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Showing posts with the label antipyretics

Why do we lower fevers if they can help fight infection?

Context The user is questioning the common practice of reducing fever, expressing confusion about why we would interfere with a natural bodily process that seems beneficial for fighting infections like bacteria. Simple Answer Fever is your body turning up the heat to fight germs. High fevers can be dangerous, especially for kids. Lowering the fever doesn't stop your body from fighting the infection, it just makes you more comfortable. Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help control the fever. If a fever is very high or lasts too long, it's important to see a doctor. Detailed Answer Fever is a natural and complex physiological response of the body to infection or inflammation. When pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, the immune system is triggered, releasing various signaling molecules called pyrogens. These pyrogens travel to the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which acts as the body's thermostat. The hypothalamus then raises the body's...