What temperature is considered critical in an adult? What is a person's normal temperature? Folk remedies for fever

Body temperature- one of the main physiological constants of the body, providing optimal level the course of biological processes. Slightly decreased or increased body temperature - how to treat it? How to treat high or low temperature and is it necessary to do it at all?

How to measure body temperature correctly

To find out the exact temperature, you need to measure your rectal temperature. In this case, the measurement error is the lowest. When a patient already has a fever, measurements taken elsewhere will be very different from the actual temperature.

The usual normal body temperature is not very easy to determine. Significant individual variations may occur throughout the day. On average, the temperature fluctuates between 36 and 37.5 degrees. If a person is physically active, he is warm; in the evening the temperature is usually slightly higher than in the morning.

What is the best thermometer to measure body temperature?

The old glass mercury thermometers that remain in most households are already obsolete. In addition, they are quite dangerous in the hands of a child.

Today there are modern temperature meters: digital, or contact, and infrared. While a digital thermometer can be placed in the mouth, rectum or armpit, infrared temperature measuring devices are placed in the ear or forehead.

Digital thermometer (also electronic contact thermometer): Temperature can be read digitally. These models are very reliable, especially when used rectally, as mentioned above. If this is not possible, temperature readings will be relatively accurate if the thermometer is placed in the mouth.

Ear thermometer: Using infrared rays, the temperature is measured in seconds by eardrum. However, this thermometer is not suitable for newborns with otitis media. But if your child is uncomfortable taking rectal temperature, an ear thermometer is a good alternative. At the pharmacy you can ask for a thermometer appropriate for the child's age.

Forehead thermometer: The temperature of the forehead is also measured using infrared rays. But with such measurements, small deviations are often inevitable.

Normal body temperature

We all know that normal temperature body - 36.6 C. In fact, this indicator is for the same person in different periods life changes. For example, a thermometer gives different numbers throughout the month, even with full health. This is typical mainly for girls. Their body temperature usually rises slightly during ovulation and returns to normal with the onset of menstruation. But fluctuations in body temperature can occur within one day.

In the morning, immediately after waking up, the temperature is minimal, and in the evening it usually rises by 0.5 C.

contribute slightly elevated temperature bodies can:

stress;
physical activity;
taking a bath;
drinking hot (as well as strong) drinks;
staying on the beach;
clothes that are too warm;
emotional outburst.

And there are also people for whom the normal body temperature is not 36.6, but 37 C or even slightly higher. As a rule, this applies to boys and girls of asthenic body type, who, in addition to an elegant physique, also have a vulnerable mental organization.

Fever is not uncommon, especially in children. According to statistics, it is typical for every fourth child aged 10 to 15 years. Typically, such children are somewhat withdrawn and slow, apathetic or, conversely, anxious and irritable. But in adults this phenomenon is not unique.

However, you shouldn’t blame everything on the characteristics of the body. Therefore, if normal temperature body was always normal and suddenly became suddenly elevated over a long period of time and in different times days is a cause for concern.

Causes of elevated body temperature

The cause of increased body temperature may be inflammatory process or infection. But sometimes the thermometer readings remain above normal even after recovery. Moreover, elevated body temperature can last for several months. This is how post-viral asthenia syndrome often manifests itself. Doctors in this case use the term “temperature tail”.

Caused by consequences past infection A slightly elevated body temperature is not accompanied by changes in tests and goes away on its own. However, here lies the danger of confusing asthenia with incomplete recovery, when an elevated temperature indicates that the disease, which has subsided for a while, has begun to develop anew. Therefore, just in case, it is better to take a blood test and find out whether the leukocytes are normal. If everything is in order, you can calm down, the temperature will jump and jump and over time it will “come to its senses.”

Other common reason elevated body temperature - experienced stress. There is even a special term - psychogenic temperature. In this case, elevated temperature is accompanied by symptoms such as feeling unwell, shortness of breath and dizziness. Well, if in the foreseeable past you have not suffered from stress or infectious diseases, and your body temperature is elevated, then it is better to get examined. After all, the cause of a prolonged increase in body temperature can be dangerous diseases.

With elevated body temperature, the first thing you need to do is exclude all suspicions of inflammatory, infectious and other serious illnesses. First, you need to contact a therapist who will draw up an individual examination plan. As a rule, if there is an organic cause for elevated body temperature, there are other characteristic symptoms:

pain in different areas bodies;
weight loss;
lethargy;
increased fatigue;
sweating

When palpated, an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes may be detected. Typically, finding out the causes of elevated temperature begins with the following examinations:

general and biochemical urine and blood tests;
X-ray of the lungs;
Ultrasound internal organs.

Then, if necessary, more is prescribed detailed studies– for example, blood tests for rheumatoid factor or hormones thyroid gland. In the presence of pain of unknown origin and especially when sharp decline body weight requires consultation with an oncologist.

If examinations have shown that there are no organic reasons for elevated body temperature, it is too early to relax, since there is still cause for concern.

Where does elevated temperature come from, even if there are no organic causes?

It appears not at all because the body accumulates too much heat, but because it does not transfer it well to the environment. Violation of the thermoregulation system on physical level can be explained by a spasm of superficial vessels located in the skin of the upper and lower limbs. Also, in the body of people with elevated body temperature, disruptions in the endocrine system can occur (the causes may be dysfunction of the adrenal cortex and metabolism).

Doctors consider this condition as a manifestation of the syndrome vegetative-vascular dystonia and even gave it a name - thermoneurosis.

And although this is not a disease in its pure form, because no organic changes occur, it is still not the norm. After all, prolonged elevated temperature is stress for the body. Therefore, this condition must be treated. Neurologists at elevated temperatures in such cases recommend:

massage; acupuncture (to normalize the tone of peripheral vessels);
psychotherapy.

Greenhouse conditions do not help, but rather hinder getting rid of thermoneurosis. Therefore, for those who suffer from this disorder, it is better to stop taking care of themselves, and start to harden and strengthen the body. People with problematic thermoregulation need:

correct daily routine;
regular, plentiful meals fresh vegetables and fruits;
taking vitamins;
sufficient stay for fresh air;
physical training;
hardening.

Diseases with high body temperature

The normal value of body temperature is maintained by two groups of processes: heat production and heat transfer. The thermometer will show more high numbers upon activation of heat production:

Or if heat transfer deteriorates:

Pneumonia

If, in addition to a high temperature, you are bothered by a cough, shortness of breath even at rest and/or you cough brown sputum- consult a doctor immediately! Perhaps you have infectious disease lungs, such as pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be quite severe, especially in older people and people in poor health. If the doctor confirms the diagnosis, he may prescribe fever reducers and antibiotics. In addition, the specialist will refer you for an x-ray chest. Sometimes there is a need for inpatient treatment.

Acute bronchitis

If you are coughing up grayish-yellow mucus and/or having difficulty breathing, you may have acute bronchitis(infectious disease respiratory tract). Drink as much fluid as possible and try to reduce your fever. You can also use cough suppressant medications. If you experience shortness of breath or do not feel better after 48 hours, be sure to consult a doctor.

Flu

headache;
pain in the limbs;
runny nose;
sore throat.

It is very likely that you have something in common viral disease, for example, the flu. Stay in bed and take aspirin or paracetamol to reduce your fever and feel better. If you develop shortness of breath or do not feel better after 48 hours, contact your doctor.

Meningitis

If you have one or more of the following symptoms:

pain when tilting the head forward;
nausea or vomiting;
fear of bright light;
drowsiness or confusion.

Consult your doctor. These symptoms may be caused by meningitis (inflammation meninges), caused by microbes or viruses entering the brain.

You will probably be hospitalized to clarify the diagnosis using lumbar puncture. If you have bacterial meningitis, you will be given antibiotics, most likely intravenously. If you have meningitis of viral origin, no special treatment will not be required, but you will be prescribed painkillers and the necessary solutions will be administered intravenously. Recovery usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.

Acute infection of the kidneys or bladder

If you have one or more of the following symptoms:

lower back pain;
frequent urination;
pain when urinating;
pink or cloudy urine.

The cause of these symptoms may be an acute infection of the kidneys or bladder.

Consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will examine you, give you a urine test, and probably prescribe antibiotics. He will also refer you to special X-ray examination kidneys to determine the cause of the disease. Further treatment depends on the results of the examination.

Staying under the hot sun or in a stuffy room

Staying under the hot sun or stuffy room may lead to an increase in body temperature. In most of these cases, the elevated temperature returns to normal value after about an hour in a cool room. But call a doctor right away if your temperature continues to rise.

High fever associated with postpartum infection

Postpartum infection, although a rare disease these days, can cause fever after the birth of a child. This usually occurs when the uterus and/or vagina becomes infected after childbirth. If you experience pain and redness of the mammary gland, then it may be infected. If your doctor suspects you have a postpartum infection, he or she will send a sample of your vaginal discharge for testing. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes

If, in addition to a high temperature, you feel pain in the lower abdomen and/or you have had heavy or unpleasant smell vaginal discharge. Inflammation fallopian tubes(sometimes referred to as salpingitis) - possible reason these symptoms. The doctor will perform a vaginal examination and collect discharge for analysis. If the test results confirm the diagnosis, you will most likely be prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Fever may be a symptom of the following diseases

How to bring down the temperature

What temperature should I lower?

This issue has long been quite acute among doctors.

Both opinions have a place to be, because an increase in temperature can be caused various factors: it could be external manifestation disorders of the nervous system, in this case taking antipyretic drugs may not be effective.

The temperature may rise slightly during the working day (overexertion, jar of Hearts), if no symptoms colds However, no, you can’t shoot it down.

Should I bring down a low temperature if it lasts for several days?

It is quite possible that this is a sign of neurosis or traumatic brain injury, hormonal disorder in the body. In this case, you first need to establish the cause; there is no point in deliberately lowering the temperature.

What medicines can be used to reduce the temperature?

In the human understanding, medicine is a kind of magic pill that must be taken urgently. Undoubtedly, if the temperature has really risen quite strongly and the patient is feeling unwell, you need to take action and give syrup or a tablet.

But before you bring down your temperature with the help of pharmaceutical drugs, try to do it with “natural” methods. First, give the patient hot tea or compote. This will give the body required quantity moisture. After a while, offer the drink again, but with raspberries. Raspberries promote increased sweating, which helps heat transfer.

Provide cool air in the room.
If possible, try not to wrap the patient up too much.
Rubbing with alcohol will quickly help bring down a very high temperature.

How to bring down the temperature if nothing helps?

Paracetamol suppositories work very well. It is through the intestinal walls that the medicine is absorbed instantly. If you don’t have candles on hand, you can prepare an enema. To do this, dissolve in warm water crushed antipyretic tablets and administer them to the patient.

Reduced body temperature

Often, many people complain about an unreasonable drop in temperature, while their hands and feet get cold, and there is general apathy and lethargy. Low body temperature occurs for a number of reasons:

low hemoglobin;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
decreased immunity;
recent illness;
loss of strength.

If you visited a doctor, took tests, and the low body temperature remained, then in order to increase your body temperature, try changing your lifestyle - go in for sports, follow the principles healthy eating, take more vitamins.

Causes of decreased body temperature

decreased thyroid function;
adrenal gland damage;
violation normal functioning the body after a chronic illness;
overwork;
use of a large number of drugs;
pregnancy;
lack of vitamins C and much more.

Reduced body temperature - (i.e. body temperature below 36°C) is sometimes observed in healthy people in the morning, but even at this time it usually does not fall below 35.6°C.

A morning temperature drop to 35.6 - 35.9°C is often observed with a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, with some diseases of the brain, exhaustion as a result of fasting, sometimes with chronic bronchitis, and also after significant blood loss.

A reduced body temperature inevitably occurs during freezing (after the end of the stage of adaptive warming of the body due to chills) down to 20 ° C and below, when metabolic processes practically stop and death occurs.

A less pronounced, non-life-threatening, decrease in body temperature is sometimes achieved through artificial cooling of the body (artificial hypothermia) in order to reduce the metabolic rate and the body’s need for oxygen, in particular during long periods of time. surgical operations using artificial blood circulation machines.

The first signs of low body temperature

weakness;
drowsiness;
general malaise;
irritability;
inhibition of thought processes.

If a child has a low body temperature, he or she must be shown to a doctor.

If at low body temperature a person does not experience any unpleasant symptoms, alert and efficient, examinations did not reveal any pathology, and the temperature throughout life remains lower than usual for healthy person, this can be regarded as a variant of the norm.

How to increase body temperature

There are life situations, in which a person needs to artificially increase body temperature. In this context, there are countless methodologies for achieving the desired indicators, both the most effective and those that are unstable.

First of all, it is recommended as the safest way to increase the temperature, implementation physical exercise for endurance, and you can determine the list of exercises yourself, main point in this process - achieving high fatigue.

Also to safe ways increases in body temperature can be attributed to staying in a very hot bath, though with small growth rates - up to 2 degrees.

A general physical method derived from the laws of thermodynamics - placing the body in any space where the temperature is higher than the temperature of the body itself.

One of the simplest, but enough effective ways reach desired result - rub your armpits with salt.

They work almost as well iodine ingredients- for example, a small amount of unrefined sugar along with 4-5 drops of iodine on the tongue, or diluting a larger amount of iodine in a glass of water, adding about 6 tablespoons of unrefined sugar. An increase in body temperature is ensured by such methods.

It is also quite effective graphite consumption in small quantities.

More exotic ways to increase temperature include: placing the cut onion under the armpits for 10-15 minutes.

Fever in a small child

If a child, especially a small one, has a fever, some parents get scared and don’t know what to do. The appearance of a high temperature signals an emerging disease. In the most critical moments, you should immediately call an ambulance; in other cases, you can cope with the temperature yourself.

What should not be done if a child has a high temperature?

What needs to be done?

Questions and answers on the topic "Body temperature"

Question:Can the temperature be 37.2-37.3 in the evening and 35.2 in the morning with oncology?

Answer: Such temperature surges are possible, but not only with oncology.

Question:Tell me, is low body temperature normal? In my life, my temperature is 35.4 - 35.6 (I feel good). I had a high temperature only a few times in childhood due to serious illnesses, but now (28 years old) I endure all diseases not just without a fever, but on the contrary with a low fever, right now, for example, I have laryngitis, my temperature stays at 34.8! Stable. (I feel slightly weak). What is the reason for this?

Answer: Low temperature bodies are not the norm! Check your thyroid function to see if there is any decrease in function.

Question:How to correctly measure a child's temperature?

Answer: Experts recommend measuring the baby’s temperature at rest, or even better, when the baby is sleeping. The baby should be picked up or placed on his side if he is sleeping. Place the thermometer on the side opposite the mother. Placing the thermometer involves placing it completely between the child’s arm and body, as if hiding it from the armpit to the elbow. For children over 4-5 years old, it is permissible to place the thermometer, like adults, perpendicular to the plane of the shoulder.

Question:How many days can you lower your temperature? What to do if the temperature rises again and again?

Answer: In cases where you do not know what exactly is causing your or your child's fever, be sure to consult a doctor if you (or your child) do not feel better within 1 day of getting sick, or if you develop some signs described at the beginning of the article. As we said above, in similar situations, it is much more important to identify the cause of the disease and begin treatment aimed at eliminating it than to bring down the temperature. If you know what is causing the fever and it is not dangerous, you can reduce the fever (and accompanying symptoms) within a few days.

Question:Which medicine for fever should I choose?

Answer: To reduce high fever in children, you can use either Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Ibuprofen, or Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can be used to reduce high fever in adults.

Question:Hello! I am 25 years old, my temperature has been 36.9 - 37.2 for more than half a year. It doesn't create any problems for me! I just don’t know if it’s possible to do heavy sports (barbell) at this temperature? During training it only makes you feel hot, but that’s normal! Tell me please!

Answer: Hello. In a healthy person, body temperature can rise to 37.5C; this is not dangerous. You can exercise if you otherwise have no health problems.

Question:Hello! For four months now the temperature has been 37.5 - 37.7. But only in a standing position, that is, if you lie down, the temperature will return to normal. Doctors say this is a “disorder of internal thermoregulation.” I ask how to treat - they shrug their shoulders. I no longer know what to do or what to think. Help please. Tell me something. Which doctor should I go to next?

Answer: Hello. Violation of thermoregulation is a normal variant and does not need to be treated.

Question:Please tell me how many minutes it takes to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer?

Answer: Hello! Body temperature is measured with a mercury thermometer for 7-10 minutes, while the armpit should firmly fix the device so that the result is as reliable as possible. In addition to mercury, there are also electronic contact thermometers. They measure temperature faster, usually within 30-60 seconds. however, many instruments are subject to inaccuracy. The most convenient option for young children is non-contact thermometers that measure body temperature the moment you hold it over the forehead.

Question:Hello, we are 5 months old, our daughter’s temperature has been 37-37.3 since birth, 2 weeks ago we had a general blood test and a general urine test, the pediatrician said that the indicators are normal. But the temperature is constantly above 37. We also now have swollen upper gums, the lower 2 incisors have already erupted. Should I do it or postpone it? what to do with this body temperature? Should I take any additional tests? Until 5 months, there was a medical referral for neurology, now the neurologist has authorized the vaccination.

Answer: Hello! Often in children, such a temperature is considered normal, especially if no pathologies are detected in the blood and urine. Regarding vaccination: I recommend that you consult with an immunologist in person, he will give permission for vaccination or make a individual schedule according to which you will vaccinate your baby. I strongly recommend that before visiting the doctor you apply Viferon gel to your child’s nose, there is a lot of it now viral infection, the child must be protected.

Answer: Hello! You have treatment for giardiasis, so you can treat and then control this moment repeated analyzes. The child’s body temperature does not drop critically, so I don’t see any reason to worry yet. You can take a general blood test and see the changes.

Question:A week ago our temperature rose to 37.2. They called a doctor, examined him, said that his throat was red and hard breathing and the upper teeth are cutting, she diagnosed “tracheitis”, prescribed the antibiotic Lecoclar, and cough syrup Ambraxol. We took tests. The tests are more or less normal, only the leukocytes are low 3.6. The rest is normal. We started treatment, the temperature subsided for three days, then rose again to 37.2. They took me to the doctor. She said that her throat was normal and her breathing was clear. That most likely these are teeth. Can this temperature be maintained during teething? What should I do?

Answer: Hello! The teeth themselves cannot cause fever. They can cause a temporary decrease in immunity and, as a result, infection with viruses or bacteria. Therefore, when body temperature rises, a high-quality examination by a doctor is recommended, plus basic tests - a general blood test and a general urine test (whether they contain inflammatory changes, responsible for increasing body temperature). You say that all tests are normal, except for a decrease in leukocytes (may be due to a viral infection). I recommend you start antiviral treatment, for example, effective and safe drug Viferon. However, before using it, you must consult your pediatrician in person.

Thermoregulation is rightfully considered one of the most important features human body.

Body temperature is maintained by the body at the required level, and is responsible for its ability to generate heat and exchange with the environment.

Throughout the day, body temperature may vary, but only slightly.

This process is related to the metabolic rate, for example, in the morning it is lower, and in the evening it rises by about a degree.

It is worth finding out what is the normal body temperature of an adult, and what types are there? How is body temperature measured correctly in the armpit and mouth?

What does normal mean?

So, what temperature is considered normal? It is widely accepted that the temperature of the human body is exactly 36.6 degrees. A slight deviation in one direction or the other is allowed.

Based on the human condition, surrounding climatic conditions and time of day, as well as other parameters, body temperature can be from 35.5 to 37.4 degrees. It is worth noting that the average temperature regime women are higher, unlike men - by 0.5 degrees.

In the armpit, the body temperature should be 36.3-36.9, in the mouth - 36.8-37.3, in the rectum 37.3-37.7, and this is a normal temperature.

An interesting point is that the average body temperature may differ depending on nationality. For example, the Japanese average value is 36 degrees, and for Australians it is all 37.

Throughout the day, a person's body temperature can fluctuate by about one degree. The lowest body temperature occurs in morning time, and the highest in the evening.

In females, body temperature may fluctuate depending on menstrual cycle. There are people for whom a temperature of 38 is normal and is not a symptom of the development of the disease.

Each organ in the human body also has its own temperature. And what temperature is normal?

The norm is different for everyone. The internal organ liver is 39 degrees, the kidneys and stomach should be 1 less.

How to measure temperature correctly?

To correctly measure the temperature in the armpit, you need to follow these recommendations:

Make sure that the armpit is dry.
Take a thermometer, wipe it with a dry cloth, you can bring it down to 35.
Place it in the armpit so that the tip filled with mercury is in close contact with the body.
Keep for at least 10 minutes.
You can evaluate the result.

How to correctly measure the temperature in the mouth:

Before measuring the temperature in your mouth, you need to spend about five minutes at rest.
If you have dentures in your mouth, remove them.
If the thermometer is ordinary, wipe it dry and place it under the tongue on either side.
Close your mouth and wait 4 minutes.

The normal temperature in the mouth of a healthy person should be 37.3 degrees. It is worth noting that measuring the temperature in the mouth an ordinary thermometer must be done with extreme caution.

What temperature is there?

Human temperature is divided into the following types:

Subfebrile.
Febrile.
Pyretic.
Hyperthermia.

Low-grade temperature – 37 -37.5 degrees. Such a temperature in a person may be normal and not cause danger, but it may also indicate pathological processes, occurring in the body. Therefore, it is very important to find out why a person’s temperature has risen:

Overheating in the sun, strong physical activity.
Hot water treatments– sauna, bathhouse.
Viral or cold disease.
Hot and spicy food.
Chronic illnesses.

Lead to a prolonged temperature of 37 and serious illnesses, threatening for life. Oncological diseases (a tumor can affect an organ such as the stomach) and tuberculosis in the early stages of development are characterized by a slight increase in temperature.

In some situations, this body temperature is normal for a healthy person, and there is no need to bring it down. But to make sure where the norm is and where there are deviations from it, you need to consult a doctor.

A febrile temperature of 37.6 always signals that an inflammatory process is occurring in the body. Normal temperature rises to such a level to combat pathogenic microorganisms, creating for them not favorable conditions. So shoot her down medications shouldn't.

You can simply drink more warm liquid to reduce the concentration of toxins and prevent dehydration.

Pyretic temperature - more than 39, indicates acute course inflammatory process. If the mercury column shows this value, doctors advise starting to take antipyretic medications.

If a person’s temperature is 39 degrees, convulsions are possible, so people who have concomitant illnesses need to be more careful.

The most common causes of this temperature are microorganisms and viruses that penetrate the body. Also, this body temperature is possible in case of severe burns or injuries.

Hyperthermia - temperature (40.3), makes you sound the alarm and immediately call an ambulance, it is important to know before the ambulance arrives. At 42 degrees, an organ such as the brain can be irreversibly damaged, the central nervous system is depressed, and blood pressure drops.

If nothing is done, every internal organ is damaged, resulting in coma and the risk of death.

Which temperature is considered low and which is considered low? It's simple, there are situations when the mercury column shows less than 35 degrees, here you need to start worrying.

After all, at a temperature of 32 the patient will feel stunned, at 29.5 there is loss of consciousness, and at 26.5 there will be death.

The reasons for low temperature are:

For hypothyroidism; because of alcoholic drinks(an organ such as the brain stops functioning, the thermoregulation center is affected)
Malfunction of the central nervous system, brain damage (trauma, tumor).
Paralysis, as a result of which body weight decreases and heat loss occurs.
Strict diets, constant hunger - all this leads to the fact that the body has little energy to produce heat, and every organ in the body “suffers”.
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure of a person to low temperature conditions, as a result of which own strength The body can no longer cope with the function of thermoregulation.
Dehydration, as a result of which the body lacks fluid, which leads to a decrease in metabolism.

A moderate decrease in temperature (35.3) occurs:

Normal overwork, or serious physical exertion, chronic lack of sleep.
Wrong diet or diet.
Hormonal imbalance (pregnancy, thyroid disease, menopause).
Violated carbohydrate metabolism against the background of liver disease.

There are a number of methods by which you can increase your body temperature. As a rule, they do not imply any medications, except if the decrease is caused by severe illness.

To increase the temperature at home, you can place a heating pad under your feet. hot water, change into more warm clothes. Hot tea with honey or decoctions with medicinal herbs(St. John's wort, ginseng).

In conclusion, it is worth saying that everyone has their own norm for body temperature. If one person feels great with a temperature of 37, and there are no inflammatory processes in the body, this does not mean that the situation with another person will be exactly the same.

It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body, so if you have the slightest doubt, you should visit a doctor. Elena Malysheva will popularly tell you what to do with the temperature in the video in that article.

Many people consider increased or decreased body temperature a symptom of illness. But it is not the same for all people; some deviations from the norm are possible. Different methods measurements can give different results. What temperature is considered normal and where to measure it.

What temperature is normal

Perhaps the main medical fact that has been known to everyone since the very beginning small age, is that the normal temperature of a healthy person should be 36.6 °C. Our body is very complex mechanism, which even modern science I haven't fully studied it yet. The symptoms of many diseases are very similar to each other, many of them are even almost invisible. But measuring temperature can be done easily and quickly. This leads to the fact that many people consider an increase in body temperature to be the most important symptom, and it is by this that they determine whether they are sick or not. In such fun organizations as the army, this is very widely used by the authorities lower level– if a person does not have a fever, then he is healthy and can perform all his duties, for example, walking in formation in the cold. For most schoolchildren, the thermometer becomes in a good way skip classes - when you don’t feel like going to school, you just need to show your mom that your body has become one degree hotter.

Where does a person have a temperature of 37

But not everything is so simple with our body. Do you think that right now you have exactly these cherished 36.6 °C? Yeah, wait. Even if your body has indicators as close as possible to the average, then even then its temperature is different places different. So your armpit temperature should be 36.5 °C, one tenth lower than the norm you know. And if you put a thermometer in your mouth, as you often saw in Hollywood films of the last century, it should show that an absolutely healthy person has a temperature of 37 degrees. And that's absolutely normal.

And if you measure your temperature rectally, like a baby, you will already see 37.5 ° C, which will cause concern for some, although this is an absolutely normal temperature. I hope that schoolchildren like myself are not reading this, otherwise they will be able to make their parents nervous in a simple way by measuring their temperature in this way in order to stay home after the weekend.

What is considered normal

Yes, even in different armpits, the temperature will be different. On the left, closer to the heart, it will be 0.1-0.3°C higher. By the way, if you conduct such an experiment, and your indicators are different, greater than these numbers, then this is already a reason to go to the doctor - on the side where the temperature is higher, the inflammatory process may have begun. If we take the maximum temperature difference, then in certain moments, for example, after intense physical activity, it in different parts of the body, such as muscles and internal organs, can differ by up to ten degrees! But don't be alarmed, you are unlikely to be able to detect such a difference. To measure it in such places, you need to have special equipment, and not a regular mercury or electronic thermometer.

And at different times of the day, your temperature will fluctuate within tenths of a degree, depending on work and food intake. In the morning it will be slightly lower, and by the end of the day it will rise. And with age, she also fluctuates. Children are usually “warmer” than older people. But all these fluctuations, in a healthy person, do not exceed the limits of one degree. You probably want to ask what temperature is normal for a healthy person. I answer, the norm is the heat of your body, which is in the range of 36.3–36.8 °C. At certain moments it can reach from 35.5 to 37.4 °C, but for a short time, after which it should return to normal limits.

I wish you that your temperature always remains in them.

Vital important function The human body is thermoregulation. The human body generates heat, maintains it at an optimal level, and carries out temperature exchange with the air environment. Body temperature is an unstable value; it changes insignificantly during the day: in the morning it is low, and in the evening it rises by about a degree. Such fluctuations are caused by daily changes in metabolic processes in the body.

What does it depend on?

Body temperature is a value that shows the thermal state of any living creature. It represents the difference between the production of heat by the body and heat exchange with the air. A person’s temperature constantly fluctuates, which is determined by the following factors:

age;
physical condition of the body;
climatic changes in the environment;
some diseases;
period of day;
pregnancy and others individual characteristics body.

Stages of body temperature change

There are two classifications of temperature changes. The first classification reflects the stages of temperature according to thermometer readings, the second - the state of the body depending on temperature fluctuations. According to the first medical classification, body temperature is divided into the following stages:

low - less than 35°C;
normal - 35 - 37°C;
subfebrile - 37 - 38°C;
febrile - 38 - 39°C;
pyretic - 39 - 41°C;
hyperpyretic - more than 41°C.

According to the second classification, the following states of the human body are distinguished depending on temperature fluctuations:

hypothermia - less than 35°C;
norm - 35 - 37°C;
hyperthermia - more than 37°C;
fever.

What temperature is considered normal?

What should be the normal temperature for a healthy adult? In medicine, 36.6°C is considered normal. This value is not constant; during the day it increases and decreases, but only slightly. There is nothing to worry about if the temperature drops to 35.5°C or rises to 37.5°C, since its fluctuations are greatly influenced by climatic conditions, age and well-being of a person. In people of different ages The upper limit of normal temperature measured in the axillary fossa is different and has the following values:

in newborn babies - 36.8°C;
in six-month-old babies - 37.5°C;
in one-year-old children - 37.5°C;
in three-year-old children - 37.5°C;
in six-year-old children - 37.0°C;
in people reproductive age- 36.8°C;
in older people - 36.3°C.

Usually during the day the body temperature of a healthy person fluctuates within one degree.

The lowest temperatures are observed in the morning immediately after waking up, and the highest in the evening. It should be taken into account that the temperature female body on average 0.5°C higher than male body, and can vary significantly depending on the menstrual cycle.

It is interesting to note that representatives of different nationalities have different body temperatures. For example, in most healthy Japanese people the body does not heat above 36.0°C, and in the inhabitants of the Australian continent the temperature is considered to be 37.0°C. Different temperatures Human organs also have: the oral cavity - from 36.8 to 37.3°C, the intestines - from 37.3 to 37.7°C, and the hottest organ is the liver - up to 39°C.

How to measure correctly with a thermometer

To get reliable results, the temperature in the armpit should be measured correctly. To do this, you need to perform the following steps sequentially:

cleanse the skin in the armpit from sweat;
wipe the thermometer with a dry cloth;
shake the device until the temperature on the scale drops to 35°C;
place the thermometer in the armpit so that the mercury capsule fits tightly to the body;
hold the device for at least 10 minutes;
Take out the thermometer and see to what point on the scale the mercury has reached.

Measure temperature mercury thermometer in the mouth it is necessary not only correctly, but also carefully, so as not to inadvertently bite into a capsule filled with mercury or swallow its contents. Temperature oral cavity a healthy person is usually 37.3°C. To correctly measure the temperature in your mouth, you need to do the following:

Before the procedure, lie quietly for a few minutes;
remove removable dentures from the mouth, if any;
wipe the thermometer with a dry cloth;
place the device with a mercury capsule under the tongue;
close your lips and hold the thermometer for exactly 4 minutes;
take out the device, determine to what point on the scale the mercury has reached.

Symptoms and causes of increased body temperature

A low-grade fever of 37.0 - 37.5°C is usually considered normal, but is sometimes a sign of pathologies developing in the body. In most cases, a slight increase in body temperature is caused by the following factors:

prolonged exposure to the sun;
intense physical activity;
bath procedures, taking a hot shower;
cold, viral infection;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
eating hot or spicy food.

Sometimes a rise in temperature to 37°C is provoked not by harmless factors, but by life-threatening diseases. Most often, low-grade fever is set at long time at malignant tumors and early stages of tuberculosis. Therefore, even a slight increase in body temperature should not be treated negligently, and if you feel the slightest discomfort, you should go to the doctor.

Only a medical professional can determine whether a temperature of 37°C is normal for a particular person. IN in rare cases Doctors get to examine amazing patients for whom 38°C is the normal temperature.

A febrile temperature of 37.5 - 38.0°C is a sure sign of the development of an inflammatory reaction in the body. The body of a sick person is deliberately heated to such a level in order to suppress the viability of pathogenic microorganisms in this way.

Therefore, lowering febrile temperature with medications is not recommended. The body needs to be given the opportunity to overcome the infection on its own, and to alleviate the condition, prevent dehydration and get rid of toxic substances, a sick person should drink a lot of warm water.

At a pyretic temperature of 39°C, there is no doubt that the body is experiencing an acute inflammatory reaction. Typically, fever is caused by pathogenic viruses and bacteria that actively multiply in tissues and organs. Less commonly, a significant increase in body temperature is observed with severe injuries and extensive burns.

Pyretic temperature is often accompanied by muscle cramps, so people prone to convulsive conditions during inflammatory diseases you need to be extremely careful. When the body heats up to 39°C, you must take antipyretic medications. It is not difficult to understand that a fever is starting, since the following symptoms are usually observed:

malaise, weakness, powerlessness;
pain in the joints of the limbs;
weighting of muscles;
migraine;
chills;
heart rhythm disturbance;
loss of appetite;
profuse sweating;
drying out skin and mucous membranes.

If hyperthermia is 40°C, call immediately medical care. The highest temperature it can withstand human body, equal to 42°C. If the body heats up higher, then metabolic reactions in the brain are blocked, the functioning of all organs and systems stops, and the person dies.

The factor that caused the hyperpyretic temperature can only be determined medical specialist. But most often fever is provoked pathogenic bacteria, viruses, toxic substances, severe burns and frostbite.

You can increase your body temperature in different ways. If the cooling of the body is caused by severe pathologies, then it is impossible to do without medications. If the decrease in temperature is not associated with diseases, then pharmaceuticals It is not necessary to consume it, just warm your feet in hot water, sit in an embrace with a heating pad, dress warmly. It is also useful to drink a hot drink in the evening. herbal tea with honey.

“The norm for each person is an objective, real, individual phenomenon... A normal system is always an optimally functioning system.”

V. Petlenko

Body temperature is a complex indicator thermal state of the human body, reflecting the complex relationships between heat production (heat generation) of various organs and tissues and heat exchange between them and external environment. The average human body temperature typically ranges between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees Celsius, due to internal exothermic reactions and the presence of "safety valves" that allow excess heat to be removed through sweating.

The “thermostat” (hypothalamus) is located in the brain and is constantly engaged in thermoregulation. During the day, a person’s body temperature fluctuates, which is a reflection of circadian rhythms (more about which you can read in the previous issue of the newsletter - " Biological rhythms"from 09/15/2000, which you will find in the "archive" on the mailing site): the difference between body temperature early in the morning and in the evening reaches 0.5 - 1.0 ° C. Temperature differences between internal organs (several tenths of a degree) have been identified; the difference between the temperature of internal organs, muscles and skin can be up to 5 - 10°C.

In women, the temperature varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle; if a woman’s body temperature is usually 37°C, it drops to 36.8°C in the first days of the cycle, before ovulation it drops to 36.6°C, then, on the eve of the next menstruation, it rises to 37.2°C, and then again reaches 37°C. In addition, it has been established that in men the temperature in the testicular area is 1.5 ° C lower than on the rest of the body surface and the temperature of some parts of the body differs depending on physical activity and their positions.

For example, a thermometer placed in the mouth will show a temperature 0.5°C lower than that of the stomach, kidneys and other organs. Temperature various areas the body of a conventional person at an ambient temperature of 20°C; internal organs - 37°C axilla- 36°C deep muscle part of the thigh - 35°C deep layers of the calf muscle - 33°C elbow area - 32°C hand - 28°C center of the foot - 27-28°C Critical temperature body temperature is considered to be 42°C, at which metabolic disorders occur in the brain tissue. The human body is better adapted to cold. For example, a drop in body temperature to 32°C causes chills, but does not pose a very serious danger.

At 27°C, coma occurs, cardiac activity and breathing are impaired. Temperatures below 25°C are critical, but some people manage to survive hypothermia. Thus, one man, covered with a seven-meter snowdrift and dug out five hours later, was in a state of imminent death, and his rectal temperature was 19°C. He managed to save his life. There are two other cases where patients who were hypothermic to 16°C survived.

Fever

Hyperthermia is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 37°C as a result of illness. This is a very common symptom that can occur when there is a problem in any part or system of the body. Not falling for a long time elevated temperature indicates dangerous condition person. Elevated temperature can be: low (37.2-38°C), medium (38-40°C) and high (over 40°C). Body temperature above 42.2°C leads to loss of consciousness. If it does not subside, brain damage occurs.

Hyperthermia is divided into intermittent, temporary, permanent and recurrent. Intermittent hyperthermia (fever) is considered the most common type, characterized by daily temperature changes above normal. Temporary hyperthermia means a daytime decrease in temperature to normal levels, and then a new increase above normal. Temporary hyperthermia over a wide temperature range usually causes chills and increased sweating. It is also called septic fever.

Constant hyperthermia is a constant increase in temperature with small differences (fluctuations). Recurrent hyperthermia means alternating febrile and apyretic (characterized by the absence of elevated temperature) periods. Another classification takes into account the duration of hyperthermia: short (less than three weeks) or prolonged. Prolonged hyperthermia can occur when the temperature rises for unknown reasons, when careful examination cannot explain the causes. In infants and children younger age there is a high temperature for more than long periods time, with large differences or more rapid growth temperatures than in older children and adults.

Possible causes of hyperthermia

Let's consider the most likely options. Some should not cause you concern, but others may make you worry.

Everything is fine

Mid-menstrual cycle(of course, if you are a woman). For many representatives of the fairer sex, the temperature usually rises slightly during ovulation and normalizes with the onset of menstruation. Return to measurements after 2-3 days.

Evening has come. It turns out that temperature fluctuations in many people can occur within one day. In the morning, immediately after waking up, the temperature is minimal, and in the evening it usually rises by half a degree. Go to bed and try to measure your temperature in the morning.

You recently played sports and danced. Physically and emotionally intense activities increase blood circulation and warm up the body. Calm down, rest for an hour and then put the thermometer under your arm again.

You are slightly overheated. For example, you just took a bath (water or sun). Or maybe you drank hot or intoxicating drinks, or simply dressed too warmly? Let your body cool down: sit in the shade, ventilate the room, take off excess clothing, drink soft drinks. So how? 36.6 again? And you were worried!

You have experienced severe stress. There is even a special term - psychogenic temperature. If something very unpleasant has happened in life, or perhaps there is an unfavorable atmosphere at home or at work that makes you constantly nervous, then perhaps this is the reason that “warms you up” from the inside. Psychogenic fever is often accompanied by symptoms such as general poor health, shortness of breath and dizziness.

Low-grade fever is your norm. There are people for whom the normal value on the thermometer is not 36.6, but 37 °C or even a little higher. As a rule, this applies to asthenic boys and girls who, in addition to an elegant physique, also have a fine mental organization. Do you recognize yourself? Then you can rightfully consider yourself a “hot thing.”

It's time to see a doctor!

If you do not have any of the above circumstances and at the same time measurements taken with the same thermometer over several days and at different times of the day show inflated numbers, it is better to find out what this may be due to. Low-grade fever can accompany diseases and conditions such as:

Tuberculosis. Given the current alarming situation with the incidence of tuberculosis, it would not be superfluous to do fluorography. Moreover, this study is mandatory and must be carried out annually for all persons over 15 years of age. This is the only way to reliably control this dangerous disease.

Thyrotoxicosis. In addition to elevated temperature, nervousness and emotional instability, sweating and palpitations are most often noted, increased fatigue and weakness, weight loss against the background of normal or even increased appetite. To diagnose thyrotoxicosis, it is enough to determine the level thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Its decrease indicates an excess of thyroid hormones in the body.

Iron deficiency anemia. Often, iron deficiency occurs due to hidden bleeding, minor but constant. Often the reasons are heavy menstruation(in particular with uterine fibroids), as well as stomach ulcers or duodenum, tumors of the stomach or intestines. Therefore, it is imperative to look for the cause of anemia.

Symptoms include weakness, fainting, pale skin, drowsiness, hair loss, brittle nails. A blood test for hemoglobin can confirm the presence of anemia.

Chronic infectious or autoimmune diseases, as well as malignant tumors. As a rule, in the presence of an organic cause of low-grade fever, an increase in temperature is combined with other characteristic symptoms: pain in different parts of the body, weight loss, lethargy, increased fatigue, sweating. When palpated, an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes may be detected.

Usually, finding out the reasons for the appearance of low-grade fever begins with general and biochemical analysis urine and blood, x-ray of the lungs, ultrasound of internal organs. Then, if necessary, more detailed studies are added - for example, blood tests for rheumatoid factor or thyroid hormones. In the presence of pain of unknown origin and especially with sudden weight loss, consultation with an oncologist is necessary.

Post-viral asthenia syndrome. Occurs after suffering from acute respiratory viral infection. Doctors in this case use the term “temperature tail”. A slightly elevated (subfebrile) temperature caused by the consequences of an infection is not accompanied by changes in tests and goes away on its own. But, in order not to confuse asthenia with incomplete recovery, it is better to donate blood and urine for tests and find out whether leukocytes are normal or elevated. If everything is in order, you can calm down, the temperature will jump and jump and over time it will “come to its senses.”

Presence of outbreak chronic infection(for example, tonsillitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the appendages and even caries). In practice, this cause of elevated temperature is rare, but if there is a source of infection, it must be treated. After all, it poisons the entire body.

Thermoneurosis. Doctors consider this condition as a manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome. Along with low-grade fever There may be a feeling of lack of air, increased fatigue, sweaty limbs, seizures causeless fear. And although this is not a disease in its pure form, it is still not the norm.

Therefore, this condition must be treated. To normalize the tone of peripheral vessels, neurologists recommend massage and acupuncture. A clear daily routine, adequate sleep, walks in the fresh air, regular exercise, and sports (especially swimming) are helpful. Psychotherapeutic treatment often produces a lasting positive effect.

Interesting facts

Highest body temperature July 10, 1980 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, NY. Georgia, USA, 52-year-old Willie Jones was admitted with heatstroke. His temperature turned out to be 46.5° C. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 24 days.

Lowest human body temperature was registered on February 23, 1994 in Regina, Ave. Saskatchewan, Canada, to 2-year-old Carly Kozolofsky. After the door of her house was accidentally locked and the girl was left in the cold for 6 hours at a temperature of -22°C, her rectal temperature was 14.2°C
From the Guinness Book of Records

Temperature in some animals:

Bat in hibernation - 1.3°
Golden hamster - 3.5°
Elephant - 3.5°
Horse - 37.6°
Cow - 38.3°
Cat - 38.6°
Dog - 38.9°
Ram - 39°
Pig - 39.1°
Rabbit - 39.5°
Goat - 39.9°
Chicken - 41.5°
Lizard in the sun - 50-60°C.