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Temperature is one of the main indicators of the body. If the temperature drops or rises above the indicated norm, this always has a reason. High temperature indicates that the body is struggling with microbes, viruses and bacteria that have got into it. As Hippocrates said, “Give me a fever and I can cure the patient!” It was meant that high temperature is a sign of the body's ability to withstand external factors. That is why thermometer readings are so important in diagnosis and treatment. And in order for these indicators to be true, the temperature must be measured correctly.
Mercury thermometer
Despite modern gadgets and quick ways to measure temperature, a mercury thermometer remains the most reliable measuring device. This is his main plus. In addition, a mercury thermometer is inexpensive, unlike its electronic counterparts. A significant disadvantage of a mercury thermometer is its fragility. If dropped or shaken, the thermometer may break. Not only is the device itself damaged, a toxic substance - mercury - flows out. In this case, it is necessary to remove its residues, following special rules. Another disadvantage of a mercury thermometer is the long measurement process. This is especially felt when the temperature needs to be measured by the child. Little fidgets spin all the time and it is difficult for them to remain motionless for 10 minutes.
How to measure temperature axillary (in the armpit)
This is a simple process, but the reliability of the indicators depends on its correct implementation.
- Shake the thermometer so that the mercury column drops below 35 degrees.
- Place the thermometer in the armpit so that the tip is completely covered with skin. If you measure the temperature of the baby, put the thermometer in the armpit and hold the baby's hand until the measurement is completed.
- Temperature should be measured within 5-10 minutes. An approximate result will be ready in 5 minutes, a more accurate one will take 10 minutes. Do not worry, if you hold the thermometer for a long time, the column will not rise above your body temperature.
- After measuring, wipe the thermometer with alcohol so that it does not remain contagious. Especially if the house has one thermometer for all family members.
- Normal temperature for the armpit is 36.3-37.3 degrees.
- If the temperature is normal, but you still feel bad, then the problem is in your immune system - it just does not protect the body. In this case, you need to see a doctor.
Axillary temperature measurement is considered the safest way. However, in some countries, a temperature that has been measured orally or rectally is considered more reliable.
How to measure temperature rectally
This is a fairly accurate way to measure temperature, because the colon is a closed system that is not affected by external temperature readings. This method is often used if the thermometer needs to be delivered to an infant or a seriously ill person (when the soft tissue does not tightly fit the device). Lay the person on the bed sideways. Press the patient's legs to the chest and lubricate the anus with petroleum jelly. Also, cream or petroleum jelly need to lubricate the tip of the thermometer. Carefully, with a scrolling motion, enter the thermometer into the colon and hold the device there for about five minutes. Usually this time is enough for an accurate measurement.The normal temperature in the rectum is 37.3-37.7 degrees. After each measurement, the thermometer must be disinfected.
In addition, there is also a vaginal method of measuring temperature. It is used to determine the period of ovulation. The temperature in the vagina can vary from 36.7-37.5 degrees, depending on the day of the menstrual cycle.
How to measure temperature orally
Before measuring the temperature in the mouth, you should not eat too cold or too hot food. Children do not measure the temperature of the mouth, as they can gnaw a dangerous object. Also, it is impossible to measure the temperature in the mouth for those who have diseases of the oral cavity. It is not possible to measure the temperature in the mouth if the nose is blocked. Typically, a thermometer is placed behind the cheek or under the tongue. In the mouth, the temperature is slightly higher, for the norm you can take a mark of 37.3 degrees. Temperature can also be unreliable in smokers.
Physiological temperature fluctuations
Body temperature can vary not only depending on a person’s disease. It decreases in the early morning hours and rises slightly in the afternoon. The temperature is higher if the person is moving and lower if the person is sitting or just lying. The lowest body temperature in a dream. The average body temperature of men is slightly lower than that of women.
Causes of low and high body temperature
Low temperature is less common, but it also indicates some malfunctions in the body. Often this can be a consequence of nervous strain, stress. The temperature drops below normal at the very beginning of pregnancy and may be its first sign. Low temperatures occur on some days of the menstrual cycle. But most often, low body temperature indicates a deterioration in the immune system of the body, overwork, exacerbation of chronic diseases. Among the serious causes of low temperature can be called AIDS, disorders of the adrenal glands, anorexia. For the sake of justice, I want to note that for some people low temperature is an individual norm.
High body temperature can talk about various infectious, viral and bacteriological diseases. It is very important to monitor the temperature and the level of its rise. For example, in acute viral diseases, the temperature often rises sharply and remains at a high level. Often rises again several hours after taking antipyretic drugs. But hidden inflammatory processes give a slight increase in temperature, but for a long time. This can be with iron deficiency anemia, when there is internal bleeding. This can be confirmed by analysis for hemoglobin - with anemia, it is reduced. High temperature persists in autoimmune diseases, malignant tumors, with tuberculosis, otitis media, sinusitis and a host of other diseases. It is important to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms.
The lowest body temperature of a living person was recorded in a two-year-old girl who spent 6 hours in the cold. Her indicator was equal to 14.2 degrees. And the highest temperature belongs to a resident of the United States, which was subjected to heat shock. His body temperature was 46.5 degrees. Both of these people survived such record-breaking temperature limits. Body temperature is a very important indicator, which in time can signal a malfunction in the body. Measure the temperature correctly!
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