What happens in the body when we have a fever

when some virus or bacterium attack the body, this is a common occurrence fever, muscle pain (either in a specific part, or a general malaise).

Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature. An adaptive reaction of the body, consisting in an increase in body temperature above the normal value, that is, a way to protect the body from foreign bodies.

This is not a disease, but a symptom that usually results from an infection that can prevent bacteria and viruses from surviving, as well as activating the immune system.

What happens in the body when we have a fever

Specialists from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra explain that some of the symptoms that cause fever include headache, generalized muscle pain or more localized lower back pain, joint pain and drowsiness.

In the same way, there may be chills that occur during a rise in temperature and are a reflection of increased muscle activity, which the thermoregulatory center orders to increase body temperature.

Among some possible reasons, they add that it could be:

• Bone infections (osteomyelitis), appendicitis, skin infections or cellulitis and meningitis.
• Respiratory infections such as colds or flu-like illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, infectious mononucleosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
• Urinary infections.
• Viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis.

How is a fever diagnosed?

Fever can be found in different parts of the body, but most often it is the mouth, neck or forehead. A digital or glass thermometer (mercury is prohibited in Argentina) can be placed in the armpits or in the mouth, and in very rare cases in the anus.

The MSD Guidelines explain that while 37°C is considered normal, body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, being lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon when it can reach 37.7°C.

Fever occurs when the body’s thermostat (located in the brain’s hypothalamus) resets to a higher temperature, primarily in response to an infection, they add.

In this sense, they indicate that moderate fever can pose a danger and risk to the life of adults with heart or lung disease, since fever causes an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. Fever can also worsen mental health in people with dementia.

The Clinic of the University of Navarra points out that conventional medicine uses drugs such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid to treat fever (do not use in children). Corticosteroids may also be effective, but they have many other effects that make their use for this indication inappropriate.

How to Lower Your Temperature Naturally

A thyme and chamomile drink may be helpful to help the body fight the cause of a fever when it is infectious, as shown in a review published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, thyme has the potential to be antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon thyme (3 grams)
• 1/2 tablespoon of chamomile (3 grams).
• 1 glass of water (250 milliliters).

Preparation:

• Put half a tablespoon of thyme and chamomile into a pot of boiling water.
• Turn off the fire and let it brew for 10 minutes.
• Strain the infusion.
• Consume.

Always, in all cases, consult a specialist doctor and never self-medicate.