Hi everyone - I’m wondering if there are any studies on the use of fever-reducing medications and SWCAH. My 4 yr old SWCAH son has had his fair share of infections with fevers over the years and I have never used Tylenol or anything similar for reducing fever. He has "ridden out" fevers of 103 and even 104 with very careful observation by me and tripled hydocortisone only. (and extra fluids of course). I work for a wellness chiropractor and my children and I have been chiropractic patients for years. Along with regular wellness check ups and adjustments if needed, I take my children in if they are getting sick for an adjustment to help their nervous systems and immune systems be in top shape for fighting bugs. I’ve learned that viruses prefer cooler body temperatures, so the body, in its wisdom, increases its temperature to help fight off the virus. By using fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol at the first sign of fever, we are reducing the body’s ability to fight infections. We can still get over the infection, but we may sick for a couple of extra days.

So far, this philosophy has worked for us, but I’ve read some of Roberta’s posts about fever being a life and death situation, and I’m just wondering if this is in fact true. For non- CAH kids, fever in and of itself, is not a problem. I never even take my daughter’s temp when she is ill. I always do for my son so I can gauge how much extra hydocortisone to give. You can be really sick with out having even a slight fever, and you can be only slightlyt ill while having  a fever. Fevers are nothing to be afraid of really. Its the reason for the fever that we need to be exploring.

If anyone knows of anything definate to refute this, I would really appreciate hearing from you. I stongly believe in the body’s own wisdom in caring for itself - we were born with our own immune systems for a reason - but if I’m putting my CAH son at risk with this philosophy, I want to know for sure.  Thanks for "listening" ( sorry for the long post!). Jill T