A baby is teething and has a slight fever. Or a child has a cold and a temperature of 100. Or a teenager has a sore throat and a fever that comes and goes. An adult has a stomach bug and a fever of 103. Whether taken to a doctor or treated at home, in most cases, the first line of action is to reduce the fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, right? Actually, no. Generally speaking, it is best to let a fever do what it does best – assist the body as it works through the natural disease process.
Fevers have a bad reputation and often, fevers are feared. Fevers are thought to be harmful or even viewed as the sickness itself. A better understanding of the important role of fever in acute illness is needed, as well as a change in thinking about how to treat familiar ailments. A common sense approach is necessary. So take a deep breath and stay calm. Once you understand that ordinary fevers are actually good, you will be better prepared to deal with an acute illness without fear. You and your family will be healthier as you learn to support the body instead of undermining its attempts to heal itself.
Children may get a fever just before important milestones in their growth and development, for example during dentition as teeth are emerging, before taking that first step, and during potty training. Fevers are an important part of the developmental process as the body adjusts and recalibrates to the rapid changes that take place during the early years of growth. Childhood illnesses and fevers are good exercise for the immune system, a time of strengthening the body’s resistance to morbid outside influences. Sickness occurs when there is susceptibility, a weakness in the body’s innate immune processes. When the immune system is strong, it will throw off an infectious agent and no lasting imprint will remain. When the immune system is too weak or suppressed, disease can take root and chronic ailments will settle in. To suppress a fever is to suppress the immune response. Usually this is not a good thing. Homeopathic remedies can help support the immune response that produced the fever in the first place, and assist the body as it works naturally through the process of self-healing.
There are two types of fevers – simple and complicated. A simple fever has no other symptoms other than a raised body temperature. Often the child shows no sign of discomfort or fussiness. Simple fevers purify the body from viruses and bacteria and prime the immune system to tackle future infectious agents more efficiently. Often no treatment is necessary and the fever will resolve without issue. A complicated fever is accompanied by discharge – a cough, runny nose, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. This indicates a more serious progression of the illness as the body ramps up its efforts to thrown off the disease. Homeopathic remedies can assist the immune system and lessen the severity of the illness, helping the natural process move more quickly through the necessary phases towards a restoration of health.
There are distinct phases that a fever may go through from the beginning of an illness to its resolution. If the illness is stuck or not progressing, a homeopathic remedy can move things along.
- Prodrome – The initial onset of the illness. This can be from a shock, from becoming too chilled or too heated, physical or emotional trauma, or exposure to an infectious pathogen like a virus or bacteria.
- Chill – A sense of exhaustion with a headache often accompanies the sensation of coldness. Rapid muscle contractions and relaxation are how the body produces heat when it is cold. This boosts the body’s core temperature so that the immune system can fight the infection.
- Fever – Indicates that the body is working hard against the infection. There may be red flushed cheeks or face, the skin feels hot, the mouth is dry, and the pulse races. As the rate of breathing increases, more oxygen is available in the body. As the heart rate increases, blood carries oxygen throughout the body faster. Increased perspiration helps cool the body and regulates the fever. Hippocrates famously said, “Give me a fever and I can cure the child.”
- Production of antibodies – As white blood cells do their job of search, block, and destroy to rid the body of the infectious invader and establish future protection against the harmful pathogen, natural immunity to that pathogen is acquired.
- Discharges and/or Eruptions – Increased secretions remove damaged cells and tissue as the immune system clears the infection. Pus, mucus, vomit, diarrhea, skin rash, while unpleasant, are the body’s way of cleansing itself of infection.
- Sweat – is the way the body brings its temperature down to normal after the fever has broken. The immune system has completed its task of ridding the body of the acute infection.
- Resolution – Although the patient may still be in a weakened state, there is a sense of well being and a sure return of energy. Aches, pain, anxiousness, restlessness, irritability, nerve sensitivity, etc. have been replaced by restoration of health.
The average body temperature is 98.6° (37 C), although the normal range of individual body temperatures can vary between 97° F (36.1 C) and 99° F (37.2 C). A mild fever is between 99° – 100° F (37.2 – 38 C). A low fever indicates that either the immune system can easily resolve the disease, or that the immune system is struggling to produce the necessary fever. If the immune system is weak, the patient may repeatedly struggle with recurrent sicknesses, colds, flus ear infections, etc.
A moderate fever is between 100.5° – 102° F (38 – 39 C) and usually indicates a viral infection. The immune system is working well and by staying rested and hydrated, the body will move things along nicely. If there is no appetite, there is no need to eat. Fasting enables the body to focus on the important work of clearing the illness. Drinking water, juice, or broth, 1 – 4 ounces hourly, is an important part of keeping the body hydrated. Sucking on ice chips or a frozen fruit juice popsicle is helpful, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is prolonged.
A high fever is between 102.5° – 105° F (39 – 40.5 C). At these temperatures, parents and other caregivers often become fearful. However, a high fever indicates that the immune system is healthy and strong. A higher fever is needed to clear a bacterial infection so that the illness resolves sooner, and the patient recovers without lingering weakness. Healthy adults and children can run a high fever for a few days without harm. The innate immune response of the body as it fights an infection will usually self-regulate and keep body temperature from getting above 106° F. If body temperature gets that high, it is usually due to exposure to heat outside the body. This is different than the internal heat produced by the body in response to infection. Often a fever will lessen in the morning and spike in the evening. This is part of the process as the immune system does its job.
If the immune system is allowed to do its job without being hindered by suppressive treatments, the illness will be completely resolved with no lasting consequences. The use of appropriate homeopathic remedies during an acute illness will enable the immune system to do its job even better.
Seek conventional medical care immediately for infants with high fever, rapid heart rate, and rapid respiration that lasts longer than 24 hours or who have a history of convulsions with fever.
If the fever continues for several days and the patient becomes dehydrated, listless, or limp, medical care is necessary.
If the condition continues to worsen and becomes life threatening, seek conventional medical care immediately.
Research articles:
Facts and Myths About Fevers in Children
Parental Misconceptions About Fever in Children
Fever management: Evidence vs current practice
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.