Hospital Treatment for Fever
Fever is the body's response to a virus or bacteria. A high temperature is a good sign: the body is fighting back, and the immune system is developing. However, there are times when the temperature rises too high.
Hospital treatment for fever is necessary when the temperature cannot be reduced with medications or rubbing.
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When is hospitalization necessary for fever?
In most cases, fever can be managed at home, but there are some situations when calling an ambulance is necessary.
Hospitalization for fever is indicated in the following cases:
- The temperature has risen above 39-40°C and cannot be reduced with paracetamol or ibuprofen
- There are signs of severe intoxication (headache, confusion, inability to wake up)
- Febrile seizures have begun
- The person has chronic diseases (diabetes or heart failure)
- The patient refuses to drink (if they refuse to eat, this is normal; the body does not need to expend energy on digestion)
You should also seek hospitalization if a high fever develops in a child under one year old or in a pregnant woman.
Warning Symptoms ("Red Flags")
Medical care for fever can be provided by a primary care physician or pediatrician, as well as by hospital doctors.
Symptoms of fever:
- Impaired consciousness (hallucinations, delirium, severe drowsiness)
- Convulsions or inability to bend the neck
- A rash on the body that does not disappear when pressed (suspected meningitis)
- Shortness of breath and chest pain when breathing (suspected pneumonia)
- Blood pressure drops and the person is unable to get out of bed
Hyperthermia treatment is also needed for people with immunodeficiency and hepatitis C.
Inpatient Diagnostics: Finding the Cause of the Fever
Fever testing begins with blood tests. This is the only way to accurately understand the cause of the disease: a virus, bacteria, or pathological changes.
Laboratory tests
To assess the severity of the condition and the type of pathogen, the following are prescribed:
- Complete blood test (search for leukocytosis, formula shift, ESR assessment)
- Biochemical blood test (determination of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, kidney and liver tests)
- Urine analysis with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics (high temperature is often a symptom of pyelonephritis)
Instrumental diagnostics
If the cause of hyperthermia is obvious, clinic doctors supplement fever treatment with the following diagnostic methods:
- Chest X-ray (rule out pneumonia)
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and pulmonary Pelvis
- ECG to monitor cardiac stress
If the cause cannot be identified, a CT or MRI scan is ordered, and a surgeon may also be consulted.
Methods of treatment and patient care
Effective medical care for fever in a hospital setting includes a combination of etiotropic and symptomatic approaches.
Drug Therapy
The dosage of antipyretic medications in the hospital is determined individually. Injections are most commonly used: they are gentle on the stomach and act faster than tablets.
High fever in the hospital is usually treated with antipyretics. If blood or urine tests reveal a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed.
Self-medication in this case is unacceptable, as it leads to bacterial resistance and complicates further diagnosis.
Non-medicinal cooling methods
In hospitals, physical methods of fever reduction are actively used, such as sponging with water and ice packs. These are applied to the groin area, elbows, and head. Cooling blankets are also used.
Infusion Therapy and Detoxification
Fever inevitably leads to intoxication from tissue breakdown products or microbial activity. To maintain fluid balance and accelerate the elimination of toxins, infusions of saline and colloidal solutions are prescribed. Infusion therapy and detoxification help prevent dehydration and support kidney function.
Features of treatment of fever of unknown origin (FUO)
If a high fever persists for more than two weeks, it is considered fever of unknown origin. In this case, additional testing is prescribed to identify autoimmune pathologies and cancer.
At-home diagnosis is complicated by the fact that doctors cannot monitor all fever symptoms or record the time of remission. Therefore, hospitalization is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of 24/7 surveillance
The hospital's high temperature and constant staff monitoring allow for early detection of complications, such as cerebral or pulmonary edema.
It's also easier to adjust medication dosages and monitor progress in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take antibiotics immediately if I have a fever?
How is hyperthermia dangerous for the heart?
When should I call an ambulance for hyperthermia?
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Types and stages of fever development
The development of a fever reaction is divided into three stages. Understanding these stages helps clinical staff choose the right care strategy.