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We associate various types of diseases, ranging from colds to more serious conditions, mainly with increasing the temperature. However, it may happen that a person’s body temperature drops as a result of various factors. What does this situation mean and when does it require special attention?
What body temperature is normal?
The normal range of human body temperature is from 36,6 to 37 degrees C. Of course, the norms vary depending on the place of the body where the measurement is taken – the body temperature is always slightly higher, for example, in the anus than in the armpit. If the body temperature is above 37 degrees Celsius and below 38 degrees, it is called a low-grade fever. Above 38 degrees C we are already dealing with a fever.
- Find out more about fever
Body temperature may also drop. If it is below 36,6 degrees C but above 35, it is simply a low body temperature condition with no special name in medical terminology. However, when the temperature drops below 35 degrees C, we deal with hypothermia, i.e. a state of body cooling.
In order to be able to regularly monitor the body temperature of adults and children, it is worth getting a non-contact thermometer Tm-F03BB, which allows hygienic measurement. The thermometer will alert you when the body temperature is incorrect and has the function of remembering the last 32 measurement results.
You can also buy an electronic thermometer with a flexible NOVAMA tip for measuring body temperature, which is safe and convenient to use even during ractal measurement.
- Find out more about low-grade fever
External reasons for lowering body temperature
If the thermometer shows low temperature, first make sure there is no measurement error. Low temperature is often the result of the thermometer being insufficiently pressed against the body surface or the measurement taking too short time. For this reason, it is worth repeating the measurement every time the thermometer shows a lowered temperature, so that the result is as reliable as possible. In order not to distort the result, it is worth having a high-quality device. We recommend the Visiofocus Smart thermometer, which accurately measures body temperature and has the function of memorizing the results.
Low body temperature can often have temporary causes. It is enough to just get cold or spend a long time in soaked clothes. In this case, you can warm up with an electric heating blanket, which also soothes rheumatic pains and improves blood circulation.
Of course, the impact of low temperature on a person cannot be underestimated – staying in the cold without appropriate clothing can lead to frostbite, and hypothermia, where the body temperature drops below 28 degrees Celsius, is already a direct threat to life.
Diseases with lowered body temperature
There are also a number of diseases that can lead to a drop in body temperature. Often these are diseases of organs that somehow participate in the process of thermoregulation. Here are some examples of them:
- liver failure
- Hypothyroidism,
- adrenal insufficiency,
- hypopituitarism,
- kidney failure
- malnutrition,
- anemia,
- diabetes.
In order to exclude the presence of diseases whose symptom is low body temperature, it is worth performing appropriate diagnostic tests. At Medonet Market you can buy a basic test package for men and women and a child’s health test, which will allow you to have the health of the whole family under control.
If you need a consultation with your family doctor, you can do it for free under the National Health Fund without leaving your home. The change of the current health care clinic is available here.
Low body temperature is also associated with neurological diseases. This can happen because a part of the brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for thermoregulation. Its operation is disturbed in the following diseases, which are manifested by a reduced body temperature:
- a tumor of the central nervous system,
- stroke,
- multiple sclerosis,
- Parkinson’s disease,
- spinal cord injury
- mechanical head injuries,
- intracranial bleeding.
If you want to be sure that the low body temperature is not related to neurological diseases, make an appointment with a neurologist who will undertake the proper diagnosis.
Before consulting your doctor, you can also go through a brief medical interview yourself.
Low body temperature and drugs and other substances
Various chemicals can influence the thermoregulatory processes in the body. Low body temperature is sometimes the result of poisoning with certain toxins, such as ethylene glycol. Certain drugs can also cause this effect, especially with prolonged use, leading to a weakening of the body. The effect of alcohol abuse on body temperature is similar.
- Find out more about chills
A low body temperature can be a side effect of certain medications, especially benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and neuroleptics (drugs for anxiety and sedatives) and beta-blockers (used in cardiac treatment).
Interestingly, the lowered body temperature with a cold may be the result of taking antipyretic drugs too eagerly. In such a situation, it is worth reducing the doses of these drugs a little, because the body functions best when its temperature is normal and it gives the best conditions for recovery.
To control the temperature and make sure it is not too low, it is worth getting a non-contact thermometer with a distance sensor. Visiofocus Light has the function of remembering the last 9 results and allows you to measure the temperature of the body, surface and liquid.
The rest of the article is available under the video.
Temperature too low in a child?
A slight weakening of the body and the associated decrease in temperature are common symptoms of colds in children. If the temperature has not dropped below 35 degrees Celsius, this is a rather typical symptom and should not be alarming. However, if there is hypothermia, it requires absolute consultation with a doctor.
It is also worth remembering that, especially in very young children, thermoregulatory processes are not fully developed. For this reason, it is easy to lower the body temperature even after a temporary cooling down, e.g. after opening a window or changing scrolls.
If a drop in body temperature in a child or an adult raises anxiety or doubts as to the cause of this condition, it is worth visiting a family doctor on TV. This way you can get quick advice without having to visit an outpatient clinic.
- Also read: High fever in a child – causes and ways of lowering the temperature