What can body temperature tell us? Learning to read thermometer readings correctly.
February 9 2016
RATE OPTION: 35,9 TO 37,2
Such thermometer readings do not cause concern. The most accurate idea of the state of health is given by the temperature measured in the middle of the day in a person at rest. In the morning we are colder by 0,5-0,7 degrees, and by night – warmer by the same value. Men, on average, have a lower temperature – by 0,3-0,5 degrees.
TOO LOW: 35,0 TO 35,5
If the mercury column does not rise above these values, it can be concluded that the body has undergone serious stress. This happens with a significant drop in immunity from various reasons, after specific treatment of cancer and radiation exposure. A low temperature accompanies an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). By the way, a heavy meal will also lower your body temperature in the morning.
What to do: If the situation does not change within a few days, it is worth contacting a therapist.
FORCE DECLINE: FROM 35,6 TO 36,2
These figures do not conceal a particular danger in themselves, but may indicate chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal depression, overwork, meteosensitivity. Most likely, you have accompanying symptoms: a persistent decrease in mood, sleep disturbance, you are constantly freezing, and your hands and feet may be damp.
What to do: change the daily routine and diet, lead a more active lifestyle. Be sure to take a complex of vitamins, avoid stress.
BOUNDARY: FROM 36,9 TO 37,3
This temperature is called subfebrile. The mercury column reaches these values in quite healthy people during sports, baths and saunas, and eating spicy foods. These same thermometer readings are quite normal for pregnant women. But if the subfebrile temperature lasts for days and weeks, you should be on your guard. It is quite possible that an inflammatory process is taking place in the body. Symptoms may also indicate metabolic disorders, such as hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism).
What to do: you must definitely get to the bottom of the reason. It can hide in the most unexpected areas, for example, in neglected carious teeth.
REAL HEAT: 37,4 TO 40,1
This is not a sign of illness, but a protective reaction of the body. For the production of interferon, which fights viruses and bacteria, it is precisely a high temperature that is needed. Usually, patients urgently begin to take antipyretic and thereby knock down the development of the immune response, delay the course of the disease. At temperatures up to 38,9, no medication is required, you need to rest and drink plenty of fluids so that toxins are removed. If the fever is 39 and above, accompanied by body aches, headache, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen strictly according to the instructions. A doctor is called if the high numbers persist and do not fall for three days.
What to do: If your fever is not associated with a cold or acute respiratory illness, seek immediate medical attention.
WHAT THERMOMETER TO CHOOSE?
· Mercury – slow and not accurate enough, in case of damage it poses a serious health hazard.
· Infrared – measures the temperature in the ear canal in a second, very accurate, but quite expensive.
· Electronic – accurate, inexpensive, takes measurements from 10 to 30 seconds.