Health Matters

Fever is one of the most common symptoms seen in both adults and children. It may occur with something as simple as a short viral infection, but it can also be a warning sign of a more serious illness. Although people often worry about the number displayed on the thermometer, the temperature alone does not tell us how serious an illness is . Age, associated symptoms, hydration, breathing, alertness, duration of illness and underlying medical conditions are equally important. A body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered a fever , although normal temperature varies between individuals and also changes during the day. This guide explains what fever is, why it happens, its common causes, how to measure temperature correctly, what you can safely do at home, when medicines may be useful, and the warning signs that should never be ignored. What Is Fever? Fever, medically known as pyrexia , is a temporary rise in body temperature caused by an increase in the body'...

Introduction A pulse oximeter has become a familiar home-health device, but many people still aren't sure what the numbers on the screen actually mean. What is SpO₂? What oxygen saturation is considered normal? Can a pulse oximeter give a wrong reading? And when should a low reading be taken seriously? This guide explains how a pulse oximeter works, how to check oxygen saturation correctly, what can affect its accuracy, and how to interpret your reading safely. What Is a Pulse Oximeter? A pulse oximeter is a small, non-invasive device that estimates the amount of oxygen being carried by haemoglobin in your blood. Most home pulse oximeters are clipped onto a fingertip. The device usually displays two main measurements: SpO₂: Estimated oxygen saturation of the blood PR or Pulse Rate: Number of heartbeats per minute Pulse oximetry provides a quick estimate without needing to draw blood. What Does SpO₂ Mean? SpO₂ stands for peripheral oxygen saturation. Your red blood cells contain ...