Body temperature is an indicator of the thermal state of the body. Thanks to it, the relationship between the production of heat of internal organs, heat exchange between them and the outside world is reflected. At the same time, temperature indicators depend on the age of a person, time of day, the impact of the surrounding world, health status and other characteristics of the body. So what should be the body temperature of a person?
People are accustomed to the fact that with changes in body temperature, it is customary to talk about health problems. Even with a slight hesitation, a person is ready to sound the alarm. But everything is not always so sad. Normal human body temperature ranges from 35.5 to 37 degrees. At the same time, the average indicator in most cases is 36.4-36.7 degrees. I would also like to note that temperature indicators can be individual for everyone. Normal temperature regime it is considered when a person feels completely healthy, able to work and there is no failure in metabolic processes.
What is normal temperature body 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 hours, it is lower, and in the evening it rises significantly. Moreover, its fluctuation during the day can be one degree.
Human temperature is divided into several types, which include:
- body. Its indicators fall below 35.5 degrees. This process is called hypothermia;
- normal body temperature. Indicators can range from 35.5 to 37 degrees;
- increased body temperature. It rises above 37 degrees. Moreover, it is measured in armpit;
- ... Its limits range from 37.5 to 38 degrees;
- febrile body temperature. Indicators range from 38 to 39 degrees;
- high or pyretic body temperature. It rises to 41 degrees. This is a critical body temperature, which leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the brain;
- hyperpyretic body temperature. A fatal temperature that rises above 41 degrees and is fatal.
Also, the internal temperature is classified according to other types in the form:
- hypothermia. When the temperature readings are below 35.5 degrees;
- normal temperature. It fluctuates between 35.5-37 degrees;
- hyperthermia. The temperature is above 37 degrees;
- feverish condition. The indicators are raised above 38 degrees, while the patient has chills, blanching of the skin, a marble mesh.
Body temperature measurement rules
All people are accustomed to the standard that temperature readings should be measured in the armpit. To complete the procedure, you need to follow several rules.
- The armpit should be dry.
- Then a thermometer is taken and gently shaken off to a value of 35 degrees.
- The tip of the thermometer is located in the armpit and is pressed tightly by the hand.
- You need to keep it from five to ten minutes.
- After that, the result is evaluated.
You should be extremely careful with a mercury thermometer. You cannot break it, otherwise the mercury will pour out and release harmful vapors. It is strictly forbidden to give such things to children. You can have an infrared or electronic thermometer as a replacement. Such devices measure the temperature in a matter of seconds, but the values from 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. At this method measurements normal performance 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 calm for five to seven minutes. If in oral cavity there are dentures, braces or plates, then they should be removed.
After that mercury thermometer wipe dry and place it under the tongue on either side. To obtain the result, it must be held for four to five minutes.
It should be noted that oral temperature is significantly different from measurements in the armpit. Temperature measurements in the mouth may 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 the usual technology can be followed. During the procedure, it is worth following the execution technique. The thermometer can be installed both behind the cheek and under the tongue. But it is strictly forbidden to clamp the device with your teeth.
Decreased body temperature
After the patient has found out what temperature he has, it is necessary to determine its nature. If it is below 35.5 degrees, then it is customary to talk about hypothermia.
The internal temperature can be low for several reasons, which include:
- weakened immune function;
- severe hypothermia;
- recent illness;
- endocrine system diseases;
- the use of certain medications;
- low hemoglobin;
- failure in the hormonal system;
- the presence of internal bleeding;
- intoxication of the body;
- chronic fatigue.
If the patient's internal temperature is very low, then he will feel weakness, loss of strength 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, herbal infusion.
If the temperature indicators decrease gradually and reach 35-35.3 degrees, then we can say:
- about simple overwork, strong physical activity, chronic lack of sleep;
- about improper nutrition or adherence to a strict diet;
- O hormonal disruption... Occurs at the stage of gestation, with menopause or menstruation in women;
- about violations carbohydrate metabolism due to liver disease.
Increased body temperature
The most common phenomenon is an increased body temperature. If it stays at levels from 37.3 to 39 degrees, then it is customary to talk about an infectious lesion. When viruses, bacteria and fungi enter 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 a deterioration in the general condition. If the internal temperature rises above 38.5 degrees, then doctors advise taking antipyretic drugs.
The onset 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. If such a situation arises, it is necessary 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 later life the patient. At a temperature of 40 degrees, they begin to occur irreversible process... There is a gradual destruction of the brain and deterioration of the work of 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 burrow, then the patient manifests symptoms in the form of:
- tiredness and weakness;
- general painful condition;
- dryness skin and lips;
- lung or. Depends on temperature indicators;
- pain in the head;
- aches in muscle structures;
- arrhythmias;
- decrease and complete loss of appetite;
- excessive sweating.
Every person is different. Therefore, everyone will have their own normal body temperature. Someone, with indicators of 35.5 degrees, feels normal, and with an increase to 37 degrees, they are already considered sick. For others, even 38 degrees may be the limit of the norm. Therefore, it is worth focusing on general state organism.
Body temperature is a complex indicator of the thermal state of the human body, reflecting the complex relationship between heat production (heat production) various bodies and tissues and heat exchange between them and external environment... average temperature human body usually ranges from ... between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees Celsius, due to internal exothermic reactions and the presence of "safety valves" to remove excess heat during perspiration.
Our "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: the difference between body temperature early in the morning and in the evening reaches 0.5-1.0 ° C.
Revealed temperature differences between the internal organs (several tenths of a degree); the difference between the temperature of internal organs, muscles and skin can be up to 5-10 ° C. Temperature different areas body conditional person at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C: internal organs- 37 ° C; armpit - 36 ° C; deep muscular part of the thigh - 35 ° C; deep layers calf muscle- 33 ° C; elbow bend area - 32 ° C; hand - 28 ° C; center of the foot - 27-28 ° C. It is believed that the measurement of temperature in the rectum is more accurate, since the temperature here is less affected by the environment.
Rectal temperature is always higher than the temperature in any part of the body. Higher than in the oral cavity by 0.5 ° C; than in axillary area almost a degree ° C and 0.2 ° C higher than the blood temperature in the right ventricle of the heart.
Critical body temperature
The maximum is considered to be 42 ° C, with it there is a metabolic disorder in the brain tissues. The human body is better adapted to the cold. For example, a drop in body temperature to 32 ° C causes chills, but does not pose a very serious danger.
The minimum critical temperature is 25 ° C. Already at 27 ° C, coma sets in, cardiac activity and respiration are disturbed.One man, covered with a seven-meter snowdrift and dug out five hours later, was in a state of inevitable death, and his rectal temperature was 19 ° C. He managed to save his life. There are also known cases when patients, hypothermic to 16 ° C, survived.
Interesting Facts(from the "Guinness Book of Records"):
The highest temperature was reported on July 10, 1980 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, PA. Georgia, USA. Willie Jones, 52, was admitted to the hospital with heatstroke. Its temperature turned out to be equal to 46.5 ° C. The patient was discharged from the hospital only 24 days later.
The lowest documented human body temperature was recorded on February 23, 1994 in Canada, at 2-year-old Karlie Kozolofsky. After the door of her house was accidentally locked and the girl remained in the freezing cold for 6 hours at a temperature of -22 ° C, her rectal temperature was 14.2 ° C.
For a person, the most dangerous is high temperature - hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 37 ° C as a result of an illness. This is a very common symptom that can occur when there is a malfunction in any part or system of the body. Not falling long time elevated temperature indicates dangerous condition person. Allocate the following types hyperthermia: subfebrile - from 37 to 38 ° C, moderate - from 38 to 39 ° C, high - from 39 to 41 ° C and excessive, or hyperpyretic - over 41 ° C.
Body temperature above 42.2 ° C leads to loss of consciousness. If it does not subside, then brain damage occurs.
Possible causes of hyperthermia
If the temperature rises above normal, be sure to consult a doctor to find out possible reason hyperthermia. A temperature rise above 41 ° C is a reason for immediate hospitalization.
Causes:
1. Disorder of the immune complex.
2. Infectious and inflammatory diseases.
3. Tumors.
4 . Thermoregulatory disorder... A sudden and sharp rise in temperature is usually observed with such life-threatening diseases as stroke, thyrotoxic crisis, malignant hyperthermia, as well as with injuries of the central nervous system... Low and medium hyperthermia is accompanied by increased sweating.
5. Medications. Hyperthermia and rash usually result from hypersensitivity To antifungal drugs, sulfonamides, antibiotics of the penicillin group, etc. Hyperthermia can be observed during chemotherapy. She can be called drugs sweating. Hyperthermia can also occur with toxic doses of certain drugs.
6. Procedures... Temporary hyperthermia can be observed after surgery.
7. Blood transfusion also usually calls sudden rise temperature and chills.
8. Diagnostics Sudden or gradually developing hyperthermia sometimes accompanies radiological studies that use a contrast medium.
And to trust, the easiest of all, a thermometer!
Today, the whole variety of thermometers can be divided according to the principle of operation into 2 groups:
Mercury thermometer
He is familiar to everyone. It has a traditional scale, is light enough and gives accurate readings. However, measuring temperature with it, for example, in a child, has a number of disadvantages. The baby needs to be undressed, and for this it is difficult to disturb if he is asleep, it is difficult to keep the mobile and capricious baby in place for 10 minutes. And it is extremely easy to break such a thermometer, and it contains MERCURY !! Mercury - chemical element II group of an additional subgroup of Mendeleev's periodic system of elements Simple substance at room temperature is a heavy, silvery-white, noticeably volatile liquid, the vapors of which are extremely toxic.
With prolonged inhalation of vapors, even a tiny amount of this liquid can be obtained chronic poisoning... It goes on for a long time without clear symptoms of the disease: general malaise, irritability, nausea, weight loss. As a result, mercury poisoning leads to neurosis and kidney damage. So this silvery substance must be removed carefully and quickly.
Interesting Facts:
Mercury is used for the manufacture of measuring instruments, vacuum pumps, light sources and in other fields of science and technology. The European Parliament decided to ban the sale of thermometers, meters blood pressure and barometers containing mercury. This was part of a strategy aimed at drastically reducing the use of mercury and, consequently, the pollution of this toxic substance in the environment. Now EU citizens can measure the temperature at home (air or body - it doesn't matter) only with the help of new devices that do not contain mercury, for example, electronic thermometers or, suitable for some areas of application, alcohol. Rather, this ban will come into full force by the end of 2009: within the next year, the relevant laws must be adopted by the parliaments of the EU countries, and another year is given to manufacturers of measuring instruments for restructuring. Experts say that the new rules will reduce mercury emissions into nature by 33 tons per year.
Digital thermometers.
This group also includes infrared ear and forehead thermometers.
Advantages:
- measurement time: 1-3 minutes for electronic, and 1 second for infrared;
- absolutely safe - does not contain mercury;
- by weight and dimensions are similar to mercury;
- the readings of the temperature sensor or infrared sensor are transmitted to the LCD display with an accuracy of a tenth of a degree;
- sound alarm;
- memory function;
- automatic power off;
- the service life of a conventional battery is two to three years;
- the plastic case is shock-resistant and even water-resistant;
Digital thermometer measurement methods:
- standard, axillary (in the armpit);
- oral (in the mouth);
- rectal (in the anus);
- measuring principle of reflected energy of infrared radiation from eardrum ear and nearby tissues (in the ear canal).
Thermoregulation is one of the most important abilities of our body. The temperature is maintained by the forces of the body at a certain level, reflects its ability to produce heat and exchange with environment... During the day, the temperature level can fluctuate, but only slightly. This is due to the metabolic rate: in the morning it is minimal, and in the late afternoon it rises by about 0.5 ° C.
Healthy person temperature
WITH early childhood we know that the normal human temperature is 36.6 ° C. A slight deviation in one direction or another is allowed. Depending on the human condition, microclimate, daily rhythm and other parameters, it can range from 35.5 to 37.4 ° C. The average temperature level of women is slightly higher than that of men by 0.5-0.7 ° C.
Body temperature can differ among representatives of different nationalities: for example, for the Japanese, its average value is 36 ° С, for the Australians - about 37. В different parts body readings of the thermometer also differ: in the armpit they are lower than on the toes.
During the day, the temperature of the same person can vary by up to one degree. The lowest value is reached at 4-6 am and the highest at 4-8 pm. In women, the temperature can vary depending on the day of the cycle. For some people, 38 ° C is considered a normal variant and is not a sign of any disease.
The normal body temperature of a person is kept at the same level due to the work of the hypothalamus and thyroid gland: Thyroid hormones are responsible for metabolic processes. Estradiol affects basal temperature, it decreases with an increase in its amount. The thermoregulation process is very complex and deviations from the norm should alert you right away. An increase or decrease in temperature indicates that there are problems in the body that must be urgently dealt with.
Extremely low temperature
It is worth worrying when the thermometer reads less than 35.2 ° C. At a temperature of about 32.2 ° C, a person feels stunned, 29.5 - loses consciousness, and 26.5 leads to death in most cases.
Hypothermia can be caused by one of the following factors:
- disruption of the thermoregulatory centers in the central nervous system. This happens with brain lesions. organic: for tumors, injuries.
- hypothyroidism.
- paralysis, paresis, which lead to a decrease muscle mass and, consequently, to a decrease in heat production.
- exhausting diets, fasting lead to the fact that the body does not have enough energy to generate heat.
- hypothermia - a long stay of a person in conditions of low temperature, when the body's own regulatory mechanisms cannot cope with thermoregulation.
- dehydration: a lack of fluid in the body leads to a decrease in metabolism.
- alcohol: ethanol disrupts all brain functions, including thermoregulatory functions.
- ionizing radiation: free radicals affect the metabolism, resulting in a decrease in body temperature.
A moderate decrease in temperature (up to 35.3 ° C) may be due to the following reasons:
- overwork, prolonged physical and mental stress, chronic fatigue.
- disturbed diet, unbalanced diet, physical inactivity.
- hormonal problems, pregnancy, menopause, diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands.
- violation of carbohydrate metabolism against the background of liver diseases.
Subfebrile temperature
Do not underestimate a slight (37 - 37.5 ° C) increase in temperature: it may not pose any threat, but it may report serious violations in the body. Therefore, it is important to find out the reason for this condition.
Subfebrile conditions can lead to:
- hard strenuous work in a hot environment, playing sports;
- sauna, hot bath, bath, solarium;
- increased production of hormones by the thyroid gland, which leads to an acceleration of metabolism;
- viruses, colds;
- hot, spicy food;
- chronic inflammatory diseases.
For a long subfebrile temperature lead and serious illnesses that pose a threat to human life. Tuberculosis, oncology on early stages give a slight rise in temperature as one of the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, it is very important not to knock it down, but to see a doctor to find out the reasons. At the same time, symptoms such as weakness, sweating, weight loss and inflammation of the lymph nodes should be especially alarming. Additional examination will help identify the cause and eliminate it in time.
Febrile temperature
A temperature above 37.6 ° C indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. Thus, the body fights against pathogens and creates unfavorable conditions for their existence. Therefore, you should not immediately knock it down with medication. Up to 38.5 ° C, you can simply drink a lot of water to reduce the concentration of toxins - this is how they are excreted from the body with sweat and urine.
Pyretic temperature
Temperatures over 39 ° C indicate an acute inflammatory process... If the thermometer reads more than 39, doctors recommend starting taking antipyretics (the most popular drug is aspirin). In this state, convulsions are possible, so you need to be more attentive to those people who have concomitant diseases.
Frequent culprits of this condition are bacteria, viruses that enter the body during burns, injuries, hypothermia, by airborne droplets... The doctor can say exactly about this, having previously taken all the tests. At a high temperature, a person feels weakness, loss of strength, headache, chills, body aches. Appetite is greatly reduced, sweating and arrhythmia are observed.
Hyperpyretic temperature
An alarm should be sounded if the thermometer mark has crept over 40.3 ° C. This condition is life threatening and requires the immediate intervention of doctors. The critical temperature is 42 ° C: the metabolism in the brain tissues is disrupted, which leads to death.
Temperature measurement
Everyone knows that the normal human body temperature is 36.6 degrees Celsius. However, such a temperature cannot be kept constantly, it rises or falls during an illness, changes depending on what a person does in this moment... In general, a decrease in the temperature of the human body passes with minimal consequences, while a high temperature can lead to death due to blood clotting.
Body temperature is the result complex processes heat generation by human organs and tissues, heat exchange between the human body and the external environment.
The average body temperature for each person is individual, usually the norm is determined in the range from 36.5 to 37.2 degrees Celsius. Wherein human body equipped with a number of functions for removing excess heat from the body, the simplest of which is sweating.
In the human brain, thermoregulation is controlled by the hypothalamus, a tiny part located below the thalamus, or "optic hillocks".
During the day, the body temperature fluctuates: in the morning it is lower on average, the peak of the maximum body temperature is observed at about 6 pm, after which it decreases again. In this case, the fluctuations between the highest and lowest temperatures range from 0.5 to 1 degree.
Effects high temperature
The temperature of various human organs and tissues can differ by 5-10 degrees Celsius, which is why there are classical ways of measuring temperature - an incorrectly installed thermometer can distort the picture: it is obvious that the temperature on the surface of the skin and in the mouth is somewhat different.
The critical body temperature is considered to be 42 ° C, with it there is a metabolic disorder in the brain tissues. The human body is better adapted to the 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 sets in, cardiac activity and respiration are disturbed. Temperatures below 25 ° C are critical, but some people manage to survive hypothermia. Two more cases are known when patients, hypothermic to 16 ° C, survived.
Hyperthermia is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 37 ° C as a result of an illness. This is a very common symptom that can occur when there is a malfunction in any part or system of the body. An elevated temperature that does not subside for a long time indicates a dangerous state of a person. Elevated temperatures are: 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.
Temperature records
The highest body temperature - 46.5 degrees Celsius, was recorded 30 years ago in the United States (1980). American Will Jones (52 years old) suffered a heat stroke and was taken to the hospital, where the record was recorded. The patient did not die and, after undergoing treatment, was discharged from the hospital three weeks later.
The most low temperature human was recorded 16 years ago in 1994. Two-year-old Karlie Kozolofsky discovered front door at home and went out into the street, the door slammed shut, and the child was left in the cold - 22 degrees, at which she spent 6 hours. When doctors measured her body temperature, she was 14.2 degrees.
Victor Ostrovsky, Samogo.Net
Everyone knows what thirty-six and six is. This is considered to be the normal human temperature. Also, everyone knows that if the reading of the thermometer is higher or lower than this value, then this is a sign possible problems with health. But the question of how much this reading should differ from 36.6 ° C in order to see a doctor is often difficult. Let's see what temperatures are considered normal, low and high by modern medicine.
The number 36.6 was obtained at the end of the 19th century as the average statistical result of measurements in the armpit of a large number of people. You can focus on "36.6", but the difference is a few tenths of a degree not indicative of abnormality.
According to doctors, when determining the normal thermal state of the human body, attention should be paid to the following main factors:
- age;
- method of measurement;
- daily and seasonal biorhythms;
- current intensity physical activity or mental activity.
Upper bounds normal values when measured under the arm according to age are shown in the following table.
In addition, a woman's body is usually 0.5 ° C warmer than a man's.
Should be considered and measuring method... Compared to the reading of the thermometer under the arm, the value measured in the mouth is 0.5 ° C higher; but in the ear, vagina or anus- by about 1.0 ° C.
Have healthy person daily fluctuations are also normal: in the evening the human body is a few tenths of a degree colder than in the morning.
It is normal to slightly exceed 36.6 ° C with intense physical or mental activity, with stress, fear, excess positive emotions, when having sex.
Temperatures less than 35.0 ° C are considered low. A person experiences weakness and malaise, drowsiness and fatigue.
The most common cause is hypothermia, hypothermia in cold weather or in water. In this case trembling appears in the body and numbness of the limbs, especially fingers and toes. To normalize the state of the body with hypothermia, warm clothing and hot drinks are enough.
Another one common reason- is it flu or cold. Strong organism usually fights them off by producing heat, thereby "burning through" the infection and removing it through sweat. But if the immunity is reduced and the body is weakened and it does not have the strength to fight the infection, then there is a decrease in body temperature. It is important not to waste time on self-medication, but to see a doctor.
There may be other reasons for a drop in body temperature:
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- problems in the hormonal sphere, decreased functionality of the thyroid gland, problems with the adrenal glands;
- abuse of drugs and dietary supplements;
- chronic fatigue;
- depletion of the body or lack of vitamins;
- large blood loss;
- radiation sickness;
- HIV infection.
If the temperature drops during pregnancy and lactation, you should immediately visit a doctor.
Hyperthermia and fever
Depending on the cause of the high temperature, modern medicine singles out hyperthermia and fever.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is overheating of the body due to excessive external heat or poor heat exchange with the environment. The body reacts by dilating the skin vessels, profuse sweating and others physiological mechanisms thermoregulation.
If the causes of hyperthermia are not eliminated, then heating the body to 42 ° C can lead to heatstroke, and in the case of people with cardiovascular diseases, even death.
Fever
Fever (in Latin "febris") is an increase in temperature, which is a protective reaction of the body to pathogenic effect... Common causes are:
- viral infections;
- inflammatory processes;
- tissue and joint injuries;
- diseases of the cardiovascular, circulatory or endocrine systems;
- weakened immunity;
- allergy.
In young children, the temperature often rises during teething.
Medical classification high temperature is presented in the table.
Temperature dynamics are monitored by temperature curves.
Temperature curves
Temperature versus time plots are called temperature curves. They play an important role in diagnosis and prognosis. The horizontal axis shows time values, and the vertical axis shows temperature values. Temperature curve classification is given in the table.
| Fever type | Latin name | Temperature curve dynamics |
| Constant | Febris continua | Fluctuations in pyretic or febrile body temperature in the range of 1 ° C. |
| Laxative (remitting) | Febris remittens | Daily fluctuations over 2 ° C. |
| Intermittent (intermittent) | Febris intermittens | Cycles of a sharp rise to pyretic values and a rapid decline to normal. |
| Exhausting (hectic) | Febris hectica | Daily fluctuations are greater than 3 ° C, that is, higher than with relapsing fever. Rapid decline to normal and subnormal values. |
| Returnable | Febris recurrens | Rapid growth, then lasts for several days and decreases to normal. After a while, a new cycle. |
| Undulating | Febris undulans | Unlike recurrent fever, a gradual increase and decrease. |
| Perverted | Febris in versa | Evening temperatures are lower than morning temperatures. |
| Wrong | The most common type of fever. Chaotic dynamics. |
If you are abroad, keep in mind that in the USA, Canada and a number of other countries, they do not use Celsius (° C), but Fahrenheit (° F). 36.6 ° C corresponds to 98 ° F; 0 ° C (ice melting) - 32 ° F; 100 ° C (boiling water) - 212 ° F.
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