Some medication too dangerous for children
As pediatricians, we must take issue with the column on fever written by Chris Rinehart and published in the Wednesday, July 22, edition of the Daily Bee. Although we know that complementary/alternative medicine and homeopathy have their roles, it is important for the general public to know that the treatments recommended in this column have no scientific evidence supporting their use, especially in children.
Granted, homeopathic medicines are given in very dilute solutions but the compounds mentioned have severe toxicities in higher doses. We do agree with the first four paragraphs of the article discussing the fact that fevers actually do help to fight infections. We also know that many fevers are caused by viral infections, which require minimal treatment other than fluids, rest and fever reducers such as acetominophen and ibuprofen as needed for discomfort. We emphasize using the proper dose by weight of these medicines at the proper dosing intervals and not to mix with over-the-counter combination medications, which may contain acetominophen or ibuprofen. We also do not recommend antibiotics for viral infections.
While fever can be a sign of a viral illness which should be allowed to “run its course” with supportive therapies as discussed above, fever also can be a sign of serious bacterial infection. Chills, fever, lethargy, body aches and headaches are all signs of pneumonia, meningitis and meningococcemia, an especially devastating blood infection. If left untreated, all these illnesses can be severe and can result in death.
The compounds listed in the article — aconite, nux vomica and belladonna — have toxicities that may result in death. Aconite, also called monks head, is a plant with the highest concentration of poison of all plants grown in Europe and America. Belladonna, a relative of atropine, is listed as an herb that is very difficult to dose in proper concentrations. Therefore, both compounds are not recommended for use in children. Toxic side effects of belladonna include excitability, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, increased heart rate and facial reddening. The ingestion of just three or four berries of this plant can kill a child.
Furthermore, using data from the severe pandemic influenza epidemic of 1918 is ludicrous. There were no antibiotics or antiviral medicines at this time. Treatment was all what we now call “alternative’ medicine.
To summarize, fever does help us fight infections. Any child with a fever for several days, especially if they do not improve when the fever subsides or have symptoms of a specific illness (severe sore throat, difficulty breathing, severe body aches or headaches) needs to be seen by a physician. Use of these medications with severe toxicity is not recommended in children.
JO AN C. ROHYANS, M.D.
GEORGE DeLAND, M.D.
KATIE SCHLOTFELDT, M.D.
TRACEY KOCH, F.N.P.
ROBIN HELM, M.D.
Sandpoint