FEVER (pyrexia)
- Simple facts you need to know
Part 2,
by OzChiropractic
 In
our last issue, we discussed a study published in the journal, Pediatrics,
Vol. 107, No. 6, June 2001, pp. 1241-1246, which
found that most parents are both afraid and seriously
misinformed about the mechanisms and purpose of fever. The
belief that fever is a disease rather than a symptom or sign of
the body doing what it needs to do to enhance its immune
response leads many parents to want to stop the fever.
Today we will look at whether stopping the
fever is the best course of action. If not, what other choices
do you have?
In the above study, 73% of caregivers said
that they sponged their child to treat a fever, 24% sponged at
temperatures less than 100°F and 18% used rubbing alcohol.
In an article from Archives
of Disease in Childhood, 2000; 82:238-239, the
authors concluded that sponging and fans do little to bring down
fever. They found that in the first half-hour to hour after
sponging, a child's fever is reduced slightly, but even that
effect is short-lived. It's like central heating...if you have
the thermostat set high and then open the windows to cool the
room, it is unlikely to work because the heating will just work
harder to keep the room at the thermostat setting. During most
common fever states the brain keeps body temperature at or below
104°F (40°C).
If sponging isn’t useful,
then what about using drugs to reset the thermostat?
In a study reported in Pharmacotherapy,
December 2000; 20: 1417-1422, the researchers compared
the duration of illness in those who received aspirin or
acetaminophen (paracetamol) for relief of fever with those who
did not and found that flu sufferers
who took one of the anti-fever medications were sick an average
of 3.5 days longer than people who did not take
either of the drugs. On average, flu symptoms lasted 5.3 days in
those who did not take aspirin or acetaminophen, compared with
8.8 days in people who took the anti-fever drugs.
It makes sense that if fever helps defend
against infection, giving fever-reducing medications may make
things worse. We also notice in practice that when fever has
been suppressed there is a greater frequency of reoccurrence in
the future.
So, what are
some ways you can support a fever?
Increase
fluid intake
Fever increases fluid loss, and dehydration can drive up
your child's temperature beyond what their body intends.
Children with fever often do not feel thirsty, or by the
time they do, they're already dehydrated. So keep offering
fluids. Small, frequent sips are often best, especially if
the child feels nauseated. If necessary, use a plastic
medicine dropper to gently insert water into your child's
mouth.
Dress warmly or
lightly?
The answer depends on your children's perception of
temperature - follow their cues. If your child looks pale,
shivers, or complains of feeling chilled (things that tend
to happen in the early stages of fever), bundle them in
breathable fabrics so that sweat will evaporate, but make
sure they can easily remove the layers. If they are
comfortable and their fever is low, dress them warmly and
give warm liquids to assist the body's fever production.
If they sweat and complain of heat, dress them lightly and
let them throw off the blankets. This usually means the
body is bringing the temperature down - either because it
has finished the fever or it is just taking a break.
Food is not important
People with fevers generally don't have much appetite. Let
your child determine when and what they eat. Just bear in
mind that consumption of sugary foods could delay the
natural immune response.
Adequate rest
Rest and sleep gives the child an opportunity to repair
and rebuild.
Get them adjusted
The regulator of the immune system
as well as the fever is the nerve system, and
interferences to nerve system function will stop the
immune system from doing what it needs to. Get your child
checked for subluxations on a regular basis and get an
extra check if your child has a fever.
A fever is a vital function of the
immune system and should be supported whenever possible,
not suppressed. |
This is Part II, Click
Here to read Part I
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