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VITAL STREAM NATUROPATHY
VITAL STREAM NATUROPATHY
FEVERS IN CHILDREN Disclaimer
“Normal” body temperature is 98.6 F, although this can vary depending on the person and time of day. Fever is defined as core
body temperature over 99.5 F.
Fever is a symptom that is commonly a result of an infectious process. However, a fever can occur as a result of too much
clothing, after exercise, a hot bath, medications, dehydration, or following breast or bottle-feeding. The purpose of fever in the
human body is to create an environment that is not conducive to the growth of harmful organisms. The immune system
responds by producing white blood cells and antibodies that directly help fight the infection. Fever can serve as a possible
indicator to parents that their child may be ill. Fever normally aids the body in eliminating disease-producing organisms. In
most cases, it is beneficial to allow a fever to run its course without having to bring down the child’s temperature.
Symptoms that may accompany a fever include sweating, flushing, weight loss, sore throat, headache, nausea, frequent
urination, and pulling at the ears. Signs that indicate a child may be not tolerating the fever well include weakened cry, inability
to rouse from sleep, pale color, lethargy, and lack of response to a stimulus such as a parent’s voice. In general, fevers lasting
24 hours or less, below 102 F are considered “friendly” and are of little concern as long as the child is not in distress.
TO TAKE YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERATURE
Oral: Some children can manage an oral thermometer by the age of 4 or 5. Place the bulb of the thermometer under the
tongue. Hold in place for 2-3 minutes. Use caution as glass thermometers can break.
Axillary: Place the bulb of the thermometer under the child’s arm. Hold the arm close to the child’s side for a minimum of 5
minutes. Axillary temperature is typically lower than core body temperature. Therefore you need to add 1degree to the
temperature reading you get.
Ear: Follow the ear thermometer’s instruction sheet.
Stickers (forehead or armpit): Follow directions on package.
Rectal: It is not recommended that you attempt to take your child’s temperature rectally. There is a risk of colon perforation if
not done correctly.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY OR TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHEN:
TO KEEP YOUR CHILD COMFORTABLE
Resources
1) Bove ND, Mary. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. Keats Publishing. 1996.
2) Dyson ND, Linda. Pediatric Topics. 2001.
3) Wallace, Edward. “What To Do When Your Child Has a Fever”. Delicious! 12/31/1995; V. 11 N.12; P 21-23,25.
Acknowledgment to Bastyr University Revised 9/18/02 - Fevers in Children
“Normal” body temperature is 98.6 F, although this can vary depending on the person and time of day. Fever is defined as core
body temperature over 99.5 F.
Fever is a symptom that is commonly a result of an infectious process. However, a fever can occur as a result of too much
clothing, after exercise, a hot bath, medications, dehydration, or following breast or bottle-feeding. The purpose of fever in the
human body is to create an environment that is not conducive to the growth of harmful organisms. The immune system
responds by producing white blood cells and antibodies that directly help fight the infection. Fever can serve as a possible
indicator to parents that their child may be ill. Fever normally aids the body in eliminating disease-producing organisms. In
most cases, it is beneficial to allow a fever to run its course without having to bring down the child’s temperature.
Symptoms that may accompany a fever include sweating, flushing, weight loss, sore throat, headache, nausea, frequent
urination, and pulling at the ears. Signs that indicate a child may be not tolerating the fever well include weakened cry, inability
to rouse from sleep, pale color, lethargy, and lack of response to a stimulus such as a parent’s voice. In general, fevers lasting
24 hours or less, below 102 F are considered “friendly” and are of little concern as long as the child is not in distress.
TO TAKE YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERATURE
Oral: Some children can manage an oral thermometer by the age of 4 or 5. Place the bulb of the thermometer under the
tongue. Hold in place for 2-3 minutes. Use caution as glass thermometers can break.
Axillary: Place the bulb of the thermometer under the child’s arm. Hold the arm close to the child’s side for a minimum of 5
minutes. Axillary temperature is typically lower than core body temperature. Therefore you need to add 1degree to the
temperature reading you get.
Ear: Follow the ear thermometer’s instruction sheet.
Stickers (forehead or armpit): Follow directions on package.
Rectal: It is not recommended that you attempt to take your child’s temperature rectally. There is a risk of colon perforation if
not done correctly.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY OR TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHEN:
- Oral equivalent equal to or greater than 101F in a child 2 months of age or younger
- Oral temperature of 104 F or greater in a child older than 2 months of age
- Child experiences convulsions
- Child is having difficulty breathing
- Child cries inconsolably
- Child is lethargic and/or difficult to awaken
- Child cries if touched or moved
- Purple spots present on skin
- Child is drooling and/or can’t swallow
- Child has a history of febrile seizures
- Fever persists longer than 24 hours
- Oral temperature of 101.5 - 104 F in a child older than 2 months of age (2 months of age or younger go to the
emergency room or call your doctor immediately) - Fever accompanied by burning pain with urination
TO KEEP YOUR CHILD COMFORTABLE
- Keep child calm and resting as much as possible. Activity can raise the body temperature.
- Encourage fluids. Pedialyte is a commercial product that has the benefit of providing electrolytes. (Follow
recommendations on bottle.) - Provide simple and nourishing foods such as broth and soups.
- Keep child lightly clothed.
- Apply cool, wet compresses to head, nape of the neck, abdomen, back, wrists or feet.
- Sponge bath.
- Wet sheet wrap - Use a wet sheet that has been wrung out so that it is not dripping. Wrap the child so that a single layer
of wet sheet is touching all skin, except the face. Cover the child with a wool blanket. The child may fuss at first, but will
usually calm down within a few minutes. Keep wrapped for up to 40 minutes based on child’s comfort. Not
recommended for babies under two months. - Children over 2 months of age can be given children’s acetaminophen every 4-6 hours, if the child is uncomfortable,
can’t sleep, or the fever is greater than 104 F. Follow directions on bottle. Do not give children under the age of 18
aspirin due to a potential complication of Reye’s syndrome, a condition that results in vomiting, irrational behavior,
irregular breathing, and coma.
Resources
1) Bove ND, Mary. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. Keats Publishing. 1996.
2) Dyson ND, Linda. Pediatric Topics. 2001.
3) Wallace, Edward. “What To Do When Your Child Has a Fever”. Delicious! 12/31/1995; V. 11 N.12; P 21-23,25.
Acknowledgment to Bastyr University Revised 9/18/02 - Fevers in Children
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| © 2007 Steven Koda, ND Disclaimer |
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Vital Stream Naturopathy website is provided for personal, non-educational and
informational purposes only. The information is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between a site visitor and
their physician, and is not intended to answer personal health-related or research questions. It SHOULD NOT be relied upon
as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, which only comes after a careful assessment, based on history taking
and objective examination by your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
informational purposes only. The information is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between a site visitor and
their physician, and is not intended to answer personal health-related or research questions. It SHOULD NOT be relied upon
as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, which only comes after a careful assessment, based on history taking
and objective examination by your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
| Informed, Compassionate Service |