Uncategorized
Ask Dr. Dunn: Fever
![Avatar photo](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/megan-paulson-46x46.jpg)
![Avatar photo](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/megan-paulson-46x46.jpg)
Published
11 years agoon
By Maren Dunn, D.O. ExploreBigSky.com Health Writer
What happens to cause a fever? How do fever-reducing medicines help?
– Michael, Bozeman
It’s influenza season, a time when fever becomes rampant in our community. Fever, defined as the elevation of an individual’s core body temperature beyond the normal daily range, can be one of the most unpleasant symptoms of illness. Typically it is due to infection.
The brain has a thermostat that works similar to the one in our homes. It’s called the hypothalamus. Here, the set point for your body temperature is determined. When fighting infection, the body produces chemicals that trigger the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point to a higher level.
When the blood surrounding the hypothalamic nerves is a lower temperature than the set point, the body is stimulated to produce heat. First, blood vessel constriction in the extremities reduces heat loss from the skin. This can make the hands and feet cold while the core body temperature rises. In some cases the muscles twitch, or shiver, producing more heat. This is when a person feels cold or “chilled” and wraps up in a blanket and clothing layers. Essentially, your brain makes you feel cold while our body works to increase its temperature to a new set point.
When the infection is gone or fever-reducing medicine like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen are taken, the set point returns to normal. Often the person will feel hot and will likely sweat, which helps reduce their body temperature back to the normal setting. Sometimes a cool bath or cool compresses are used to reduce body temperature. However, these methods should only be used together with fever-reducing medicine since a cool bath alone will not reset the hypothalamus.
Studies show that treating fever does no harm, nor does it slow the healing of an illness. In fact, medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can be used together, reduce fever and also allay other symptoms including headaches and joint and muscle pain. It’s important to remember children under 16 should not take aspirin. If a person cannot tolerate medicine by mouth rectal suppositories are effective. See your medical provider if your fever does not reduce with medicine or if it is coupled with worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal pain or severe vomiting.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ebs_logo_white_220px.png)
![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ebs_logo_white_220px.png)
Upcoming Events
july, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature enthusiasts! Get
more
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary. Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Location
Montage Big Sky
995 Settlement Trail
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm