Clipping Board » Medical Myths ─ The truth about healthcare is often different from what you intuitively think.
Liao Pei-yu / Taipei Report | China Times Electronic News – May 16, 2016
Should you take fever-reducing medicine as soon as you have a fever? Fever is a common discomfort symptom in many children, and older generations often believe that fever must be reduced immediately to avoid "burning out the brain." However, doctors remind us that fever is a symptom, and the underlying cause should be identified. People do not suffer brain damage from fever alone, and fever-reducing medicine should be used as prescribed by a doctor to avoid suppressing the fever response excessively, which could delay diagnosis or treatment.
Dr. Hsueh Kuang-chieh, a family medicine specialist at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, stated that common fevers are caused by colds or viral infections, and moderate fever reduction can make patients feel more comfortable. However, if the fever is of unknown origin, the exact cause should be identified and properly treated. Taking medicine to reduce fever will not help the condition and may even delay medical attention.
Fever is usually caused by acute infections. Dr. Kang Hung-ming, a family medicine physician, explained that the public should understand that fever is a symptom, not the cause of illness. In the past, it was often said that high fever could "burn out the brain," but this is a misconception. Brain damage is typically caused by diseases such as Japanese encephalitis or bacterial meningitis, where viruses or bacteria infect the brain, not the fever itself.
Many parents become extremely worried when their child has a fever and may even aggressively administer fever-reducing medication until the child's temperature returns to normal. Dr. Kang said that when a child has a fever, parents can observe their condition. If their activity level and appetite are similar to usual, and they do not seem particularly uncomfortable, there is no need to insist on medication or injections to reduce the fever. Using a warm towel to wipe the body or an ice pillow are viable alternatives.
Dr. Kang noted that roseola, a common condition in infants, often involves a fever of 38–39°C for 4–5 consecutive days, but most children do not show significant discomfort. Parents simply need to monitor the progression of the illness. If fever is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is required.
Dr. Hsueh also reminded the public that after taking fever-reducing medicine, one should observe for about 8 hours and not increase the dosage on their own. Parents should also check whether diseases like enterovirus or dengue fever are prevalent in their area and seek medical attention promptly if necessary.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ he……ne- cautiously- 215003406. html
Fever Doesn't Burn the Brain, Use Fever Reducers Cautiously
Should you take fever-reducing medicine as soon as you have a fever? Fever is a common discomfort symptom in many children, and older generations often believe that fever must be reduced immediately to avoid "burning out the brain." However, doctors remind us that fever is a symptom, and the underlying cause should be identified. People do not suffer brain damage from fever alone, and fever-reducing medicine should be used as prescribed by a doctor to avoid suppressing the fever response excessively, which could delay diagnosis or treatment.
Dr. Hsueh Kuang-chieh, a family medicine specialist at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, stated that common fevers are caused by colds or viral infections, and moderate fever reduction can make patients feel more comfortable. However, if the fever is of unknown origin, the exact cause should be identified and properly treated. Taking medicine to reduce fever will not help the condition and may even delay medical attention.
Fever is usually caused by acute infections. Dr. Kang Hung-ming, a family medicine physician, explained that the public should understand that fever is a symptom, not the cause of illness. In the past, it was often said that high fever could "burn out the brain," but this is a misconception. Brain damage is typically caused by diseases such as Japanese encephalitis or bacterial meningitis, where viruses or bacteria infect the brain, not the fever itself.
Many parents become extremely worried when their child has a fever and may even aggressively administer fever-reducing medication until the child's temperature returns to normal. Dr. Kang said that when a child has a fever, parents can observe their condition. If their activity level and appetite are similar to usual, and they do not seem particularly uncomfortable, there is no need to insist on medication or injections to reduce the fever. Using a warm towel to wipe the body or an ice pillow are viable alternatives.
Dr. Kang noted that roseola, a common condition in infants, often involves a fever of 38–39°C for 4–5 consecutive days, but most children do not show significant discomfort. Parents simply need to monitor the progression of the illness. If fever is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is required.
Dr. Hsueh also reminded the public that after taking fever-reducing medicine, one should observe for about 8 hours and not increase the dosage on their own. Parents should also check whether diseases like enterovirus or dengue fever are prevalent in their area and seek medical attention promptly if necessary.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ he……ne- cautiously- 215003406. html