Is talking nonsense during a fever serious?
Aug 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, speaking incoherently during a fever indicates a more serious condition. Delirium associated with fever suggests that the body temperature is very high and has already affected the central nervous system, which is a relatively severe situation. If a patient develops delirium during a fever, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital for timely cause-specific and symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance, to prevent worsening of the condition and adverse outcomes.
Generally, speaking incoherently during fever indicates a relatively serious condition. Delirium associated with fever suggests that the body temperature is very high and has already affected the central nervous system, which is a concerning sign. The specific analysis is as follows:
Fever is commonly caused by factors such as wind-heat感冒 (a TCM term for certain cold symptoms), viral infections, or mycoplasma infections. When patients are in a state of high fever, it may lead to dysfunction of the central nervous system, resulting in delirium, impaired consciousness, and other symptoms, including speaking incoherently—this is a serious situation and may even trigger febrile seizures. Families are advised to monitor the patient's body temperature. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets may be used under medical guidance, along with ensuring adequate fluid intake to promote metabolism.
If a patient speaks incoherently during fever, they will generally recover quickly once effective antipyretic treatment is administered. However, if prolonged febrile seizures occur, this may lead to further damage to brain cells. In cases where high fever is caused by acute meningitis, even after fever reduction, there may be residual neurological complications due to central nervous system involvement. Therefore, prompt and effective fever management is crucial to prevent unnecessary complications.
If a patient develops delirium or speaks incoherently during fever, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital for targeted etiological and symptomatic treatment under professional guidance, to prevent worsening of the condition and adverse outcomes.
