Sick Kids Part II...
Last week we talked about the reason why your kids get sick and the action steps necessary to change the situation. Today we will cover the importance of why you need to practice extreme caution when using the "common solutions".
So what do you do about a fever? Isn't a fever bad?
The reason a fever sets in is most bacteria and viruses replicate the fastest at or near normal body temperature. The body raises it's temperature to slow down the progression of the infection and give your "pac man" white blood cells time to catch up. So why then would you want to lower the temperature if it is stable? According to research from the University of Maryland anti-fever medications such as Tylenol and Aspirin actually prolong the flu by 3.5 days average.
On a more serious note, you should know the facts before giving your kids tylenol or aspirin. Most authorities agree, and many countries mandate, that aspirin should not be given to ANYONE below the age of 16. This is because aspirin use in children is linked to deadly Reye's syndrome which essentially means destruction of the brain and liver.
Is Tylenol any better? Well it depends on if you would trade liver failure for fever. According to research from the University of Texas Tylenol is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States, this includes alcoholism as a cause.
So think again next time your kid has a fever. Is it really worth the risk, and would you like to see your kid back in school sooner?
So what do you do about a fever? Isn't a fever bad?
The reason a fever sets in is most bacteria and viruses replicate the fastest at or near normal body temperature. The body raises it's temperature to slow down the progression of the infection and give your "pac man" white blood cells time to catch up. So why then would you want to lower the temperature if it is stable? According to research from the University of Maryland anti-fever medications such as Tylenol and Aspirin actually prolong the flu by 3.5 days average.
On a more serious note, you should know the facts before giving your kids tylenol or aspirin. Most authorities agree, and many countries mandate, that aspirin should not be given to ANYONE below the age of 16. This is because aspirin use in children is linked to deadly Reye's syndrome which essentially means destruction of the brain and liver.
Is Tylenol any better? Well it depends on if you would trade liver failure for fever. According to research from the University of Texas Tylenol is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States, this includes alcoholism as a cause.
So think again next time your kid has a fever. Is it really worth the risk, and would you like to see your kid back in school sooner?
posted by Dr. Bucknell at 9:38 AM
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