I've heard that in a pinch you could bring down a fever by drawing some blood. Is it because there's a lot of WBC's in the blood of a febrile person, and taking some blood out removes some of the WBCs?
2007-09-14 13:42:26 · 3 answers · asked by leabee 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
white blood cells do not cause a fever.Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus. Here is a link, go to the mechanics section:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever
It was a common practice in the 1800's, sometimes used in accupuncture, (but in the practices that still use that they also use powdered animal parts to help with ED. Need I say more?) but all in all it is considered ineffective, and possibly harmful. Here is an article for you:
http://www.connerprairie.org/historyonline/jmed.html
2007-09-15 00:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by dedum 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. WBC's are used to fight infections in your body. You don't want to get rid of them until the infection is gone. Fever is a symptom of either a viral or bacterial infection. It it's viral, you will need a lot of fluids, chicken soup, rest, and tylenol. If it is bacterial, you will need to see a doctor for antibiotics. I would advise you to make an appt. as soon as you can. Nani
2007-09-14 23:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by the nurse 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, that is not true. That is nothing more than centuries-old quack medicine that was used before physicians understood about viruses, bacteria, etc.
2007-09-14 23:52:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋