Fever worsens weaker organ
๐ก️ Why Fever Worsens Weaker Organs ✍ By Dr. Subha Rajan, BAMS ๐ฌ MODERN PATHOGENESIS – SYSTEMIC TO LOCAL EFFECTS ✅ Stage 1: Invasion of Pyrogens When the body detects pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi), they release exogenous pyrogens (like LPS – lipopolysaccharide). These activate immune cells (macrophages, monocytes), which then release endogenous pyrogens: ๐ IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, interferons ✅ Stage 2: Hypothalamic Thermoregulation These pyrogens reach the hypothalamus, which resets the body’s thermostat via prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Result: Fever (Pyrexia) – elevated body temperature to support immune defense. ✅ Stage 3: Systemic Effects Begin Increased temperature causes: ↑ Heart rate ↑ Metabolism Muscle protein breakdown ↓ Appetite (energy conservation) ↑ Cortisol secretion (stress hormone) ✅Stage 4: Targeting the Weak Spots The immune system is now hyperactive, and inflammatory mediators like cytokines travel through the bloodstream. They accumulate more in areas with: Pr...