyes open during work meetings (though both important).

Cooling Off

Lowering body temperature through cooling measures helps reduce discomfort associated with high temperatures. Some methods include using cool compresses on forehead/neck/armpits/groin areas (try not stacking them up) taking lukewarm baths/showers (not cold baths/shower/too hot showers relax!), wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers (white sheets will make you feel like royalty), and opening windows/getting fresh air.

How to Know When Your Fever Has Broken

And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for – how do I know when my fever has broken? There are a few signs to look out for:

  • Your temperature returns back to normal (ranges from 97°F to 100.4°F).
  • You stop sweating and feel dry instead.
  • You feel an overall improvement in symptoms such as cough, congestion, or sore throat.
  • You start humming ‘I Will Survive’ without even realizing it.

Just remember that breaking a fever is only one step in fighting off infections, so make sure to continue taking care of yourself through proper nutrition, rest, and seeking medical attention if needed.

That’s all folks! Hopefully you found this guide both informative and hilarious (we worked hard on making fevers funny). Remember that while fevers can be uncomfortable they’re also necessary for staying healthy – though we understand why you’d rather not experience them. Stay hydrated, stay cool (not too cool), and keep those thermometers handy.

Random Posts