Can you take a bath to cool down when you have a high fever of 40°C?

Nov 18, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Shuwen

Introduction

When a patient with a high fever of 40°C does not experience discomfort, bathing may help dilate capillaries, promoting the release of heat and toxins from the body. Fever reduction can also be achieved by taking oral antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen tablets. However, when a high fever of 40°C is accompanied by chills or feeling cold, bathing for cooling is not recommended, as it may cause blood vessel constriction and further increase body temperature.

High fever of 40°C usually refers to a body temperature of 40°C. If the patient does not experience any discomfort, it is generally acceptable to take a bath to lower body temperature, or use oral medications for fever reduction. However, if symptoms such as chills or feeling cold occur, bathing for cooling is not recommended, as it may cause further elevation in body temperature and worsen physical discomfort.

1. Bathing is acceptable

If a patient with a high fever of 40°C does not have any discomfort, taking a bath can help dilate capillaries and improve blood circulation, which facilitates the elimination of heat and toxins from the body, thereby achieving some degree of cooling. However, it's important to keep warm after bathing to avoid worsening the fever. Alternatively, under a doctor’s guidance, antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can be taken orally. Typically, body temperature begins to decrease about 30 minutes after taking antipyretic drugs. During this period, drinking plenty of warm water is recommended. Once body temperature drops and sweating occurs, sweat should be wiped off promptly to prevent catching a chill.

2. Bathing is not recommended

When a high fever of 40°C is accompanied by symptoms such as chills or feeling cold, bathing for cooling purposes is not advised, as external stimuli may trigger vasoconstriction, leading to further increases in body temperature and potentially causing convulsions.

When experiencing high fever, patients should go to the hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under medical supervision.

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What medication should be taken for a high fever of 40°C?

High fever usually refers to a high body temperature. Generally, when the fever reaches 40°C, patients may take medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, aspirin tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or oseltamivir phosphate granules as directed by a physician. At the same time, it is important to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. It should be noted that patients must follow medical advice when taking medication to avoid adverse reactions.

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Can I use white liquor to wipe a child with a high fever of 40 °C?

It is generally not recommended to use white liquor (baijiu) to sponge down a child with a high fever of 40°C, as it may cause physical discomfort. If white liquor is used to wipe the skin, the alcohol it contains has relatively strong absorption and penetration capabilities, which may lead to alcohol poisoning. For a child with a high fever of 40°C, antipyretic medications may be used under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used medications include ibuprofen suspension and acetaminophen tablets.