Fever: To Treat or Not to Treat

Abstract

Fever is one of the most common complaints that brings children to medical attention. Although most often a sign of self-limited viral infections in children, fever can also be a sign of bacterial infections (i.e., bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis),

Awareness of parents of children with fever

“…While comparing the findings with similar study by Crocetti et al it was found that73% of caregivers sponged their child to treat a fever. 1 When compared to Canadian study it was found that around 80% parents were aware of the fact that cold sponging and declothing can reduce fever.…”

“…This is similar to the study done by Crocetti et al who concluded that 21% of parents believed that fever can cause brain damage and 91% parents believed that it can Causes harm. 1 Youssef et al also reported that parents have high fear of fever related complication and 35% parents believed that it can Cause brain injury. 6 This was attributed to the facts that in their study majority of parents had more than 2 children and were of more than 30 year of age.…”

“…It accounts, by some estimates, for one-third of all presenting conditions in children. 1 Fever in a child commonly leads to unscheduled physician visits, telephone calls by parents to their child's physician for advice on fever control, and the wide use of over-the-counter antipyretics.…”

“…1,2,4,5 Misconceptions about the dangers of fever are common. Unwanted fears about harm from fever causes lost sleep and unnecessary stress for many parents.…”

Drug utilization pattern of fixed drug combination of antipyretic and analgesic in paediatrics department of Gauhati medical college and hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India

“…1 The role of antipyretics in children is sceptical as most children tolerate low grade fever (less than 38.5 0 C) well. 2 Most common antipyretic used in paediatrics is paracetamol. 3 Ibuprofen has equivalent antipyretic efficacy to Paracetamol when used at recommended doses, but it is unclear whether ibuprofen is equally effective in relieving important clinical outcomes like child's discomfort and symptoms.…”