Knowing the average values of body temperature is very important to establish precisely when you have a fever or hypothermia and how severe it is. But it is also essential to bear in mind that, depending on the area where we decide to measure the temperature, the time of day, and also the activity that has been carried out previously, it may be higher or lower, so these details they must be taken into account when making the measurement. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the average values of body temperature.
Table of Contents
Where to measure the temperature?
There are different areas in our body where it is possible to measure the temperature; depending on which we choose, the results may vary slightly, so it is essential to take this into account to achieve a result as close to reality as possible.
The areas where the temperature is usually measured are:
- In the mouth: the thermometer is placed under the tongue to obtain the measurement; the patient should try to keep the language still for a better result. This form is recommended in the case of adolescents and adults.
- The armpits: placing the thermometer right in this area and holding it when pressing with the arm.
- The rectum: It is considered the most accurate area to measure fever, ideal for babies and young children.
Some thermometers measure the temperature in the ear. However, their results are not considered very accurate.
Average temperature values according to the area of the body
The average body temperature, according to the most common areas to measure it is:
- Mouth: it can be up to 37.3 ºC
- Armpit: can be up to 37 ºC
- Straight: it can be up to 37.6 ºC
Any result with a temperature lower than 35 ºC is considered hypothermia, while if it is higher than 37.7 ºC, it is regarded as a fever.
What to take into account when measuring temperature
Some factors such as age, physical activity, or the time of day can influence the results of our body temperature, so when measuring it, it is essential to take into account that:
- It is higher at the end of the day than at dawn, where it drops a bit.
- After exercising or any physical activity, the body temperature is higher.
- Women with menstruation have a higher temperature.
- Children are more likely to develop high temperatures than adults. In the case of the elderly, it is more difficult for them to have a fever, so they could even have infections without having this symptom.
- If you live in a hot climate, are very warm, have had a powerful emotion, or have just eaten, your temperature is more likely to be higher.
Causes of fever
The most common causes of fever are:
- Infant teething or vaccination can lead to a slight increase in temperature.
- Respiratory infections of any kind such as flu, sinusitis, ear infection, or bronchitis.
- Any infectious disease such as mononucleosis or meningitis.
- Urinary or stomach disorders.
- Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, lupus, or Crohn’s disease.
- The intake of some medications.
- Certain cancers, such as leukemia, can also cause a fever.
When to see a doctor
There are conditions in which the average values of body temperature are exceeded or in which they are below average, and a doctor should be consulted immediately; these are:
- The temperature of 35 ºC or less.
- In babies of 3 months or less, if the temperature is higher than 38 ºC.
- In babies from 3 months to 1 year, it exceeds 39 ºC.
- Children up to 2 years old with fevers that last between 24 and 48 hours.
- Children older than two years with fevers that last between 48 and 72 hours.
- Fevers over 40 ºC do not decrease with treatment.
- When fever occurs along with other symptoms.
- If the fever occurs intermittently for a week or longer.
- People with a weakened immune system or who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, kidney failure, etc., should see a doctor for this condition.
- If you have recently traveled to an endemic country.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Normal values of body temperature, we recommend that you enter our Well-being category .
Advice
- Experts say that during the day, the average body temperature can vary by around 1 ° F.
- Studies show that the body temperature of women is slightly higher than men. Children have it somewhat more elevated than adults. Increased “heat” is very normal after eating or doing physical activities.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.