Introduction
Body temperature is a vital sign that provides valuable insights into an individual’s health. It is commonly measured using a thermometer placed in the mouth, rectum, or under the armpit. Body temperature can vary throughout the day, typically ranging between 36.5°C (97.7°F) and 37.5°C (99.5°F).
Understanding Body Temperature
The hypothalamus, a small region in the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature by maintaining a balance between heat production and heat loss. When the body temperature rises above the normal range, the hypothalamus initiates mechanisms to cool the body down through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. Conversely, if the body temperature drops too low, the hypothalamus signals the body to conserve heat through shivering and vasoconstriction.
Normal Body Temperature Range
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the normal body temperature range for healthy adults is between 36.5°C (97.7°F) and 37.5°C (99.5°F). This range may vary slightly depending on factors such as age, gender, time of day, and activity level.
Variations in Body Temperature
It is important to note that body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. The lowest temperature is typically recorded in the early morning, while the highest temperature is usually observed in the late afternoon or evening. Exercise, stress, and certain medications can also cause temporary increases in body temperature.
When to be Concerned
A body temperature reading of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is generally considered normal in adults. However, it is important to monitor for any symptoms that may indicate an underlying infection or illness. If a fever develops, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Fever
Fever is a body’s response to infection and inflammation. It can be caused by a wide range of underlying conditions, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Certain types of cancer
- Heat stroke
Effects of Fever
Fever can have various effects on the body, including:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased breathing rate
- Delirium
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Tips for Managing Fever
- Rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Use over-the-counter fever reducers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Avoid excessive heat.
- Dress in loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
- Seek medical attention if the fever lasts for more than 24 hours, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or if the person is immunocompromised.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not take aspirin to reduce fever in children under 19 years of age.
- Do not overdo fever-reducing medications.
- Do not immerse a person with a fever in cold water.
Step-by-Step Approach to Body Temperature Monitoring
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Choose an appropriate thermometer (oral, rectal, or axillary).
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and placement of the thermometer.
- Record the temperature and note the time.
- Clean the thermometer thoroughly after use.
Case Detail
A 28-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) and a sore throat for the past 24 hours. She had no other symptoms. A physical examination revealed erythema and swelling of the tonsils. A throat culture was positive for Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus). The patient was diagnosed with streptococcal pharyngitis and prescribed antibiotics.
Conclusion
Body temperature is an important vital sign that provides insights into an individual’s health. A temperature reading of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is generally considered normal in adults. However, it is important to monitor for any symptoms that may indicate an underlying infection or illness. If a fever develops, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Additional Information
| Body Temperature Range for Healthy Adults | WHO Source |
|---|---|
| 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F) | WHO Body Temperature |
| Common Causes of Fever | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| — | — |
| Bacterial infections | CDC Fever |
| Viral infections | CDC Fever |
| Autoimmune disorders | National Institute of Health (NIH) |
| Cancer | American Cancer Society |
| Heat exhaustion | Mayo Clinic |
| Effects of Fever | National Library of Medicine (NLM) |
| — | — |
| Increased heart rate | NLM Fever |
| Increased breathing rate | NLM Fever |
| Delirium | NLM Fever |
| Muscle aches | NLM Fever |
| Fatigue | NLM Fever |
| Loss of appetite | NLM Fever |
| Tips for Managing Fever | CDC |
| — | — |
| Rest and stay hydrated | CDC Fever |
| Use over-the-counter fever reducers | CDC Fever |
| Avoid excessive heat | CDC Fever |
| Dress in loose-fitting, breathable clothing | CDC Fever |
| Seek medical attention if the fever lasts for more than 24 hours, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or if the person is immunocompromised | CDC Fever |
| Common Mistakes to Avoid | NLM |
| — | — |
| Do not take aspirin to reduce fever in children under 19 years of age | NLM Fever |
| Do not overdo fever-reducing medications | NLM Fever |
| Do not immerse a person with a fever in cold water | NLM Fever |
| Step-by-Step Approach to Body Temperature Monitoring | American Heart Association (AHA) |
| — | — |
| Wash your hands with soap and water | AHA Body Temperature |
| Choose an appropriate thermometer | AHA Body Temperature |
| Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and placement of the thermometer | AHA Body Temperature |
| Record the temperature and note the time | AHA Body Temperature |
| Clean the thermometer thoroughly after use | AHA Body Temperature |
