How high a fever is considered too high in degrees Celsius?
Aug 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, high fever does not exceed 41°C. In healthy individuals, the body's heat production and heat dissipation processes are maintained in a dynamic balance under the control of the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center. When the body is affected by pyrogens or when there is dysfunction of the thermoregulatory center, heat production increases without a corresponding increase in heat dissipation. If axillary temperature measurement shows a body temperature greater than 37.3°C, it is generally referred to as fever.
Generally, high fever should not exceed 41°C. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Under normal circumstances, the human body maintains a dynamic balance between heat production and heat dissipation under the regulation of the hypothalamic temperature control center. When the body is affected by pyrogens or when there is dysfunction of the thermoregulatory center, heat production increases while heat dissipation fails to increase correspondingly. If axillary temperature exceeds 37.3°C, it is generally considered fever. Fever is usually classified into four categories: low-grade fever, moderate fever, high fever, and hyperpyrexia. Specifically, temperatures from 37.3°C to 38°C indicate low-grade fever; 38.1°C to 39°C, moderate fever; 39.1°C to 41°C, high fever; and above 41°C, hyperpyrexia. High fever generally should not exceed 41°C because the human brain is primarily composed of proteins. Temperatures exceeding 41°C for prolonged periods can cause protein denaturation, leading to permanent brain damage, cognitive impairments, and even death.
If high fever occurs, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly. Antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets should be taken as directed by a physician to control body temperature promptly and prevent brain damage.
