How to Break a Fever Naturally
Did you know that a fever is one of our immune system’s weapons against illnesses? This begs the question: should we break a fever? The answer depends on many different factors. Still, we should know how to break a fever naturally, in case we decide that is the route we want to go.
We should know how to break a fever naturally during cold and flu season for ourselves and for those we care about. The human body is an interesting machine that operates sometimes to its own demise.
That is to say that those symptoms you feel when you’re sick are often caused by our own immune systems, not the cold bug or the flu virus. You could say that the flu or a cold caused the symptoms, but only in that they activated our natural defense systems.
Here are a few examples to help hammer home the point: a runny nose, cough, or sneeze is meant to push the virus or bug out of the body, literally. Even a sore throat is caused by increased blood flow to the infected area, which results in swelling and pain.
Still, these things are meant to fight off the cold or virus. This is why over-the-counter meds don’t ever seem to work; we are treating the discomfort, not the symptom. Yet, most of us are under the impression that we’re treating the cause/symptom, which is incorrect.
As a result, it seems not to be working because it is not doing what we expect it to do. There are extreme cases where the body is fighting a little too hard. This is most noticeable in fevers, which is why it’s essential to know how to break a fever naturally.
Why Do We Get Fevers?
To understand what a fever is, we have to understand the body’s normal operating temperatures. Our bodies need a specific temperature to keep running. However, it is also a standing defense, like a mote around a castle.
Most fungi can’t handle that level of heat, so we’re safe from most fungal infections. However, some bugs and viruses aren’t worried about that temp, and so they still can make a home in our bodies.
Internal body temperature serves as a first line of defense. When a bug or virus can survive our normal temperature, the body increases it to try to kill off the invader. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t always know when enough is enough.
Fevers can get way too high, causing significant internal damage, but hey, the virus is probably dead, right?
Dangers of a High Fever
We should know how to break a fever naturally, especially if the fever is getting too high. It is a common stance in the medical field that a fever of 107.6 is the limit, and when we should be seeking emergency medical attention.
This is because a fever this high can cause significant internal damage to our own nervous system and even our brains. Basically, our bodies don’t mind killing themselves to kill off an intruder.
Plus, we should try to remain as comfortable as possible while our bodies are fighting a war inside us.
When to See a Doctor for a Fever
We now understand the purpose of a fever during cold and flu season for kids and adults. We also know that fevers can be dangerous. Some home remedies can help, but there is a point when a doctor may be necessary.
A fever of over 100.4 should be monitored closely in both children and adults. Kids with a fever of over 100.4 for 3 days should see a doctor, especially if they can’t keep fluids down.
Adults with a fever of over 100.4 for more than 3 days should see a doctor as well, especially if there is frequent vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, or seizures.
How to Break a Fever Naturally
It is essential to start with a safety line. We can allow our fevers to do what they are intended to, but still protect ourselves from…ourselves. This is done by drinking plenty of fluids.
Fevers can cause dehydration, so we should maintain good hydration. Resting allows the body to increase its internal temperature without further increasing it through movement.
A lukewarm bath can help temporarily lower a fever by creating a temperature around the body that makes it think there is no need to increase the internal temperature. Lastly, taking anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate any discomfort caused by the fever.
These are natural things we can do to help break the fever faster. The last line of defense would be seeing a doctor.
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