A high fever can cause some folks to panic. But contrary to popular belief, fever isn’t the enemy. In fact, it is the body’s ally in combating harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Since these disease-causing microbes cannot tolerate high temperature, the fever can kill them before they inflict serious damage on the body.
The only reason fever is treated is because of the discomfort it brings. When you have a fever, you feel weak and restless, and sometimes, you can’t even get out of bed.
Having a fever can make going to work and being productive a tad more difficult. And also the fact that extremely high temperature can possibly cause febrile seizures, although this is rare.
The only time fever can be dangerous is when it reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). Take note however that the degree of fever is not indicative of the seriousness of the condition causing the ever.
In other words, high temperature can be caused by a minor illness, and low fever can be caused by a serious ailment. So for fever that runs for more than three days, regardless of the temperature, you need to see your doctor to find out what’s wrong.
Fever can be triggers by colds, infections (ear, lungs, skin, bladder, kidney or throat), inflammatory conditions, gastroenteritis, certain drugs, cancer, vaccines, blood clot, autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, and hormone disorders.
Generally, fevers go away within three days. You can make use of over-the-counter medications to lower your fever, if you’re really feeling uncomfortable about it. Or better yet, make use of herbs like lemon balm.
Apart from lowering fever, lemon balm also fights viruses that cause colds and flu, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep quality. This herb can be taken orally in the form of tea. Other herbs that can lower fever include garlic, catnip and cinnamon.
All these are very safe to use. No need to worry about side effects unlike with commercial drugs that are loaded with chemicals. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), for instance can cause muscle spasms, fatigue, headache, insomnia and vomiting. It can also cause (although rarely) liver damage, allergies, kidney failure, and high blood pressure.
If you’re going to lower your fever (only if you absolutely must), then at least make use of natural remedies that won’t put your health in danger.
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