Fever Phobia

Abstract

\s=b\ Eighty-one parents bringing their children to a hospital-based pediatric clinic were surveyed about their understanding of fever. Most parents were unduly worried about low-grade fever, with temperatures of 38.9 \ s=deg\ Cor less. Their overconcern was designated "fever phobia." Most parents (52%) believed that moderate fever with a temperature of 40 \s=deg\Cor less can cause serious neurological side-effects. Hence, most parents treated fever aggressively: 85% gave antipyretic medication before the temperature reached 38.9 \s=deg\Cand 68% sponged the child before the temperature reached 39.5 \s=deg\C.A review of the literature showed that the only serious complications of fever were febrile status epilepticus and heat stroke, two rare entities. The great concern of parents about fever is not justified. Health education to counteract "fever phobia" should be a part of routine pediatric care.(Am J Dis Child 134: [176][177][178][179][180][181] 1980)

What worries parents when their preschool children are acutely ill, and why: a qualitative study

“…In addition, advice from professionals commonly reinforces cooling children regularly, particularly in relation to febrile fits. However, controlling temperature is not necessarily preventive—the main purpose is to keep the child comfortable16 Quantitative research from North America has pointed to similar beliefs 17 18. Parents may benefit from education about the probable positive effects of fever19 and the body's central regulatory thermostat.…”

Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children

“…It is well documented that there are significant concerns on the part of parents, nurses, and physicians about potential adverse effects of fever that have led to a description in the literature of "fever phobia." 31 The most consistently identified serious concern of caregivers and health care providers is that high fevers, if left untreated, are associated with seizures, brain damage, and death. 1,25,32,33 It is argued that by creating undue concern over these presumed risks of fever, for which there is no clearly established relationship, physicians are promoting an exaggerated desire in parents to achieve normothermia by aggressively treating fever in their children.…”

Why is the evidence not affecting the practice of fever management?

“…Parents worry when their child is feverish and feel that fever may spiral upwards with a possible fatal outcome. Fever phobia, an exaggerated fear of fever in their children, is common among parents 2. Parents have a limited understanding of fever and little or no information about its beneficial role in diseases 3.…”