Since fever is an accompanying phenomenon for a variety of diseases, it is necessary antipyretic agents generally not unless the fever is causing discomfort. In order to relieve the organism in the healing process with persistent febrile conditions and to avoid acute conditions, antipyretic agents can be used.
What are antipyretic drugs
Antipyretic drugs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 in the brain, which causes the skin vessels to expand. As a result, the body gives off more heat and secretes more sweat - a cooling process occurs.
Fever in itself is a sign of functioning body processes that take place in the fight against infections. An early ligature can be counterproductive and does not reduce the disease. The assessment of whether a pathological condition must be accompanied by antipyretic agents plays an important role.
In young children and infants, even a slightly elevated temperature can indicate a serious illness. For adults, a fever is usually not dangerous up to 39 - 40 degrees. Here it is more important in which fever phase the antipyretic agents are used, as additional heat loss should be avoided if the chills initially occur.
Application, effect & use
Fever is a complex body process between the immune system and the nervous system for the regeneration of infection-related causes, which should only be interrupted in advised cases.
To the decision to use antipyretic agents the body temperature must be determined beforehand in a reliable manner. The dangerous mercury thermometers have now been replaced by inexpensive thermometers with digital displays. When using it, close attention should be paid to the instructions for interpreting the beeps.
Small children should have their temperature measured rectally. To do this, the thermometer is carefully inserted into the anus of the child lying safely on the stomach. If the temperature continues to rise above 38 degrees, the use of antipyretic agents is recommended. Sick children between the ages of 2-17 and adults can read their temperature by placing the thermometer under their tongue.
Antipyretic agents should only be used from 39 degrees. A medical consultation is strongly advised if the fever is accompanied by severe headache, unusual skin rash or sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, mental confusion, severe vomiting, shortness of breath or abdominal pain. A measurement in the ear is not advisable due to the increased susceptibility to errors due to incorrect handling.
Herbal, natural & pharmaceutical antipyretic agents
Antipyretic drugs will be as Antipyretics denotes and is based on the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or metamizole. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are some of the most commonly used drugs. They intervene directly in the nervous system and usually also have an analgesic effect in addition to reducing fever. Due to their mode of action, we speak of a regulation of the temperature setpoint.
Naturopathy prefers fever and warns against overemphasizing the need for antipyretic drugs. She recommends strengthening the body through rest and diet, which will naturally lower the fever. Home remedies are often based on the application of water and the desired removal of heat. To do this, warm, damp cloths are placed on the forehead or wrapped around the calves. Comfortable clothing prevents additional warmth. Cooling from the inside can also be generated by cold food, sufficient drinking is urgently required to counteract dehydration.
Since fever is related to the disease, the selection of a suitable homeopathic remedy must be tailored to the disease in order to combat the cause. In many cases, Aconitum D30 or Belladonna D30 is used. The method of lowering a fever by overheating is not advisable without medical supervision.
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➔ Medicines for fever and chills== Risks & Side Effects == #
Aspirin should not be considered in children or adolescents antipyretic agent be applied. When used during viral illness (particularly chickenpox and influenza), it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a dangerous disease that can cause persistent vomiting, confusion, as well as coma and liver failure. A widespread misunderstanding is the use of cold water, which can lower the core temperature too much and put additional strain on the weakened organism.
