Rigor (patient information): Difference between revisions
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== Treatment options == | == Treatment options == | ||
'''Treatment depends on how long the chills and accompanying symptoms (especially fever) have lasted''' | |||
=== Home Care === | |||
[[Fever]] (which can accompany chills) is the body's natural response to a variety of conditions, such as [[infection]]. If the [[fever]] is mild (102 degrees Fahrenheit or less) with no side effects, no professional treatment is required. Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. | |||
[[Evaporation]] cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature. Sponging with comfortably warm water (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) may help in reducing a fever. Cold water, however, is uncomfortable, and may increase the fever because it can trigger chills. | |||
Medications such as [[acetaminophen]] are effective for fighting a fever and chills. | |||
Do not bundle up in blankets if you have a high temperature. This will only cause the fever to rise. | |||
=== Home Care for a Child === | |||
If the child's temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the child is uncomfortable, give pain-relieving tablets or liquid. Non-[[aspirin]] containing pain-relievers such as [[acetaminophen]] are preferred. [[Ibuprofen]] may also be used. Follow the recommended dosage on the package label. | |||
Children who have symptoms of a [[viral infection]] should not be given [[aspirin]] because of the risk of [[Reye syndrome]]. | |||
If the child's temperature is over 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit 1 to 2 hours after giving medication for fever, place the child in a tub of lukewarm water up to the navel. Rub a wet washcloth or towel over the child's body for 20 minutes or for as long as can be tolerated. Add warm water as needed to keep the water temperature constant and keep the child from shivering. Pat (don't rub) the child dry with a towel. | |||
* Dress the child in light clothing, provide liquids, and keep the room cool but not uncomfortable. | |||
* Don't use ice water or rubbing alcohol to reduce a child's temperature. These can cause [[shock]]. | |||
* Don't bundle a feverish child in blankets. | |||
* Don't wake a sleeping child to give medication or take a temperature -- sleep is more important. | |||
== Where to find medical care for Rigor? == | == Where to find medical care for Rigor? == | ||
Revision as of 14:30, 20 August 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assosciate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Prashanth Saddala M.B.B.S
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Rigor |
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Rigor On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here.
Synonyms and keywords: Shaking chills; shivering.
Overview
Chills refers to feeling cold after an exposure to a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering, accompanied by paleness and feeling cold.
What are the symptoms of Rigor?
What causes Rigor?
- Exposure to a cold environment
- Viral and bacterial infections
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Treatment depends on how long the chills and accompanying symptoms (especially fever) have lasted
Home Care
Fever (which can accompany chills) is the body's natural response to a variety of conditions, such as infection. If the fever is mild (102 degrees Fahrenheit or less) with no side effects, no professional treatment is required. Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
Evaporation cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature. Sponging with comfortably warm water (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) may help in reducing a fever. Cold water, however, is uncomfortable, and may increase the fever because it can trigger chills.
Medications such as acetaminophen are effective for fighting a fever and chills.
Do not bundle up in blankets if you have a high temperature. This will only cause the fever to rise.
Home Care for a Child
If the child's temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the child is uncomfortable, give pain-relieving tablets or liquid. Non-aspirin containing pain-relievers such as acetaminophen are preferred. Ibuprofen may also be used. Follow the recommended dosage on the package label.
Children who have symptoms of a viral infection should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
If the child's temperature is over 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit 1 to 2 hours after giving medication for fever, place the child in a tub of lukewarm water up to the navel. Rub a wet washcloth or towel over the child's body for 20 minutes or for as long as can be tolerated. Add warm water as needed to keep the water temperature constant and keep the child from shivering. Pat (don't rub) the child dry with a towel.
- Dress the child in light clothing, provide liquids, and keep the room cool but not uncomfortable.
- Don't use ice water or rubbing alcohol to reduce a child's temperature. These can cause shock.
- Don't bundle a feverish child in blankets.
- Don't wake a sleeping child to give medication or take a temperature -- sleep is more important.