Fever

Children having fever are cause of stress, worries and sleeplessness among parents, If you are one one them you know what I really mean.

If a child has a fever most of us immediately give Tylenol, Paracetamol, Aspirin or other over-the counter medications. Of course we would rather choose chewable tablets or flavored syrup especially designed for children. Is it a right thing to do?

This article provides educational information about the role of fever in our bodies and how it can be safely controlled. This information is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice.

What Humans have an internal system controlled by the hypothalamus, which maintains our body temperature around 98.6 degrees F. The “normal,” range fluctuates from 98.6 degrees to 99.5 degrees F, which is an optimal range for all biochemical reactions in the body. A fever is when the body’s temperature rises above 100.5 degrees F.
Although in most cases fever develops in response to infections, cancer, and disease; it can also appear after a vigorous exercise. Fever itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying pathological process and in many cases does not require medical intervention unless it is higher than 102 degrees F. The increased body temperature helps in fighting the infection; therefore a child with a fever who is feeling and behaving well may not need any medication, unless he/she is younger than 3 months.

Increase in our body temperature is a defense mechanism by which the body cells shut down many functions and shift their activity towards producing a series of specific “safety” proteins called heat shock proteins. Although scientists are still studying their many functions, it is known that heat shock proteins are critical for survival when any organism is exposed to stress. These proteins protect us not only against damage by heat, but also by toxins, heavy metals, oxidative agents or a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). Therefore, a temporary increase in the body’s temperature causes little harm and it is needed to launch this natural defense.

Consequently, rushing with the medication at the first sign of fever is not always beneficial and even tends to prolong the illness rather than shortening it. Studies show that moderate fever can aid in the fight against infectious organisms and boosting the body’s immune response. Parents should not worry excessively about fever in children who are eating, drinking, and acting normally. If the fever rises to 103 degrees F, or the child becomes uncomfortable, consultation with a physician is necessary.

Info above was taken from Dr. Rath Research Institute.