Physical cooling is the easiest, most effective and safest way to reduce fever in addition to drug treatment. Generally, physical cooling is preferred for fevers not exceeding 38.5℃. There are many physical cooling methods, and it is necessary to strictly grasp the correct way of operation to avoid adverse reactions.
A. Common physical cooling methods
1, drink more water: fever, drink more water can not only replenish the liquid, but also accelerate sweating, urination, promote the body’s toxins and metabolic waste discharge, facilitate the recovery of the condition as soon as possible.
Note: It is recommended to drink more warm water, and a small number of times to drink water, should not drink cold water or bottled juice.
2, wet towel method: for patients with low fever in general, the towel soaked in cold water wrung into half dry, put on the patient’s forehead or armpit, groin and other large blood vessel parts, to achieve cooling purposes.
Note: It is recommended to change every 3-5 minutes, and the body temperature drops to below 38 ℃ then stop using.
3, ice bag cold compress method: the appropriate amount of ice into the ice bag, and then add the appropriate amount of water, outside wrapped in a layer of towels, placed on the patient’s forehead for 15 minutes can be, generally do not choose the method to reduce fever.
Note: when ice observation of the patient’s reaction, such as pale skin, bruising, etc., should immediately stop to avoid frostbite.
4, warm water bath method: that is, with warm water towel wipe the whole body, the water temperature of 32-34 ℃ is more appropriate, each wipe time control in 10-20 minutes, the key parts of the wipe for the neck, underarm, elbow, groin.
Note: after wiping need to dry the body, wear good clothing to avoid getting cold, and long rash baby should not use this method.
5, alcohol bath method: use 75 percent of alcohol 100 ml, add 27 ℃ – 30 ℃ warm water equal amount, wipe with a towel from the neck, wipe from the top down to the armpits, groin.
Note: It is not advisable to rub the precordial area, abdomen, the heart of the foot, the back of the neck, and infants under 3 months of age and measles patients should not use this method to reduce fever.
6. Loose quilt heat dissipation method: This is the simplest method, which is also easily ignored by parents. Babies should not be wrapped in thick blankets when they have a fever, and young children should not be dressed too thickly; when they have a high fever, they should be loosely wrapped and their collar buttons and trouser belts untied to facilitate heat dissipation.
Note: When using this method to cool down, pay attention to keep the room temperature appropriate, so as not to cause the child to catch a cold.
7, hot water foot soak: foot soak can be used foot basin or small bucket, pour 2/3 basin of water, soaking can be gently massage the feet to reduce the discomfort brought about by fever.
Note: Soak feet in water temperature at about 40 ℃, can be soaked for 20-30 minutes.
Second, the physical cooling precautions
1, patients sensitive to cold should not use cold compresses and other methods of cooling, so as not to make patients appear chills.
2, no matter what cooling method is used, should be placed at the same time in the heart of the foot hot water bag.
3.Patients with bleeding tendency rash, subcutaneous bleeding spots and with skin damage are prohibited to alcohol bath.
4, physical cooling 30 minutes after the measurement of body temperature, while closely observing the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, respiration and mental status.
5, the use of ice to lower the temperature should be frequently changed parts, to prevent frostbite.
6.If the effect of physical cooling is not good, it is necessary to seek medical attention.