In: Anatomy and Physiology
Please talk about what occurs to attain a fever. What is your body responding to? How can a fever be beneficial? How can it be treated?
Fever - It is a systemic effect of acute inflammation or acute phase response.
Causes - Due to cytokines produced by leukocytes to infection or immune reaction. Most important cytokines are T.N.F , IL - 1 and IL - 6.
Pyrogens - These are molecules that cause fever.
It may be exogenous ( bacterial products like L.P.S. Which stimulates leukocytes to release endogenous pyrogenes cytokines such as IL -1 and TNF.
This cytokines increase the cyclooxgenase enzyme resulting in conversion of AA (arachidonic acid) in to prostaglandins.
Pyrogenes and prostaglandins act on hypothalamic regulation centre causing fever. It is the protective response shown by the body inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
Treatment - Non - steroidal Anti - inflammatory drugs. (NSAIDS).
Ex - paracetamol or acetomenophen.
This NSAIDS inhibit the conversion of AA( arachidonic acid in to prostaglandins. This prostaglandins are plays a crucial role in development of fever.so NSAIDS are being used for treatment of fever.