FEVER CONTROL

In ways we don't often realize, many of our prominent diseases are intimately associated with our exposure to chemicals of various kinds, from kitchen detergents and exhaust fumes, to powerful drugs. 

We've become so accustomed to contact with chemicals and drugs that we have idiomatic expressions in our language, such as "harmless as an  aspirin:' However, we shouldn't regard any exposure to a chemical not  native to the body or the natural environment as being harmless, or to be used safely, without restraint.

Aspirin

Aspirin, the trade name for acetylsalicylic acid, should be looked at carefully; since about 10,000 Americans lose their lives each year because of its use, not counting deaths from accidental overdosage in children.

Some 40,000 tons are used worldwide to the tune of $1.6 billion in sales each year, making it the most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in use. However, approximately five percent of those taking aspirin will have heartburn after a single dose, and stomach bleeding and ulceration may follow in susceptible individuals. This affliction results in most of the deaths from aspirin.

Aspirin can double the time necessary for human blood to clot, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhage, but the most disabling of the adverse reactions by far, is that of asthma. This is often caused by very small amounts of the drug, and may be accompanied by swelling of the larynx, abdominal pain, and shock. In an occasional case, death may occur within minutes, but fortunately, this type of sensitivity occurs in less than 0.2 percent of the general population.

Aspirin overdose is a major cause of death in children up to 6 years of age, accounting for more than 500 deaths each year. Great care should be taken to protect unborn babies from drugs, no matter how mild - including antacids, antihistamines, or any other drug or chemical. This point cannot be emphasized too strongly, as many infants are marked for life because of a small exposure to a chemical the mother took while pregnant. Often the defect in the child is of a biochemical nature, rather than a structural abnormality

Fever Control

Fortunately, most fevers can be easily controlled without NSAIDs. A hot bath of 105-110° F can easily treat common fevers by sitting in it until the skin is quite red, and profuse sweating occurs. It is important to keep an ice-cold cloth to the forehead after the first five minutes - or from the beginning, if the fever starts out over 101° F.

Take a cup of hot water or hot herb tea when sweating begins, and after 10-20 minutes, when the skin is red and the patient is sweating profusely; finish off by taking a brief spray of cool water over the entire body from the chin downward.

Follow up with a quick friction rubdown with a coarse towel, then wrap up in a bathrobe, jump in bed, and sweat for a full half-hour. After this, take a normal shower to cleanse the skin and relieve the sense of chilliness after sweating, and re-dress. If the treatment has been a good one, a sensation of weakness may develop after a minute or so of standing' because of the transfer of blood from the interior of the body to the exterior. This is normal, and should be followed with a period of rest.

NOTE: This article presents principles designed to promote good health, and is not intended to take the place of personalized professional care. The opinions and ideas expressed are those of the writer. Readers are encouraged to draw their own conclusions about the information presented.

Dr. Agatha Thrash cofounded Uchee Pines Institute. A variety of Dr. Agatha Thrash's books, as well as some very good cookbooks, are available from the Uchee Pines Country Life Natural Food Store by calling 877-824-3374.