Childhood Illness
“” — Claire
Fever is the body's natural response to a pathogen (virus or bacteria) and indicates that there is an increased action in the body's immune system to deal with the situation. There are several stages to a fever and you may find that using an indicated remedy will precipitate the next stage of the fever. Fevers may be simple (no other symptoms), or they may be eruptive (measles, chickenpox, viral), suppurative (leading to mucus production, colds or flu) or related to digestive upsets (food sensitivity or teething).
When to Seek Help
Case Study
- In any patient, if the fever is above 41.1C
- In a child under 6 months, if the fever is above 40C go straight to hospital
- In a child under 4 months, seek advice for any fever. Babies can stop feeding and become rapidly dehydrated. The more floppy or weak the baby is, the greater the need for medical attention. Do whatever is necessary to have your baby seen
- If the conscious level of the patient is affected-drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and unresponsiveness
- If there are fits or convulsions
- If the neck becomes stiff
- If the breathing becomes rapid or laboured
Trust your own judgment, if you 'know' that something is not right, get medical help.
Self Help
- Prescribe an appropriate homeopathic remedy
- Open a window and keep the room cool (not cold)
- Only use light bedcovers
- Sit in a bath and sponge with tepid water
- Increase the number of feeds for breastfed babies. Your milk is tailored to your baby's needs and will be more watery and thirst quenching, so make sure you drink plenty too
- Offer diluted fruit juice (not orange juice) and plenty of water
- Solid food is not recommended for anyone in an acute fever state
Seek homeopathic advice if fever persists in a child less than 2 years for more than 1-2 days in spite of trying the self-help.
“Sam has been much better. This is the first winter he hasn't had a bad cough. Every other winter he's had a bad cough that has hung on for ages.” — Julie
Remedies
Belladonna is for a red, hot, throbbing, dry fever. This can help to break the fever and bring on relieving sweat. The eyes may be dilated and appear glazed.
Aconite is for a fever that begins after exposure to dry cold winds, shock or fright. There is often frequent sneezing, a dry fever and restlessness at night. An Aconite fever often comes on suddenly after midnight, and is worse for a warm stuffy room. There may be a clear watery discharge from the nose, sneezes, and croupy cough may suddenly develop.
Chamomilla is for fevers with irritability associated with teething. Babies become cross and nothing pleases them except being picked up and carried around. Often one cheek is red and the other is pale. They may be sweaty and better for cool air. There may be loose, greenish stools.
These three remedies are available in a combination remedy called ABC! Give 1 dose an hour for up to 6 hours for a fever, less frequently as symptoms improve.
(Homeopathic Helpline 09065 343404 provides homeopathic advice in an emergency. Calls are charged to your phone at £1.50 a minute.)
Constitutional Treatment
Homeopathic treatment for babies and children helps to strengthen their immune systems so that they are less susceptible to all the bugs and viruses that are floating around. To book a constitutional appointment for your child, contact me.