Submitted by Eastside Chiropractic Services
“Feed a cold, starve a fever!” Ever heard that one? Turns out there may actually be something to that old adage but first let’s explore the role fever has in your health.
If you read my three part newsletter on the immune system you know the first line of defense against any bug is the macrophage (Big Mac in my article). Like Pac Man he swallows up the bad guys (phagocytosis), digests them and spits out the pieces, then heads out to find more. Most times if your immune system is functioning at an appropriate and healthy level, Big Mac can handle the problem without the bug getting a good grip on you and there is no need for the next step in the immune response, the adaptive immune system, or the part that makes antibodies.
Where does fever come in? As it turns out fever is actually a good thing. It means the body is doing exactly what it is supposed to do to kill the invader. Here is a list of what fever accomplishes:
- The increased body temperature hinders the bug’s ability to grow or reproduce.
- Fever stimulates the phagocytes to eat more bugs.
- It increases production of T-cells (another important immune cell).
- Makes the white blood cells more active.
- Decreases endotoxin effects (Let’s keep it simple and just say endotoxin effects are bad and lowering their effect on the body is good).
How does a fever get triggered, Doc? Remember Big Mac? When he burbs up the pieces of the bacteria or virus there are chemicals (pyrogens) released into the vascular system that reach an area in the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then acts like a thermostat ticking the body’s temperature upward.The greater the amount of pyrogens the more likely the fever will be higher. Now for the cool part. Really. Increased heat production causes vasodilation of blood vessels and causes the sick person to feel cold (the chills). If the temperature isn’t high enough the person begins to shiver which burns energy and makes the fever rise (the sweats). Now you know why you can be cold and then hot in a matter of minutes when sick. Pretty neat, huh?
But Doc, I’ve been told to give the person with a fever something to reduce the fever so what gives? Most fevers are just the body doing what it is supposed to do to kill the bad bugs. Interfering with fever may actually prolong the illness. But the same meds that will lower fever (Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin) can provide comfort and relief from some of the symptoms so choose wisely how you use them when sick. As a quick note, in 1980 Dr. Barton Schmitt published a now classic article in which he coined the term, “fever phobia.” He discussed the notion that parents believed untreated fever, both low-grade and high, could actually have serious neurological effects. It just isn’t true. Fever can significantly increase the need for fluids and dehydration can have some serious effects but fevers in and of themselves are not harmful.
And this article from a crazy chiropractor isn’t just my opinion. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend fever reducing drugs saying, “Fever is not an illness, rather, it is a symptom of sickness and is usually a positive sign that the body is fighting infection.” AAP further says, “Fevers generally do not need to be treated with medication unless your child is uncomfortable or has a history of febrile convulsions. The fever may be important in helping your child fight the infection.”The only fever that can cause brain damage is 107.6.
So what to do, what to do, what to do? Rest and lots of fluids and not those sugary sports drinks. In fact, one of the best sports drinks out there is Pedialyte. Pedialyte is better than Gatorade and Powerade. A fan can provide pretty effective relief. A damp cloth can really feel good when you are burning up. An alcohol rubdown feels good when you are burning up but be careful as the alcohol can be absorbed through the skin so not a good idea for children and use sparingly on adults. A cool bath can do the job too. For kids with fevers parents with concerns should contact the pediatrician for the following:
- A child under 3 months with any fever.
- A child between 3 months and 3 years with a temperature above 102.2 and who appears sick. For example, teething can cause a fever that high but the kid is fussy and not ill.
- A child of any age with a fever over 104.5.
Also look for obvious signs of dehydration (low urine output or unusually dark urine, dry skin, lethargy, excessive thirst…..) in either children or adults.
So is there anything to the adage, “feed a cold, starve a fever?” Maybe, but I haven’t seen anything that convinces me conclusively. Generally the common cold lasts longer than the flu. If you don’t eat for a week or more you will get weak and that just can’t be good. So feed the cold. Eating does take energy and so does fever so maybe not eating can leave you more energy for producing the fever. So starve the fever. It could make sense but if you are hungry and sick, eat! And a fever isn’t a bad thing.
