Treating a Childhood Fever
Filed Under Naturopathy |
Treatment of a mild to moderate non-concerning fever should not be suppressive. The body produces a fever for a reason and we must respect the body?s innate ability to heal itself (unless the fever in itself is cause for concern). Here are some simple and effective ways to holistically help treat a child?s fever:
? Herbs are a useful tool to help manage fevers. Equal parts of yarrow, peppermint, chamomile, and elderflowers can work to help support the body move through the fever without suppressing it. Use 1-2 tsp of total herbs/cup of water and steep up to five minutes. Offer the child ? to 3 cups/day depending on the age of the child.
? Sponge baths in lukewarm water (do not use cold water or alcohol) for no longer than twenty minutes are useful to help reduce fevers. Ensure that the child is protected from drafts during and after the bath. Stop the bath immediately if he/she begins to shiver.
? Essential oils of lavender, rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus can also be quite beneficial. Add 4-6 drops into a lukewarm sponge or foot bath. These essential oils can also be added to massage oil and rubbed into the back of the neck, shoulders and feet. Do not ingest the essential oils orally ? they are only for external use.
? Garlic massaged into the feet with a little olive oil before bed will act slowly during the night to stabilize the fever. Use fresh pressed, room temperature garlic.
? Homeopathy, a system of medicine that stimulates the innate defensive systems and inner vitality of the body in a very subtle manner, is often one of the most effective treatments for fevers. If the correct homeopathic medicine has been chosen, the child will show noticeable signs of improvement quite quickly. For information on how to choose the ?right? remedy for the child, consult a Naturopathic or Homeopathic Doctor.
If you prefer to take the more conventional route, there are numerous over the counter medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.) that are fever-suppressant. Remember, fevers are generally a supportive measure that the body uses to fight infection. Avoid giving aspirin to a child with a fever. Many fevers are virally caused infections, and the combination of aspirin and viral illness has been linked to the development of Reye?s syndrome. Consult your pharmacist or medical doctor for further information.
If the child has a temperature above 103?F and the child does not respond to fever-reducing interventions, acts confused or loses consciousness, begins to have body twitching or eyes rolling, is under six months old, is unusually sleepy or extremely irritable, is having difficulty breathing, has a significant decrease in urine output, has symptoms of a fever accompanied by a headache and/or stiff neck, or looks and feels really sick, consult a health care practitioner at once. These are situations that may require professional intervention.
The human body is instinctually intelligent — children are as well. Fevers are generally a healthy response to alert the body that there is a deeper underlying illness within the body. Fevers are an ally, a tool the body employs to ward of infection and disease. If we suppress fevers, we do not respect the innate ability of the body to heal itself. As I mentioned previously, fevers can be dangerous and should not always be left to ride themselves out; however, where possible, allow the body to manage the fever on its own and do not interrupt its purpose of fighting the underlying cause. Children will notify you with both verbal and non-verbal cues when they are not managing a fever well. Pay close attention to their cues and allow them to rest as much as possible. Children are amazing creatures of strength with innate healing powers.
