Effect of Warm Water Foot Bath on Fever Management in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fever is one of the most common symptoms in childhood, especially in children under the age of five. While it is the most frequent reason for visits to healthcare institutions, it accounts for 25% of pediatric emergency visits. Lack of knowledge about fever in parents triggers fear, and the thought that it can cause seizures, disability, and brain damage induces anxiety and panic in many families. In the presence of anxiety and panic, families may quickly resort to early and incorrect treatment. Administering less medication than necessary for low fevers or high doses for high fevers, repeated use of antipyretics, and inappropriate use of antibiotics lead to ineffective management, resulting in an increase in repeated emergency visits and unnecessary crowding in emergency services. Published guidelines on high fever have emphasized focusing on pain and comfort rather than reducing fever in children. It is reported that foot baths, preferred in pain management, effectively reduce pain and increase comfort. Additionally, guidelines related to fever highlight that warm applications after medication administration can effectively lower persistent fever. Warm water foot bath therapy dilates blood vessels, increases blood circulation, releases heat as sweat, and supports increased oxygenation. Increased circulation improves tissue nutrition and reduces stress. Literature has shown that body temperature decreased in children who received a warm water foot bath. Similarly, studies reported that warm water foot baths were effective in reducing fever in individuals with complaints of high fever.