WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT BABY WITH A FEVER

Abstract: Babies having fever is very common concern among parents. Fever is defines as the temporary rise in body temperature. However it is a positive sign that baby’s body is fighting against infections. Although fever is a sigh of healthy immune system, parents and care givers may worry. Newborn baby is many folds vulnerable to fever. For adults and child fever bring an uncomfortable condition but for an infant there might be a serious infection. After few days it generally subsides. The body temperature of the babies may rise due to other reasons such as crying for longer period of time, during the time of teething, sitting in the hot sun, spending more time in playing etc

What is Fever in Baby?

A child under the age of 12 months has average rectal temperature of 98.6 degree Fahrenheit or 37 degree Celsius. In the morning the temperature can be low and rises later in the day. A body of a baby is less able to regulate body temperature because they have under developing thermoregulatory system. This means that baby’s body took more time to cool down in fever than a usual adult.

Fever of child depends on the method of taking the temperature:

• Rectal thermometer: Above 100.4 degree Fahrenheit (38 degree C)
• Oral thermometer: Above 100 degree Fahrenheit (37.8 degree C)
• Armpit thermometer: Above 99 degree Fahrenheit (37.2 degree C)

What are the causes of Fever in the baby?

• Viral infection such as cold, flu
• Bacterial or viral pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Ear infection
• Fever after vaccination (within 12 hours of shot and lasts for 2-3 days)
• Hot weather or playing in the Sun
• Teething
• Urinary tract infection
• Low birth weight baby is more prone to infections

Other symptoms of fever:

• Sweating
• Cough and congestion
• Chill and shivering
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Pain in abdomen
• Irritability
• Crankiness
• Tired and lethargic
• Not interested in playing
• Blue cyanosed lips
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• General weakness
• Crying for no often reason
• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Rarely seizures or convulsions
• Vomits repeatedly
• Refuses to take breastfeed
• Body rashe

Prevention of Fever according to Ayurveda:

• Give your child sponge bath with lukewarm water
• If fever is along with cough give ginger juice with honey two times a day
• Give decoction of ginger and turmeric
• Feed the baby with more liquids mainly milk
• Boil basil or tulsi leaves in hot water and give 1-2 tablespoon 3-4 times a day to a baby
• Forehead sponging with the cotton cloth dipped in a normal room temperature
• Give homemade light food like vegetable soup, khichadi etc

Thing to avoid while baby is having Fever:

• Never delay for medical advice for a newborn or an infant
• Never give any medication to child without checking the temperature
• Avoid over dressing of child
• Avoid giving cold water to child
• Stop giving foods that are hard to digest like raw food, vegetables \etc
• No ice cream, chocolates, fast food etc

Ayurveda View point over fever:

Fever is known as “Jwara” in Ayurveda. The ancient explanation behind Jwara is the vitiation of Agni (digestive fire) by the doshas such as vata, Pitta and Kapha. The hotness of the digestive fire shifts to the periphery and causes rise in the bodily temperature. So during the treatment of fever one should focus on the digestive fire along with balance of doshas and increasing Rogpratirodhak khshmata (immunity)

Herbs effective for Fever:

• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Tulsi (holy basil)
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Amla (indian gooseberry)
• Shigru (moriga)
• Garlic

Managing fever with Chandigarh Ayurved Centre:

1. Giloy capsules

These herbal capsules are prepared from the extract of herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) that improves the immunity & prevent infections in the body. The antipyretic property of this herb reduces fever naturally. Giloy capsule shows antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, immunomodulator, etc properties that relieve dengue fever signs and symptoms. These herbal tablets reduce Kapha dosha, detoxifies pitta dosha, & pacifies Vata dosha. This vati prevents all types of fever, deal with recurrent infection, cold, weakness, etc.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

2. Amrit Tulsi Ras

CAC Amrit tulsi ras is Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) or tulsi is a powerful herb that has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional medical treatments in India for thousands of years. The small holy basil shrub with tiny flowers is considered a sacred plant in India. It was believed that the holy basil leaves had potent powers to flush out toxins from the body. People have tulsi water (water which has tulsi leaves soaked overnight) or chew on a tulsi leaf to improve overall health. Several health products are available with tulsi extracts to help treat cold, cough, and the flu.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2-3 drops twice daily with normal water.

3. Immuno Booster Tablet

It is a pure herbal combination that helps to build up immunity. it consists of effective levels of antioxidants. vitamin C and E circulate in the body to protect it against the damage caused by free radicals. it has natural immunity-boosting properties to prevent and ease cough, cold, headache, and infections. it provides quick relief from early signs of running nose, itching throat, body ache, and weakness. It consists of Giloy, Ashwagandha, Bala – 100 mg, Mulethi, Kali mirch, Lavang, Harar, Tulsi, etc

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

4. LIVER CARE SYRUP

It is a herbo-mineral Syrup which is purely ayurvedic formulation. CAC Liver Care syrup helps in balancing Pitta dosha. This Syrup enhances regeneration of liver cells, promote functions of liver, and improve blood flow from the liver. CAC Liver Care syrup contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia) etc. These herbs shows Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Hepato-protective,properties. This syrup improves digestion, enhances appetite.