What Kind of Water Is Best to Drink When Having a Fever?
Ordinary fever generally does not cause too much impact. If it is a low fever, physical cooling is sufficient, while high fever requires prompt administration of antipyretics. Unless the fever persists and does not improve, timely medical attention is required for effective treatment of the underlying cause. Regardless of whether it is a high fever or a low fever, it is important to replenish fluids promptly. So, what kind of water is good for drinking during fever? The best choice is plain boiled water, avoiding drinks or beer. The diet should be light, mainly consisting of porridge and noodles. When the body is feverish, it is advisable to drink plenty of warm water, which can help the body eliminate excess metabolic waste through urination and regulate the acid-base balance of the body. If the fever is caused by cold exposure, drinking some ginger tea can help warm the body and achieve the effect of reducing fever.
1. Cold Compress: Reducing the body temperature of the whole body or a specific area through the application of cold. Head cold compress is the most commonly used method. A pocket made of rubber or plastic film, the size of a hand, filled with well water or small ice cubes, is placed on the patient's forehead, neck blood vessels, armpits, and thighs. Initially, the local blood vessels will constrict, followed by vasodilation, and heat dissipation through conduction can achieve the purpose of cooling. If conditions permit, a hat-shaped ice bag can be sewn and filled with well water or fine ice cubes to be worn on the patient's head. Ice pillows can also be made and placed under the patient's head and neck like a regular pillow to achieve a cooling effect. If ice hats or ice pillows are not available, a towel soaked in well water and wrung out can be used as a cold compress instead. It is important to note when applying ice compresses to avoid frostbite of the skin.
2. Warm Water Bath: Dipping a towel in warm water at 32°C to 36°C and wiping the entire body can dilate the skin blood vessels, increase blood flow, and dissipate heat through conduction, achieving the purpose of cooling. After wiping the entire body once, wait for a while for the water on the skin to evaporate before wiping again until the body temperature drops significantly. After the bath, make sure to dry the skin thoroughly and cover the patient with a thin blanket to prevent chilling.
3. Alcohol Bath: A 25% to 50% alcohol solution can be used for bathing. If alcohol is unavailable, a mixture of liquor and half cold water can be used. Because alcohol evaporates quickly, it can quickly carry away heat from the skin, achieving the purpose of reducing fever. During the bath, use a towel to wipe the patient's neck, armpits, groin, chest, and limbs with alcohol, which can dilate the skin blood vessels and accelerate heat dissipation. However, if the alcohol concentration is too high and evaporates too quickly, it may cause the skin blood vessels to contract, affecting heat dissipation. The preparation method for alcohol is as follows: Mix 100 milliliters of 95% alcohol with 200 milliliters of water. During the alcohol bath, make sure to keep the patient covered with a blanket. About half an hour after the bath, use a rectal thermometer to check the body temperature. If it does not drop, the patient should be sent to the hospital for further treatment.
If the fever is severe or the body feels extremely uncomfortable, it is necessary to seek medical attention. The measures mentioned are only meant to alleviate discomfort. Even when the condition is mild, it is important to frequently check the body temperature to monitor any changes. If the fever persists, medical attention should be sought promptly.
