How body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. Normal, high and low body temperature. Low temperature symptoms

04.04.2020

"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 of the thermal state of the human body, reflecting the complex relationship between heat production (heat production) of various organs and tissues and heat exchange between them and the external environment. The average temperature of the human body typically fluctuates 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 by 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 mailing list - "Biological rhythms" dated 09/15/2000, which you will find in the "archive" on the mailing site): body early in the morning and in the evening reaches 0.5 - 1.0 ° C. Temperature differences between the internal organs (several tenths of a degree) were revealed; the difference between the temperature of the 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, drops to 36.6 ° C before ovulation, then, on the eve of the next menstruation, it rises to 37.2°C, and then again reaches 37°C. In addition, it was found that in men the temperature in the testicles 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 position.

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. The temperature of various areas of the body of a conditional person at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C internal organs - 37 ° C armpit - 36 ° C deep muscle part of the thigh - 35 ° C deep layers of the gastrocnemius muscle - 33 ° C elbow area - 32 ° C hand - 28°С the center of the foot - 27-28°С Critical body temperature is considered to be 42°С, when it occurs a metabolic disorder in the brain tissues. The human body is better adapted to the cold. For example, a decrease in body temperature to 32 ° C causes chills, but does not pose a very serious danger.

At 27°C, coma occurs, there is a violation of cardiac activity and respiration. Temperatures below 25°C are critical, but some people manage to survive hypothermia. So, one man, covered with a seven-meter snowdrift and dug out after five hours, was in a state of inevitable death, and the rectal temperature was 19°C. He managed to save his life. Two more cases are known when patients, supercooled to 16 ° C, survived.

Elevated temperature

Hyperthermia is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 37 ° C as a result of a disease. This is a very common symptom that can occur when there is a malfunction in any part or system of the body. A high temperature that does not subside for a long time indicates a dangerous condition of a person. Elevated temperature is: 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, then brain damage occurs.

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

Constant hyperthermia - a constant increase in temperature with small differences (fluctuations). Recurrent hyperthermia means intermittent febrile and apyretic (characterized by the absence of fever) periods. Another classification takes into account the duration of hyperthermia: short (less than three weeks) or prolonged. Prolonged hyperthermia can occur with an increase in temperature for unknown reasons, when careful research cannot explain the causes that cause it. Infants and young children have high temperatures for longer periods of time, with larger fluctuations and faster temperature rises than older children and adults.

Possible Causes of Hyperthermia

Consider the most likely options. Some should not cause you concern, but others may make you worry.

Everything is good

middle of the menstrual cycle(of course, if you are a woman). In many women, 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 by the evening it usually rises by half a degree. Go to bed and try to measure the temperature in the morning.

You recently went in for sports, danced. Physically and emotionally intense activity increases blood circulation and warms 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 they drank hot or strong drinks, or simply dressed too warmly? Let your body cool down: sit in the shade, ventilate the room, remove excess clothing, drink soft drinks. Well, how? Again 36.6? And you were worried!

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

Subfebrile condition is your norm. There are people for whom the normal value of the mark on the thermometer is not 36.6, but 37 ° C or even a little higher. As a rule, this refers to asthenic boys and girls, who, in addition to their graceful physique, also have a fine mental organization. Did you recognize yourself? Then you can rightfully consider yourself a "hot thing."

Time to see a doctor!

If you do not have any of the above circumstances, and at the same time, measurements made by the same thermometer show overestimated numbers for several days and at different times of the day, it is better to find out what this may be due to. Subfebrile temperature may accompany such diseases and conditions as:

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

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

Iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is often due to occult bleeding, which is minor but persistent. Often their causes are heavy menstruation (particularly with uterine fibroids), as well as stomach or duodenal ulcers, tumors of the stomach or intestines. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the cause of anemia.

Among the symptoms are 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, and sweating. When probing, an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes may be detected.

Usually, finding out the causes of subfebrile temperature begins with a general and biochemical analysis of urine and blood, x-rays of the lungs, and 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 a sharp weight loss, consultation with an oncologist is necessary.

Syndrome of postviral asthenia. Occurs after ARVI. 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 the analyzes and passes on its own. But, in order not to confuse asthenia with incomplete recovery, it is still better to donate blood and urine for tests and find out if leukocytes are normal or elevated. If everything is in order, you can calm down, the temperature will jump, jump and eventually “come to your senses”.

The presence of a focus of chronic infection (for example, tonsillitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the appendages, and even caries). In practice, such a cause of fever is rare, but if there is a focus of infection, it must be treated. After all, it poisons the entire body.

Thermoneurosis. Doctors consider this condition as a manifestation of the syndrome of vegetovascular dystonia. Along with subfebrile temperature, there may be feelings of lack of air, increased fatigue, sweating limbs, attacks of unreasonable fear. And although this is not a disease in its purest 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 regimen, sufficient sleep, outdoor walks, regular hardening, sports (especially swimming) are useful. Often a stable positive effect gives psychotherapeutic treatment.

Interesting Facts

highest body temperature July 10, 1980 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, pc. Georgia, USA, 52-year-old Willie Jones, who suffered from heat stroke, was admitted. His temperature was 46.5°C. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 24 days.

The lowest temperature of the human body was registered on February 23, 1994 in Regina, Saskatchewan Ave., Canada, with 2-year-old Carly Kozolofsky. After the door of her house was accidentally locked and the girl remained 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:

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

The optimal time for measuring the normal body temperature of an adult healthy person is the middle of the day, while before and during measurements, the subject should be at rest, and the microclimate parameters should be within the optimal range. Even under these conditions, the temperature in different people may vary slightly, which may be due to age and gender.

During the day, the metabolic rate changes, and with it the temperature at rest changes. During the night, our bodies cool down, and in the morning the thermometer will show the minimum values. By the end of the day, the metabolism accelerates again, and the temperature rises by an average of 0.3-0.5 degrees.

In any case, normal body temperature should not fall below 35.9°C and rise above 37.2°C.

Very low body temperature

A body temperature below 35.2°C is considered very low. Possible causes of hypothermia include:

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. The diagnosis is established on the basis of blood tests for the content of hormones TSH, svt 4, svt 3. Treatment: prescribed by an endocrinologist (hormone replacement therapy).
Violation of thermoregulation centers in the central nervous system. This can happen with injuries, tumors and other organic brain damage. Treatment: elimination of the cause of brain damage and rehabilitation therapy after injuries and surgical interventions.
Decreased heat production by skeletal muscles, for example, in violation of their innervation as a result of a spinal injury with damage to the spinal cord or large nerve trunks. A decrease in muscle mass due to paresis and paralysis can also lead to a decrease in heat production. Treatment: drug treatment is prescribed by a neurologist. In addition, massage, physiotherapy, exercise therapy will help.
Prolonged fasting. The body simply has nothing to produce heat from. Treatment: restore a balanced diet.
Dehydration of the body. All metabolic reactions take place in the aquatic environment, therefore, with a lack of fluid, the metabolic rate inevitably decreases, and the body temperature drops. Treatment: timely compensation of fluid losses during sports, when working in a heating microclimate, with gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
organism. At very low ambient temperatures, thermoregulatory mechanisms may not be able to cope with their function. Treatment: gradual warming of the victim from the outside, hot tea.
Strong alcohol intoxication. Ethanol is a neurotropic poison that affects all brain functions, including thermoregulatory. Help and treatment: call an ambulance. Detoxification measures (gastric lavage, intravenous infusions of saline), the introduction of drugs that normalize the function of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
The effect of elevated levels of ionizing radiation. The decrease in body temperature in this case is a consequence of metabolic disorders as a result of the action of free radicals. Assistance and treatment: detection and elimination of sources of ionizing radiation (measurement of the levels of radon isotopes and DER of gamma radiation in residential premises, labor protection measures in the workplace where radiation sources are used), treatment is prescribed after confirmation of the diagnosis (drugs that neutralize free radicals, restorative therapy),

With a decrease in body temperature to 32.2 ° C, a person falls into a state of stupor, at 29.5 ° C - loss of consciousness occurs, when cooled below 26.5 ° C, the death of the body most likely occurs.

moderate low temperature

Moderately reduced body temperature is considered to be in the range from 35.8 ° C to 35.3 ° C. The most likely causes of mild hypothermia are:

, asthenic syndrome or seasonal. Under these conditions, a deficiency of some micro and macro elements (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, iron) can be detected in the blood. Treatment: normalization of nutrition, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, adaptogens (immunal, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, etc.), fitness classes, mastering relaxation methods.
Overwork due to prolonged physical or mental stress. Treatment: adjustment of the regime of work and rest, intake of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, fitness, relaxation.
Wrong, unbalanced diet for a long time. Hypodynamia exacerbates the decrease in temperature and helps to slow down metabolic processes. Treatment: normalization of the diet, proper diet, balanced diet, intake of vitamin-mineral complexes, increased physical activity.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, decreased thyroid function, adrenal insufficiency. Treatment: prescribed by a doctor after determining the exact cause of hypothermia.
Taking drugs that reduce muscle tone, such as muscle relaxants. In this case, skeletal muscles are partially switched off from thermoregulation processes and produce less heat. Treatment: contact your doctor for advice on possible drug changes or interruptions.
Violation of liver function, leading to a change in carbohydrate metabolism. The condition will help to detect a general blood test, a biochemical blood test (ALAT, ASAT, bilirubin, glucose, etc.), ultrasound of the liver and bile ducts. Treatment: prescribed by a doctor after appropriate diagnostic procedures. Drug therapy aimed at the cause, detoxification measures, taking hepatoprotectors.

Subfebrile body temperature

This is a slight increase in body temperature when its values are in the range of 37 - 37.5 ° C. The cause of such hyperthermia can be completely harmless external influences, common infectious diseases and diseases that pose a serious threat to life, for example:

Intensive sports or heavy physical labor in a warm microclimate.
Visiting the sauna, bath, solarium, taking a hot bath or shower, some physiotherapy procedures.
Eating hot and spicy foods.
Acute respiratory viral infections.
(the disease is accompanied by an increase in thyroid function and an acceleration of metabolism).
Chronic inflammatory diseases (ovarian inflammation, prostatitis, gum disease, etc.).
Tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous causes of a frequent increase in body temperature to subfebrile values.
Oncological diseases - pose a serious threat to life and often lead to a slight increase in body temperature in the early stages of development.

If the temperature does not exceed 37.5 ° C, you should not try to reduce it with the help of medications. First of all, you need to consult a doctor so that the overall picture of the disease is not “blurred”.

If the temperature does not return to normal for a long time or subfebrile episodes recur from day to day, you should definitely go to the doctor, especially if it is accompanied by weakness, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes. After carrying out additional methods of examination, more serious health problems may be detected than you think.

Febrile temperature

If the thermometer shows 37.6 ° C or higher, then in most cases this indicates the presence of an acute inflammatory process in the body. The focus of inflammation can be localized anywhere: in the lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, etc.

In this case, most of us try to immediately bring down the temperature, but such a treatment tactic does not always justify itself. The fact is that an increase in body temperature is a natural protective reaction of the body, aimed at creating conditions unfavorable for the life of pathogens.

If a sick person does not have chronic diseases and if the fever is not accompanied by convulsions, then it is not recommended to reduce the temperature to 38.5 ° C with medication. Treatment should begin with plenty of fluids (1.5 - 2.5 liters per day). Water helps to reduce the concentration of toxins and their removal from the body with urine and sweat, as a result, the temperature drops.

At higher thermometer readings (39 ° C and above), you can start taking antipyretics, that is, drugs that reduce the temperature. Currently, the range of such drugs is quite large, but perhaps the most famous drug is aspirin, made on the basis of acetylsalicylic acid.

Body temperature provides information about the physical state of the body. Constantly jumping temperature indicators may indicate the development of serious pathologies. Most often, a temperature of 36 to 37 ° C in an adult is considered the norm, it drops to a minimum value at dawn, and rises to a maximum in the evening.

Daily fluctuations in the heat of the human body depend on the activity of the functioning of organs and systems: the body cools slightly when it is at rest, but warms up a little when it performs intense physical activities.

Most often, minor temperature changes are recorded in the evening when going to bed and in the morning when waking up. But sometimes temperature jumps are noticed during the day, and this phenomenon is caused by the following reasons:

too intense physical activity;
prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight;
digestion of food after a hearty and satisfying lunch;
emotional arousal or nervous shock.

In the above conditions, even in an absolutely healthy and hardy person, the body temperature rises to 37 ° C, that is, to the subfebrile stage. And in this case, you don’t need to worry: in order to cool down a little, it’s enough to lie quietly in a shaded place, move away from stress and unrest, and relax.

It is necessary to sound the alarm only when hyperthermia occurs - a violation of the thermoregulation mechanism, accompanied by discomfort in the chest, pain in the head, dyspepsia. In this situation, it is imperative to go to the doctor, since the provocateurs of the disease are often malfunctions in the functioning of the endocrine glands, allergic reactions, and muscular dystonia.

Causes of temperature jumps in women

Most often, sharp jumps in temperature are recorded in pregnant women. This phenomenon is due to the transformation of the hormonal background, a significant increase in the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the blood. During pregnancy, body temperature usually rises and falls between 36.0 and 37.3°C.

Moreover, temperature fluctuations do not affect the well-being of expectant mothers. They are observed mainly during the first two or three months of gestation of the embryo, when the mother's body gets used to its interesting position. But in some women, the temperature jumps until the birth.

Sharp temperature fluctuations pose a danger to the health of young mothers only if they are accompanied by a profuse rash on the skin, pain in the abdomen, impaired urination and other symptoms. Not only the pregnant woman herself, but also the baby in the womb can be seriously affected. Therefore, if you experience the slightest ailment during temperature fluctuations during pregnancy, you should immediately go to the doctor.

Sharp jumps in body temperature are often noticed at the onset of ovulation. At this time, temperatures jump from 36.0 to 37.3 ° C. In addition to fluctuations in temperature, signs of the onset of ovulation are the following symptoms manifested in a woman:

weakness, impotence;
pain in the lower abdomen;
improvement of appetite;
puffiness.

By the arrival of menstruation, the above symptoms disappear, the body temperature stops jumping. A deterioration in the condition of a woman's body during ovulation is not considered a pathology; in this case, you do not need to consult a doctor.

In the vast majority of older women, the temperature jumps in the initial stages of menopause. This phenomenon occurs due to a sharp decrease in the concentration of sex hormones in the blood. Almost all representatives of the weaker sex, upon entering the menopause, in addition to temperature fluctuations, the following symptoms are observed:

flushes of heat;
excessive sweating;
increased blood pressure;
minor heart failure.

Fluctuations in body temperature during menopause are not dangerous to health. But if a woman feels very bad, then it is better for her to contact her doctor. It is likely that the medical specialist will have to prescribe hormonal therapy to the patient.

Thermoneurosis - the cause of temperature fluctuations

Often the provocateur of jumps in body temperature is thermoneurosis. In this situation, the body can heat up to 38°C. Usually, pathology occurs after experienced stress and emotional shocks. It is rather problematic to determine a patient's thermoneurosis. Most often, to diagnose a disease, doctors conduct a so-called aspirin test - they give a sick person an antipyretic medicine and watch how the frequency and intensity of temperature fluctuations change.

If, after taking aspirin, the temperature drops to a normal value and does not rise within 40 minutes, then with one hundred percent certainty one can say about thermoneurosis. In this case, the sick person needs general strengthening therapy.

The most common causes of temperature fluctuations

In adults, body temperature sometimes jumps due to serious illnesses. Sharp temperature jumps are provoked by the following pathologies:

tumors;
heart attack;
the spread of the infection;
purulent formations;
inflammatory reactions;
bone or joint injuries;
allergies;
disorders of the endocrine glands;
autoimmune diseases;
dysfunction of the hypothalamus.

Also, body temperature jumps from 36 to 38 ° C with tuberculosis. Medical specialists cannot yet explain what this phenomenon is connected with, but they believe that the body reacts to pathogenic bacteria as to dangerous foreign elements.

In a person suffering from tuberculosis, the body temperature during the day either rises or falls by several degrees. Sometimes temperature fluctuations are so pronounced that they can be used to build a rather sweeping graph. Similar temperature jumps are also observed during the formation of purulent abscesses.

An increase in temperature in the evening hours is sometimes noted in the presence of chronic diseases:

sinusitis,
pharyngitis,
pyelonephritis,
salpingoophoritis.

These pathologies are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, so their treatment should not be delayed. A sick person needs to undergo a medical examination, according to the results of which the doctor prescribes the most suitable antibacterial drugs.

If temperature fluctuations are provoked by a growing tumor, then the method of treatment depends on the location, as well as on the malignancy or goodness of the neoplasm. Most often, the tumor formation is removed surgically, after which the temperature fluctuations stop. If the temperature jumps due to a malfunction of the endocrine glands, then the following symptoms are observed in a sick person:

weight loss;
sudden mood changes;
nervousness, irritability;
increased heart rate;
dysfunction of the heart muscle.

When the above symptoms appear, you should definitely go to the doctor. To confirm the dysfunction of the endocrine glands, a sick person must undergo a medical examination, including the following procedures:

clinical and biochemical blood tests;
general urine analysis;
a blood test for the concentration of hormones;
ultrasonic monitoring;
electrocardiography.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor prescribes the optimal therapy for the patient.

How to get rid of temperature fluctuations?

Temperature drops in an adult are most often a normal phenomenon, but sometimes they warn of the development of pathological processes in the body. In order not to aggravate the situation, you do not need to self-medicate, but you should go to the doctor. Only a medical specialist identifies the exact cause of temperature fluctuations, prescribes the most appropriate medications. Therapy may include taking the following medicines:

anti-inflammatory drugs;
antiallergic drugs;
hormonal agents;
antibiotics;
antiviral medicines;
antipyretic drugs.

Temperature jumps can be considered a protective reaction of the body. However, with a sluggish inflammatory process, the temperature usually does not rise above 37 ° C. A person simply does not notice such a slight increase, may not even suspect for a long time that he has inflammation. Antipyretic drugs are allowed to be used when the temperature rises above 38 ° C. With a slight increase in temperature, the body may well overcome the disease on its own.

Prevention of temperature fluctuations

To deal less with daily fluctuations in body temperature, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. To do this, do the following:

lead the right way of life;
make time for physical exercise;
eat a full and balanced diet, exclude harmful foods;
stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
during the day drink enough water, at least two liters;
engage in hardening of the body;
take vitamin and mineral complexes;
Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in vitamins and nutrients daily.

Human diurnal temperature curve

If body temperature is measured in different places, then as a result of unequal heat transfer conditions, different values \u200b\u200bare obtained. So, for example, when measuring temperature in the rectum, figures are obtained that are 0.4 - 0.5 ° higher than the values \u200b\u200bthat are determined when measured in the armpit. The temperature of the skin surface is even lower. So, at a temperature in the armpit of 36.6 °, the temperature of the skin of the face is 20 - 25 °, the limb is 25 °, the skin of the abdomen is 34 °. Therefore, the true body temperature is best characterized by figures obtained by placing the thermometer in the armpit, when the shoulder is pressed against the body, or even more accurately when measured in the oral cavity or rectum.

Temperature changes during the day

By measuring the body temperature at certain intervals, it is possible to construct a curve characterizing the temperature measurements during the day based on the data obtained.

With a lifestyle characteristic of a person, the daily curve is characterized by regular fluctuations. The lowest temperature value is about 4 - 6 hours, the highest - about 16 - 18 hours.

The characteristic course of changes in body temperature during the day is determined by those changes in metabolism that are associated with food intake, the active state of the body, etc. Comparing the curve depicting the daily fluctuation in temperature with the daily curves of changes in motor activity, respiratory rate, active reaction of urine, etc. etc., one can verify the parallel course of these curves.

By changing the mode of life, the curve can be perverted. Similar experiments were carried out on people who slept during the day and were awake at night. At the same time, it was possible to obtain temperature curves with a maximum at 6–9 o'clock in the morning and a minimum at 18 o'clock in the afternoon. These experiments show that the features of the temperature curve are determined by influences coming from the cerebral cortex.

In addition to these diurnal fluctuations, temperature can vary significantly depending on the metabolic changes that accompany muscle activity. After significant physical exertion, body temperature rises from a few tenths of a degree to 2° and even in some cases up to 3°.

Temperature in young children

Especially unstable is the temperature of young children, which is explained by the lack of mechanisms that regulate the ratio between heat production and heat transfer. These mechanisms represent a relatively new acquisition in vertebrate evolution; they develop late and in the process of ontogenesis. A number of representatives of higher vertebrates will be born with a lack of thermoregulation, representing initially poikilothermic animals. Something similar takes place in the human fetus, especially when it is born prematurely. This circumstance makes it necessary to take a number of precautionary measures against hypothermia or overheating of the body of newborns.

Body temperature is an indicator of the thermal state of the body. Thanks to it, there is a reflection of the relationship between the production of heat by the internal organs, the heat exchange between them and the outside world. At the same time, temperature indicators depend on a person’s age, time of day, environmental influences, health status and other characteristics of the body. So what should be the body temperature of a person?

People are used to the fact that with changes in body temperature it is customary to talk about a violation of health. Even with a slight hesitation, a person is ready to sound the alarm. But it's not always so sad. Normal human body temperature ranges from 35.5 to 37 degrees. In this case, the average in most cases is 36.4-36.7 degrees. I would also like to note that temperature indicators can be individual for each. The normal temperature regime is when a person feels completely healthy, able-bodied and there is no failure in metabolic processes.

What is the normal body temperature in adults also depends on what nationality the person is. For example, in Japan, it is kept at 36 degrees, and in Australia, the body temperature rises to 37 degrees.

It is also worth noting that the normal human body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. In the morning it is lower, and in the evening it rises significantly. At the same time, its fluctuation during the day can be one degree.

Human temperature is divided into several types, which include:

lower body temperature. Her performance falls below 35.5 degrees. This process is called hypothermia;
normal body temperature. Indicators can range from 35.5 to 37 degrees;
elevated body temperature. It rises above 37 degrees. At the same time, it is measured in the armpit;
subfebrile body temperature. Its limits range from 37.5 to 38 degrees;
febrile body temperature. The indicators are from 38 to 39 degrees;
high or pyretic body temperature. It rises to 41 degrees. This is the critical body temperature, which leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the brain;
hyperpyretic body temperature. A lethal temperature that rises above 41 degrees and leads to death.

Also, the internal temperature is classified into other types in the form:

hypothermia. When the temperature is below 35.5 degrees;
normal temperature. It ranges from 35.5-37 degrees;
hyperthermia. The temperature is above 37 degrees;
feverish state. The indicators are raised above 38 degrees, while the patient has chills, blanching of the skin, marble mesh.

Rules for measuring body temperature

All people are used to the fact that, according to the standard, temperature indicators should be measured in the armpit. To perform the procedure, you must follow a few rules.

The armpit should be dry.
Then a thermometer is taken and gently shaken to a value of 35 degrees.
The tip of the thermometer is located in the armpit and is pressed tightly by the hand.
Keep it on for five to ten minutes.
After that, the result is evaluated.

With a mercury thermometer, you should be extremely careful. It must not be broken, otherwise the mercury will pour out and emit harmful fumes. It is strictly forbidden to give such things to children. Instead, you can have an infrared or electronic thermometer. Such devices measure the temperature in a matter of seconds, but the values \u200b\u200bfrom mercury may differ.

Not everyone thinks that the temperature can be measured not only in the armpit, but also in other places. For example, in the mouth. With this method of measurement, normal indicators will be in the range of 36-37.3 degrees.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth? There are several rules.
To measure the temperature in the mouth, you need to be in a calm state for five to seven minutes. If there are dentures, braces or plates in the oral cavity, they should be removed.

After that, the mercury thermometer must be wiped dry and placed under the tongue on either side. To get the result, you need to hold it for four to five minutes.

It is worth noting that oral temperature differs significantly from measurements in the axillary zone. Temperature measurements in the mouth can show a result higher by 0.3-0.8 degrees. If an adult doubts the indicators, then a comparison should be made between the temperature obtained in the armpit.

If the patient does not know how to measure the temperature in the mouth, then you can follow the usual technology. During the procedure, it is worth observing the execution technique. The thermometer can be placed behind the cheek or under the tongue. But clamping the device with your teeth is strictly prohibited.

Decreased body temperature

After the patient has learned what temperature he has, you need to determine its nature. If it is below 35.5 degrees, then it is customary to talk about hypothermia.

The internal temperature may be low for several reasons, which include:

weakened immune function;
severe hypothermia;
recent illness;
diseases of the endocrine system;
the use of certain drugs;
low hemoglobin;
failure in the hormonal system;
presence of internal bleeding;
intoxication of the body;
chronic fatigue.

If the patient's internal temperature is greatly reduced, then he will feel weak, prostration and dizziness.
To increase the temperature at home, you need to put your feet in a hot foot bath or on a heating pad. After that, put on warm socks and drink hot tea with honey, an infusion of medicinal herbs.

If the temperature indicators decrease gradually and reach 35-35.3 degrees, then we can say:

about simple overwork, strong physical exertion, chronic lack of sleep;
about malnutrition or adherence to a strict diet;
about hormonal imbalance. Occurs at the stage of gestation, with menopause or menstruation in women;
on disorders of carbohydrate metabolism due to liver diseases.

Increased body temperature

The most common phenomenon is elevated body temperature. If it keeps at levels from 37.3 to 39 degrees, then it is customary to talk about an infectious lesion. When viruses, bacteria and fungi penetrate the human body, severe intoxication occurs, which is expressed not only in an increase in body temperature, but also in a runny nose, tearing, coughing, drowsiness, and deterioration in general condition. If the internal temperature rises above 38.5 degrees, then doctors advise taking antipyretics.

The occurrence of temperature can be observed with burns and mechanical injuries.
In rare situations, hyperthermia is observed. This condition is caused by an increase in temperature indicators above 40.3 degrees. In such a situation, you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible. When the indicators reached 41 degrees, it is customary to talk about a critical condition that threatens the patient's future life. At a temperature of 40 degrees, an irreversible process begins to occur. There is a gradual destruction of the brain and deterioration of the internal organs.

If the internal temperature is 42 degrees, then the patient dies. There are cases when the patient experienced such a condition and survived. But their number is small.

If the internal temperature rises above the hole, then the patient manifests symptoms in the form of:

fatigue and weakness;
general morbid condition;
dry skin and lips;
mild or severe chills. Depends on temperature indicators;
pain in the head;
aches in muscle structures;
arrhythmias;
decrease and complete loss of appetite;
increased sweating.

Each person is individual. Therefore, everyone will have their own normal body temperature. Someone with indicators of 35.5 degrees feels normal, and when it rises to 37 degrees, it is already considered sick. For others, even 38 degrees may be the limit of the norm. Therefore, it is worth focusing also on the general condition of the body.