In: Biology
Positive feedback is harmful becuase when it is left unchecked it may lead to fatal consequences by further stimulating the original stimulus beyond the body's corrective threshold.
Positive feedback is defined as the regulatory mechanism in which the output enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus and occurs when rapid response is needed. For example, in the regulation of blood clotting, any injury or tear in blood vessel wall results in accumulation of platelets and release of chemicals resulting in clotting. The released chemicals attract more platelets causing the clotting to grow. Thus, the output is further increasing the original clotting stimulus. This when left unchecked may result in shock and death. Birth process is also an example of positive feedback.
On the other hand, in negative feedback mechanism as seen in maintenance of body temperature is the process where the output reduces the orginal stimulus or acts opposite to the original stimulus.