When is Intervention For a Fever Necessary?
Filed Under Naturopathy |
Reducing a child?s slight fever is often unnecessary and may in fact prolong the length of the illness. Evaluating when intervention is necessary is the key to supporting a child?s experience when a fever is present. Generally, unless the child?s fever is higher than 102?F, fever-reducing medication may not be necessary. With a temperature of 103?F or higher, children will often look and feel awful, independent of what is causing the fever. An infection or simple cold will often not produce symptoms that are as physically draining as the fever itself. It is important to always assess if the fever is beneficial or complicating the situation. There are times when you will want to actively work to lower a fever. As previously stated, a fever between 101.5?F and 103?F is helping their system overcome infection.
The following are situations where it may be necessary to work at lowering a fever:
? The child?s temperature is 103.5?F or higher for more than an hour
? The fever climbs above 105?F
? The child has a history of febrile seizures
? The child is really exhausted or uncomfortable because of the fever
A fever over 107?F can damage a child?s central nervous system. It is more uncommon for a fever to raise that high unless there is another factor complicating the acute illness. Lowering a fever may help to assess the severity of the illness. If a child feels significantly better after the fever is lowered, there is generally less cause for concern than if he/she continues to feel terrible. Remember to always search for the cause of the fever and not just treat the symptom of an increased temperature.
