Your body temperature is an indicator of your health. Researchers in the 19th century concluded that the average normal body temperature of humans is 98.6°F (37°C). Your normal body temperature tends to fluctuate depending on various factors like age, gender, time of the day, where you are in your menstrual cycle, what you have eaten, etc. Some studies say it can lie between 97 F (36.1°C) and 99 F (37.2°C) and you are most likely to have a fever if your temperature goes above 100.4°F (38°C).
Body Temperature Fluctuations
The temperature of certain body parts might be slightly higher than the rest. Your rectal and ear temperature is a little above your oral and armpit temperature. According to some research, individuals diagnosed with certain medical conditions for instance cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. tend to have abnormal body temperatures. You must be aware of the temperature fluctuations because when the temperature rises beyond the normal range, it is considered fever whereas when it falls below normal, it gives rise to a condition known as hypothermia.
Moreover, it has been observed that babies and children have higher body temperatures compared to adults. Since their body surface area exceeds relatively to their weight and their metabolic activity is also high, which is why their body produces more heat. Also, babies sweat very less compared to adults which is a strong indicator that they have warmer bodies.
In addition, hot weather can cause severe dehydration in adults as the body produces more sweat to maintain the body temperature within the normal range. Sometimes this severe dehydration can lead to sexual problems in men due to an increase in certain enzymes. Dehydration can lead to vasoconstriction which is a condition wherein the blood vessels become narrow, and the blood pressure increases as a result. This increase in blood pressure gives rise to erection difficulties in men. Thus, dehydration can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) temporarily. Fildena 100 is used to treat ED in men.
Signs You Caught a Fever
When your body temperature exceeds 100.4°F (38°C), it indicates fever. This temporary rise in body temperature is not a cause for concern for adults. However, in children, even a slight rise in temperature can indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.
Your body temperature is controlled by a particular part of your brain, known as the hypothalamus. It maintains the normal temperature of your body and changes it depending on several factors such as weather, time of day, and your physical activity.
Fever is your body’s natural response to bacterial infection. You experience heat exhaustion as your blood and lymphatic system produce white blood cells to fight infectious bacteria and viruses. This increase in the white blood cells causes temperature rise as it acts on the hypothalamus in the brain and makes it produce fever.
Symptoms of Fever or High Body Temperature
Changes in body temperature mean that your body is experiencing abnormal processes. Temperature change is a symptom of some other reason such as bacterial or viral infection. It could also be an allergic reaction. Potential symptoms of fever include nausea, flushed face, loss of appetite, hot/dry skin, vomiting, headache, diarrhea or constipation, and body ache.
How to Measure Body Temperature?
A digital thermometer obtains an accurate reading when compared to other types and it is used for measuring the body temperatures from different parts of the body. The thermometer’s easy-to-read panel shows the accurate result, and it can be used by placing the probe in the body part you wish to check the temperature from, i.e., oral, rectal, or axillary (armpit).
For measuring temperature orally, you have to place the probe underneath your tongue and close your mouth and hold the probe in the same position for a few minutes until the device beeps or until the number displayed on the thermometer screen doesn’t change.
Moreover, the rectal temperature can be taken by lubricating the probe of the device before inserting it into the anus. Once the temperature is obtained, the device beeps or makes a sound to indicate the reading is made and the device is safe to remove. Rectal temperature measurement is suitable for infants and young children.
Lastly, armpit or axillary measurement can be obtained by placing the probe of the digital thermometer under the armpit. One must hold the probe tightly by pressing their arm against their body and stay in that position for some time (up to 5 minutes). Once the reading comes out, the device will start making some sounds to notify you.
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a condition wherein your body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), which causes your body to lose heat faster than it can create heat within. This usually happens when your body gets exposed to extremely cold temperatures. It can be a dangerous condition that can affect an individual’s cognitive abilities to the extent that they might not even think properly and remain helpless in a such critical situation.
The people who are more prone to hypothermia include infants kept in cold bedrooms, older people, hikers, the homeless, and adults with a lack of sufficient food, nutrition, and heating. Symptoms of hypothermia include trembling, shivering, confusion, lack of energy, exhaustion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
Tips to Avoid the Dangers of Hypothermia
During hypothermia, the person may not be able to think clearly. They may not even understand what is happening to them exactly. People surrounding them can take the following steps:
- Shift the individual into a warm place and in case their clothes are wet, remove them and replace them with some cozy water.
- Cover them with warm sheets and blankets.
- Offer them something warm and sweet to drink. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Place a compress of warm water on their chest, neck, and groin.
Final Word
A normal body temperature signifies that everything is going fine with your body. If you experience abnormal body temperature symptoms there is a necessity to pay close attention to your health. High body temperature indicates fever whereas low body temperature is a symptom of hypothermia, and both these conditions need medical attention.
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