RISE BODY TEMPERATURE

RISE BODY TEMPERATURE

For a proper metabolism, a constant temperature is needed - homeotherm. The average body temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37.0 degrees Celsius. Temperature is regulated by monitoring metabolism and heat exchange with the environment. The thermoregulatory center is located in the hypothalamus, and responds to temperature changes with either increased production or increased release in order to return to physiological values.
Elevated body temperature occurs due to the setting of the thermoregulation center to a higher level, which consequently leads to increased production and reduced heat release. It can be caused by endogenous (interleukins, prostaglandin) and exogenous (bacterial breakdown products) pyrogens.
There are a number of causes that can lead to fever:
⦁ infectious (microorganisms that possess exogenous pyrogens and / or stimulate the secretion of endogenous pyrogens),
⦁ non-infectious (immune reactions of hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases),
⦁ paraneoplastic (various tumors),
⦁ resorptive (in case of tissue necrosis after eg acute myocardial infarction),
⦁ iatrogenic (use of drugs, vaccines), etc.
Elevated body temperature leads to an acceleration of metabolism (by one degree Celsius metabolism is accelerated by 13%), increased activity of the defense system, increased cardiac output, tachycardia (one degree Celsius increases the heart rate by 8 to 10 beats), tachypnea ( due to respiratory center stimulation).
Fever is most often part of the general infectious symptoms, and is associated with a feeling of weakness, malaise, muscle and joint pain, headache, loss of appetite and the like.
Given how much body temperature can be elevated, we are talking about:
⦁ subfebrile (37.1-37.9),
⦁ fever (38.0-39.9),
⦁ high fever (> 40.0).

Body temperature can be measured axillary, sublingual, rectal, and on the tympanic membrane. Sublingually and rectally measured values ​​are half a degree Celsius higher than axillary.
Physical and drug antipyresis are used for treatment. Methods of physical antipyresis include cold compresses, showering, avoiding warming, lukewarm baths, and more. Antipyretics are medications we use to bring down fever.