Fever and body aches - causes, symptoms, treatment

Body aches and a temperature of 37-38 can be caused by serious diseases, both viral and other. Normal human body temperature is on average 36.6.

This temperature is optimal for the biochemical processes occurring in the body. But for some people, due to their body characteristics, the normal temperature may be in the range of 36.6-37.4. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have chills and a temperature above 37.5.

Elevated body temperature is a protective reaction of our body to an internal or external irritant that causes inflammation.

Establishing the causes of this state of the body and identifying accompanying symptoms will help to make a correct diagnosis and begin the necessary treatment in a timely manner.

If the temperature lasts for several days and does not rise above 38 degrees, this condition is called subfebrile. In most cases, doctors do not recommend using medication to reduce it.

It is believed that the body should cope on its own. First of all, it is necessary to treat the cause that caused it.

Body aches are most often due to colds, intoxication of the body and disruption of internal metabolic processes.

As a result of the resulting disorders, the pain signal is transmitted through receptors to the nervous system. A person feels pain and unpleasant aches in the body. His general condition is deteriorating sharply.

Causes

A condition where the whole body aches and the temperature is higher than normal can be caused by several serious reasons:

• viral infections (ARVI, colds, flu);
• hepatitis B and C;
• thyroid disease;
• acute and chronic cystitis;
• sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea);
• urogenital infections: toxoplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, etc.;
• oncological diseases;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• chronic myocarditis, endocarditis;
• chronic pyelonephritis;
• gynecological diseases;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• autoimmune diseases;
• drug and drug poisoning;
• inflammation of the muscles of the joints, back, neck;
• encephalitis;
• disorders in the hematopoietic system (leukemia);
• venereal diseases;
• tissue damage;
• helminthiasis

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons that cause body aches and temperature 38, so it is very important to correctly diagnose and begin the necessary treatment on time.

Only a doctor can correctly determine the cause of the disease based on tests, as well as identification of accompanying symptoms.

In some cases, an increase in body temperature is a natural reaction of the body to ongoing internal processes and should not cause concern.

These include:

First trimester of pregnancy. Low-grade fever is a normal reaction of the body to hormonal changes.

They are associated with the active production of progesterone. In this case, a pregnant woman may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, decreased performance, fatigue, and nasal congestion.

In the absence of other symptoms, a low-grade fever should not be a cause for concern.

During the period of ovulation, as well as during the menstrual cycle in women. Very often these periods are accompanied by a slight increase in temperature. During times of stress. Accumulated fatigue and nervous disorders can lead to hyperthermia.

Low-grade fever often results from a severe infectious disease.

This condition may continue for several months after recovery. In infants under 1 year of age, this condition may be a consequence of vaccinations.

In addition, children aged 8 to 14 years often experience this condition during periods of active growth and development.

JOINT TREATMENT METHODS

First of all, the root cause of the disease should be addressed. Medicinal and conservative methods are used to treat joints. The following medications are prescribed:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
• Immunomodulatory drugs to curb pathological processes, for example, in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Corticosteroid drugs.
• Vitamin complexes.

A good effect is achieved by injecting medications directly into the affected joint. Intra-articular injections should only be performed by a qualified physician. This is a technique that is used no more than 3-4 times during the year.

Conservative methods allow you to restore joint mobility, elasticity of ligaments, cartilage tissue, and alleviate the symptoms of inflammation. For therapeutic purposes, the patient is prescribed:

• physiotherapy sessions;
• physical therapy (physical therapy);
• massage;
• hydrotherapy;
• warm or cold treatment.

Important! All therapeutic methods without treating the underlying disease will give only temporary results and will briefly alleviate the patient’s condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the individual characteristics of the body, as well as on the level of the current temperature.

Often a slight increase in temperature may be asymptomatic.

In case of high temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue, and chills occur, forcing the patient to hide under the blanket to keep warm.

A drop in elevated temperature is accompanied by sweating. Sometimes aches and pains with fever can cause confusion and loss of consciousness, high fluid loss, which leads to dehydration.

These are all common symptoms. But depending on the cause of the painful condition, other symptoms may appear.

• Headache. Often occurs with bacterial meningitis and kidney infections.
• Increased sweating and weakness. May be caused by inflammation and problems with the immune system. Moreover, the temperature in this case is low and rarely exceeds 38C. Patients often experience a low-grade fever, which is characterized by a low temperature of 37-37.5. And also these symptoms are characteristic of cancer - extensive tumors with metastatic spread, and for blood diseases - leukemia, lymphoma. Excessive sweating and dry skin can also be caused by an increase in thyroid hormones.
• Pain when urinating. Often occur with acute and chronic cystitis, pyelonephritis, gynecological diseases, urinary tract infections
• Abdominal pain, loose stools, nausea, vomiting. Such symptoms occur with salmonellosis, dysentery, typhoid fever, encephalitis, and meningitis.
• Rash on the body. Appears with chickenpox, measles.
• Heartbeat disturbances, shortness of breath. These symptoms often appear in asthma, thyroid dysfunction, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

If the temperature stays within 37-38. for a long time is a reason to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary diagnostics to identify the cause of the disease.

Prevention methods

At home, you can prevent diseases that cause high fever and acute headache. If you follow doctors' recommendations, you can strengthen the immune system, increase the body's resistance to viral diseases, and also identify chronic diseases of internal organs in the early stages. To do this, it is enough to fulfill a few simple conditions:

• avoid hypothermia of the head, especially during sudden temperature changes;
• ensure proper rest and normal daily routine;
• get enough vitamins from food or in medications;
• Lead an active lifestyle and pay attention to physical activity.

The Clinical Institute of the Brain has all the conditions for a full diagnosis and successful treatment of diseases that are accompanied by headaches and fever. High-quality modern equipment, highly qualified specialists and many years of experience, the opportunity to undergo treatment in a hospital setting are the main advantages of the center. Doctors recommend not only contacting the patient at the first symptoms, but also undergoing regular examinations to identify hidden pathologies in the initial stages.

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Diagnostics includes

• General and biochemical blood test
• general urine analysis
• blood test for hormones
• fluorography, ultrasound examination
• ECG, ECHO to detect abnormalities in the heart
• stool analysis
• blood test for HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases
• external examination by a specialist
• View detailed medical history
• sputum sampling
• gynecological examinations.

With chills and temperature from 37.5. Failure to consult a doctor in a timely manner can lead to complications and serious consequences.

Examination methods

High-quality and timely diagnosis is the main condition for proper treatment. During the initial examination, temperature is measured and medical history is collected, including information about any chronic diseases. However, to understand the full picture, a number of additional examinations are necessary to make a final diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe the following methods:

• MRI of the head is a comprehensive, informative way to determine tumors, areas of ischemia and other pathologies of the brain;
• CT is a modern method of examination, which also allows you to obtain a complete three-dimensional picture of the brain;
• Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck is an important diagnostic stage, thanks to which cerebral circulatory disorders are detected;
• blood tests - tests will indicate inflammatory processes, the presence of infection, poisoning and other pathologies.

The Clinical Brain Institute has modern equipment for diagnosing diseases that are accompanied by headaches. This allows you to accurately and quickly determine the cause of deterioration in health and differentiate pathologies that are similar in clinical picture. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis at home, as well as as a result of a simple examination of the patient.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the course of the disease and the reasons that caused it.

In some cases, it is enough just to stay in bed and consume plenty of fluids, in others you cannot do without medications.

Medication

It is not recommended to reduce low-grade fever with the help of medications, since it is believed that the body must cope with the virus on its own.

However, if the need to reduce the temperature arises, it is recommended to use:

Paracetamol. The safest of all the means that exist. Even infants are allowed to use it.

It is part of most well-known cold remedies, such as Fervex. Theraflu, Coldrex.

Ibuprofen, Analgin, Nurofen are used to treat body aches and chills. These drugs are used primarily as a pain reliever in case of bruises, cuts, and burns.

Aspirin, Citramon can also be used to lower the temperature, but only for adults and in extreme cases due to a large number of contraindications.

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed.

It should be remembered that Aspirin should not be given to children under 12 years of age due to the high risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

Treatment with traditional medicine combined with medication will help you cope with fever more effectively.

How to alleviate the condition if the temperature and body aches

In the treatment of ARVI, symptomatic drugs1 are mainly used, the action of which is aimed at alleviating the manifestations of the disease. Among these drugs, a special place is occupied by antipyretic drugs that help fight fever, including paracetamol preparations.

According to WHO recommendations, paracetamol is included in the list of vital drugs used in the treatment of adults and children, and is considered one of the safest means for reducing fever. Paracetamol blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins (inflammatory mediators) in the central nervous system, due to which it provides a good antipyretic effect and has a mild analgesic effect. The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for adults is 4 g, for children - up to 60 mg per kilogram of body weight per day1.

Based on paracetamol, many combination drugs have been created that can simultaneously affect almost the entire complex of symptoms of acute respiratory diseases, which can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition during treatment and recovery1. In addition to the main active ingredient, these drugs include:

An example of combination drugs intended for the symptomatic treatment of “colds” - ARVI, including influenza - is RINZA®. The drug is available in the form of tablets and powders for making drinks.

The composition of the drug RINZA® in tablets for children over 15 years of age and adults includes phenylephrine, chlorphenamine and caffeine7, which simultaneously help fight fever, headache, nasal congestion and runny nose, weakness and lethargy.

RINZASIP® with vitamin C for adults and children over 15 years of age is available in powder form for the preparation of hot drinks with lemon, orange and blackcurrant flavors. Due to the inclusion of ascorbic acid, it can help strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to infection7.

RINZASIP® for children over 6 years of age is available in the form of a powder for preparing a drink with raspberry flavor9. In addition to paracetamol in children's dosage and vitamin C, it contains pheniramine maleate, which acts similarly to phenylephrine in the preparation for adults7.

Important! RINZA® does not treat the disease itself, it only helps alleviate its symptoms. Any disease or condition that is accompanied by fever and body aches requires consultation with a doctor and examination.

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Prevention

The best treatment is definitely prevention. As measures to protect the body, primarily from pathogenic viruses and microbes, it is necessary to carry out regular procedures that strengthen and enhance the immune system.

These include:

• Maintaining an active lifestyle. Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing infectious diseases.
• Using a contrast shower. It strengthens the body and stimulates the immune system well.
• Get flu shots regularly. They will significantly reduce the risk of disease.

It is very important for the sick person to observe the following measures:

• Bed rest.
• Drink plenty of liquid, at least 2 liters per day. (compotes, fruit drinks, teas, juices).
• Ventilate the room regularly. The room where the patient is located should not be hot. The optimal air temperature is 23 degrees.
• Change bedding more often.

Compliance with these simple measures will significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Homeopathy

For several years now, many doctors have been recommending the use of homeopathic complex medicines to combat colds.

Their effectiveness has been proven in many people, and the effect on the body is not as aggressive as that of the same antipyretics and antibiotics.

In most cases, these drugs are prescribed for viral infections, as well as for their prevention.

The most popular homeopathic remedies for colds and flu in Russia:

• Aflubin;
• Oscilococcinum;
• Anaferon;
• Belladonna;
• Arnica;
• Arsenicum album. Recommended for use for painful aches throughout the body;
• Bryony;
• Ferrum Phosphoricum;
• Kali iodatum.

In recent years, there has been increased debate among medical professionals about the effectiveness of such treatment. Many insist that the use of homeopathic remedies for influenza, colds and acute respiratory viral infections is ineffective.

ALL MUSCLES HURT (Muscle pain. Doctor's explanations about muscle pain and disease)

Treatment of headache and fever

Treatment tactics for diseases that cause headaches and high fever will differ. It is selected as a result of a complete examination, taking into account many factors. The doctor takes into account the cause of poor health, the stage and form of the disease, as well as the patient’s age and the presence of chronic pathologies in his medical history. There are several methods and stages of treating headaches and fever.

1. Drug treatment is prescribed for any pathology. The course may include anti-inflammatory and painkillers, antibiotics, and vasoconstrictors. Symptomatic treatment of colds is also carried out, which includes rinsing the nose. For diseases that affect the brain, therapy is carried out in a hospital and includes drugs to improve cerebral circulation.
2. Surgical treatment is prescribed only if conservative methods are insufficiently effective. Surgery may be required to remove tumors that are disrupting brain function and tend to grow rapidly. Surgical techniques are also effective for sinusitis, dental problems, and polyps in the nasal passages.
3. Additional techniques are selected separately for various diseases. Thus, for thermoneurosis, a course of physiotherapy and massage, the use of muscle relaxants and mild sedatives are recommended. It is possible to lower the temperature at home, but only if it rises to critical levels (38 degrees or more).

At the Clinical Brain Institute you can get effective recommendations that will help you get rid of headaches, relieve fever and restore a normal lifestyle. Most patients are treated at home, taking prescribed medications. At the end of the course, you must undergo a re-examination to ensure complete recovery or continue treatment. It is impossible to choose the optimal regimen on your own - symptomatic remedies will mask the manifestation of diseases, but will not eliminate their cause.