Fever and headache - Christina Cherry

introduction

fever is, according to the medical definition, an increase in Body temperature to over 38 ° Celsius. Fever is an adjustment of the target value of the body core temperature: Whenever the brain wants to raise the temperature, this information is passed on from the brain stem to the nervous system of the entire body. Headaches are often accompanied by a fever. With headaches it is not the brain substance itself that hurts, but the so-called meninges. This lies around the brain and, in addition to the nerve water, blood and lymphatic vessels, also contains sensitive nerve cells, which enables the meninges to "perceive" pain stimuli. Such pain stimuli can then by the inflammatory messengers or the lack of fluids caused by the fever become. Also fever, which is caused by Drugs or medication can often be accompanied by a headache.

Causes of fever and headache

Both fever and headache are very unspecific symptoms (so-called "general symptoms"), which means that they can occur in a variety of different clinical pictures. Reasons for the simultaneous appearance of both symptoms are mostly one inflammatory process in the body, triggered for example by a bacterial or viral infection.

This is mainly due to the fact that the inflammatory response – as mentioned above – corresponding messengers that are distributed among others in the brain for one vasodilatation to care. This causes the brain substance to swell slightly, and that Meninges are stretched and irritated as a result. If the headache occurs after a long fever episode, it is usually a simple one dehydration the cause.

Does the concrete suspicion of infection, Attention should be paid to other complaints that indicate the origin or location of the infection, e.g. Abdominal pain or diarrhea (Gastrointestinal infection), Painful urination (Urinary tract infection), Cold symptoms or signs of meningitis. Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) can be caused by a stiff neck noticeable as well as the inability of the affected person to raise a leg while lying on his back or to pull a knee to his chest. In addition to infection, fever and headache can also coexist chemical substances, such as drugs or medication become. Here it is advisable to look for information on the type and amount of the substance in order to enable appropriate and appropriate treatment.

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cold

A cold or a flu infection iis a common cause of fever and headache, but far from being the only one. First of all, a cold can just start, so that the typical symptoms are not yet noticeable. Other infections not located in the throat, nose or airway area can also cause fever and headache at the same time. It is important to rule out meningitis as soon as possible, as this can cause long-term neurological damage if left untreated. In addition, gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections can cause complaints. If no signs of infection can be found, an acute overdose of a drug or drug should be considered. Finally, too Hormonal imbalance Trigger fever and headache.

Suffer from a headache?

Answer to this 10 questions and find out your cause and the optimal treatment options.
Here it goes directly to Test for headache.

Accompanying symptoms

As mentioned, both fever and headache are general symptoms that can indicate a variety of diseases and causes. Accordingly, you can use a Numerous different symptoms go hand in hand.

Above all, the typical symptoms of an infection are mentioned here, for example Cold or flu symptoms as a runny nose, cough, mucousness of the respiratory tract, fatigue and body aches.

Infections in other organ systems such as the gastrointestinal or urinary tract can also cause fever and headache and then cause corresponding symptoms. Caution is advised, however back pain in the area of the spine and these are strengthened if one leg is to be supine or a knee is to be pulled towards the chest. This is usually an indication of an inflammation of the meninges and should be clarified as soon as possible.

Read more about this here: Fever and back pain.

Vomit

Like diarrhea, vomiting associated with fever and headache can affect one Gastrointestinal infection Clues. The body also loses a lot of fluid through vomiting, and the resulting deficiency can in turn cause headaches. Fever is another body response to the existing infection. It should be clarified, which could trigger the infection. If Traces of blood in the vomit see a doctor as soon as possible.

Even with one increased intracranial pressure can it too Nausea, dizziness and vomiting come. Especially with Vomiting without eating or The onset of the symptom is delayed for the onset of fever, should be Consult a doctor because it can be an infection of the brain or meninges.

diarrhea

Diarrhea as an accompanying symptom to fever and headache usually shows one infection to the localized in the gastrointestinal tract is. By definition, one speaks of diarrhea or diarrhea when defecated fluid more than three times a day becomes. Like diarrhea, diarrhea is a reaction to an inflammatory process because the infectious agent is to be flushed out of the body. However, it will also a lot of fluid from the body rinsed, causing a dehydration (Drainage) can take place. Since this in turn can lead to headache, it is recommended drink a lot of water in case of diarrhea to compensate for this deficiency as early as possible.

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Test cause of fever

Do you have a fever and want to find out what could be the cause of your illness? Take part in our self-test and answer the following 10 short questions.

therapy

Of course, that should treatment of fever and headache tailored to the cause become.

Regardless of the cause, or if it cannot be determined exactly, some general therapeutic steps are recommended to alleviate the symptoms. The first and probably the simplest measure is recommended, drink plenty of water, juice or unsweetened tea. This compensates for the lack of fluids that usually occur during fever, and at the same time eliminates a cause of the headache. Certain home remedies can also help relieve fever and headaches. If the fever and headache persist, it can be discussed with the Doctor also one medical therapy be considered. This is then with analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic respectively. However, when treating only symptoms, it should always be borne in mind that fever is also part of a body’s immune response and that there is a cause for treatment.

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home remedies

As a simple, inexpensive and quickly available method for the treatment of fever and a headache offer themselves different home remedies that both aim at symptom relief and can fight the cause, if infectiously caused.

Probably the best known home remedies for lowering fever are those Wadenwickel: For this purpose, some cloths are immersed in warm water at about 30-35 ° C and then wrapped tightly around the calves in one to the layers. The body temperature can be reduced quite reliably by about 1 ° C within an hour. For headaches, for example, there are natural ones pain relieving substances such as willow bark extract on. Even the sharpness of Peppermint oil or ginger extract applied to the temples and rubbed can provide relief.

However, the most important and probably the simplest home remedy for headache and fever is Rest and sleep, such as drinking lots of water and on one Vitamin intake through fresh vegetables or fruit to watch out for.

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Suffer from a headache?

Answer to this 10 questions and find out your cause and the optimal treatment options.
Here it goes directly to Test for headache.

homeopathy

In the homeopathy one must always look at the entire clinical picture in connection with the entire personality of the person concerned in order to find the right remedy based on the "drug picture" that arises in this way. Therefore, no general drug recommendation can be made at this point.

Nevertheless, two homeopathic remedies are to be addressed, which are often used for both headache and fever. Bryonia can be the appropriate remedy if the person concerned is affected by a flu infection, a cold with fever and headache suffers. Appropriate symptoms from the drug picture for Bryonia are a strong need for rest, preference for cold over warmth, dry lips, skin and mucous membranes as well as strong thirst. Likewise fall Gastrointestinal complaints, such as infection in this area, under the scope of Bryonia.

The second means is often the use of Nux vomica in question. This remedy can especially help if the symptoms are triggered by the gastrointestinal tract or at least accompanied by severe symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract. For example Heartburn, constipation or nausea his. Also the Relief from heat is a sign that Nux vomica can help.

When do you have to see a doctor?

To the alarm symptoms, where a visit to the doctor is advisable, on the one hand, the severity and severity of the fever or headache.

The fever rises over 40.5 ° C, in the medical field one speaks of extreme fever or hyperpyrexia. Such very high temperatures should be clarified professionally. Headache should be on the pain intensity, the course and location are respected: the pain was over more and more for several days, speaks this for one progressing process and should definitely be clarified by a doctor.

Even if the Headache with stiff neck and limbs professional help should be sought, as this can be an indication of meningitis. If you suspect this, you should test the freedom of movement of the neck and also try whether you can lie on your back with a knee towards your chest without causing pain in the spine.

Special features in children

fever is with children – just like in adults – first of all a defense reaction to an infection or, in a far rarer case, to poisoning. The basic measures can also be copied from feverish adults. Many of these measures are also recommended for headaches, such as drink plenty of water or sugar-free tea and maintain bed rest. To lower fever Wadenwickel, antipyretic suppositories or paracetamol be used.

It should be borne in mind that fever as a protective measure definitely makes sense and should therefore not be reduced immediately. Also has to for paracetamol, the daily maximum dose must be observed. For fever that lasts longer than a day or over 39 ° C should increase, however Consulted a pediatrician or family doctor become. Medical attention should also be sought if severe diarrhea or vomiting is added. Also a skin rash should be perceived as an alarm symptom because it is on a infectious childhood disease can indicate. In preparation for this, you can already try to lower the fever yourself using the methods mentioned above, and a temperature profile can also be created with the help of regular measurements.

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duration

When fever and headache along with any accompanying symptoms go away depends largely on their cause. An infection should at least subside after a few days, if not completely disappear. Is the trigger one long-term hormone disorder, Accordingly, an early recovery is not to be expected – usually one has to consultant should be consulted in order to identify the responsible incorrect regulation of the hormonal balance and to treat it appropriately.

In principle, you should go to the doctor at the latest if the symptoms persist for more than three days, become worse or more intense or if there is evidence of meningitis

diagnosis

During the diagnosis of fever by one simple temperature measurement with a suitable clinical thermometer, the headache can only be diagnosed as a sensation perceived by the person concerned through a conversation or a statement.

According to the medical definition, fever begins at a temperature of 38 ° C, sometimes 38.5 ° C is also given as the limit. Temperatures below 37 ° C are referred to as "subfebrile", ie under the fever. Because fever and headache together can indicate a number of possible complaints. Therefore, if the symptoms persist for several days, they should be diagnosed. In particular, one should possible infection or inflammatory reaction become – one can mostly demonstrated by blood and urine tests.

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