Comparing the Effectiveness of Water Sponging Combined with Antipyretics Versus Antipyretics Alone in Lowering Fever in Children: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.031Abstract
Background: Fever occurs when the body temperature rises above normal due to external factors, such as exposure to high temperatures or heat sources. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of water sponging in combination with antipyretic versus antipyretic only on reducing body temperature in children with fever. Methods: This was a systematic review of primary studies using true experimental designs collected from online sources published between 1994 until 2024. Articles were screened using the PRISMA flow diagram with the following keywords: body temperature, children, fever, febrile, water sponging, antipyretic, randomized controlled trial. The data was reviewed accordingly. Results: The findings have revealed that three studies found no significant difference in temperature drops between tepid water sponging combined with antipyretics and antipyretics alone. Other studies, however, noted a faster initial drop with the combination, but temperatures equalized after two hours, with some children experiencing additional discomfort. Conclusion: The study concludes that while tepid water sponging combined with antipyretics initially reduces fever faster, both methods equalize within two hours, and the combination may cause additional discomfort.
Keywords:
Antipyretic, Body Temperature, Children, Febrile, Fever, Water SpongingDownloads
References
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