Sunday, March 6, 2011

Report warns parents against over treating fever

A recent report in the journal "Pediatrics" may not prove to be very popular with parents and some caregivers. The authors contend that in most cases fever in children is a good thing and helps normalize body temperature, and in and of itself is not particularly dangerous.

Further, the study suggests that it is not a good idea to wake a child just to treat them with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

"Fever" accounts for upwards of one-third of all trips to the pediatrician. Yet, parents may be over reacting to these symptoms and may be over treating their children (and are subject to "fever phobia"). The study asserts that the main goal in treating a fever is simply to make the child more comfortable, not to lower temperature.


The full report can be found here:
http://bit.ly/foAUE1

Excerpt:

SUMMARY

Appropriate counseling on the management of fever begins by helping parents understand that fever, in and of itself, is not known to endanger a generally healthy child. In contrast, fever may actually be of benefit; thus, the real goal of antipyretic therapy is not simply to normalize body temperature but to improve the overall comfort and well-being of the child. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, when used in appropriate doses, are generally regarded as safe and effective agents in most clinical situations. However, as with all drugs, they should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of adverse drug effects and toxicity. Combination therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen may place infants and children at increased risk because of dosing errors and adverse outcomes, and these potential risks must be carefully considered. When counseling a family on the management of fever in a child, pediatricians and other health care providers should minimize fever phobia and emphasize that antipyretic use does not prevent febrile seizures. Pediatricians should focus instead on monitoring for signs/symptoms of serious illness, improving the child's comfort by maintaining hydration, and educating parents on the appropriate use, dosing, and safe storage of antipyretics. To promote child safety, pediatricians should advocate for a limited number of formulations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen and for clear labeling of dosing instructions and an included dosing device for antipyretic products.

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