Children often have fever. Fever is not a disease in itself, but is a sign that there is an infection in the body that our body is fighting. Fever is defined as a temperature of 99°F or more measured in the axilla (armpit), 100°F or more when taken orally (near the mouth), or 100.4°F or more measured rectally. The signs and symptoms of fever may include feeling warm to the body, chills, irritability, being less active, loss of appetite, body aches, and signs and symptoms specific to an infection, such as sore throat with sore throat or tonsillitis; runny nose, sneezing with a cold; diarrhea (loose stools), vomiting, stomach pain in case of stomach infection. In some cases of fever, a rash may occur. Some children may experience seizures (convulsions) in combination with fever (febrile convulsions).
Fever in children can have various causes. Most cases of fever are the result of viral infections, but bacterial infections can also be the cause. Fever can occur after administration of a certain vaccine. Some of the most common illnesses in children where fever can occur are sore throat, tonsillitis, strep throat, flu, cold, cough, URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), ear infections, UTI (urinary tract infection), stomach infections and eruptive fever where rash appears on the skin as in chickenpox and measles. Some of the serious causes of fever in children include pneumonia (an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs), meningitis (an infection and inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord), and blood poisoning (a serious infection if due to bacteria in the blood).
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very effective in controlling fever in children. These drugs are completely safe to use and have no side effects as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines enhance the child’s natural healing mechanism to fight infections and overcome frequent fever symptoms naturally. These drugs control the symptoms of fever and associated infection, gradually lower the temperature to normal levels and provide excellent results in such cases. The most appropriate drug should be selected individually in each individual case after a detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptom presentation. It is advisable to have each case assessed by a doctor and to take medication under the supervision of a doctor. Since the cause of fever can also be serious, self-medication should not be practiced under any circumstances. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for mild to moderate fever without serious cause. In severe cases and fever arising from serious causes such as pneumonia and meningitis, immediate relief through the conventional mode of treatment should be followed as homeopathy has limitations in treating such cases. Some of the signs that may indicate a serious illness include lethargy, drowsiness if it becomes difficult to wake the child, extreme irritability, difficulty breathing, constant crying, stiffness of the neck, seizures, subcutaneous bleeding, confusion, blue lips or nails severe headache, rash that does not fade when pressed, persistent vomiting and signs of dehydration. Infants under 3 months of age with a temperature above 40°C should contact a doctor immediately.
Homeopathic medicines for fever in children
1. Belladonna – Top recommended medicine for excessive heat
Belladonna is the most prominently indicated drug to control fever in children. In children who require this, excessive heat is present throughout the body during fever. There is obvious redness on the face. Excessive thirst is felt during the heat phase. The heat phase is followed by the body becoming cold. The child is restless during fever. There is redness of the throat and tonsils. Tonsils are swollen and enlarged. Pain is felt in the throat, which becomes worse when swallowing, especially liquids. Dry cough may be present. In most cases, coughing worsens at night. Nausea may be felt. Everything tastes bitter. The child tends to cry often. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for controlling fever in sore throat, tonsillitis and cough.
2. Chamomilla – With excessive irritability
Chamomilla is an important medicine to treat cases of fever with intense irritability. The child who needs it must be constantly carried in the arms. In addition to irritability, the child feels restless. He/she may have loose stools with pain. An increased thirst for water is noted. Vomiting may occur. There is insomnia and fever. With fever there is redness on one cheek and paleness on the other cheek. It is one of the most recommended drugs for fever during dentition with intense irritability. It is also indicated for the treatment of colds with fever in children.
3. Monkshood – For fever with colds, coughs and sore throats
This medicine is indicated for fever with cold, cough or sore throat. There is marked heat in the body and dry, burning skin where this medicine is needed. There is a desire to expose the body during fever. There is redness on the face and increased thirst for water. With a cold there is fluid discharge from the nose and sneezing. Sometimes there is a dry cold (i.e. nasal congestion without any discharge) accompanied by headache. The throat is inflamed and red. General anxiety and restlessness may be present.
4. Ferrum Phos – In case of tonsillitis and sore throat
Ferrum Phos is another well indicated medicine for fever with tonsillitis and sore throat. The tonsils are red, swollen and painful. In most cases, the tonsils, especially on the right side, are affected. The throat is usually dry. A bad odor arises from the mouth. There is heat in the body with sweating on the hands. The thirst for water decreases. Vomiting may occur with fever. In addition, Ferrum Phos is also indicated for the treatment of fever that occurs during teething in babies.
5. Hepar Sulph – For fever and chill in sore throat
This medicine is recommended for fever and chills in case of sore throat. The throat is sore when swallowing saliva. The throat is red with the presence of enlarged red follicles on it. There is redness and swelling of the tonsils. There is dry cough. There is no thirst for water. There is insomnia.
6. Cina – With loose stools and vomiting
Cina is a beneficial medicine for fever with loose stools and vomiting. Fever occurs at the same time every day when this medicine is needed. Chills are felt all over the body, followed by a heated sensation. During chills there are shivering and shaking of the body. A very characteristic feature is that the tongue is clean during fever. The children who need this medicine are very irritable and want to be carried in their arms all the time, but carrying does not provide any relief to them.
7. Arsenic album – With weakness and restlessness
This medicine is very suitable for weakness and restlessness with fever. An important feature is that there is thirst for a small amount of water at short intervals. Fever may cause a feeling of heat or chills. There is a desire to be covered during fever. This medicine helps in dealing with various types of infections including cold, cough, sore throat and stomach infections.
8. Silicea – With marked chill and shivering
Silicea is of great use in cases where chills and chills together with fever are clearly visible. In most cases requiring this medicine, fever occurs at night. This medicine is very effective for controlling fever during teething with sensitive gums. Fever occurs in the evening and at night. There is a heated feeling in the head. There is excessive, foul-smelling sweat, especially on the head and feet.