Childhood Fevers and Natural Immunity
From The Baby AdjustersTM
Fevers are a common symptom in childhood. Many parents are
frightened when their child has a fever, when in fact it is one of the most
powerful defense mechanisms we have against disease and infection. It is widely
known that a fever activates the childs immune system. In many cases a fever
actually strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent susceptibility to
other illnesses later in life. As Dr. Uwe Stave, medical pediatrician, states,
Fever attacks can affect children in quite a positive way. Even though his
physical strength is reduced, the child may disclose a wealth of new interests
and skills. After a fever, the child reveals a spurt of development and
maturation.8 George Wootan, M.D., author of Pediatrics: A Course
For Parents, reports that the height of the fever has nothing to do with
the severity of the disease. He states that the childs body will regulate
his/her inner temperature as needed.11 Even Hippocrates, the father of
medicine, taught that a fever was a helpful body response to disease and
infection.
How does a fever work?
The fever process works like this: the child develops an
infection, to which the body responds by making additional leukocytes (white
blood cells). These cells fight the infection by destroying the bacteria and
viruses then removing the dead tissue. The activity level of the white cells is
also increased as they move rapidly to the site of the infection. This is
called leucotaxis, and it is activated by the release of pyrogens [a chemical messenger - part of the body's natural 'pharmacy' for adaptation] that raise
the body temperature. Metabolic rate and oxygen consumption increases. An
increase in body temperature simply means that the process of healing is
speeding up. Also, iron, which bacteria need to survive, is removed from the
blood and stored in the liver. This reduces the rate at which the bacteria
multiply. As this whole process of defense in the body progresses, a substance
called interferon becomes more effective and aids in the fight of the
infection. Because a fever is regulated by the body, it rarely, if ever,
reaches a level that would be hazardous to the child.
Studies show that reducing a fever may not be in the best
interest of the developing child. In such diseases such as chicken pox or
influenza, a deadly form of Reyes syndrome may result if the child is given
aspirin. Because of this, the centers for Disease control and the Committee on
Infectious Diseases of the
Antibiotic therapy
A report in the Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal
evaluated the use of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of strep throat and
ear infections. The researchers compared two groups, the first one given the
antibiotic immediately after the symptoms occurred, and the other group
receiving delayed treatment or none at all. In the immediately-treated group,
the symptoms (fever, sore throat, painful swallowing, headache, abdominal pain,
swollen glands, lethargy, irritability, and loss of appetite) lessened, and
recovery time was reduced. But when the treatment was delayed or not
administered at all, there were fewer recurrent episodes of strep throat and ear
infections.7 Over a four month period, the children who were given
the antibiotic immediately when the symptoms first occurred experienced two and
a half times more bouts of strep throat. Similar results were reported for ear
infections when treated immediately; those that received antibiotics
immediately had more ear infections than those with delayed treatment or no
treatment at all. The researchers concluded that when antibiotics were delayed
or not given, children were able to build natural immunity.7
What causes the temperature to rise?
Subluxations, neurological disorders that disrupt the communication system between the brain and body functions, can interfere with the bodys ability to regulate temperature.4 A rise in temperature may also be due to environmental factors, such as in heat illness brought on by exercising in extremely hot or humid weather. Heat prostration occurs when the normal temperature-regulating mechanisms are overloaded. This is unlike a fever, which is a regulated elevation of the body temperature.
Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, medical pediatrician, states, When the body temperature is elevated due to a cold and influenza it may generate a fever up to 105 degrees, but even at that level it is not a legitimate cause for alarm. 5 Mendelsohn further states that, More important in determining whether a fever is the result of a mild infection like a common cold, or a more serious one such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behavior, and attitude of the child.
If the fever reaches the childs particular threshold for
convulsions, it may induce a febrile seizure. According to pediatrician Dr.
Alvin Eden, M.D., F.A.A.P., a simple febrile seizure is a convulsion caused by
high body temperature. Its etiology is an infection in the body, which does not
primarily involve the brain.
Parents should help their children understand that a fever is a natural, necessary part of healing and not a disease or sickness in and of itself. A fever should be monitored and not suppressed unnecessarily. The fever should be allowed to activate the childs immune system. This will give him/her the best opportunity to fight off future infections.
Normal body temperature varies throughout the day and night. If you child has a fever and acts abnormally, call your chiropractor. Your child may be suffering from a subluxation that is interfering with normal body function. This can cause a high body temperature.4
A childs room should be comfortable with plenty of fresh air. Dress the child in cotton so that his/her skin may breathe and perspiration will be drawn away from the body. Fevers commonly cause the child to lose a significant amount of fluid. This may lead to dehydration; to avert this process have the child drink plenty of fluids, about eight ounces an hour. Do not allow the child to become cold, as shivering will increase muscular activity and in turn increase the body temperature. This is a good time to sit with your feverish child and read or talk quietly.
References
1. Cantekin EI, McGuire TW, and Griffith TL. Antimicrobial Therapy for Otitis Media with Effusion
3. Fibelibus J. An Overview of Neuroimmun-omodulation and a Possible Correlation with
7. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, July 1987; p.635-643.
8. Stave U. Reflections on Fever in Childhood. Journal for Anthroposophy. No. 42, 1985.5.
9. Wolff O. Childhood Diseases As a Source of Development. Welda News 4, 1983.
10. Vora GS, Bates HA. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on the Immune System. A Preliminary
11. Wootan G. Pediatrics: A Course For Parents.