Fever: Rediscovering an Old Friend

There are few topics in children's health that induce as much anxiety as fever. Culturally, we are afraid of fever, especially when we see evidence of it in our children. Common worries include the possibility of febrile seizures and the belief that the fever will get too high. As we enter late fall and winter and the increase in illnesses associated with this time of year, I thought a discussion of fever would be prudent, since it is actually one of the best "remedies" for any illness, and deserves our thanks rather than our fear.

Fever is probably the most misunderstood aspect of our immune system. While our current medical paradigm considers fever to be an undesirable symptom of an illness which it tries to suppress as soon as possible, naturopathic doctors appreciate fever for what it is: our own defensive reaction against a bacteria or virus. As our immune system perceives and begins to react against a microbe, a part of our brain called the hypothalamus is triggered to adjust our temperature to a higher "set point," exactly as you would adjust the thermostat in your home to turn on the furnace. That is why we suddenly feel chilly and start to shiver at the onset of an illness. Shivering generates heat, which helps raise our temperature to the new set point. Once achieved, the resulting fever serves three main purposes: first, higher body temperatures first inhibit, and finally kill, bacteria and viruses, giving our immune cells a major boost to fight the infection. Secondly, chemical reactions proceed more quickly at higher temperatures, which help accelerate our healing process. And thirdly, the malaise and other symptoms that accompany fever help ensure that the patient stops their daily activities and RESTS. While resting is a difficult concept in our over stimulated culture, it is essential for proper healing and recovery.

But wait - what about the possibility of febrile seizures? Rarely, some young children may experience a seizure, or convulsion, during a fever. While the episode itself can be quite alarming, numerous studies demonstrate that there is absolutely NO lasting harm to a child who suffers a febrile seizure. If a parent has had a febrile seizure, then there is a slightly increased risk that the child may have one. Otherwise, there is no reason to expect your child will suffer a febrile seizure. If your child has suffered a seizure in the past, research also suggests that the tendency is outgrown by five years of age.

So how high is "too high?" The level of a fever does not necessarily reflect the seriousness of the illness. For instance, a child may have a fever of 40 degrees C (104 F), but have no other symptoms and not even feel sick. Another child may have a fever of 38.5 C, but may be listless and dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea. The most important question for parents to ask themselves when their child has a fever is "How sick do they look/seem?" Warning signs that warrant a call to the doctor are any fever in an infant less than six months old, unresponsiveness, poor feeding/drinking, altered levels of consciousness, high pitched screaming, difficult breathing, bluish/grey skin, rash or stiff neck. As well, a fever that remains high for more than three days deserves a visit to a doctor, regardless of how well the child seems. My advice to parents is to decide where their comfort level for fever lies. Treat the fever if it exceeds that cut off, but monitor and wait if your child seems fine and the fever is below that level. If you feel you need to "give something" for fever, speak to your naturopathic doctor about remedies that can effectively relieve symptoms of pain and restlessness while still supporting a natural fever process. Another tip is to refrain from eating during a fever, especially if it is already high. It is the experience of naturopathic doctors that fevers will never get "too high" unless the patient is encouraged to eat too much food. A person with a fever typically has a diminished appetite, and there is a reason for this. It is best to stick to fluids such as water, diluted juices and herbal teas which help keep the patient hydrated and do not tax the digestive tract. Certain herbal teas such as yarrow, peppermint and elderflower can actually induce sweating, helping to cool the body and bring down a fever if necessary. It is a myth that fevers will continue to increase unless we give medication to stop them. The human body has many feedback mechanisms to ensure that physiological parameters such as pH, mineral balance and temperature are tightly controlled within a narrow range. As long as we work with the healing power of nature that preserves us, it will not let us down.

In short, fever is the desirable response of our immune system to an invader; fever is not the illness itself. As one of my teachers once put it, "Fever is Friend!" A rapid, sustained fever response is a good thing, and should not be suppressed unless there is a reason for it, such as a history of febrile seizures. There are lots of ways to support a fever without suppressing it, allowing the patient to be more comfortable without neutralizing this powerful healing response. Talk to your naturopathic doctor for more information about these safe and effective options.