Effectiveness of warm compresses in reducing fever in children with typhoid fever

Abstract

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, commonly transmitted through fecal contamination and infected food. After entering the digestive system, the bacteria colonize and infect the small intestine. One of the primary symptoms of typhoid fever is a rise in body temperature above 37.5°C, known as hyperthermia. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions, such as applying warm compresses, are often used to help reduce elevated body temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of warm compresses in lowering hyperthermia in children with typhoid fever at PKU Muhammadiyah Temanggung Hospital. This study utilized a structured case study approach, with interventions administered at regular intervals. Findings showed that the application of warm compresses was effective in reducing hyperthermia. In conclusion, the study suggests that warm compresses are an effective non-pharmacological intervention for lowering body temperature in children experiencing hyperthermia due to typhoid fever.

Keywords: Typhoid fever; hyperthermia; warm compress; complementary therapy; hospital care