Does symptomatic relief slow recovery?

  • Thread starter matthyaouw
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In summary: How often would you say are necessary to treat with over-the-counter cold remedies or fever reducers, or is it best to let the body fight the infection on its own?Most people would say that treating a cold with over the counter medication is usually not necessary, and the best way to go about it is to let the body fight the infection on its own. For fevers, it usually depends on the fever, but most people would say that it is best to let the body fight the infection on its own.
  • #1
matthyaouw
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I've been wondering, do medicines that relieve the symptoms of a disease slow your recovery from it? It's been my understanding that many symptoms arise as a side effect of your body's attampts to remove a pathogen, for example altering temperature to inhibit bacterial growth, or inducing vomiting/the sh**ts to get rid of bacteria in the digestive tract. Would that mean that taking medication to get rid of these symptoms is actually detrimental in the long run, or have I misunderstood something?
 
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  • #2
Too much of something good can be bad. If your temperature raised too high, it's bad for you so you should relieve the symptom. If you are vomiting all the time, you won't be happy either. You should first let your body take care of itself, if it starts to bother you too much you can relieve the symptoms.

Another thing to take note of, is that pain is also a warning sign of your body to slow down. If you start taking pain killers you can definitely slow recovery due to over-exertion.
 
  • #3
matthyaouw said:
I've been wondering, do medicines that relieve the symptoms of a disease slow your recovery from it? It's been my understanding that many symptoms arise as a side effect of your body's attampts to remove a pathogen, for example altering temperature to inhibit bacterial growth, or inducing vomiting/the sh**ts to get rid of bacteria in the digestive tract. Would that mean that taking medication to get rid of these symptoms is actually detrimental in the long run, or have I misunderstood something?

It depends on the cause of disease and on the symptoms...
 
  • #4
That makes sense, thanks. :smile:
 
  • #5
I know that for many bacterial infections that cause diarrhea such as E. coli, treatment of this symptom is not recommended because it impedes the bodies ability to expel the bacteria. In the case of Clostridium difficile infection it can even increase the liklihood of dangerous complications.

I'm curious myself about more common things like colds and low to mid-range fevers.
 

FAQ: Does symptomatic relief slow recovery?

What is symptomatic relief?

Symptomatic relief refers to the temporary relief of symptoms associated with a particular condition or illness. It does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, but rather aims to provide comfort and alleviate discomfort for the individual.

Does symptomatic relief only mask the symptoms?

No, symptomatic relief does not only mask the symptoms. While it does not address the root cause of the symptoms, it can still provide relief and improve an individual's quality of life during their recovery process.

Can symptomatic relief slow down the recovery process?

It is possible that symptomatic relief can slow down the recovery process, as it may give a false sense of improvement and delay seeking proper treatment for the underlying cause. However, if used in conjunction with proper treatment, symptomatic relief can aid in the recovery process.

Are there any risks associated with using symptomatic relief?

As with any medication or treatment, there are potential risks associated with using symptomatic relief. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional and carefully follow dosage instructions to minimize these risks.

Is it better to treat the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms?

Ideally, it is best to treat both the underlying cause and the symptoms. Treating the underlying cause can lead to long-term relief, while symptomatic relief can provide immediate comfort and support during the recovery process.

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