Aloe vera therapy to reduce fever in children with typhoid

Abstract

Typhoid fever is an acute intestinal infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, which enters the human body through contaminated food and water. It is a highly contagious disease that can affect large populations and potentially lead to outbreaks. In endemic areas, the primary mode of transmission is contaminated water, whereas in non-endemic areas, food contaminated by asymptomatic carriers is the main source of transmission. Typhoid fever often causes an elevated body temperature, particularly in children, resulting in the nursing diagnosis of hyperthermia. To manage hyperthermia, non-pharmacological interventions such as aloe vera compresses can be utilized. Aloe vera is composed of approximately 95% water, which provides a cooling effect for patients with hyperthermia. It reduces body temperature through conduction, whereby heat is transferred from the body to the aloe vera. This case study aimed to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera compresses in reducing body temperature among children with typhoid fever and hyperthermia in the Tulip 2 Ward at Soerojo Hospital, Magelang. A descriptive case study method was used, involving the application of aloe vera compress therapy for three consecutive days. The results showed a total decrease in body temperature of 1.2°C over the 3-day period, with an average reduction of 0.2°C following each application of the aloe vera compress.

Keywords: Complementary therapy, fever, infection, nursing care, typhoid