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Many conversations between
parents and pediatricians center on stories or "facts" that have
no scientific proof. These pediatric myths are handed down from
generation to generation in both lay and medical communities and
often have a basis in experience and logic. Discussed below are
popular pediatric myths which either lack scientific support or
have been disproved through medical research.
Perhaps the most common
myth is that failing to dress warmly causes colds. There is no basis
for this in medical research. Viruses cause colds. Failing to don
a hat does not. Another common myth is that it is not a good idea
to let children with colds drink milk because it will increase congestion
or mucous. However, scientific research has shown that milk does
not cause or worsen mucous in a child.
Similarly, teething
does not produce fevers, diarrhea and ear infections. Children teethe
relentlessly between four and twenty months. As they approach nine
months, they gain mobility. Maternal antibodies wane at this time.
Therefore, as the infant crawls and teethes, every virus he encounters
is new to his immune system. Fevers, diarrhea, and ear infections
merely coincide with teething.
An ever present myth
is that fever is extremely dangerous and needs to be treated aggressively.
Many believe that an untreated fever may rise high enough to cause
brain damage. Much of this fear stems from the era before modern
medicine when medical care was supportive. The level of medical
technology did not allow for the treatment of the fever's cause,
so practitioners focused on the fever itself. Fever is better understood
as a symptom of illness, usually infection, but not necessarily
the most dangerous symptom. (The exception is newborns and infants;
a rectal temperature of 100.4° or higher should be reported to the
pediatrician immediately). The child's ability to interact with
family members and take fluids are far better keys to the seriousness
of the illness than is the height of the fever or its response to
antipyretics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
Antipyretics provide
comfort, not a cure, just as fever is a symptom, not an illness.
The practice of alternating acetaminophen, as opposed to using either
antipyretic alone, has no scientific evidence for safety nor for
effectiveness in lowering a fever. The American Academy of Pediatrics
does not recommend alternating these antipyretics.
Many enduring pediatric
myths involve food. An example is the idea that sugar consumption
leads to hyperactivity. There is no evidence that "sugar rushes"
exist. Insulin metabolism counters extra sugar rapidly in the blood
stream of a non-diabetic person. Another food myth is that chocolate
and fatty foods cause acne. Swimming on a full stomach does not
cause cramps. Finally, introducing fruits or yellow or green vegetables
to an infant in any particular order is based on experience, not
science.
This article addresses
a few of the many "facts" and pediatric myths a parent
will hear. The desire to be good parents makes us susceptible to
all baby and child rearing advice. Ask a pediatrician or consult
a well researched source before making a decision involving the
care of a child.
Article
contributed by Dr. Rhoda Mahoney, M.D., Pediatric Associates of
Richmond, Inc. Dr. Mahoney has been with Pediatric Associates of
Richmond, Inc. since 1985, is a clinical instructor at MCV, and
is on the Board of Directors for Commonwealth Parenting Center.
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