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Quite often, a body temperature of 37 degrees (it is also called subfebrile) is perceived as a sign of a disease, but this is not always the case. An increase in body temperature in the evening is the norm, but if this condition is observed in the morning, then you should already think about it. The fact is that subfebrile temperature accompanies many diseases that occur in a latent or asymptomatic form. In any case, if the body temperature remains above 37 degrees for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
What temperature should be normal for an adult
There is no single indicator that reflects normal body temperature.
There are many factors that affect this indicator:
- Times of Day;
- the age of the person;
- ambient temperature and humidity;
- hormonal fluctuations;
- psycho-emotional state;
- level of physical and mental activity;
- infection.
Back in the 19th century, the German scientist Wunderlich conducted research on measuring body temperature in 25 patients. Measurements were taken in the armpit. As a result, the scientist found that the norm for a healthy person is the familiar 36,6 ° C. Today, the limits of normal temperature are much wider and fluctuate between 35,5-37,3˚С. Moreover, doctors recommend regularly measuring the temperature in order to know their own individual values. It should be borne in mind that in the morning hours (6 am) the body temperature is minimal (subject to normal night sleep), and after 16 pm – maximum.
Causes of a temperature of 37 in an adult
A temperature of 37 degrees is a relative indicator. For some, this is a variant of the norm, and for someone – a sign of the disease. Long-lasting elevated body temperature, especially in the morning, may indicate some pathological processes in the body.
Consider the possible causes of a prolonged increase in body temperature:
- neurocirculatory dystonia (a condition associated with an imbalance in the work of the autonomic nervous system);
- transferred infectious disease;
- premenstrual syndrome;
- non-infectious chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, anemia, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, hyperthyroidism);
- psychopathic disorders;
- latent infectious and inflammatory diseases, including tuberculosis, mononucleosis, brucellosis;
- autoimmune diseases;
- inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease);
- chronic hepatitis;
- lymphogranulomatosis and other lymphomas;
- malignant neoplasms.
How to bring down the temperature of 37 adults
First you need to determine whether this temperature is normal for a person or is it a sign of an inflammatory process in the body. To do this, you should consult a doctor and undergo a laboratory and instrumental examination. The specialist may prescribe the following types of studies:
- general blood analysis;
- general urine analysis;
- blood for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis;
- biochemical parameters of blood;
- thyroid hormone levels;
- fluorography;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, thyroid gland;
- FGDS.
In case of any deviation, you should contact the specialized specialists – an endocrinologist, a rheumatologist, an infectious disease specialist or a gynecologist.
Medications
- The main medicines that should be taken at a temperature of 37 are those that are aimed at treating the underlying disease.
- Taking antipyretics is recommended only in case of severe intoxication (headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea). 7 days – the maximum period of use of funds without a doctor’s prescription. You can use paracetamol, ibuprofen.
- According to the doctor’s prescription, you can take drugs to strengthen the immune system – Genferon, Polyoxidonium, Bronchomunal.
- Vitamins – it is better to use vitamin-mineral complexes and take them in a course.
Folk remedies
The use of traditional medicine for fever of unknown origin is unacceptable. This can lead to the development of serious complications. Only general strengthening agents are allowed that do not have a strong effect on the body:
- vitamin drinks (berry compotes, rosehip broth, cranberry juice, ginger and lemon drinks);
- jams (from ginger, pumpkin, raspberries, currants);
- tinctures of onion, garlic.
The use of these methods is not a treatment and does not cancel the medication prescribed by the doctor.
General rules
- Mandatory observance of the regime of work and rest.
- Proper and balanced nutrition.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Comfortable temperature conditions at work and at home.
- Avoid hypothermia, stress.
- Exercise, preferably outdoors.
Popular questions and answers
We discussed important issues related to temperature with therapist Tatyana Pomerantseva.
Do they bring down the temperature of 37 adults?
What is the danger of a temperature of 37 in an adult?
Why does the temperature of 37 in an adult last for a long time?
latent inflammatory process – while the body temperature will return to normal only after the treatment of the disease;
autoimmune disease – fever is most often observed during exacerbation, and does not manifest itself during remission;
individual characteristics of the organism.
What to do if the temperature is constantly 37 in an adult?
Sources of:
- Body temperature. Umryukhin E. A., Bryazgunov I. P. Big medical encyclopedia in 30 volumes. Volume No. 24. Moscow, 1985.
- Man in cold conditions. Barton A., Edholm O. Moscow, 1957.
- Comparative physiology of animals. Prosser L., Brown F. Moscow, 1967.
- Hensel Н. Neural processes in thermoregulation, «Physiological Reviews», 1973, v. 5-3, № 4.