How to choose 

Does body temperature change? At what time of the day does the maximum body temperature rise? fluctuations in normal body temperature

Each warm-blooded organism experiences daily fluctuations in body temperature. Such fluctuations are called circadian rhythms. For example, for an average person, the morning temperature may differ from the evening temperature by one degree.

Daily temperature fluctuations

The lowest body temperature is observed in the early morning - around six o'clock. It is about 35.5 degrees. It reaches its maximum value in the evening and rises to 37 degrees and above.

The daily change in body temperature is closely related to the solar cycle, and not at all to the level of human activity. For example, in people who, unlike the rest, work at night and sleep during the day, exactly the same patterns of temperature changes are observed - in the evening it rises, and in the morning it decreases.

The temperature is not the same everywhere

The temperature of the human body varies not only depending on the time of day. Each organ has its own "working" temperature. For example, the temperature between the surface of the skin, muscles and internal organs can reach ten degrees. A thermometer placed under the arm in a healthy person is 36.6 degrees. In this case, the rectal temperature will be 37.5 degrees, and the temperature in the mouth - 37 degrees.

What else affects temperature?

When the body is sharply mobilized, the body temperature also rises. This happens, for example, during intense mental work, as a result of severe stress or fear.

Among other things, the dynamics of body temperature is influenced by factors such as age and gender. In childhood and adolescence, the temperature during the day changes more strongly. In girls, it stabilizes by the age of 14, and in boys - by 18 years. In this case, the temperature, as a rule, is half a degree higher than the temperature of men.

Sometimes it happens that a person convinces himself that his temperature is too low or too high. This phenomenon is called "psychosomatic temperature jump". As a result of such self-hypnosis, body temperature can indeed change.

The mechanism of thermoregulation

The hypothalamus and the thyroid gland are involved in the control of body temperature and its change. The hypothalamus contains special cells that respond to changes in body temperature by decreasing or increasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This hormone acts on the thyroid gland and causes it to secrete the hormones T4 and T3, which have a direct effect on thermoregulation. The hormone estradiol also affects the temperature of the female body. The higher its concentration in the blood, the lower the body temperature.

What are the causes of a constant or intermittent slight increase in temperature at certain times of the day, in the evening or during the day? Why is an increase in body temperature from 37.2 to 37.6 ° often observed in children, the elderly or pregnant women?

What does subfebrile temperature mean

Subfebrile is denoted slight increase in body temperature before 37.2-37.6°C, the value of which, as a rule, fluctuates in the range of 36.8 ± 0.4 °C. Sometimes temperatures can reach 38°C, but do not exceed this value, since temperatures over 38°C indicate fever.

Subfebrile temperature can affect any person, but children and the elderly the most vulnerable, as they are more susceptible to infections and their immune system is unable to protect the body.

When and how subfebrile temperature manifests itself

Subfebrile temperature may appear in various times of the day, which sometimes correlates with possible pathological or non-pathological causes.

Depending on the time at which subfebrile temperature occurs, we can distinguish:

  • morning: The subject suffers from subfebrile temperature in the morning when the temperature rises above 37.2°C. Although in the morning the physiologically normal body temperature should be below the average daily temperature, therefore even a slight increase can be defined as a subfebrile temperature.
  • After eating: after dinner, due to the processes of digestion and related physiological processes, the body temperature rises. This is not uncommon, therefore, a temperature increase of more than 37.5 ° C refers to subfebrile.
  • Afternoon/evening: during the day and in the evening there are also periods of physiological increase in body temperature. Therefore, subfebrile temperature includes an increase in excess of 37.5 ° C.

Subfebrile temperature can also be manifested different modes, which, as in the previous case, depends on the nature of the causes, for example:

  • sporadic: This type of subfebrile temperature is episodic, may be associated with seasonal changes or the onset of the menstrual cycle in women of childbearing age, or be the result of intense physical activity. This form causes the least concern, since, in most cases, it is not associated with pathology.
  • intermittent: such subfebrile temperature is characterized by fluctuations or periodic occurrences at certain points in time. May be associated, for example, with physiological events, periods of intense stress, or an indicator of disease progression.
  • Persistent: a constant subfebrile temperature that persists and does not decrease throughout the day and lasts for quite a long time is alarming, as it is closely associated with certain diseases.

Symptoms associated with subfebrile temperature

Subfebrile temperature can be completely asymptomatic or accompanied by a wide variety of symptoms, which, as a rule, become the reason for going to the doctor for diagnosis.

Among the symptoms that are most often associated with subfebrile temperature, there are:

  • Asthenia: The subject experiences a feeling of fatigue and exhaustion, which is directly correlated with an increase in temperature. This may be due to infections, malignancies and seasonal changes.
  • pain: Along with the appearance of subfebrile temperature, the subject may feel pain in the joints, pain in the back, or pain in the legs. In this case, a connection with the flu or a sharp seasonal change is possible.
  • Cold symptoms: if headache, dry cough and sore throat appear along with subfebrile temperature, then hypothermia and exposure to the virus may be taking place.
  • Abdominal symptoms: along with a slight increase in temperature, the patient may complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea. One of the possible reasons is infection with a gastroenterological infection.
  • Psychogenic symptoms: sometimes it is possible, along with the appearance of subfebrile temperature, the appearance of episodes of anxiety, tachycardia and sudden trembling. In this case, it is possible that the subject is suffering from problems of a depressive nature.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: if subfebrile temperature is accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes and profuse sweating, especially at night, then it may be associated with a tumor or infection, for example, mononucleosis.

Causes of subfebrile temperature

When subfebrile temperature is sporadic or periodic, has a correlation with certain periods of years, months or days, then it is almost certainly associated with a non-pathological cause.

Temperature causes...

Prolonged and persistent low-grade fever, which persists for many days and appears mainly in the evening or during the day, is often associated with a specific disease.

Causes of subfebrile temperature, without pathology:

  • Digestion: after eating food, digestive processes cause a physiological increase in body temperature. This can cause a mild low-grade fever, especially if you have ingested hot food or drinks.
  • Heat: in summer, when the air reaches high temperatures, being in a room that is too hot can cause increase in body temperature. This happens especially often in children and newborns, whose body thermoregulation system is not yet fully developed.
  • Stress: in some individuals, especially sensitive to stressful events, subfebrile temperature can be interpreted as a reaction to stress. Usually, the temperature rise occurs in anticipation of stressful events or immediately after it has happened. This type of subfebrile temperature can appear even in infants, for example, when he cries very intensely for a long time.
  • Hormonal changes: In women, subfebrile temperature may be closely related to hormonal changes. So in the stage of premenstruation, body temperature increases by 0.5-0.6°C, and this can determine a slight increase in temperature in the range from 37 to 37.4°C. Also, in the early stages of pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to a similar increase in body temperature.
  • season change: as part of the change of season and a sharp transition from high to cold temperatures, and vice versa, a change in body temperature may occur (without causes of a pathological basis).
  • Medications: some medications have low-grade fever as a side effect. These include antibacterials of the beta-lactam antibiotic class, most anticancer drugs, and other drugs such as quinidine, phenytoin, and some vaccine components.

Pathological causes of subfebrile temperature

The most common pathological causes of subfebrile temperature are:

  • Neoplasms: tumors are the main cause of persistent low-grade fever, especially in the elderly. Among the tumors that most often lead to an increase in body temperature, there are leukemias, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and several other types of cancer. Usually, subfebrile temperature in the case of a tumor is accompanied by rapid weight loss, a strong feeling of fatigue, and in the case of tumors involving blood cells, anemia.
  • Viral infections: one of the viral infections that causes subfebrile temperature is HIV, which leads to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This virus generally destroys the subject's immune system, therefore causing emaciation, which is manifested by a variety of symptoms, one of which is low-grade fever, opportunistic-type infections, asthenia, and weight loss. Another viral infection that causes persistent low grade fever is infectious mononucleosis, known as "kissing disease" due to its transmission of salivary secretions.
  • Respiratory tract infections: low-grade fever is often present in case of infection involving the respiratory tract (such as pharyngitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis or a cold). One of the most dangerous infections of the respiratory tract, which causes the appearance of subfebrile temperature, is tuberculosis, which is accompanied by profuse sweating, asthenia, weakness and weight loss.
  • Thyroid problems: subfebrile temperature is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, caused by thyrotoxic destruction of the thyroid gland. This destruction of the thyroid gland is called thyroiditis and is often caused by a viral infection.
  • Other pathologies: There are other diseases, such as celiac disease or rheumatic fever caused by streptococcal infection, beta-hemolytic type, which include the appearance of subfebrile temperature. However, in these cases, subfebrile temperature is not the main symptom.

How is subfebrile temperature treated?

Subfebrile temperature is not a pathology, but a symptom by which the body can indicate that something is going wrong. In fact, there are many diseases that can lead to persistent low-grade fever.

However, often slight increase in body temperature has no pathological causes and can be compensated with the help of simple natural remedies.

It is difficult to find the cause of subfebrile temperature, but, in any case, you should consult a doctor.

Natural remedies against non-pathological low-grade fever

To combat the symptoms caused by low-grade fever, natural remedies such as herbal medicine can be used. Of course, before resorting to one of these remedies, you should consult your doctor.

Among medicinal plants, used in the case of subfebrile temperature, the most important are:

  • Gentian: used in case of intermittent low grade fever, this plant contains bitter glycosides and alkaloids, which gives it antipyretic properties.

Used as a decoction: 2 g of gentian roots are boiled in 100 ml of boiling water, left to infuse for about a quarter of an hour, and then filtered. It is recommended to drink two cups a day.

  • white willow: contains, among other active substances, derivatives of salicylic acid, which have the same antipyretic effect as aspirin.

A decoction can be prepared by bringing to a boil a liter of water containing about 25 grams of white willow root. Boil for about 10-15 minutes, then filter and drink two to three times a day.

  • Linden: useful as an associated antipyretic, linden contains tannins and mucus.

It is used in the form of infusions, which are prepared by adding a tablespoon of linden flowers to 250 ml of boiling water, followed by infusion for ten minutes and filtering, you can drink several times a day.

Human diurnal temperature curve

If body temperature is measured in different places, then as a result of unequal heat transfer conditions, different values ​​\u200b\u200bare obtained. So, for example, when measuring temperature in the rectum, figures are obtained that are 0.4 - 0.5 ° higher than the values ​​\u200b\u200bthat are determined when measured in the armpit. The temperature of the skin surface is even lower. So, at a temperature in the armpit of 36.6 °, the temperature of the skin of the face is 20 - 25 °, the limb is 25 °, the skin of the abdomen is 34 °. Therefore, the true body temperature is best characterized by figures obtained by placing the thermometer in the armpit, when the shoulder is pressed against the body, or even more accurately when measured in the oral cavity or rectum.

Temperature changes during the day

By measuring the body temperature at certain intervals, it is possible to construct a curve characterizing the temperature measurements during the day based on the data obtained.

With a lifestyle characteristic of a person, the daily curve is characterized by regular fluctuations. The lowest temperature value is about 4 - 6 hours, the highest - about 16 - 18 hours.

The characteristic course of changes in body temperature during the day is determined by those changes in metabolism that are associated with food intake, the active state of the body, etc. Comparing the curve depicting the daily fluctuation in temperature with the daily curves of changes in motor activity, respiratory rate, active reaction of urine, etc. etc., one can verify the parallel course of these curves.

By changing the mode of life, the curve can be perverted. Similar experiments were carried out on people who slept during the day and were awake at night. At the same time, it was possible to obtain temperature curves with a maximum at 6–9 o'clock in the morning and a minimum at 18 o'clock in the afternoon. These experiments show that the features of the temperature curve are determined by influences coming from the cerebral cortex.

In addition to these diurnal fluctuations, temperature can vary significantly depending on the metabolic changes that accompany muscle activity. After significant physical exertion, body temperature rises from a few tenths of a degree to 2° and even in some cases up to 3°.

Temperature in young children

Especially unstable is the temperature of young children, which is explained by the lack of mechanisms that regulate the ratio between heat production and heat transfer. These mechanisms represent a relatively new acquisition in vertebrate evolution; they develop late and in the process of ontogenesis. A number of representatives of higher vertebrates will be born with a lack of thermoregulation, representing initially poikilothermic animals. Something similar takes place in the human fetus, especially when it is born prematurely. This circumstance makes it necessary to take a number of precautionary measures against hypothermia or overheating of the body of newborns.

General concept of fever

General characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome and types of fevers

Many diseases of infectious and non-infectious origin occur with an increase in body temperature. The feverish reaction of the body is not only a manifestation of the disease, but also one of the ways to stop it. The normal temperature when measured in the armpit is 36.4-36.8 ° C. During the day, body temperature changes. The difference between morning and evening temperatures in healthy people does not exceed 0.6 °C.

Hyperthermia - an increase in body temperature above 37 ° C - occurs when the balance between the processes of heat production and heat transfer is disturbed.

Fever is characterized not only by an increase in temperature, but also by changes in all organs and systems. Patients are concerned about headache, weakness, feeling of heat, dry mouth. With fever, metabolism increases, pulse and respiration become more frequent. With a sharp increase in body temperature, patients feel chills, a feeling of cold, trembling. At high body temperature, the skin becomes red, warm to the touch. A rapid drop in temperature is accompanied by profuse sweat.

The most common cause of fever is infection and tissue breakdown products. Fever is usually the body's response to an infection. Noninfectious fevers are rare. The degree of temperature increase can be different and largely depends on the state of the body.

Feverish reactions differ in duration, height and type of temperature curve. The duration of fever is acute (up to 2 weeks), subacute (up to 6 weeks) and chronic (more than 6 weeks).

Depending on the degree of temperature increase, subfebrile (37–38 ° C), febrile (38–39 ° C), high (39–41 ° C) and ultra-high (hyperthermic - above 41 ° C) are distinguished. Hyperthermia itself can lead to death. Depending on daily fluctuations in temperature, six main types of fever are distinguished (Fig. 12).

Persistent fever, in which the difference between morning and evening body temperature does not exceed 1 ° C. Such a fever is more common with pneumonia, typhoid fever.

Laxative (relapsing) fever is characterized by fluctuations of more than 1 ° C. It happens with tuberculosis, purulent diseases, pneumonia.

Intermittent fever is characterized by large temperature fluctuations with the correct alternation of febrile attacks and periods of normal temperature (2-3 days), typical of 3- and 4-day malaria.

Rice. 12. Types of fever: 1 - constant; 2 - laxative; 3 - intermittent; 4 - return; 5 - wavy; 6 - exhausting

Exhausting (hectic) fever is characterized by a sharp increase in body temperature (by 2-4 ° C) and its fall to normal and below. Observed in sepsis, tuberculosis.

The reverse type of fever (perverted) is characterized by a higher morning temperature than in the evening. Occurs in tuberculosis, sepsis.

Irregular fever is accompanied by varied and irregular diurnal fluctuations. It is observed in endocarditis, rheumatism, tuberculosis.

On the basis of a febrile reaction and symptoms of intoxication, one can judge the onset of the disease. So, with an acute onset, the temperature rises within 1-3 days and is accompanied by chills and symptoms of intoxication. With a gradual onset, body temperature rises slowly, over 4-7 days, the symptoms of intoxication are moderate.

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome in infectious diseases

Fever in infectious diseases is protective. It is usually a reaction to an infection. Different infectious diseases may have different types of temperature curves, although it should be remembered that with early antibiotic therapy, temperature curves can change significantly.

Malaria

The correct alternation of febrile attacks (chills, fever, drop in temperature, accompanied by sweat) and periods of normal body temperature is characteristic of malaria. Attacks in this disease can be repeated two days on the third or three days on the fourth. The total duration of a malarial attack is 6-12 hours, with tropical malaria - up to a day or more. Then the body temperature drops sharply to normal, which is accompanied by profuse sweating. The patient feels weakness, drowsiness. His health is improving. The period of normal body temperature lasts 48–72 hours, and then again a typical malarial attack.

Typhoid fever

Fever is a constant and characteristic symptom of typhoid fever. Basically, this disease is characterized by an undulating course, in which temperature waves, as it were, roll over one another. In the middle of the last century, the German physician Wunderlich schematically described the temperature curve. It consists of a temperature rise phase (lasting about a week), a heat phase (up to 2 weeks) and a temperature drop phase (about 1 week). Currently, due to the early use of antibiotics, the temperature curve for typhoid fever has various options and is diverse. Most often, relapsing fever develops, and only in severe cases - a permanent type.

Typhus

Typically, the temperature rises within 2–3 days to 39–40 °C. The temperature rises both in the evening and in the morning. Patients have slight chills. From the 4th–5th day of illness, a constant type of fever is characteristic. Sometimes with early use of antibiotics, a relapsing type of fever is possible.

With typhus, "cuts" in the temperature curve can be observed. This usually happens on the 3rd-4th day of illness, when the body temperature drops by 1.5-2 ° C, and the next day, with the appearance of a rash on the skin, it rises again to high numbers. This is observed at the height of the disease.

On the 8th–10th day of illness, patients with typhus may also experience a "cut" in the temperature curve, similar to the first. But then after 3-4 days the temperature drops to normal. In uncomplicated typhus, the fever usually lasts 2-3 days.

Flu

The flu is characterized by an acute onset. Body temperature rises within a day or two to 39-40 ° C. In the first two days, the clinical picture of influenza is “obvious”: with symptoms of general intoxication and high body temperature. The fever usually lasts from 1 to 5 days, then the temperature drops critically and returns to normal. This reaction is usually accompanied by sweating.

adenovirus infection

With adenovirus infection, the temperature rises to 38-39 ° C for 2-3 days. The fever may be accompanied by chills and last for about a week.

The temperature curve is constant or remitting. The phenomena of general intoxication in adenovirus infection are usually mild.

Meningococcal infection

With meningococcal infection, body temperature can range from subfebrile to very high (up to 42 ° C). The temperature curve can be of constant, intermittent and remitting type. Against the background of antibiotic therapy, the temperature decreases by the 2-3rd day, in some patients subfebrile temperature persists for another 1-2 days.

Meningococcemia (meningococcal sepsis) begins acutely and proceeds rapidly. A characteristic feature is a hemorrhagic rash in the form of irregularly shaped stars. The elements of the rash in the same patient can be of different sizes - from small punctures to extensive hemorrhages. The rash appears 5-15 hours after the onset of the disease. Fever in meningococcemia is often intermittent. Pronounced symptoms of intoxication are characteristic: the temperature rises to 40–41 ° C, severe chills, headache, hemorrhagic rash, tachycardia, shortness of breath, cyanosis appear. Then the blood pressure drops sharply. Body temperature drops to normal or subnormal numbers. Motor excitation increases, convulsions appear. And in the absence of appropriate treatment, death occurs.

Meningitis can be not only meningococcal etiology. Meningitis, like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), develops as a complication of any past infection. So, the most harmless at first glance viral infections, such as influenza, chicken pox, rubella, can be complicated by severe encephalitis. Usually there is a high body temperature, a sharp deterioration in the general condition, there are cerebral disorders, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, impaired consciousness, general anxiety.

Depending on the damage to a particular part of the brain, various symptoms can be detected - disorders of the cranial nerves, paralysis.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis often begins acutely, rarely gradually. The rise in temperature is usually gradual. The fever may be of a constant type or with great fluctuations. The feverish period depends on the severity of the course of the disease. In mild forms, it is short (3-4 days), in severe cases - up to 20 days or more. The temperature curve can be different - constant or remitting type. The fever can also be subfebrile. The phenomena of hyperthermia (40-41 ° C) are rare. Characterized by temperature fluctuations during the day with a range of 1–2 °C and its lytic decrease.

Polio

With poliomyelitis, an acute viral disease of the central nervous system, there is also an increase in temperature. Various parts of the brain and spinal cord are affected. The disease occurs predominantly in children under 5 years of age. Early symptoms of the disease are chills, gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation), body temperature rises to 38–39 ° C or more. In this disease, a double-humped temperature curve is often observed: the first rise lasts 1-4 days, then the temperature decreases and remains within the normal range for 2-4 days, then it rises again. There are cases when the body temperature rises within a few hours and goes unnoticed, or the disease proceeds as a general infection without neurological symptoms.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is one of the acute febrile illnesses. This is a disease of humans and animals, characterized by intoxication, undulating fever, hemorrhagic syndrome, damage to the kidneys, liver, and muscles. The disease begins acutely.

Body temperature during the day rises to high numbers (39–40 ° C) with chills. The temperature stays high for 6-9 days. A remitting type of temperature curve with fluctuations of 1.5–2.5 °C is characteristic. Then the body temperature returns to normal. In most patients, repeated waves are noted, when after 1–2 (less often 3–7) days of normal body temperature, it again rises to 38–39 ° C for 2–3 days.

Brucellosis

Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of brucellosis. The disease usually begins gradually, rarely acutely. Fever in the same patient may be different. Sometimes the disease is accompanied by a wavy temperature curve of a remitting type, typical for brucellosis, when the fluctuations between morning and evening temperatures are more than 1 ° C, intermittent - a decrease in temperature from high to normal or constant - fluctuations between morning and evening temperatures do not exceed 1 ° C. Feverish waves are accompanied by profuse sweating. The number of waves of fever, their duration and intensity are different. The intervals between waves are from 3–5 days to several weeks and months. Fever may be high, long-term subfebrile, and may be normal (Fig. 13).

Rice. 13. Types of fever according to the degree of temperature rise: 1 - subfebrile (37–38 ° C); 2 - moderately elevated (38–39 °C); 3 - high (39–40 °C); 4 - excessively high (above 40 °C); 5 - hyperpyretic (above 41-42 ° C)

The disease often occurs with prolonged subfebrile condition. Characteristic is the change of a long febrile period by a fever-free interval, also of varying duration.

Despite the high temperature, the condition of the patients remains satisfactory. With brucellosis, damage to various organs and systems is noted (first of all, the musculoskeletal, urogenital, nervous systems suffer, the liver and spleen increase).

Toxoplasmosis

ornithosis

Ornithosis is a disease resulting from human infection from sick birds. The disease is accompanied by fever and atypical pneumonia.

Body temperature from the first days rises to high numbers. The feverish period lasts 9-20 days. The temperature curve can be constant or remitting. It decreases in most cases lytically. The height, duration of fever, the nature of the temperature curve depend on the severity and clinical form of the disease. With a mild course, the body temperature rises to 39 ° C and lasts 3–6 days, decreasing within 2–3 days. With moderate severity, the temperature rises above 39 ° C and remains at high numbers for 20–25 days. An increase in temperature is accompanied by chills, a decrease in profuse sweating. Ornithosis is characterized by fever, symptoms of intoxication, frequent lung damage, enlargement of the liver and spleen. The disease can be complicated by meningitis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occupies a special place among infectious diseases that occur with an increase in body temperature. Tuberculosis is a very serious disease. His clinic is diverse. Fever in patients for a long time can proceed without identified organ lesions. Most often, body temperature is kept at subfebrile figures. The temperature curve is intermittent, usually not accompanied by chills. Sometimes fever is the only sign of illness. The tuberculous process can affect not only the lungs, but also other organs and systems (lymph nodes, bone, genitourinary systems). Debilitated patients may develop tuberculous meningitis. The disease begins gradually. Symptoms of intoxication, lethargy, drowsiness, photophobia gradually increase, body temperature is kept at subfebrile numbers. In the future, the fever becomes constant, distinct meningeal signs, headache, drowsiness are found.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a severe general infectious disease that occurs as a result of insufficient local and general immunity of the body in the presence of a focus of inflammation. It develops mainly in premature infants, weakened by other diseases, survivors of trauma. It is diagnosed by a septic focus in the body and the entrance gate of infection, as well as symptoms of general intoxication. Body temperature often remains at subfebrile figures, hyperthermia is periodically possible. The temperature curve can be hectic in nature. Fever is accompanied by chills, a decrease in temperature - a sharp sweating. The liver and spleen are enlarged. Rashes on the skin are not uncommon, more often hemorrhagic.

Helminthiases

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome in somatic diseases

Bronchopulmonary diseases

An increase in body temperature can be observed in various diseases of the lungs, heart, and other organs. So, inflammation of the bronchi (acute bronchitis) can occur in acute infectious diseases (flu, measles, whooping cough, etc.) and when the body is cooled. Body temperature in acute focal bronchitis can be subfebrile or normal, and in severe cases it can rise to 38–39 ° C. Weakness, sweating, coughing are also disturbing.

The development of focal pneumonia (pneumonia) is associated with the transition of the inflammatory process from the bronchi to the lung tissue. They can be of bacterial, viral, fungal origin. The most characteristic symptoms of focal pneumonia are cough, fever and shortness of breath. Fever in patients with bronchopneumonia is of varying duration. The temperature curve is often of a relieving type (daily temperature fluctuations of 1 ° C, with a morning minimum above 38 ° C) or of an incorrect type. Often the temperature is subfebrile, and in the elderly and senile age it may be absent altogether.

Croupous pneumonia is more often observed with hypothermia. Lobar pneumonia is characterized by a certain cyclical course. The disease begins acutely, with a tremendous chill, fever up to 39–40 °C. The chill usually lasts up to 1-3 hours. The condition is very serious. Shortness of breath, cyanosis are noted. In the stage of the height of the disease, the condition of patients worsens even more. Symptoms of intoxication are expressed, breathing is frequent, shallow, tachycardia up to 100/200 beats per minute. Against the background of severe intoxication, vascular collapse may develop, which is characterized by a drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath. Body temperature also drops sharply. The nervous system suffers (sleep is disturbed, there may be hallucinations, delirium). In lobar pneumonia, if antibiotic treatment is not started, the fever can last for 9-11 days and be permanent. The drop in temperature can occur critically (within 12–24 hours) or gradually, over 2–3 days. In the stage of resolution of fever usually does not happen. Body temperature returns to normal.

Rheumatism

Fever can accompany a disease such as rheumatism. It has an infectious-allergic nature. With this disease, connective tissue is damaged, mainly the cardiovascular system, joints, central nervous system and other organs suffer. The disease develops 1–2 weeks after a streptococcal infection (tonsillitis, scarlet fever, pharyngitis). Body temperature usually rises to subfebrile numbers, weakness, sweating appear. Less often, the disease begins acutely, the temperature rises to 38–39 ° C. The temperature curve is remittent in nature, accompanied by weakness, sweating. A few days later, pain in the joints appears. Rheumatism is characterized by damage to the heart muscle with the development of myocarditis. The patient is concerned about shortness of breath, pain in the heart, palpitations. There may be an increase in body temperature to subfebrile figures. The feverish period depends on the severity of the disease. Myocarditis can also develop with other infections - scarlet fever, diphtheria, rickettsiosis, viral infections. Allergic myocarditis may occur, for example, with the use of various drugs.

Septic endocarditis

Against the background of an acute severe septic condition, the development of septic endocarditis is possible - an inflammatory lesion of the endocardium with damage to the heart valves. The condition of such patients is very serious. Symptoms of intoxication are expressed. Disturbed by weakness, malaise, sweating. Initially, body temperature rises to subfebrile numbers. Against the background of subfebrile temperature, irregular temperature rises to 39 ° C and above ("temperature suppositories") occur, chilling and profuse sweating are typical, lesions of the heart and other organs and systems are noted. Diagnosis of primary bacterial endocarditis presents particular difficulties, since at the beginning of the disease there is no lesion of the valvular apparatus, and the only manifestation of the disease is a fever of the wrong type, accompanied by chills, followed by profuse sweating and a decrease in temperature. Sometimes the rise in temperature can be observed during the day or at night. Bacterial endocarditis can develop in patients with artificial heart valves.

In some cases, there are fevers due to the development of a septic process in patients with catheters in the subclavian veins.

Diseases of the biliary system

A feverish state can occur in patients with damage to the biliary system, liver (cholangitis, liver abscess, gallbladder empyema). Fever in these diseases may be the leading symptom, especially in senile and elderly patients. The pain of such patients is usually not disturbed, there is no jaundice. The examination reveals an enlarged liver, its slight soreness.

kidney disease

An increase in temperature is noted in patients with kidney disease. This is especially true for acute pyelonephritis, which is characterized by a severe general condition, symptoms of intoxication, high fever of the wrong type, chills, dull pain in the lumbar region. With the spread of inflammation to the bladder and urethra, painful urge to urinate and pain during urination occur. A urological purulent infection (abscesses and carbuncles of the kidneys, paranephritis, nephritis) can be a source of prolonged fever. Characteristic changes in the urine in such cases may be absent or mild.

Systemic connective tissue diseases

The third place in the frequency of febrile conditions is occupied by systemic diseases of the connective tissue (collagenosis). This group includes systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, nodular arteritis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by a steady progression of the process, sometimes quite long remissions. In the acute period there is always a fever of the wrong type, sometimes taking on a hectic character with chills and profuse sweat. Dystrophy, damage to the skin, joints, various organs and systems are characteristic.

It should be noted that diffuse connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitis are relatively rarely manifested by an isolated febrile reaction. Usually they are manifested by a characteristic lesion of the skin, joints, internal organs.

Basically, fevers can occur with various vasculitis, often their localized forms (temporal arteritis, damage to large branches of the aortic arch). In the initial period of such diseases, fever appears, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles, joints, weight loss, then localized headaches appear, a thickening and thickening of the temporal artery is found. Vasculitis is more common in the elderly.

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome in neuroendocrine pathology

An increase in body temperature is observed in various endocrine diseases. First of all, this group includes such a serious disease as diffuse toxic goiter (hyperthyroidism). The development of this disease is associated with excessive production of thyroid hormones. Numerous hormonal, metabolic, autoimmune disorders arising in the patient's body lead to damage to all organs and systems, dysfunction of other endocrine glands and various types of metabolism. First of all, the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive systems are affected. Patients experience general weakness, fatigue, palpitations, sweating, trembling of the hands, protrusion of the eyeballs, weight loss, and an increase in the thyroid gland.

The disorder of thermoregulation is manifested by an almost constant feeling of heat, intolerance to heat, thermal procedures, subfebrile body temperature. An increase in temperature to high numbers (up to 40 ° C and above) is characteristic of a complication of diffuse toxic goiter - a thyrotoxic crisis that occurs in patients with a severe form of the disease. Sharply exacerbated all the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. There is a pronounced excitation, reaching psychosis, the pulse quickens to 150-200 beats per minute. The skin of the face is hyperemic, hot, moist, the extremities are cyanotic. Muscle weakness, trembling of the limbs develop, paralysis, paresis are expressed.

Acute purulent thyroiditis is a purulent inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by various bacteria - staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, Escherichia coli. It occurs as a complication of purulent infection, pneumonia, scarlet fever, abscesses. The clinical picture is characterized by an acute onset, an increase in body temperature up to 39-40 ° C, chills, tachycardia, severe pain in the neck, radiating to the lower jaw, ears, aggravated by swallowing, moving the head. The skin over the enlarged and sharply painful thyroid gland is hyperemic. The duration of the disease is 1.5–2 months.

Polyneuritis - multiple lesions of peripheral nerves. Depending on the causes of the disease, infectious, allergic, toxic and other polyneuritis are distinguished. Polyneuritis is characterized by a violation of the motor and sensory functions of peripheral nerves with a primary lesion of the limbs. Infectious polyneuritis usually begins acutely, like an acute febrile process, with fever up to 38-39 ° C, pain in the extremities. Body temperature lasts for several days, then normalizes. At the forefront in the clinical picture are weakness and damage to the muscles of the arms and legs, impaired pain sensitivity.

In allergic polyneuritis, which develops after the introduction of an anti-rabies vaccine (used to prevent rabies), an increase in body temperature may also be noted. Within 3-6 days after administration, high body temperature, indomitable vomiting, headache, and impaired consciousness can be observed.

There is a constitutionally determined hypothalamopathy ("habitual fever"). This fever has a hereditary predisposition, it is more common in young women. Against the background of vegetovascular dystonia and constant subfebrile condition, there is an increase in body temperature to 38–38.5 °C. The rise in temperature is associated with physical exertion or emotional stress.

In the presence of a prolonged fever, artificial fever should be borne in mind. Some patients artificially cause an increase in body temperature in order to simulate any disease. Most often, this kind of disease occurs in young and middle-aged people, mostly females. They constantly find various diseases in themselves, are treated for a long time with various drugs. The impression that they have a serious illness is reinforced by the fact that these patients often lie in hospitals, where they are given various diagnoses and undergo therapy. When consulting these patients with a psychotherapist, hysteroid traits are revealed, which makes it possible to suspect a falsification of fever in them. The condition of such patients is usually satisfactory, feeling good. It is necessary to take the temperature in the presence of a doctor. Such patients need to be carefully examined.

The diagnosis of "artificial fever" can be suspected only after observing the patient, examining him and excluding other causes and diseases that cause an increase in body temperature.

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome in neoplastic diseases

The leading place among febrile conditions is occupied by tumor diseases. An increase in temperature can occur with any malignant tumors. Most often, fever is observed with hypernephroma, tumors of the liver, stomach, malignant lymphomas, leukemia.

In malignant tumors, especially in small hypernephroid cancer and in lymphoproliferative diseases, severe fever may be noted. In such patients, fever (more often in the morning) is associated with the collapse of the tumor or the addition of a secondary infection.

A feature of fever in malignant diseases is the wrong type of fever, often with a maximum rise in the morning, the lack of effect from antibiotic therapy.

Often, fever is the only symptom of a malignant disease. Feverish conditions are often found in malignant tumors of the liver, stomach, intestines, lungs, prostate gland. There are cases when fever for a long time was the only symptom of malignant lymphoma with localization in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.

The main causes of fever in cancer patients are considered to be the addition of infectious complications, tumor growth and the effect of tumor tissue on the body.

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome when taking drugs

Among patients with prolonged fever, drug fever occurs in 5-7% of cases. It can occur on any medication, more often on the 7-9th day of treatment. Diagnosis is facilitated by the absence of an infectious or somatic disease, the appearance of a papular rash on the skin, which coincides in time with the medication. This fever is characterized by one feature: the symptoms of the underlying disease disappear during therapy, and the body temperature rises. After discontinuation of the drug, body temperature usually returns to normal after 2-3 days.

Clinical characteristics of hyperthermic syndrome in trauma and surgical diseases

Fever can be observed in various acute surgical diseases (appendicitis, peritonitis, osteomyelitis, etc.) and is associated with the penetration of microbes and their toxins into the body. A significant increase in temperature in the postoperative period may be due to the reaction of the body to the surgical injury. When muscles and tissues are injured, the temperature may increase as a result of the breakdown of muscle proteins and the formation of autoantibodies. Mechanical irritation of the centers of thermoregulation (fracture of the base of the skull) is often accompanied by an increase in temperature. With intracranial hemorrhages (in newborns), postencephalitic lesions of the brain, hyperthermia is also noted, mainly as a result of a central violation of thermoregulation.

Acute appendicitis is characterized by a sudden onset of pain, the intensity of which progresses as inflammatory changes develop in the appendix. There are also weakness, malaise, nausea, and there may be a delay in stool. Body temperature is usually elevated to 37.2-37.6 ° C, sometimes accompanied by chills. With phlegmonous appendicitis, pain in the right iliac region is constant, intense, the general condition worsens, body temperature rises to 38–38.5 ° C.

With suppuration of the appendicular infiltrate, a periappendicular abscess is formed. The condition of the patients is deteriorating. Body temperature becomes high, hectic. Sudden changes in temperature are accompanied by chills. The pain in the abdomen gets worse. A formidable complication of acute appendicitis is diffuse purulent peritonitis. Abdominal pains are diffuse. The condition of the patients is severe. There is significant tachycardia, and the pulse rate does not correspond to body temperature.

Brain injuries can be open or closed. Closed injuries include concussion, contusion and concussion with compression. The most common concussion is the main clinical manifestations of which are loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting and amnesia (loss of memory of events that preceded the disorder of consciousness). In the coming days after a concussion, there may be an increase in body temperature to subfebrile numbers. Its duration can be different and depends on the severity of the condition. Headache, dizziness, weakness, malaise, sweating are also observed.

With sun and heat stroke, general overheating of the body is not necessary. Violation of thermoregulation occurs due to exposure to direct sunlight on an uncovered head or naked body. Disturbed by weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In severe cases, excitement, delirium, convulsions, loss of consciousness are possible. High temperature, as a rule, does not happen.

Fever Treatment

Treatment of fever with traditional methods

With hyperthermic syndrome, treatment is carried out in two directions: correction of the vital functions of the body and directly combating hyperthermia.

To reduce body temperature, both physical methods of cooling and medication are used.

Physical cooling methods

Physical means include methods that provide cooling of the body: it is recommended to remove clothes, wipe the skin with water at room temperature, 20–40% alcohol solution. On the wrists, a bandage moistened with cold water can be applied to the head. They also use gastric lavage through a tube with cold water (temperature 4-5 ° C), put cleansing enemas, also with cool water. In the case of infusion therapy, all solutions are administered intravenously cooled to 4 ° C. The patient can be blown with a fan to reduce body temperature.

These activities allow you to reduce body temperature by 1-2 ° C within 15-20 minutes. Body temperature should not be lowered below 37.5 ° C, since after that it continues to decrease on its own to normal numbers.

Medications

Analgin, acetylsalicylic acid, brufen are used as medications. It is most effective to use the drug intramuscularly. So, a 50% solution of analgin, 2.0 ml (for children - at a dose of 0.1 ml per year of life) is used in combination with antihistamines: 1% diphenhydramine solution, 2.5% pipolfen solution or 2 % suprastin solution.

In a more severe condition, Relanium is used to reduce the excitability of the central nervous system.

A single dose of the mixture for children is 0.1-0.15 ml / kg of body weight intramuscularly.

To maintain the function of the adrenal glands and with a decrease in blood pressure, corticosteroids are used - hydrocortisone (for children, 3-5 mg per 1 kg of body weight) or prednisolone (1-2 mg per 1 kg of body weight).

In the presence of respiratory disorders and heart failure, therapy should be aimed at eliminating these syndromes.

With an increase in body temperature to high numbers, children may develop a convulsive syndrome, for the relief of which Relanium is used (children under 1 year old at a dose of 0.05–0.1 ml; 1–5 years old - 0.15–0.5 ml 0, 5% solution, intramuscularly).

First aid for heat or sunstroke

It is necessary to immediately stop exposure to factors that led to sun or heat stroke. It is necessary to transfer the victim to a cool place, remove clothes, lay down, raise his head. The body and head are cooled by applying compresses with cold water or pouring cold water over them. The victim is given a sniff of ammonia, inside - soothing and heart drops (Zelenin drops, valerian, Corvalol). The patient is given a plentiful cool drink. When respiratory and cardiac activity stops, it is necessary to immediately release the upper respiratory tract from vomit and begin artificial respiration and heart massage until the first respiratory movements and cardiac activity appear (determined by pulse). The patient is urgently admitted to the hospital.

Treatment of fever with non-traditional methods

To reduce body temperature, traditional medicine recommends using infusions of various herbs. Of the medicinal plants, the following are most often used.

Linden heart-shaped (small-leaved) - lime blossom has a diaphoretic, antipyretic and bactericidal effect. 1 st. l. brew finely chopped flowers in a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain and drink like tea, 1 glass each.

Raspberry ordinary: 2 tbsp. l. brew dry berries in a glass of boiling water, leave for 15–20 minutes, strain, take 2–3 cups of hot infusion for 1–2 hours.

Swamp cranberries: in scientific medicine, cranberries have long been used to prepare acidic drinks prescribed for febrile patients.

Blackberry: an infusion and decoction of blackberry leaves, prepared at the rate of 10 g of leaves per 200 g of water, are consumed hot orally with honey as a diaphoretic in febrile patients.

Common pear: pear broth quenches thirst well in febrile patients, has an antiseptic effect.

Sweet orange: has long been used to treat various diseases. Patients with fever were recommended to take daily (2-3 times a day) powder from the thick peel of an orange, and orange fruits and juice quench their thirst well.

Cherry ordinary: cherry fruits, like cherry juice, well quench thirst in febrile patients.

Strawberries: Fresh berries and strawberry juice are good for fever.

For the same purpose, fruits and juice of lemon, red currant are used.

Fresh cucumber and juice from it is used for fever as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Peppermint: In folk medicine, mint is used internally as a diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-cold remedy.

Cultural grapes: the juice of unripe grapes is used in folk medicine as an antipyretic, as well as for sore throats.

Figs (fig tree): a decoction of figs, jam and a coffee surrogate prepared from dried figs have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect. Decoction: 2 tbsp. l. dried berries in 1 glass of milk or water.

Rosehip (cinnamon rose): mainly used as a multivitamin remedy in the treatment of various diseases, with exhaustion of the body, as a general tonic.

Highlander bird (knotweed): prescribed as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent, in particular for malaria, rheumatism.

Oats: in folk medicine, decoctions, teas, tinctures are prepared from oat straw, which are used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, antipyretic (to prepare a decoction, take 30–40 g of chopped straw per 1 liter of water, insist 2 hours).

Stinging nettle: nettle roots, together with garlic, insist on vodka for 6 days and rub the patient with this infusion and give inside 3 tablespoons a day for fever and joint pain.

Greater celandine: Inside, a decoction of celandine leaves is given for fever.

Willow: in folk medicine, willow bark is used in the form of a decoction, mainly for a feverish condition.

Body temperature- an indicator of the thermal state of the human body or another living organism, which reflects the ratio between the production of heat by various organs and tissues and the heat exchange between them and the external environment.

Body temperature depends on:

- age;
- time of day;
— impact on the body of the environment;
- state of health;
- pregnancy;
- characteristics of the body;
- other factors that are not yet clear.

Types of body temperature

Depending on the readings of the thermometer, the following types of body temperature are distinguished:

— less than 35°С;
- 35°С - 37°С;
— Subfebrile body temperature: 37°С - 38°С;
— Febrile body temperature: 38°С - 39°С;
— Pyretic body temperature: 39°С - 41°С;
— Hyperpyretic body temperature: above 41°C.

According to another classification, the following types of body temperature (state of the body) are distinguished:

  • Hypothermia. Body temperature drops below 35°C;
  • Normal temperature. Body temperature is in the range from 35°C to 37°C (depending on the state of the body, age, gender, moment of measurement and other factors);
  • Hyperthermia. Body temperature rises above 37°C;
  • . An increase in body temperature, which, unlike hypothermia, occurs in conditions of maintaining the mechanisms of thermoregulation of the body.

Low body temperature is less common than elevated or high, but nevertheless, it is also quite dangerous for human life. If the body temperature drops to 27°C or below, there is a chance that a person will fall into a coma, although there are cases when people survived at and up to 16°C.

Temperature is considered low an adult healthy person is below 36.0°C. In other cases, a low temperature should be considered a temperature that is 0.5°C - 1.5°C below your normal temperature.

The body temperature is considered low that is more than 1.5°C lower than your normal body temperature, or if your temperature drops below 35°C (hypothermia). In this case, you must urgently call a doctor.

Reasons for low temperature:

- weak immunity;
- severe hypothermia;
- a consequence of an illness;
- thyroid disease;
- medications;
- low hemoglobin;
- hormonal imbalance
- internal bleeding;
- poisoning
- fatigue, etc.

The main and most common symptoms of low temperature are loss of strength and.

Normal body temperature, as noted by many experts, mainly depends on age and time of day.

Consider values ​​of the upper limit of normal body temperature in people of different ages, if measured under the armpit:

— normal temperature in newborns: 36.8°C;
— normal temperature in 6 month old babies: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 1 year old children: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 3 year old children: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 6 year old children: 37.0°C;
— normal temperature in adults: 36.8°C;
— normal temperature in adults over 65: 36.3°C;

If you measure the temperature not under the armpits, then the readings of the thermometer (thermometer) will differ:

- in the mouth - more by 0.3-0.6 ° C;
- in the ear cavity - more by 0.6-1.2 ° C;
- in the rectum - more by 0.6-1.2 ° C.

It is worth noting that the above data is based on a study of 90% of patients, but at the same time, 10% have a body temperature that differs up or down, and at the same time, they are absolutely healthy. In such cases, this is also the norm for them.

In general, temperature fluctuations up or down from the norm, by more than 0.5-1.5 ° C, is a reaction to any disturbances in the body. In other words, it is a sign that the body recognized the disease and began to fight it.

If you want to know the exact indicator of your normal temperature, contact your doctor. If this is not possible, then do it yourself. To do this, it is necessary for several days, when you feel great, to take temperature measurements, in the morning, afternoon and evening. Record the thermometer readings in a notebook. Then separately add up all the indicators of morning, afternoon and evening measurements and divide the sum by the number of measurements. The average values ​​will be your normal temperature.

Elevated and high body temperature is divided into 4 types:

— Subfebrile: 37°С - 38°С.
— Febrile: 38°С - 39°С.
— Pyretic: 39°С - 41°С.
— Hyperpyretic: above 41°C.

Maximum body temperature, which is considered critical, i.e. at which a person dies - 42 ° C. It is dangerous because the metabolism in the brain tissues is disturbed, which practically kills the entire body.

The reasons for the high temperature can only be indicated by a doctor. The most common causes are viruses, bacteria and other foreign microorganisms that enter the body through burns, violations, airborne droplets, etc.

Symptoms of fever and fever

- For the first time, the temperature of the human body (oral temperature) was measured in Germany in 1851 using one of the first samples of mercury thermometers that appeared.

- The world's lowest body temperature of 14.2 ° C was recorded on February 23, 1994 in a 2-year-old Canadian girl who spent 6 hours in the cold.

- The highest body temperature was recorded on July 10, 1980 in a hospital in Atlanta, USA in 52-year-old Willie Jones, who received heat stroke. Its temperature was 46.5 °C. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 24 days.

Have questions?

Report a typo

Text to be sent to our editors:

Send