What is the ideal body temperature. Body temperature: minimum

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 normal temperature bodies in adults also depends on what nationality a 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:

body. 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;
. 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 rise above 38 degrees, while the patient has chills, blanching 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. You can’t break it, otherwise the mercury will pour out and will release harmful vapors. 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. At this method normal measurements 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.

Thereafter mercury thermometer you need to wipe dry and place it 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 indicators 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 marks from 37.3 to 39 degrees, then it is customary to talk about 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 later life patient. 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;
lung or. 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.

Normal body temperature is one of the most important indicators human health status. What should be the temperature? What does it depend on? Should I be worried if it goes down? What to do when it rises?

People belong to warm-blooded organisms, therefore, throughout their lives they are “forced” to maintain their temperature within the limits determined by nature, and regardless of the characteristics environment. Only under this condition, life processes will proceed at the proper level.

What temperature is considered normal?

Body temperature: what does it depend on and what should it be? Body temperature is measured with a thermometer under the arm, in the mouth, in the rectum, or in the external auditory canal. Since the temperature inside the body is slightly higher than outside, the measurements differ by 1-5 degrees.

When measured in the axillary region, a normal temperature is considered to be in the range of 35.5–37.4 0C.

At a temperature level below 35.2 0C, they speak of hypothermia, if the temperature is above 37.3 0C, hyperthermia.

If we take the temperature in the axillary region of 36.6 0С as an average indicator, then it will correspond to the temperature in the anus 37.5 0С, in the mouth - 37.0 0С.

What does body temperature depend on?

Human body temperature is a variable value, it changes depending on the time of day, environmental temperature conditions, health status and existing diseases.

The most low temperature body is noted in the morning, at about 6:00, then it rises by 0.5–1 0С and reaches a maximum in the evening. Interestingly, these fluctuations are not determined by the level physical activity human, but biological rhythms laid down by nature in accordance with the daily solar cycles.

When overheated, the human body temperature rises by one and a half degrees, when hypothermic - it decreases, and can fall below 32.2 0C. In most cases, when the body is cooled to 29.5 0C, a person loses consciousness, and at 26.5 0C, most often dies. With an increase in body temperature to 44 0C, blood proteins coagulate, and the person dies from hyperthermia.

In young children, due to the functional immaturity of the thermoregulation system, body temperature can fluctuate more widely than in adults. In girls, the temperature level stabilizes by the age of 13-14, in boys - by 18 years. In adult women, body temperature is about half a degree higher than in men, it drops in the middle menstrual cycle, during the period of ovulation and the maximum level of estradiol, then increases by the time of the next menstruation or in the event of pregnancy.

The center of thermoregulation is located in the brain, in the hypothalamus. Body temperature is affected by the level functional activity thyroid gland. Thyroid diseases and brain tumors are the main causes of long-term and persistent violations of thermoregulation. Hypothermia and hyperthermia lead to disruption of vital processes and can cause death.

Hypothermia and its causes

Hypothermia, or a drop in human body temperature below 35.2 0C, is an indication to see a doctor, as well as fever. The condition is accompanied by chilliness, trembling in the body, weakness, drowsiness, a decrease in heart rate, and impaired coordination of movements.

Body temperature: what does it depend on and what should it be? Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, can be caused by an increase in heat production and a violation of its return to the environment. Most often, the condition is accompanied by the maximum tension of thermoregulation mechanisms: expansion of superficial skin vessels, increased sweating, rapid breathing and heart rate. In severe cases, the body temperature reaches 41-42 0C, which leads to heat stroke, impaired cardiac activity and clouding of consciousness.

An increase in body temperature is observed in the following cases:

during heavy muscular work and during physical training,

with nervous tension

during a visit to the sauna, bath, when taking a hot bath, with prolonged exposure to the sun or in a hot room,

when consumed hot and spicy food,

in violation of the work of the vegetative nervous system(VSD),

with some chronic diseases,

in diseases of the blood and lymphatic system,

for most dental diseases

with occult bleeding

in case of poisoning

with hyperthyroidism.

Body temperature above 37.0 0C indicates an acute inflammatory process in the body or a gross violation of the work of the thermoregulation center.

Bring down the heat?

Body temperature: what does it depend on and what should it be? High temperature is a reason to seek medical help. If the body temperature does not exceed 38 0C, hyperthermia does not pose a danger to humans. It is not worth knocking down such a temperature, because in most cases it is defensive reaction and helps the body fight infection and inflammation, except, of course, in cases where hyperthermia is caused by other causes.

As a rule, our knowledge of body temperature is limited to the concept of "normal" or "elevated". In reality, this indicator is much more informative, and some of this knowledge is simply necessary to control the state of health in order to successfully maintain it.

What is the norm?

Body temperature is an indicator of the thermal state of the body, which reflects the relationship between heat production and heat exchange between it and the environment. For temperature measurement are used various sections bodies, and the readings on the thermometer are different. The most commonly measured temperature is in the armpit, and the classic indicator here is 36.6ºС.

In addition, measurements can be taken in the mouth, in the groin, in the rectum, in the vagina, in the external auditory canal. Please note that the data obtained with a mercury thermometer in the rectum will be 0.5 ° C higher than when measuring the temperature in the armpit. And when measuring the temperature in the oral cavity, on the contrary, the indicators will differ by 0.5ºС downward.

There are boundaries of body temperature, which are considered to be physiological. Range - from 36 to 37ºС. That is, giving the temperature of 36.6ºС the status of ideal is not entirely fair.

In addition, physiological, that is, permissible, changes in body temperature are influenced by a number of factors:
— Daily rhythms. The difference in body temperature during the day ranges from 0.5–1.0ºС. The lowest temperature is at night, in the morning it rises slightly and reaches a maximum in the afternoon.
- Physical activity (the temperature rises during them, because heat production in such minutes is higher than heat transfer).
- Environmental conditions - temperature and humidity. To some extent, this is a reflection of the imperfection of human thermoregulation - he cannot instantly respond to changes in the environment. Therefore, at an elevated ambient temperature, the body temperature will be higher than normal and, accordingly, vice versa.
- Age: metabolism slows down with age, and body temperature in older people is usually slightly lower than in middle-aged people. The diurnal fluctuations in temperature are also less pronounced. In children, on the contrary, with an intensive metabolism, more significant daily fluctuations in body temperature can occur.

Depending on the degree of temperature increase, it can be: subfebrile - from 37 to 38 ° C, febrile - from 38 to 39 ° C, pyretic - from 39 to 41 ° C and hyperpyretic - above 41 ° C. The body temperature below 25°C and above 42°C is considered critical, since this disrupts the metabolism in the brain.

Types of fevers

Depending on the cause of the disease temperature reactions organisms may differ. A great help in the diagnosis is temperature sheets. You can build such a graph yourself: the time and date are laid down horizontally (the column is necessarily divided into two sub-items - morning and evening), and vertically - temperature values \u200b\u200bwith an accuracy of 0.1 ° C.

When analyzing the obtained curves, the following forms of fevers are distinguished:
- Constant. The temperature is increased both in the morning and in the evening. Daily temperature fluctuations are less than 1°С. This is the nature of hyperthermia lobar pneumonia, typhoid fever.
- Wasting fever. Daily temperature fluctuations can be 2–4°C. This is hard to tolerate by the patient, when the temperature rises, he shivering, when the temperature drops, profuse sweating, weakness occur, sometimes blood pressure drops sharply, up to loss of consciousness. This type of fever is typical for advanced tuberculosis infection, sepsis, and severe purulent diseases.
- Intermittent fever. With it, there are days with normal temperature and days with temperature rises by 2-4 ° C. Such "candles" usually occur every 2-3 days. This type of fever is not so common, it is typical for malaria.
- Wrong fever. It is not possible to identify any patterns in temperature rises - the temperature rises and falls quite chaotically. The morning temperature, however, always remains below the evening temperature, in contrast to the reverse fever, when the evening temperature is lower. There is also no pattern on the temperature curve. Irregular fever can be with tuberculosis, rheumatism, sepsis, and reverse - with brucellosis.

Hypothermia

If an elevated temperature always immediately forces the doctor and the patient to look for its cause, then with a lower temperature (hypothermia), everything is different. Sometimes this is not given any importance, and in vain.

The two most common causes of hypothermia are:
Hypothyroidism is a disease associated with a lack of thyroid hormones. As a result, many organs and systems of the body suffer, so hypothermia is a very valuable diagnostic feature for early detection of the disease.
- Fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion can also affect metabolism and lead to low body temperature. This happens during exams, overtime loads, during recovery from serious illnesses and during sluggish chronic diseases. There is only one way out - to give the body a timeout.

In practice, accidental hypothermia is also common, when the body temperature drops below 35 ° C in conditions of hypothermia. More often in such a situation there are elderly people, persons in a state of alcohol intoxication or weakened by any concomitant diseases. Although hypothermia allows for greater ranges of tolerance than hyperthermia (survival cases are known even after a state of hypothermia below 25 ° C, which is considered critical), nevertheless, it is impossible to delay the provision of assistance.

In addition to external warming, intensive infusion therapy(intravenous administration of drugs), and if necessary, use resuscitation measures.

And what about children?

The mechanisms of thermoregulation in children are imperfect. This is due to the characteristics of the child's body:
- The ratio of the surface of the skin to the mass is greater than in adults, therefore, per unit mass, the body must generate much more heat to maintain balance.
- Greater thermal conductivity of the skin, less thickness of subcutaneous fat.
- Immaturity of the hypothalamus, where the center of thermoregulation is located.
- Limited sweating, especially during the neonatal period.

From these features follows a complicated for mothers, but immutable from the point of view of the laws of physics, the rule of caring for a baby: the child must be dressed in such a way that, depending on the ambient temperature, clothes can be easily removed or “warmed up”. It is because of the non-fulfillment of this condition in children that overheating and hypothermia occur so often, and the former is much more common.

Full-term newborns do not have daily fluctuations in body temperature, its typical fluctuations appear closer to the age of one month.

The two most common causes of fever in a child are colds and reactions to vaccination. It should be borne in mind that the process of forming immunity to the antigen introduced during vaccination lasts up to 3 weeks. And during this period, the child may develop a fever. The timing of the formation of the immune response also depends on the type of antigen introduced: ask if the live or killed antigen was used during vaccination.

The most rapid rise in temperature occurs after DTP - on the very first day after vaccination. On the second day, the temperature may rise after the introduction of the same DPT, as well as after vaccination against hepatitis and Haemophilus influenzae. 5-14 days - the period of possible hyperthermia after vaccination against measles, rubella, mumps and poliomyelitis.

Post-vaccination temperature up to 38.5 ° C does not require treatment and usually lasts no more than 2 days.

Women are special beings too.

The cyclicity of the processes occurring in female body, is also reflected in body temperature: in the first days of the cycle, body temperature drops by 0.2 ° C, before ovulation it drops by another 0.2 ° C, on the eve of menstruation it rises by 0.5 ° C and normalizes after the end of menstruation.

Of particular importance is the measurement of rectal temperature (in gynecology it is also called basal) - it can be used to determine quite important things:
- Days most favorable for conception. In the second phase of the cycle rectal temperature rises by 0.4–0.8 ° C, which indicates that ovulation has occurred. For those who want to get pregnant, these days (two days before and after the temperature rise) are the most suitable. To prevent pregnancy, on the contrary - during this period it is necessary to use contraceptives.
- The onset of pregnancy. Usually, before the onset of menstruation, the basal temperature decreases. If it remains at the level raised during ovulation, the probability of pregnancy is very high.
- Problems with the course of pregnancy: if the basal temperature drops during an already diagnosed pregnancy, this may indicate the threat of its termination.

Report this change to your doctor.
Rectal temperature is highly dependent on the conditions of measurement, so it is very important to follow the rules: the measurement is carried out for at least 5 minutes, only lying down, at rest, after at least 4 hours of sleep.

So the temperature human body able to reveal a lot, it is an easily obtained, but very valuable source of medical information.

“Normal” body temperature is considered to be a temperature of 36.6 ° C, however, in fact, each person has his own individual temperature norm in the average range from 35.9 to 37.2 ° C. This personal temperature by about 14 years for girls and 20 for boys, and it depends on age, race, and even ... gender! Yes, men are on average half a degree "colder" than women. By the way, during the day the temperature of each absolutely healthy person makes a slight fluctuation within half a degree: in the morning the human body is colder than in the evening.

When to run to the doctor?

Deviations in body temperature from the norm, both upward and downward, are often a reason to consult a doctor.

Very low temperature - 34.9 to 35.2 °C - talking about:

As you can see from this list, any of the reasons described suggests an urgent visit to the doctor. Even a hangover, if it is so severe, should be treated with a course of droppers that will help the body get rid of the toxic breakdown products of alcohol faster. By the way, thermometer readings below the specified limit is already a direct reason for an urgent call for an ambulance.

Moderate drop in temperature – 35.3 to 35.8 °C – may refer to:

In general, a constant feeling of chilliness, cold and damp palms and feet is a reason to see a doctor. It is quite possible that he will not find any serious problems with you, and will only recommend “improving” nutrition and making the daily routine more rational, including moderate physical activity and increasing the duration of sleep. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the unpleasant chill that torments you is one of the first symptoms of a formidable disease that needs to be treated right now, before it has time to develop complications and go into the chronic stage.

Normal temperature - from 35.9 to 36.9°C - says that acute diseases in this moment you do not suffer, and your thermoregulation processes are normal. However, not always normal temperature is combined with perfect order in the body. In some cases, with chronic diseases or reduced immunity, temperature changes may not occur, and this must be remembered!

Moderately elevated (subfebrile) temperature - from 37.0 to 37.3°C – it is the boundary between health and disease. May refer to:

However, such a temperature may also have absolutely “painful” reasons:

bath or sauna visit, hot bath
intense sports training
spicy food

In the case when you didn’t train, didn’t go to the bathhouse, and didn’t have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and the temperature is still a little elevated, you should go to the doctor, and it’s very important to do this without taking any antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs - firstly , at this temperature they are not necessary, and secondly, medical preparations can blur the picture of the disease and prevent the doctor from making a correct diagnosis.

Heat – 37.4-40.2°C – indicates an acute inflammatory process and the need medical care. The question of whether to take antipyretic drugs in this case is decided individually. It is widely believed that temperatures up to 38 ° C cannot be “knocked down” - and in most cases this opinion is true: the proteins of the immune system begin to work in full force precisely at temperatures above 37.5 ° C, and the average person without severe chronic diseases is able to additional harm health to endure temperatures up to 38.5 ° C. However, people suffering from certain neurological and mental illness, must be careful: they can cause a high temperature.

Temperatures above 40.3°C are life threatening and require emergency medical attention.

Several interesting facts about temperature:

There are foods that reduce body temperature by almost a degree. These are green varieties of gooseberries, yellow plums and cane sugar.
In 1995, scientists officially recorded the lowest "normal" body temperature - in a completely healthy and perfectly feeling 19-year-old Canadian, it was 34.4 ° C.
Known for their extraordinary therapeutic findings, Korean doctors have come up with a way to treat the seasonal autumn-spring that many people suffer from. They suggested lowering the temperature of the upper body while raising the temperature of the lower half. In fact, this is a well-known health formula “Keep your feet warm and your head cold”, but doctors from Korea say that it is also applicable to improve a mood stubbornly striving for zero.

We measure correctly!

However, instead of panicking about abnormal body temperature, you should first think about whether you are measuring it correctly? A mercury thermometer under the arm, familiar to everyone since childhood, does not give the most accurate results.

Firstly, it is still better to purchase a modern, electronic thermometer, which allows you to measure the temperature with an accuracy of hundredths of a degree.

Secondly, the place of measurement is important for the accuracy of the result. The armpit is convenient, but due to the large number of sweat glands, it is inaccurate. The oral cavity is also convenient (just remember to disinfect the thermometer), but you must remember that the temperature there is approximately half a degree higher than the temperature in the armpit, in addition, if you ate or drank something hot, smoked or have consumed alcohol, readings may be falsely high.

Measurement of temperature in the rectum provides one of the most accurate results, it should only be taken into account that the temperature there is approximately a degree higher than the temperature under the arm, in addition, the thermometer readings may be false after sports training or taking a bath.

And, the “champion” in terms of the accuracy of the result is the external auditory canal. It is only necessary to remember that measuring the temperature in it requires a special thermometer and precise observance of the nuances of the procedure, the violation of which can lead to erroneous results.

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?

Types of temperature indicators

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.

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.

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.

Diagnosis by body temperature

It would seem, what could be difficult here? Elevated body temperature indicates a disease, the need to see a doctor, etc. Did you know that temperature changes during the day can tell a lot about the nature of the disease?

First you need to correctly measure the body temperature. Here, too, there are rules, the violation of which can lead to incorrect results.

To measure body temperature today use a mercury thermometer. A column of mercury, expanding from heat, rises up a thin transparent tube, next to which there is a scale with divisions. One division is 0.1 degrees. Such a thermometer allows you to measure the temperature from 35 to 42 degrees. Having risen, the column of mercury does not fall until the thermometer is shaken.

Before taking the temperature, shake the thermometer vigorously so that the mercury column drops to 35 ° C. Carefully inspect the column. There should not be any gaps in it, otherwise the thermometer will never show the correct temperature!

It is known that in some countries the temperature (including body temperature) is measured in Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit is Celsius times 1.8 + 32. The difference is related to that. what value was taken by scientists for absolute zero.

The cup temperature is measured in the armpit. Before measurement, it must be wiped dry, otherwise the moisture, evaporating from the surface of the skin, will cool it, and the temperature will be lower than it actually is. The thermometer must be positioned so that the mercury reservoir is completely covered by the skin. The hand must be pressed to the body and held for 10 minutes. After that, the thermometer is removed and the result is looked at.

The armpit is not the only place to take temperature. For example, if a person is weak and cannot hold a thermometer himself, you can measure the temperature in inguinal fold. In addition, temperature is also measured in the rectum, vagina, and sometimes in the mouth.

In order to measure the temperature in the rectum, you need to thoroughly wash the thermometer, lubricate its end with petroleum jelly and carefully insert into anus. After measuring, the thermometer must be washed again and wiped with alcohol or cologne.

It must be remembered that the body temperature in the armpit, in the rectum or vagina will never be the same. In the rectum, it will always be higher, but this difference should not exceed 0.8-1 degrees. If the difference exceeds these figures, this indicates inflammation of the internal organs, which means you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Everyone knows the normal temperature of the human body. It averages 36.6 degrees, and can fluctuate between 36.2-37 degrees. A temperature of 37 degrees is already considered high. Body temperature depends on environmental conditions, health status and time of day. In the evening, it is usually higher than in the morning (sometimes it can even reach 37 ° C).

When a person is sick, the temperature should be measured at least 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. It is desirable to record the results, even if the numbers correspond to the norm. It is very convenient to enter them in a special temperature sheet, which is easy to do on your own. To do this, draw two perpendicular axes. On the horizontal, set aside the time (date, morning and evening), and on the vertical - the thermometer readings (with an accuracy of 0.1 degrees). Each time you measure the temperature, put a point in accordance with the results obtained. Then connect the dots with straight lines. So you get a temperature graph (temperature curve), which is much easier to navigate than just a sheet with recorded results. Various diseases give different temperature curves because the measurement data is always different. This can be a good help for diagnosis.

Oddly enough, perhaps the worst thing a person feels is at a slightly elevated body temperature (37.2 - 37.5 degrees).

Persistent fever

With this type of fever, the temperature is always elevated (even in the morning it exceeds 37 degrees), but in the morning it is still lower than in the evening. During the day, the temperature difference is no more than 1 degree. At the same time, the morning temperature can be relatively low (37.2-38 degrees). This is how body temperature fluctuates in croupous inflammation of the lungs, as well as in typhoid fever.

Laxative fever

The morning temperature is above 37 degrees, during the day it rises slightly. The evening temperature is always higher than the morning temperature. This type of fever can occur with milder forms of pneumonia, purulent diseases, tuberculosis.

Wasting (hectic) fever

With this form of fever, the morning temperature, as a rule, turns out to be normal or slightly elevated (no more than 37 - 37.1 degrees), and the evening temperature is much higher (by 2 -4 degrees). As the temperature rises sharply, at this moment the person feels severe chills, headache and muscle pain. At night, the temperature can also drop sharply, while the person sweats a lot, his blood pressure decreases, which can even lead to loss of consciousness.

This type of fever occurs in severe diseases: advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, severe purulent diseases, and sepsis.

intermittent fever

In order to determine this rather rare form of fever, you need to collect data on changes in temperature over several days. The morning temperature is always normal, for several days in the evening it can rise slightly (no more than 1 degree), and then fall again. Once every 2-3, less than 4 days a day, the temperature rises sharply by 2-4 degrees, and then drops just as sharply, after which “calm” days again come. If you draw a chart, then high teeth - candles - will periodically appear on it. Such a fever occurs with malaria.

wrong fever

With abnormal fever, there is no regularity in temperature changes. She then rises to high numbers, then remains normal. The only "rule" that is observed here is that the morning temperature is always lower than the evening one. This type of fever can be a sign of rheumatism, tuberculosis, sepsis and other serious illnesses.

According to legend, Fever is one of the twelve sisters of Herod, along with Jaundice, Mayalnitsa, Znobuha, Shaking and other diseases. Why exactly King Herod “got” such relatives is clear to anyone who is familiar with the gospel stories.

reverse fever

There is also no system in the change of temperature in this type of fever, but it is characterized by the fact that the morning temperature is higher than the evening one. Such a fever occurs with tuberculosis, brucellosis.

Some illnesses last for weeks or months. With regular measurement and recording of temperature, two more forms of fever are distinguished, which can be combined with the above.

undulating fever

Morning temperature gradually rises day by day, and then also slowly decreases. The data of evening measurements change according to the same principle, and the differences in values may be different. Small waves are clearly visible on the graph - differences between morning and evening temperature and larger waves - gradual changes in the "reference point" - morning temperature.

Such a fever occurs with brucellosis and lymphogranulomatosis ( systemic lesion personal system).

relapsing fever

For several days both morning and evening temperatures remain normal (or evening temperatures may be slightly elevated), then the temperature rises sharply, and for several days both morning and evening figures remain high, after which the temperature rises again. Small fluctuations during the day (small waves) remain.

Such a fever occurs with relapsing fever.

Why does the temperature rise to 37 degrees in the evening? Causes and diagnosis

And sometimes the body temperature remains normal throughout the day, but in the evening it invariably rises. Such a phenomenon does not always indicate the development of the disease, but it still speaks of certain changes in the human body. For some people, such changes generally become a normal state, because this is how their thermoregulation system functions. And yet, one should very carefully consider the reasons for the appearance of such numbers on the thermometer.

Every evening the temperature rises to 37 degrees in adults and children for a variety of reasons. The indicators will be influenced by different factors: physiological and pathological. Of course, if you complain about your own well-being, you should consult a doctor. But sometimes a temperature of 37.1 (in the evening) does not mean something terrible, but is a variant of the norm.

But if these symptoms persist for a long time, you need to see a doctor. Most likely, this condition indicates an immune response to a certain threat or trouble.

What can affect the change in temperature in the evening?

A person rarely resorts to the use of a thermometer if there are no additional health complaints and signs of illness. But, after taking periodic measurements, you may be surprised that there is a temperature of 37 in the evening, but not in the morning. The thermometer readings are influenced by many factors:

time of day (it is known that in the morning the thermometer readings are lower than in the evening, and during deep sleep the lowest values are noted);
the rhythm of life (for people who have an active lifestyle, the thermometer is always higher);
type of measuring device (it is generally accepted that electronic thermometers have an error, unlike mercury devices);
season and weather conditions (in winter, the temperature naturally rises, and in summer it becomes lower);
physiological and pathological conditions.

Physiological conditions that raise the temperature

Hyperthermia does not always occur due to a specific threat. Very often it is the result of overload or hormonal changes in the body.

This can happen due to the ingestion of hot or spicy foods, nervous tension and prescription of certain medications.

Sometimes such figures are not considered a pathology at all, but only a borderline state of the norm. Only in case of a strong increase or unacceptable long period hyperthermia, a comprehensive examination of the patient's body is prescribed.

Among women

For many women, body temperature rises periodically. Here's why it's happening. During the menstrual cycle, hormones are constantly produced.

On certain days, the release of some substances becomes more, while others - less. Immediately after ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), progesterone enters the work.

This hormone is very important for maintaining the second phase of the cycle and the development of pregnancy. Thanks to him, relaxation occurs smooth muscle. Also, progesterone affects thermoregulation, reduces the rate of heat transfer.

Before menstruation, a woman may notice that her body temperature has increased by a fraction of a degree.

As soon as bleeding begins, the level of progesterone will decrease, and the thermometer will return to normal. If pregnancy has occurred, then elevated values \u200b\u200bmay persist for several months until the placenta is formed. For expectant mothers, it is considered normal if the thermometer shows 37-37.2 degrees.

The rise in temperature in the evenings is usually explained by a sharp hormonal changes body, toxicosis during pregnancy, increased metabolic rate, reflex influences when drinking alcoholic beverages or by the usual processes of thermoregulation.

The reasons why the temperature rises in the evening 37:

during premenstrual syndrome
during childbearing
when feeding a baby
at ovulation
shortly after the birth of children
with menopause
after too dense and plentiful food
with excessive use of strong alcoholic beverages
with significant overheating in the sun, etc.

In some women, such a temperature is generally normal, accompanying them all their lives. For other ladies in the evening, the numbers often change due to increased fatigue or severe nervous strain.

In men

Representatives of the stronger sex also often complain that in the evening the temperature rises to 37 without symptoms. This may be the result of hypothermia or overheating, injury, nervous strain. Hyperthermia can occur due to excessively abundant consumption of spicy foods or passion for alcoholic beverages.

The temperature can jump in the evening due to significant muscle strain after hard physical work or increased sports training.

The most common reason can be a long bath or shower that is too hot, a long sleep in a chair near the radiator, a very warm dressing gown or suit.

In the elderly, temperature fluctuations may have their own characteristics. During the day, for example, some hypothermia will be noted, and by the evening the numbers will crawl to around 37 degrees.

In addition, in men, as in women, such indicators can be quite normal and correspond to their physiological norm.

In children

The child often causes great anxiety to his parents because of the temperature that has jumped towards evening.

However, it is worth noting that in children under five years old, due to their imperfect thermoregulation, 37.2 - 37.3 degrees can be considered normal temperature.

Most often, fever at night occurs shortly after an infection or other childhood disease. The baby's immunity is not yet fully strengthened, so his circulatory system reacts with an increased release of lymphocytes, accompanied by hyperthermia.

This is a normal reaction, indicating that the defenses of the child's body are on guard of his health.

The rise in temperature in the evening to 37 in a child can also be explained by the most common reasons:

Too active games
too warm clothes
reaction to vaccination
teething
hot drink at night
too warm blanket
change of biorhythms
hearty dinner
not well-established metabolism, etc.

In newborns and premature babies, a temperature of thirty-seven degrees in the evening is not uncommon and is associated with the formation normal processes thermoregulation in the infant.

Such reasons are the most common and all parents face them.

In an overly sensitive child, the temperature can rise even with strong crying or watching an interesting movie.

The baby's digestive system can also react with an abundant release of enzymes and active bowel movements, which causes a temperature of 37 in the evening.

Therefore, children's temperature is measured only after special training. The thermometer should be set at the same time under the same conditions.

Enough time should pass after the cessation of all activity, the child should be calm and relaxed. The armpit of the baby should be allowed to dry completely, and he himself should not be allowed to sweat. It is desirable to measure the temperature before dinner and water procedures.

meal

Another physiological reason for an increase in the thermometer is a meal. It is recommended to measure the temperature no earlier than half an hour after eating. The fact is that while eating, the body expends heat, so it constantly compensates for it.

A noticeable increase in temperature occurs in individuals with a good metabolism. Most people don't feel these changes, but if you take your temperature right after eating, you'll be surprised.

Since a more voluminous meal occurs in the evening (dinner), the temperature increase at this time of day becomes more pronounced.

Overwork

It is known that at night the thermometer readings become much lower. This is facilitated by a decrease in activity and low energy consumption. However, in the evening, the indicators, on the contrary, become higher. This happens due to overwork, overexertion, stress.

There is such a thing as chronic fatigue syndrome. In people with this diagnosis, the temperature may rise for no reason throughout the day.

Most often in the evening there is a temperature of 37-37.2 and weakness, headache. If during rest and deep sleep the indicators do not decrease, then you should think about the presence of a pathological cause of this condition.

Reasons for the rise in temperature

Not always, when the thermometer fixes thirty-seven, it only speaks of harmless functional reasons. Often such figures indicate the development of a disease.

Such jumps may be the first symptom:

Helminthiasis
inflammatory process in the body
introduction of infection
development of a malignant neoplasm
cardiovascular pathology
allergies
neurological diseases
rheumatism
arthritis
endocrine diseases
development of mental pathologies

When an increase in body temperature is recorded in the evening, the reasons can be very different. They can be associated with intoxication with cell decay products, the fight against pathogenic microorganisms or impaired neuromuscular conduction.

Infection with infectious diseases is also possible, so contacting a doctor in this case is mandatory.

Pathological conditions

If a person's temperature rises to 37 in the evening, then this may be alarm bell. There is a mass pathological causes such a condition, but they all usually have additional features. Busy people leading an active lifestyle may not even notice them.

Colds

The most common symptom of a cold is an increase in temperature. In this way, the human body tries to cope with the causative agent of the infection. It is known that viruses die when the thermometer reaches 38 degrees. Therefore, you should not bring down the temperature of 37. Let your body eliminate the infection on its own and form immunity.

Consequences of infection

Many infectious diseases run at elevated temperatures. But what if you're already healthy and it's still going up? Such an outcome is also possible. It is in the evening that an increase in the thermometer values is noticeable.

Especially often such symptoms are due to chickenpox, acute intestinal infection, bacterial pathologies. Do not worry, in the near future the body will restore its strength. Such temperature indicators do not require the use of antipyretics. After a night's rest, they return to normal on their own.

Arterial pressure

Hypertensive patients often complain that they have an elevated body temperature. Such a natural consequence of high pressure cannot be called natural, but it is not entirely correct to consider it pathological either. It is worth the patient to bring blood pressure back to normal, as well as a thermometer shows smaller numbers.

Hypotonics, on the contrary, have a low body temperature. For some people, it drops below 36 degrees. It is very important not to miss the moment here. But if such a condition does not cause discomfort, then you can not try to fix it.

This abbreviation stands for vegetovascular dystonia. Until now, this disease remains not fully understood. Many doctors refute it, saying that a person is dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome. One way or another, when vegetative dystonia the thermometer rises. A person can note that in the morning the temperature is 36, in the evening - 37.

Oncological pathologies

It is the evening increase in the values of the thermometer that often makes a person turn to specialists. During the examination, tumor processes can be detected.

Benign neoplasms often do not make themselves felt like a symptom. But the reproduction of cancer cells affects the lymphatic system, so a slight increase in the mercury meter is the first wake-up call.

immune diseases

Any deviations in the work of the immune system and the protective functions of the body affect the temperature values. They become higher with the following pathologies:

allergy;
rheumatic diseases;
blood pathology;
system deviations.

Many diseases develop due to the increased immune work of the body, which provokes inflammation of a different nature.

What is subfebrile condition, and how to deal with it?

Subfebrile condition is an unreasonable increase in the temperature values \u200b\u200bof the human body. In such cases, the indicators do not exceed 37.5 degrees.

The temperature persists for months or even years. This distinguishes it from the course of acute pathological diseases or physiological reasons raises.

The main sign of subfebrile condition is that a person has an elevated body temperature. Accompanying this disease:

increased fatigue;
drowsiness and weakness;
decrease in appetite;
redness of the skin;
disorders of the digestive system;
increased sweating;
frequent pulse;
neuroses and insomnia.

Both a specialist and the sick person can pre-diagnose the problem. But with subfebrile condition, additional research. To do this, consult a doctor and find out why the temperature rises to 37 in the evening.

Diagnosis with subfebrile condition

The specialist must examine the patient before making a diagnosis. The condition of the mucous membranes, the work of the respiratory system is studied, the organs of the abdominal cavity are palpated.

Defects of joints, lymph nodes are revealed. For women, it is carried out gynecological examination and palpation of the mammary glands, the menstrual cycle is studied. The collection of anamnesis is carried out in several stages.

The doctor determines the following:

were there in the recent past surgical interventions or injury (in women - childbirth and abortion);
what infectious diseases were transferred during life and whether there are chronic pathologies (Special attention given to diabetes, HIV, liver and blood diseases);
the possibility of hepatitis and bacterial endocarditis.

Usually, already at the examination stage, a specialist is struck by a rash on the body, a change in the color of the skin, uncharacteristic discharge or formation.

Therefore, to confirm his hypothesis, he prescribes a series of tests showing the state of the blood picture, the possible presence of severe infectious chronic diseases or helminthic invasion.

To do this, the specialist will send the patient to laboratory tests.

To clarify the reason why he always has a temperature of 37 in the evening, you need to go through:

clinical and biochemical analysis blood
four mandatory analysis(HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C)
allergen panel
general urine analysis
analysis of feces for worm eggs and protozoan cysts
sputum microscopy
discharge from the urethra and genitals
biopsy
spinal puncture.

The results obtained help to identify helminthiasis, inflammatory processes or allergic reactions.

In order to differential diagnosis it is also necessary to make a fluorography, radiography, ultrasound scan, ECG, EEG, CT, MRI, as well as conduct special targeted studies. All this quickly allows you to identify tuberculosis, diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver and kidneys, malignant neoplasms, which often cause an increase in temperature in the evening.

The specialist receives the final confirmation of the diagnosis by conducting instrumental research. For this, mammography, FGDS, angiography, ultrasonography, etc. are used.

They quite accurately allow you to identify the disease, due to which there is a regular rise in temperature, as they show the state of the internal organs of the patient. In addition, they allow you to correlate the overall picture of the disease with the changed thermal regime.

Let's summarize

An increase in body temperature in the evening can be caused by many reasons. If you have an increase in the thermometer for a long time, then this is a serious reason for the examination. Don't ignore your own complaints. Be sure to consult a doctor and find out why you have a fever in the evening.

What is the normal body temperature in a person: the norm in an adult

Thermoregulation is considered to be one of the key features human body.

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

During the day, body temperature can vary, but not much.

This process is associated with 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 in an adult, and what types are there? How is body temperature measured in the armpit, in the mouth?

What does norm mean?

So what is the normal temperature anyway? It is generally accepted that the temperature of the human body is exactly 36.6 degrees. A slight deviation to one side or the other is allowed.

Based on the state of the person, the surrounding climatic conditions and time of day, as well as other parameters, body temperature can be from 35.5 to 37.4 degrees. It should be noted that the average temperature regime of women is 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 average temperature body may differ and depending on the nationality. For example, the Japanese average value is 36 degrees, while the Australians have all 37.

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

In females, body temperature can fluctuate depending on the 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 is the normal temperature?

The norm is for everyone. The internal organ of the 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.
In the armpit, place it so that the tip filled with mercury is in close contact with the body.
Hold for at least 10 minutes.
You can evaluate the result.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth correctly:

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

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

What temperature happens?

Human temperature is divided into the following types:

Subfebrile temperature - 5 degrees. Such a temperature in a person may be the norm and not cause danger, but it may also indicate pathological processes flowing in the body. Therefore, it is very important to find out why a person's temperature has risen:

Overheating in the sun, strong physical exertion.
Hot water procedures- sauna, bath.
Viral or colds.
Hot and spicy food.
Chronic ailments.

Serious illnesses that threaten life also lead to a prolonged temperature of 37. Oncological diseases(the tumor can affect an organ such as the stomach) and tuberculosis in the early stages of development are characterized slight increase temperature regime.

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

Febrile temperature - 37.6, always signals that an inflammatory process is taking place in the body. The normal temperature rises to such a point as to fight pathogenic microorganisms, creating unfavorable conditions for them. Therefore, it should not be knocked down with medications.

You can simply drink more warm liquids 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 you to start taking antipyretic drugs.

If a person's temperature is 39 degrees, convulsions are possible, so you need to be more careful for people who have concomitant diseases.

Most often, the instigators of this temperature are microorganisms and viruses that penetrate the body. Also, such a body temperature is possible with severe burns, injuries.

Hyperthermia - temperature (40.3), makes you sound the alarm and immediately call an ambulance, it is important to know what to do if the temperature is 40 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 a coma, and the risk of death.

Low temperature

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

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

The reasons for the low temperature are:

With hypothyroidism; due to alcoholic beverages (an organ such as the brain ceases to function, the center of thermoregulation is affected)
Failure of the functioning of the central nervous system, brain damage (trauma, tumor).
Paralysis resulting in weight loss and heat loss.
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 stay of a person at a low temperature, as a result of which own forces organisms can no longer cope with the function of thermoregulation.
Dehydration, as a result of which the body has little fluid, which leads to a decrease in metabolism.

A moderate decrease in the temperature regime (35.3) happens:

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

There are a number of methods by which body temperature can be raised. As a rule, they do not involve any medication, except if the decrease is caused by serious illnesses.

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

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 individual features organism, therefore, at the slightest doubt, it is necessary to visit a doctor. Elena Malysheva will popularly tell you what to do with the temperature in the video in that article.

Temperature

Temperature changes are a frequent companion of diseases. Why in most cases it is not necessary to bring down the temperature and how to remove the heat, if necessary?

Human body temperature: norm, changes and symptom of diseases

What to do with elevated body temperature is one of the most common questions for therapists and pediatricians. Indeed, the heat often frightens patients. However, are elevated values always a cause for panic? Under what conditions does the temperature stay, and under what diseases does it, on the contrary, fall? And when are antipyretics really needed? What temperature should be normal in children and the elderly? MedAboutMe dealt with these and many other issues.

body temperature in adults

Thermoregulation is responsible for human temperature - the ability of warm-blooded organisms to maintain a constant temperature, reduce or increase it if necessary. The hypothalamus is primarily responsible for these processes. However, today scientists are inclined to believe that it is wrong to determine a single center of thermoregulation, because many factors affect the temperature of the human body.

In childhood, the temperature changes under the slightest influence, while in adults (starting the rally) it is quite stable. Although it also rarely stays on one indicator all day. known physiological changes that reflect circadian rhythms. For example, the difference between normal temperature in the morning and in the evening in a healthy person will be 0.5-1.0°C. With these rhythms, a characteristic increase in fever in the evening hours in a sick person is also associated.

The temperature can change under the influence of the external environment, increase with physical exertion, eating certain foods (especially often after spicy food and overeating), with stress, fear and even intense mental work.

What temperature should be normal

Everyone is well aware of the value of 36.6 ° C. However, what temperature should be normal in reality?

The figure of 36.6 ° C appeared as a result of research conducted by the German physician Karl Reinhold Wunderlich back in the middle of the 19th century. Then he made about 1 million temperature measurements in the armpit in 25 thousand patients. And the value of 36.6°C was just the average body temperature of a healthy person.

According to modern standards, the norm is not a specific figure, but a range from 36 ° C to 37.4 ° C. Moreover, doctors recommend periodically measuring the temperature in a healthy state in order to accurately know the individual values of the norm. It should be borne in mind that with age, body temperature changes - in childhood it can be quite high, and in old age it drops. Therefore, an indicator of 36 ° C for an elderly person will be the norm, but for a child it can indicate hypothermia and a symptom of the disease.

It is also important to consider how the temperature is measured - the values in the armpit, rectum or under the tongue can differ by 1-1.5 ° C.

Temperature during pregnancy

The temperature is very dependent on hormonal activity and therefore it is not surprising that pregnant women often experience fever. FROM hormonal changes hot flashes during menopause and temperature fluctuations during menstruation are associated.

It is very important for expectant mothers to carefully monitor their condition, while understanding that slightly increased or low temperature during pregnancy is the norm for most women. For example, if the values do not exceed 37 ° C in the first weeks, and there are no other symptoms of malaise, then the condition can be explained by the activity of female sex hormones. Particularly progesterone.

And yet, if the temperature during pregnancy lasts for a long time, then even subfebrile indicators (37-38 ° C) should be a reason for consulting a doctor. With such a symptom, it is important to undergo examinations and take tests to exclude the presence of such infections - cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, herpes, hepatitis and others.

Temperature during pregnancy can also be a sign of common seasonal SARS. In this case, it is very important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor. While the common cold is unlikely to pose a risk to the fetus, the flu can lead to serious consequences up to early miscarriage. With influenza, the temperature rises to 39 ° C.

The child's temperature

The system of thermoregulation in children under 1 year of age has not yet been established, therefore the temperature in a child can change significantly under the slightest influence. This is especially true for babies in the first three months of life. Most often, parents are concerned about elevated values, however, the causes of a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be:

Too warm clothes.
Cry.
Laugh.
Eating, including breastfeeding.
Bathing in water above 34-36°C.

After sleep, the values \u200b\u200bare usually lower, but with active games, the child's temperature rises quickly. Therefore, when taking measurements, it is necessary to take into account all external factors that could affect them.

At the same time, too high a temperature (38 ° C and above) can be dangerous for small children. To compensate for the heat, the body uses a lot of water and therefore dehydration is often observed. Moreover, in a child, this condition occurs faster than in an adult. Dehydration can pose a danger to health (often against its background there is a deterioration in the condition, subsequently ARVI is complicated by pneumonia) and life (with severe dehydration, there may be loss of consciousness and even death).

In addition, some children under 5 years of age have febrile convulsions- when the child's temperature rises to 38-39 ° C, involuntary muscle contractions begin, possible short syncope. If at least once such a condition was observed, in the future, even with a slight heat, the baby needs to bring down the temperature.

Human temperature

Normally, a person's temperature is controlled endocrine system, in particular, the hypothalamus and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4, as well as the hormone TSH, which regulates their production). Thermoregulation is influenced by sex hormones. And yet, infections remain the main cause of fever, and too low a temperature in most cases is caused by overwork or a lack of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Temperature degrees

Man is a warm-blooded creature, which means that the body can maintain a stable temperature regardless of environmental factors. At the same time, in severe frost, the overall temperature drops, and in hot weather it can rise so much that a person will get heat stroke. This is due to the fact that our body is quite sensitive to thermal changes - changes of only 2-3 degrees of temperature significantly affect metabolic processes, hemodynamics and the transmission of impulses along nerve cells. As a result, pressure may increase, convulsions and confusion may occur. Frequent symptoms of low temperature are lethargy, at a value of 30-32 ° C there may be loss of consciousness; and high - delusional states.

Types of fever

For the vast majority of diseases that occur with an increase in temperature, certain ranges of values are characteristic. Therefore, it is often enough for a doctor to make a diagnosis to know not the exact value, but the type elevated temperature. In medicine, there are several types of them:

Subfebrile - from 37 ° C to 38 ° C.
Febrile - from 38°C to 39°C.
High - more than 39°C.
Dangerous for life - the line is 40.5-41 ° C.

Temperature values are evaluated in combination with other symptoms, since the degree of fever does not always correspond to the severity of the disease. For example, subfebrile temperature observed with such dangerous diseases like tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, pyelonephritis and others. A particularly alarming symptom is a condition in which the temperature is kept at 37-37.5 ° C for a long time. This may indicate disruption of the endocrine system and even malignant tumors.

fluctuations in normal body temperature

As already mentioned, the normal temperature in a healthy person can change throughout the day, as well as under the influence of certain factors (food, physical activity, and more). In this case, you need to remember what temperature should be at different ages:

Children under one year old - a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be considered the norm.
Up to 5 years - 36.6-37.5 ° C.
Adolescence - there may be strong fluctuations in temperature associated with the activity of sex hormones. The values are stabilizing in girls on the rise, in boys, differences can be observed up to 18 years.
Adults - 36-37.4 ° C.
Elderly people over 65 years old - up to 36.3 ° C. A temperature of 37°C can be considered a serious febrile condition.

In men, the average body temperature is lower on average by 0.5 ° C than in women.

How temperature is measured

There are several ways to measure body temperature. And in each case there will be their own norms of values. Among the most popular methods are:

To receive you need to exact values, the skin should be dry, and the thermometer itself should be pressed tightly enough to the body. This method will take the most time mercury thermometer– 7-10 minutes), because the skin should warm up on its own. The norm of temperature degrees in the armpit is 36.2-36.9 ° C.

The method is most popular for young children, as one of the safest. For this method, it is better to use electronic thermometers with a soft tip, the measurement time is 1-1.5 minutes. The norm of values is 36.8-37.6 ° C (on average, it differs by 1 ° C from axillary values).

Orally, sublingually (in the mouth, under the tongue).

In our country, the method is not widely used, although in Europe this is how the temperature in adults is most often measured. It takes from 1 to 5 minutes to measure, depending on the type of device. The temperature values are normal - 36.6-37.2 ° C.

The method is used to measure the temperature of a child and requires a special type of thermometer (non-contact measurement), therefore it is not very common. In addition to determining the overall temperature, the method will also help in the diagnosis of otitis media. If there is inflammation, then in different ears the temperature will be very different.

Most often used to determine basal body temperature(the lowest body temperature that is recorded during rest). Measured after sleep, an increase of 0.5 ° C indicates the onset of ovulation.

Types of thermometers

Today in pharmacies you can find different types thermometers to measure human temperature. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

It is considered one of the most accurate types and at the same time affordable. In addition, it is used in hospitals and clinics, as it is easily disinfected and can be used for a large number of people. Disadvantages include slow temperature measurement and brittleness. BUT broken thermometer dangerous with toxic mercury fumes. Therefore, for children today it is used quite rarely, they are not used for oral measurement.

The most popular type for home use. Quickly measures the temperature (from 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes), reports the end sound signal. Electronic thermometers can be with soft tips (for rectal temperature measurement in a child) and hard (universal devices). If the thermometer is used rectally or orally, it must be individual - for one person only. The disadvantage of such a thermometer is often inaccurate values. Therefore, after purchase, you need to measure the temperature in a healthy state in order to know the possible error range.

Relatively new and expensive type of thermometers. Used to measure temperature in a non-contact way, for example, in the ear, forehead or temple. The speed of obtaining the result is 2-5 seconds. A slight error of 0.2-0.5°C is allowed. A significant disadvantage of the thermometer is its limited use– it is not used for measurements in the usual ways (axillary, rectal, oral). In addition, each model is designed for its own method (forehead, temple, ear) and cannot be used in other areas.

Relatively recently, thermal strips were popular - flexible films with crystals that change color at different temperatures. In order to get the result, it is enough to apply the strip to the forehead and wait for about 1 minute. This method of measurement does not determine the exact degrees of temperature, but only shows the values \u200b\u200bof "low", "normal", "high". Therefore, it cannot replace full-fledged thermometers.

Fever symptoms

An increase in body temperature is well felt by a person. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Fatigue, general weakness.
Chills (the more fever, the more chills).
Headache.
Aches in the body, especially in the joints, muscles and fingers.
Feeling cold.
Sensation of heat in the region of the eyeballs.
Dry mouth.
Decreased or complete loss of appetite.
Rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias.
Sweating (if the body can regulate heat), dry skin (when the temperature rises).

Rose and white fever

High fever can manifest differently in children and adults. It is customary to distinguish two types of fever:

So named after characteristics- red skin, especially pronounced blush on the cheeks and face as a whole. The most common type of fever, in which the body is able to provide optimal heat transfer - the superficial vessels expand (this is how the blood cools), sweating is activated (decrease in skin temperature). The patient's condition, as a rule, is stable, there are no significant violations of the general condition and well-being.

A rather dangerous form of fever, in which failures of thermoregulatory processes occur in the body. The skin in this case is white, and sometimes even cool (especially cold hands and feet), while the measurement of rectal or oral temperature shows fever. A person is tormented by chills, the condition worsens significantly, fainting and confusion can be observed. white fever develops if there is a spasm of blood vessels under the skin, as a result of which the body cannot start the cooling mechanisms. The condition is dangerous in that the temperature rises significantly in vital important organs(brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) and may affect their functions.

Reasons for the rise in temperature

Thermoregulation is provided by the endocrine system, which triggers various mechanisms an increase or decrease in a person's temperature. And of course, violations in the production of hormones or the functioning of the glands lead to violations of thermoregulation. Such manifestations, as a rule, are stable, and the values remain within the subfebrile range.

The main cause of elevated temperature are pyrogens, which can affect thermoregulation. Moreover, some of them are not introduced from the outside by pathogens, but are secreted by cells of the immune system. Such pyrogens are designed to increase the effectiveness of the fight against various health-threatening conditions. The temperature rises in such cases:

Infections - viruses, bacteria, protozoa and others.
Burns, injuries. As a rule, there is a local increase in temperature, but with a large area of the lesion there may be a general fever.
Allergic reactions. In these cases, the immune system produces pyrogens to fight harmless substances.
shock states.

ARI and high fever

Seasonal respiratory diseases- the most common cause temperature increase. In this case, depending on the type of infection, its values will be different.

For the common cold or mild form ARVI is observed subfebrile temperature, in addition, it rises gradually, on average in 6-12 hours. With proper treatment, the fever lasts no more than 4 days, after which it begins to subside or disappear altogether.
If the temperature rises sharply and exceeds 38 ° C, this may be a symptom of the flu. Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, this disease requires mandatory monitoring by a local therapist or pediatrician.
If the fever resumed after the condition improved or did not go away on the 5th day from the onset of the disease, this most often indicates complications. A bacterial infection has joined the initial viral infection, the temperature is usually above 38°C. The condition requires an urgent call to the doctor, as the patient may need antibiotic therapy.

Diseases with a temperature of 37-38 ° C

A temperature of 37-38 ° C is typical for such diseases:

SARS.
Exacerbations of chronic diseases respiratory tract. For example, bronchitis or bronchial asthma, tonsillitis.
Tuberculosis.
Chronic diseases of internal organs during an exacerbation: myocarditis, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart membranes), pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
Ulcer, colitis.
Viral hepatitis (usually hepatitis B and C).
Herpes in the acute stage.
Exacerbation of psoriasis.
Infection with toxoplasmosis.

This temperature is typical for the initial stage of thyroid dysfunction, with increased output hormones (thyrotoxicosis). Hormonal disorders during menopause can also cause a slight fever. Subfebrile values can be observed in people with helminthic invasion.

Diseases with a temperature of 39 ° C and above

High temperature accompanies diseases that cause severe intoxication of the body. Most often, values within 39 ° C degrees indicate the development of an acute bacterial infection:

Angina.
Pneumonia.
Acute pyelonephritis.
Gastrointestinal diseases: salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera.
Sepsis.

At the same time, intense fever is also characteristic of other infections:

Flu.
Hemorrhagic fever, in which the kidneys are severely affected.
Chicken pox.
Measles.
Meningitis, encephalitis.
Viral hepatitis A.

Other causes of high fever

Violations of thermoregulation can be observed without visible diseases. Another dangerous reason that the temperature has risen is the inability of the body to provide adequate heat transfer. This happens, as a rule, with prolonged exposure to the sun in the hot season or in a too stuffy room. The temperature of the child may rise if he is dressed too warmly. The condition is dangerous with heatstroke, which can be fatal for people with heart and lung disease. With severe overheating, even in healthy people, organs, primarily the brain, suffer significantly. Also, fever for no apparent reason can manifest itself in emotional people during periods of stress and intense excitement.

Low temperature symptoms

A low temperature is less common than a fever, but it can also indicate serious health problems. Indicators below 35.5 ° C for an adult are considered a sign of diseases and disorders of the body, and below 35 ° C in the elderly.

The following degrees of body temperature are considered life-threatening:

32.2 ° C - a person will fall into a stupor, there is a strong lethargy.
30-29°C - loss of consciousness.
Below 26.5 ° C - a fatal outcome is possible.

Low temperature is characterized by the following symptoms:

General weakness, malaise.
Drowsiness.
There may be irritability.
The extremities become cold, numbness of the fingers develops.
Attention disturbances and problems with thought processes are noticeable, the speed of reactions decreases.
General feeling of coldness, trembling in the body.

Causes of low temperature

Among the main reasons for low temperatures are the following:

General weakness of the body caused by external factors and living conditions.

Insufficient nutrition, lack of sleep, stress and emotional distress can affect thermoregulation.

Associated, as a rule, with insufficient synthesis of hormones.

The most common cause of low temperature in humans. The condition is dangerous by a violation of metabolic processes and frostbite of the extremities only in the case of a strong drop in temperature. With a slight hypothermia, a person decreases local immunity, therefore, this or that infection often subsequently develops.

It is observed during the recovery period, after operations, may occur against the background of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also low temperature is typical for people with AIDS.

Diseases of the endocrine system

Hormones play an important role in the processes of thermoregulation. In particular, the thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. With their increased synthesis, fever is often observed, but hypothyroidism, on the contrary, leads to a decrease in the overall temperature. In the initial stages, this is often the only symptom by which the development of the disease can be suspected.

A stable decrease in body temperature is also observed with adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Pathology develops slowly, may not show other signs for months or even several years.

Low hemoglobin in the blood

One of the most common causes of low temperature is iron deficiency anemia. It is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, and this in turn affects the functioning of the whole organism. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen to the cells, and if it is not enough, different degrees hypoxia.

The person becomes lethargic, general weakness is noted, against which the metabolic processes. The low temperature is the result of these changes.

In addition, the level of hemoglobin can fall with various blood loss. In particular, anemia can develop in people with internal bleeding. If a significant blood loss occurs in a short period of time, the volume of circulating blood decreases, and this already affects heat transfer.

Other causes of low temperature

Among dangerous states requiring mandatory consultation doctor and treatment, we can distinguish such diseases with a low temperature:

Radiation sickness.
Severe intoxication.
AIDS.
Brain diseases, including tumors.
Shock of any etiology (with massive blood loss, allergic reactions, traumatic and toxic shock).

However, the most common causes of temperatures below 35.5 ° C are an unhealthy lifestyle and a lack of vitamins. So, nutrition remains an important factor, if it is not enough, then the processes in the body will slow down, and as a result, thermoregulation will be disturbed. Therefore, with various strict diets, especially with a poor diet (deficiency of iodine, vitamin C, iron), low temperature without other symptoms is very common. If a person consumes less than 1200 calories per day, this will definitely affect thermoregulation.

Another common cause of such a temperature is overwork, stress, lack of sleep. It is especially characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome. The body goes into a sparing mode of functioning, metabolic processes slow down in the body and, of course, this affects heat transfer.

Temperature and other symptoms

Since fever is only a symptom various violations in the body, it is best to consider it in combination with other signs of disease. Exactly overall picture a person's condition can tell what kind of disease is developing and how dangerous it is.

An increase in temperature is often observed with various ailments. However, there are characteristic combinations of symptoms that appear in patients with specific diagnoses.

Temperature and pain

In the event that, with pain in the abdomen, the temperature is above 37.5 ° C, this may indicate serious violations of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, this is observed with intestinal obstruction. In addition, a combination of symptoms is characteristic of the development of appendicitis. Therefore, if the pain is localized in the right hypochondrium, it is difficult for a person to pull his legs to his chest, there is a loss of appetite and cold sweat, an ambulance should be called immediately. A complication of appendicitis, peritonitis, is also accompanied by persistent fever.

Other causes of a combination of abdominal pain and temperature:

Pyelonephritis.
Acute pancreatitis.
Bacterial bowel disease.

If the temperature rises against the background of pain in the head, this most often indicates a general intoxication of the body and is observed in such diseases:

Pain in the joints and muscles, discomfort in the eyeballs are symptoms of a temperature above 39 ° C. In such conditions, it is recommended to take an antipyretic.

Temperature and diarrhea

Fever due to diarrhea bright sign bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Among intestinal infections with such symptoms:

The cause of the temperature against the background of diarrhea can also be severe food poisoning. The combination of such symptoms is very dangerous for health, so self-medication in such cases is unacceptable. It is urgent to call an ambulance and, if necessary, agree to hospitalization. This is especially true if the child is sick.

Temperature and diarrhea are factors that contribute to dehydration. And with their combination, fluid loss by the body can become critical in a fairly short period. Therefore, in the event that it is not possible to adequately compensate for the lack of fluid by drinking (for example, a person has vomiting or diarrhea itself is pronounced), the patient is injected with solutions intravenously in a hospital. Without it, dehydration can lead to serious consequences, damage to organs and even death.

Temperature and nausea

In some cases, nausea may be due to fever. Due to intense heat, weakness develops, pressure decreases, dizziness occurs, and this is what causes slight nausea as a result. In this state, if the temperature is above 39 ° C, it must be brought down. The combination of symptoms may appear in the first days of the flu and be caused by severe intoxication of the body.

One of the causes of nausea and fever during pregnancy is toxicosis. But in this case, values higher than subfebrile (up to 38 ° C) are rarely observed.

In the event that nausea is accompanied by other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, pain, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation), simply bringing down the temperature is not enough. This combination of symptoms can indicate serious diseases of the internal organs. Among them:

Viral hepatitis and other liver damage.
Acute appendicitis.
Peritonitis.
Inflammation of the kidneys.
Acute pancreatitis.
Intestinal obstruction (accompanied by constipation).

In addition, fever and nausea are often observed against the background of intoxication with stale food, alcohol or medicines. And one of the most dangerous diagnoses with these symptoms - meningitis. All of the listed diseases and conditions require a mandatory consultation with a doctor.

In the event that vomiting occurs against the background of temperature, it is very important to compensate for the loss of fluid. Children with this combination of symptoms are most often referred for inpatient treatment.

pressure and temperature

An increase in blood pressure - common symptom temperature. Heat affects hemodynamics - patients have an increased heart rate, and blood begins to move faster through the vessels, they expand, and this can affect blood pressure. However, such changes cannot cause severe hypertension, more often the rates do not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Art., observed in patients with a fever of 38.5 ° C and above, disappear as soon as the temperature stabilizes.

In some cases, a high temperature, on the contrary, is characterized by a decrease in pressure. There is no need to treat this condition, as the indicators return to normal after the fever subsides.

At the same time, for hypertensive patients, any, even a slight fever, can threaten with serious consequences. Therefore, they should consult with their doctor and, if necessary, take antipyretics already at rates of 37.5 ° C (especially when it comes to older people).

Pressure and temperature is a dangerous combination for patients with such diseases:

Cardiac ischemia. Cardiologists note that this combination of symptoms sometimes accompanies myocardial infarction. Moreover, in this case, the temperature rises slightly, may be within the framework of subfebrile indicators.
Heart failure.
Arrhythmias.
Atherosclerosis.
Diabetes.

In the event that low pressure and temperature in the subfebrile range last for a long time, this may be a sign of oncopathology. However, not all oncologists agree with this statement, and the symptoms themselves should simply become the reason for a full-fledged examination of a person.

Low pressure and low temperature are a common combination. Such symptoms are especially characteristic with low hemoglobin, chronic fatigue, blood loss, and nervous disorders.

Temperature without other symptoms

Elevated or decreased temperature without symptoms characteristic of acute infections, should be the reason for the mandatory medical examination. Violations can talk about such diseases:

Chronic pyelonephritis.
Tuberculosis.
Malignant and benign tumors.
Organ infarcts (tissue necrosis).
Blood diseases.
Thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism.
Allergic reactions.
Rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage.
Violations of the brain, in particular, the hypothalamus.
Mental disorders.

Temperature without other symptoms also occurs against the background of overwork, stress, after prolonged physical activity, overheating or hypothermia. But in these cases, the indicators stabilize. If we are talking about serious diseases, the temperature without symptoms will be quite stable, after normalization it will rise or fall again over time. Sometimes hypothermia or hyperemia is observed in a patient for several months.

How to lower the temperature

An elevated temperature can cause significant discomfort, and in some cases even be life-threatening. Therefore, any person needs to know what to do with a fever and how to bring down the temperature correctly.

When to bring down the temperature

Not always, if the temperature has risen, it needs to be brought back to normal. The fact is that with infections and other lesions of the body, he himself begins to produce pyrogens, which cause fever. The heat helps immune system fight antigens, in particular:

The synthesis of interferon, a protein that protects cells from viruses, is activated.
The production of antibodies that destroy antigens is activated.
The process of phagocytosis is accelerated - the absorption of foreign bodies by phagocyte cells.
Reduced physical activity and appetite, which means that the body can spend more energy to fight infection.
Most bacteria and viruses thrive best at normal human temperatures. With its increase, some microorganisms die.

Therefore, before deciding to “bring down the temperature”, you need to remember that a fever helps the body recover. However, there are still situations in which the heat must be removed. Among them:

Temperature above 39°C.
Any temperature at which there is a serious deterioration in the condition - nausea, dizziness, and so on.
Febrile convulsions in children (any fever above 37 ° C is knocked down).
In the presence of concomitant neurological diagnoses.
People with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with diabetes.

Air, humidity and other parameters in the room

There are many ways to lower the temperature. But the first task should always be to normalize the air parameters in the room where the patient is located. This is especially important for children of the first years of life, and critical for infants. The fact is that the child's sweating system is still poorly developed and therefore thermoregulation is carried out to a greater extent through breathing. The baby inhales cool air, which cools his lungs and the blood in them, and exhales warm air. In the event that the room is too warm, this process is inefficient.

The humidity in the room is also important. The fact is that the humidity of the exhaled air normally approaches 100%. At a temperature, breathing quickens and if the room is too dry, a person additionally loses water through breathing. In addition, the mucous membranes dry out, develop congestion in the bronchi and lungs.

Therefore, the ideal parameters in the room where the patient with fever is located are:

Antipyretic drugs

In the event that you need to quickly bring down the temperature, you can use antipyretics. They are taken symptomatically, which means that as soon as the symptom passes or becomes less pronounced, the medication is stopped. Drinking antipyretics throughout the disease for prevention is unacceptable.

One of the main conditions for the successful action of drugs in this group is drinking plenty of water.

It is actively prescribed for adults and children, it is considered a first-line drug. However, recent studies, in particular those conducted by the American organization FDA, have shown that if the drug is taken uncontrolled, paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. Paracetamol helps well if the temperature does not exceed 38 ° C, but in extreme heat it may not work.

One of the key non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for fever. Designed for adults and children.

For a long time it was the main drug of the NSAID category, but over the past decades, its association with severe kidney and liver damage (with overdose) has been proven. Also, researchers believe that taking aspirin in children can cause the development of Reye's syndrome (pathogenic encephalopathy), so at the moment the drug is not used in pediatrics.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent latest generation. Contraindicated in children.

Today it is practically not used as an antipyretic, but it can still relieve fever.

Folk remedies

The temperature can also be brought down with the help of folk remedies. Among the most common and simple ways are decoctions of herbs and berries. Drinking plenty of fluids is always recommended when the temperature is high, as it helps to improve perspiration and reduces the risk of dehydration.

Among the most popular herbs and berries that are used for fever are:

To normalize the temperature will help and hypertonic solution. It is prepared from ordinary boiled water and salt - two teaspoons of salt are taken for 1 glass of liquid. Such a drink helps cells retain water and is great if the temperature manifests itself against the background of vomiting and diarrhea.

Newborns - no more than 30 ml.
From 6 months to 1 year - 100 ml.
Up to 3 years - 200 ml.
Up to 5 years - 300 ml.
Over 6 years old - 0.5 l.

Ice can also be used for fever symptoms. But it must be used very carefully, since a sharp cooling of the skin can lead to vasospasm and the development of white fever. Ice is placed in a bag or placed on a piece of cloth and only in this form is applied to the body. Wiping with a towel dipped in cold water can be a good alternative. In the event that it is not possible to bring down the temperature, antipyretics do not work, and folk remedies do not help, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

How to raise the temperature

If the body temperature drops below 35.5 ° C, a person feels weak and unwell, you can increase it in the following ways:

Warm plentiful drink. Well helps tea with honey, rosehip broth.
Liquid warm soups and broths.
Warm clothes.
Covering with several blankets, for greater effect, you can use a heating pad.
Hot bath. Can be supplemented with essential oils of coniferous trees (fir, spruce, pine).
Exercise stress. A few intense exercises will help improve circulation and increase body temperature.

If the temperature stays below 36°C for a long time, you should consult a doctor. And after finding out the cause of such a symptom, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

When you need urgent medical attention

In some cases, a high temperature may be serious threat for health, and then without the help of doctors simply can not do. ambulance must be called in the following cases:

Temperature 39.5°C or higher.
A sharp increase in temperature and the inability to bring it down with antipyretic and other methods.
Against the background of temperature, diarrhea or vomiting is observed.
Fever is accompanied by difficulty breathing.
There are severe pains in any part of the body.
There are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, pallor, severe weakness, dark urine or no urination.
High blood pressure and temperature above 38°C.
The fever is accompanied by a rash. Especially dangerous is a red rash that does not disappear with pressure - a sign of a meningococcal infection.

Fever or a decrease in temperature is an important signal of the body about diseases. This symptom should always be given due attention and try to fully understand its causes, and not just eliminate it with the help of drugs and other methods. But at the same time, one should not forget that normal temperature is an individual concept and not everyone corresponds to the well-known indicator of 36.6 ° C.