Keller Chiropractor | Keller Backpain | Keller Natural Healing

What goes on in our bodies during an illness?

When our bodies encounter an unwelcomed guest, chemicals are released to trigger the hypothalamus in our brain to increase our body temperature. This is because most viruses, bacteria and other ugly pathogens thrive at 98.6 F or slightly below. When our temperature becomes elevated, the pathogens are not able to survive and die off.

So fever is a good thing?

 Many today are afraid of fevers and go on high alert the minute a fever presents itself. Some will even reach for the bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen in order to knock it out right away. Keep in mind that when you ingest either of these over the counters, there are effects from those pills as well. Aspirin, even in small doses, causes bleeding in the stomach – as much as ½ teaspoon of blood per 81 mg of aspirin. Ibuprofen is hard on the kidneys and liver (mainly kidneys) and Tylenol is hard on the kidneys and liver as well (mainly liver).

I understand that parents want to make their children feel better and often times fevers come with a general “not feeling good” and fatigue. It’s important to understand though, that fevers are a natural coping mechanism that allows our bodies to get rid of nasty bugs. They protect us. They enhance our immunity response and stop replication of bacteria.

How high is too high?

Many people fear that high fevers will cause permanent brain damage. Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, pediatrician and author, states that febrile seizures are very rare and only occur when the fever is rising too rapidly. He also points out that fever is never the cause of brain damage; it is from the virus or pathogen that caused the fever, not the fever itself.

Fevers are a common symptom in children and are not an indication of serious illness unless associated with major changes in appearance and behavior or other additional symptoms such as respiratory difficulty, extreme listlessness, or loss of consciousness. The height of fever is not a measure of the severity of the illness. A child who appears very ill with a fever of 101°F would be much more of a concern to me than a child who feels fine, is drinking and playing, but has a fever of 105°F.[i]

In fact, the National Institutes of Health states that

Only about 3 – 5% of otherwise healthy children between ages 9 months and 5 years will have a seizure caused by a fever. Toddlers are most commonly affected. Febrile seizures often run in families. Most febrile seizures occur in the first 24 hours of an illness, and not necessarily when the fever is highest. The seizure is often the first sign of a fever or illness.[ii]

Dr. Mendelsohn does point out that simple febrile seizures may be self-limited and harmless, but they are still one of the most frightening things that a parent can witness, even if they are to bring down the fever.

When should I be worried?

If the fever is from heatstroke, poisoning, or other externally caused fevers the body mechanisms are overwhelmed and inoperative. Seek immediate attention.

There is a heightened level of concern for a newborn under two months with a fever.

In general, a child with a fever over 104^oF who is glassy eyed, extremely lethargic, unresponsive, difficult to awaken or dehydrated requires immediate attention.

 A child with a history of febrile convulsions should be closely monitored.

What to do to make your child comfortable?

Children with fever frequently respond to spinal adjusting by a rapid reduction in fever symptoms. Following an adjustment, usually to the upper cervical spine, it is not uncommon to have a temperature of 104^oF, which may have persisted for three to four days, drop to 99^oF within 30 minutes.[iii]

Fluids, fluids, fluids. The major danger with a fever is dehydration. Coconut water is a great source of natural electrolytes and will boost up their energy relatively quickly but there’s nothing wrong with good ole H2O.

Catnip tea or elderberry tea have been shown to bring down a fever. Catnip tea enemas can relieve congestion and constipation which can be helpful for fevers as well. A combination of licorice root, hyssop, thyme and yarrow tea make a great feverish tea. Garlic enemas are just as successful.

Cooling bath. Just cool enough to level the body out, not put it in shock. Room temperature is usually ideal.

Immunity boosting. Depending on the symptoms along with the fever, vitamins, colloidal silver, garlic, elderberry, essential oils and herbal teas can help speed the recovery process. Talk to your natural health care provider at the onset of symptoms to help jump start natural immunity.

Don’t feed them processed foods or sugary foods (I know you wouldn’t on a non-fever day either, right?). Their body can work well on the nutrients from reserves. If they don’t feel like eating, don’t push it. Broths are probably the best foods for them to help with hydration and fill their tummy.

Rest. It may be obvious, but the body needs a break and rest is an essential part of healing.

As always, if you are concerned, contact a health provider right away.