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TVBS Updated: "2011/04/16 12:37" Hong Lingming
Many parents likely share this experience: when a child has a fever, fearing the brain might be "damaged" by the heat, they use ice pillows or cooling patches to bring down the temperature. However, the Department of Health states this method is ineffective. Doctors warn that fever during illness is a natural protective response. Using ice pillows to reduce fever may interfere with the immune system, prolonging recovery from a cold. For those with metabolic disorders, it could even lead to shock or death.
Doctor: "Is the neck (hot) too?" Parent: "The neck is okay."
When a child runs a high fever, aside from seeing a doctor, parents often turn to ice pillows or fever-reducing patches. But the Department of Health has announced these methods don’t work. Lee Ping-ying, Secretary-General of the Pediatric Medical Association: "The brain commands a temperature of 39°C, but you try to lower the body to 37°C. This creates a discrepancy, forcing the body to increase metabolic activity."
Doctors caution that fever caused by viral or bacterial infections naturally raises body temperature—typically above 38°C—to strengthen immune function. Using an ice pillow to lower temperature contradicts the brain's command, forcing the body to accelerate metabolic reactions. This weakens resistance, prolongs recovery, and may even cause shock or death in those with metabolic abnormalities.
Parents' biggest fear—brain damage from fever—is also unrelated to high temperatures. Most cases result from encephalitis or meningitis. Lee Ping-ying: "When the body temperature is returning to normal, ice pillows can help speed up heat dissipation, reducing excessive sweating and the risk of dehydration."
In truth, ice pillows are merely an aid after fever reduction. They are only useful for heat exhaustion or congenital conditions that impair sweating. If a fever exceeds 39°C, fever-reducing medication becomes necessary. Doctors emphasize that identifying the root cause of fever and treating it accordingly is the fundamental solution.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110416/ 8/ 2pxng. html
Using Ice Pillow for Fever is "Ineffective" and May Disrupt Metabolism, Risking Shock
Many parents likely share this experience: when a child has a fever, fearing the brain might be "damaged" by the heat, they use ice pillows or cooling patches to bring down the temperature. However, the Department of Health states this method is ineffective. Doctors warn that fever during illness is a natural protective response. Using ice pillows to reduce fever may interfere with the immune system, prolonging recovery from a cold. For those with metabolic disorders, it could even lead to shock or death.
Doctor: "Is the neck (hot) too?" Parent: "The neck is okay."
When a child runs a high fever, aside from seeing a doctor, parents often turn to ice pillows or fever-reducing patches. But the Department of Health has announced these methods don’t work. Lee Ping-ying, Secretary-General of the Pediatric Medical Association: "The brain commands a temperature of 39°C, but you try to lower the body to 37°C. This creates a discrepancy, forcing the body to increase metabolic activity."
Doctors caution that fever caused by viral or bacterial infections naturally raises body temperature—typically above 38°C—to strengthen immune function. Using an ice pillow to lower temperature contradicts the brain's command, forcing the body to accelerate metabolic reactions. This weakens resistance, prolongs recovery, and may even cause shock or death in those with metabolic abnormalities.
Parents' biggest fear—brain damage from fever—is also unrelated to high temperatures. Most cases result from encephalitis or meningitis. Lee Ping-ying: "When the body temperature is returning to normal, ice pillows can help speed up heat dissipation, reducing excessive sweating and the risk of dehydration."
In truth, ice pillows are merely an aid after fever reduction. They are only useful for heat exhaustion or congenital conditions that impair sweating. If a fever exceeds 39°C, fever-reducing medication becomes necessary. Doctors emphasize that identifying the root cause of fever and treating it accordingly is the fundamental solution.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110416/ 8/ 2pxng. html