
What most parents don't know and health care professionals fail to teach is that low fever is NATURAL RESPONSE to infections.
the fever is part of the healing process and NEEDED to kill the cause of the disease. if you give your child a antipyretic every time their temperature raises a little bit you'll let the infection spread, get more serious and last longer. like PP said, such medication has to be administrated when the child's life is in danger. If the fever is above 39.5C. What I think the parents really like is the fact that such medications knock out the child, make them drowsy so they're quiet and go to sleep. |
Totally agree. I don't use OTCs for fever unless it is dangerously high and nothing else has worked. I focus on hydration and boosting the body's own defenses (which is essential what a fever is). |
zumbamama I'm your fan! ![]() there are so many ways to reduce fever besides medicine, right? what about a cool washcloth over the forehead, behind the neck? - wonderful bonding time too. DS feels so comfortable/relieved when we do it while he's on my lap. He even pulls the cloth to the areas where he feels hot - ears, cheeks. what about a bath with lukewarm water and wait for the water to cool down? I wish these parenting books taught more than just the easy/fast way to get things done. |
I do use tylenol and advil and neither knock my child out. If given in the proper doses you are not "drugging" your child. Perhaps benadryl would knock some kids, but not tylenol, if a child is truly sick they are probably being "knocked out" from the need to rest. And I am completely aware of the role the fever in relation to fighting infection. Giving a dose of tylenol does not hinder what the body is naturally doing. For instance, a teething fever? What does the tylenol hinder when administered in a teething child? Pain relief is bad? Even in a cold the white blood cells are still kicking in and working despite providing a does of tylenol. What I can tell you I do like is seeing my child feel better and be comfortable. Tylenol is not a bad word. |
Yes, we use a lot of hydrotherapy, not just for fever, but for muscle pain, joint pain, colds. If DC has a fever, I do everything you mentioned, plus give them a few sips of either water or herbal tea every 15 minutes. Chicken broth, orange slices and other vitamin c foods to boost immunity. I massage the feet and back to keep them comfortable and relaxed. And I encourage them to breathe properly...which also helps them get to sleep when they are restless. |
I agree that there are many ways to reduce a fever. But what you stated above was "What most parents don't know and health care professionals fail to teach is that low fever is NATURAL RESPONSE to infections." If you are reducing it via wash cloth or via tylenol aren't you still reducing it? Does the wash cloth method not hinder the body's natural response to infections? Please don't know the medical profession. My doctor has on numerous occasions told me to soak my child in the tub. |
some of us prefer to cuddle with the child while they chew on a frozen toy, some of us prefer to leave them alone or put them to sleep with drugs running all over their organism... don't tell me you buy all organic food for your baby or I'll crack up laughing here. |
Yes, I know the medical profession. a wet wash cloth is different than a antipyretic drug. the wash cloth will break the discomfort of the fever. the INSIDE of the body will still be hot. the drugs will act INSIDE the body. and let's just think what will make the child happier a spoon of medicine or cuddling time with mommy and playing in water? Mom, I love you! - and I miss you too. |
My mom gave me Tylenol when I was little, and I seem to be fine. So I'm not saying Tylenol is bad. But if a bath, rest and hydration work just as well, that's the way I'm gonna go. |
However, the purpose of the fever is to kick out the bug. Does Tylenol kick out the bug or just kick the fever? |
PP, why are you assuming that you cannot cuddle a child who has been given tylenol? That is an insane assumption. I don't know of any parent who gives there child tylenol then locks them away, alone in a corner. Be serious.
And laugh at me all you want. I do buy mostly organic food AND give my kids tylenol. Oh the horror! I am not judging you for using the methods that YOU chose to use, why would you be so judgmental towards people who use tylenol? Please go back and research fever reduction. Reducing it via water, wash cloth or tylenol all reduce the internal body temperature which registers on a thermometer. There is no secret fever reduction going on when it happens with a wash cloth as opposed to tylenol. They do the same thing. |
Zumbamama, Neither tylenol nor a warm bath or wash cloth kick out the bug. None of these are antibiotics. They all simply reduce the fever and allow the child to feel more comfortable. Along with cuddles. |
True. Unless it is a virus, then antib's won't work. Then its fever to the rescue...and extra hydration/nutrition to boost immunity. |
I believe you can hydrate your child, feed them oj/orange slices, chicken broth, cuddle with them and give them tylenol. I don't know why the previous poster assumes parents who give tylenol don't also cuddle, provide hydration, nutrition and warm baths. You really can do both. |
sure you can do it all. but why administer DRUGS to the child when you can go drug free? |