Fever

Fever, also known as pyrexia, or a febrile response, is a medical symptom which describes an increase in internal body temperature to levels which are above normal (37 degrees Celsius, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Fever should not be confused with Hyperthermia, which is an increase in body temperature over the body?s thermoregulatory set-point (approximately 37 degrees Celsius). A fever is most accurately characterized as a temporary elevation in the body?s thermoregulatory set-point, which is usually by about 1-2 degrees Celsius. This elevation in thermoregulatory set-point means that the previous "normal body temperature" would be considered hypothermic. Effector mechanisms, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, activation of brown adipose tissue and muscular shivering attempt to counteract the perceived hypothermia, thereby reaching the new thermoregulatory set-point.

Treatment

Drugs that reduce fever are known as antipyretics. Common antipyretics are acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. These drugs act on the cyclooxygenase enzyme used to create prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Therefore, they work as prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, stopping the creation of PGE2. Vasopressin is also a potential antipyretic, which is released from the Hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary gland, where it then acts on the body through the bloodstream.

Related Topics:
Antipyretic - Acetaminophen - NSAID - Ibuprofen - Vasopressin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A popular household remedy is soaking a cloth in cold water and placing it on the patient's forehead.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sometimes, for various reasons, mild fevers are intentionally induced. Naturopath Paavo Airola claimed that because cancer cells are known to die at lower temperatures than normal body cells, therefore they can sometimes be fought with fevers. http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/therapeuticbaths.htm However, Quackwatch has questioned Airola's scientific credentials.http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/airola.html

Related Topics:
Naturopath - Paavo Airola - Cancer cell - Quackwatch

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~