How to Reduce Fever at Home?

Fever happens when the body temperature of a person increases for some time. It can happen to anyone. Fever is a common symptom of many diseases like infections, inflammation, or any medical conditions. Mild fever mostly occurs when the body is fighting an illness but when the fever is high or persistent, it can be alarming and may need medical attention. However, in many cases, you can manage a fever at home with simple and useful remedies. Let us see twelve such home remedies to reduce fever and know when to get medical help. 

12 Home Remedies to Reduce Fever

1. Maintain Optimal Fluid Levels in the Body: Fever can cause dehydration, so it's important to keep taking fluids. Drink enough water, broths, or electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks. A person should avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks during a fever as they can worsen dehydration.
2. Take a Lukewarm Bath or Shower: Keeping your body in lukewarm water can help reduce your body temperature. Always remember not to use hot water as it can increase your body temperature more. After bathing, gently pat yourself dry and wear lightweight, breathable clothes.
3. Use Cold Compresses: Put cold compresses or a damp cloth on your head, armpits, or groin. Change the compresses or cloth again and again as they become warm to maintain their cooling effect. You can also use ice cubes wrapped in a thin towel to lower the temperature. 
4. Wear Light Clothes: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting apparel made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Do not put heavy blankets or thick clothes because they trap your body heat.
5. Stay in a Cool Environment: Keep your room temperature cool and comfortable. Use fans and ACs if you want. There should be good ventilation so that clean and cool air passes through the room. 
6. Try Herbs: Drink ginger, turmeric or chamomile tea to reduce inflammation and fever. Talk to a doctor before you take any herbal remedies. This becomes very important when you have any medical conditions or are taking medications.
7. Get Enough Rest: A person may feel very tired during a fever so it is important to get enough rest. The body gets enough time to recover while you are taking rest. Sleep for 7 to 9 hours and take naps in the daytime. 
8. Eat Fever reducing Foods: Foods like yoghurt, leafy greens and citrus fruits can reduce fever because they have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These foods will boost your body’s natural healing process.
9. Try Over-the-counter Medications: Take fever medicines to reduce the body temperature to normal. Take the dosage as mentioned on the label or consult a doctor when you have any doubts.  
10. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Stress and anxiety worsen fever symptoms. Do relaxing exercises or activities (listening to calm and soft music, doing deep breathing exercises or meditation) to keep your body calm and relaxed.    
11. Monitor Your Fever: Keep checking your body temperature with a digital thermometer frequently. Inform your doctor if you notice any unwanted changes in your temperature.
12. Seek Professional Help if Needed: You can easily manage a mild fever at home but on some days you may need a doctor's help. Talk to a doctor when your fever stays for a few days or when you have other symptoms like a very bad headache, stiff neck or breathing difficulty. 

When To See A Doctor 

Home remedies can lower mild to moderate fevers but sometimes you may need a doctor’s help. 

• Infants and Young Children: If a baby under three months has a fever, take them to a paediatrician immediately. Fever in young children could be due to any serious problem.  
• High or Persistent Fever: Consult a doctor if your fever stays high (over 103°F or 39.4°C) or lasts longer than three days.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Take immediate help if you have trouble breathing, a very bad headache, a stiff neck, continuous vomiting or confusion.
• Underlying Systemic Conditions: If you have a weak immune system, a long-standing medical problem or are taking medicine that is lowering your immune system, then talk to a doctor as soon as possible. 
• Pregnancy: When you are pregnant and have a fever then it is better to talk to your obstetrician or doctor.

Keep in mind that home treatments can bring down a fever, but they shouldn't take the place of your doctor's guidance and prescribed care.

Conclusion

Fever is a common illness and you can manage it easily at home. There are many home remedies that provide relief. Drink enough water, take a lukewarm bath, use cold compresses, and take fever medicine. However it is important to closely look at how your body temperature is changing. Get medical help quickly if your fever lasts too long or you see concerning symptoms. Following these effective ways to lower fever at home and knowing when to see a doctor can help your body recover smoothly.