The rise in temperature is a defense reaction of our body. It is therefore a useful condition, but when the fever is high it can cause a lot of discomfort. Here’s how to keep it at bay safely.
In most cases, the temperature rise represents the response of our body to invasion by bacteria or viruses. At high temperatures, in fact, pathogenic germs multiply with difficulty and it is therefore easier to stem the infection.
Therefore, fever in itself is not a negative condition, and it is not always useful to send it away completely. However, when it is particularly high or when it is accompanied by intense it can be useful to lower it quickly.
To do this, self-medication can be used, using over-the-counter antipyretic drugs, i.e. they can also be purchased without a prescription.
What drugs to use
Every time our body is faced with an infection such as those from influenza viruses, but also any bacterial aggression, triggers the production of a large amount of prostaglandins, molecules that in addition to fever induce inflammation and pain.
That is why to counteract hyperthermia you can use antipyretics such as paracetamol, but also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with antifebrile activity, such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or naproxen.
NSAIDs are among the most used because they can effectively inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, leading to both a lowering of fever and a reduction in pain.
Some NSAIDs are also able to induce the synthesis of lipoxins, substances that physiologically help to turn off inflammation and all the symptoms associated with it.
The correct doses
In any case, the dosage should be measured on the intensity of the symptoms, always following the indications of the package insert and / or the advice of the doctor and pharmacist of confidence
With the double dose, in fact, the side effects do not double: since the treatment is limited to 4-5 days, exposure to the drug is short enough not to involve risks.
And, in any case, if after a few days of therapy the fever does not decrease, it is good to consult your doctor: complications or superinfections may have occurred that must be evaluated and treated properly.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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