May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Children's Health Fevers and Cold Baths
Fevers and Cold Baths |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am currently in Haiti and there is a child with a fever of over 103 degrees. The Haitian way of thinking is that "Fever is afraid of water" and that the child should be placed in a cold bath. I have read on multiple websites that the water should not be cold, but should be lukewarm as cold water can cause a child's body to go into shock, therefore resulting in the fever increasing. I would like to advocate with the director of this organization for change if this is not in the child's best interest. Any information you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Dear Danielle: I agree with you that bathing a pediatric patient in cold water is not recommended with that temperature. Soaking or giving the child a sponge bath with lukewarm water 5 to 10 minute can be enough to decrease the temperature. Do not use alcohol and if the bath causes shivering, stop the bath and dry the child. Shivering raises the body's internal temperature shaking muscles generate heat; this is why cold water is not recommended unless the patient has an extreme raise in temperature. Humid compresses on his forehead or under his armpits would help as well; medication should not be used unless the cause of the fever has been identified e.g. Infection, reaction. Acetaminophen might be used if physical methods don’t work. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 November 2010 ) |
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