There is a great deal of phobia about fevers, especially among parents of young children. While it may cause discomfort, the first thing to realise is that fever is our friend. It is a sign that the immune system is working properly. The ready use of fever medication like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen may ease the symptoms and pain slightly but it inhibits the body’s attempt to heal. This may delay resolution of the problem. Homeopathy in particular and other naturopathic approaches on the other hand assist what the body is trying to do.
Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Recurring febrile illnesses are a sign that the immune system is not learning and fully recovering. At our Perth clinic we will assess and treat the child with a constitutional homeopathic remedy. At the same time we can look at the typical symptoms of the child’s fever and find an acute remedy to deal with the symptoms and relieve discomfort, without delaying the body’s healing response.
So what does fever do? The rise in temperature enhances the function of our immune system and inhibits the replication of bacteria and viruses. Researchers have found that a higher body temperature raises the levels of a type of immune cell or lymphocyte which is able to destroy cells infected with viruses and even tumour cells.
A study published by Barton D. Schmitt MD in 1980 (Am J Dis Child. 1980;134(2):176-181.) concluded: “A review of the literature showed that the only serious complications… were febrile status epilepticus and heat stroke, two rare entities. The great concern of parents about fever is not justified. Health education to counteract “fever phobia” should be a part of routine pediatric care.” The message is that the complications of febrile illness are rare. The first consideration should be hydration. Give plenty of water. A lukewarm cool bath or flannel can also be applied. Also consider a consultation for your child at Cottesloe Naturopathic Clinic for constitutional as well as acute homeopathic medicines.
There are many remedies in homeopathy that may be useful. However there are three medicines, known as the ABC remedies that can deal with a majority of cases if you know the indications.
A) Aconitum: This remedy is useful for cases that come on suddenly. In contrast to an illness that develops slowly over days, fevers that can be helped with Aconitum are suddenly high. This remedy will only be useful in the first twelve hours or so. If you don’t catch it and the illness progresses, the time for this remedy has passed.
B) Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when the temperature is suddenly high. The child’s face may be bright red in appearance and the eyes glazed, with dilated pupils. The Belladonna child has a tendency to a delirious state.
C) Chamomilla: Chamomilla is the first medicine to think of for fevers associated with teething. It can also be useful for ear infections and gastric infections, if the typical mental state is there. The child who needs Chamomilla is very irritable and can’t be comforted. At one moment he wants to be picked up, and then screams and wants to be put down. Typically they arch their back in frustration while being held…
Also see the following pages:
https://www.cottnat.com.au/treatment-of-colds-flus-and-viruses-perth/
https://www.cottnat.com.au/babies-and-infants-treatment/
https://www.cottnat.com.au/childrens-problems-treatment/
References:
http://.pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/107/6/1241.abstract
http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=509031