Understanding and Managing Childhood Fevers - Are They Bad?
Filed Under Naturopathy |
Fevers are often a source of stress and confusion when it pertains to children. ?How long should I let a fever linger for??, ?Is a fever good or is it dangerous??, ?When does a fever become too high?? These are a few of the most commonly asked questions posed to me in my Naturopathic Medical practice by teachers, childcare workers, and parents. As a parent, I know the distress of an uncomfortable, cranky, fevering child; as a Naturopathic Doctor, I witness the discomfort of caregivers as they struggle with the questions around treatment of a fever. Please find below a guideline for managing childhood fevers. However, I want to be clear that every child is unique, and therefore every fever situation must be addressed on a child by child basis by either a medical and/or naturopathic doctor.
Fevers are a common symptom associated with many childhood illnesses, not a disease in and of itself. Fevers are a defence mechanism employed by the body to fight infections ? they occur in response to bacteria and/or viruses and are a sign that the immune system has been triggered to help fight an infection in the body. Many viruses and bacteria do not survive as well in a body with an elevated temperature, thus making the fever an ally in the process of fighting the infection. In addition, fevers help to increase the mobility and killing ability of white blood cells which also help to fight infection. A rise in temperature enhances the immune system?s ability to destroy the infection and is actually a strong and vital sign that the immune system is competently doing its job.
