Body temperature is one of the indicators of the coordinated work of internal organs. Any deviation of its parameters from the norm should be cause for concern, as it indicates the development of the disease. In these cases, it is necessary to constantly monitor the temperature. The methods for measuring temperature can be different, so you should familiarize yourself with the types of thermometers and the rules for their use. This will help put the acquired skills into practice.
Body temperature features
The norm for a person is considered to be a temperature of 36.6 degrees. But this indicator is relative, since it directly depends on age, weather conditions, physical activity and time of day.
In older people, a figure below 36.6 is considered a normal temperature, since they move less, and their metabolic processes in the body are slowed down. In babies, the temperature level approaches 37 degrees, which is also a natural phenomenon, since at an early age the child is more mobile.
During the day, body temperature may deviate slightly from the rate of 36.6 degrees. The most lowered body temperature in a healthy person can be recorded between 5 and 8 in the morning, and the highest - in the evening, from 16 to 18 hours.
A cardinal deviation of body temperature, both up and down, is critical for human health. An alarming symptom is if it drops to 35 degrees or rises to 38. This indicates the development of the disease. Therefore, it is important to be able to correctly and with minimal errors take measurements, which will allow you to control the situation and conduct timely treatment.
With a slight deviation from the norm, it is enough to measure the temperature 2–4 times a day, and in the acute form of the disease, every hour.
Deadly is an indicator below 32 degrees and above 42.
Types of Thermometers
If a person’s body temperature is significantly increased, then this can be determined by putting his hand to the patient’s forehead. However, this method is unable to determine the exact level of deviation from the norm. Therefore, in medicine, special thermometers are used that allow you to most accurately set the body temperature. Which thermometer to choose, each person decides for himself, based on his personal preferences and capabilities.
The main types of thermometers.
- Mercury. Serves to measure temperature orally, axillary and rectally. It is easily disinfected, so it can be used by all family members. Before use, it is necessary to wipe the skin additionally, since ignoring this rule can distort the measurement results. To obtain data, the thermometer should be kept for 8-10 minutes. The disadvantage of such a thermometer is fragility, since it is made of glass. If the integrity of the device is damaged, mercury is a danger to humans. In addition, it is recommended to shake the mercury thermometer before use to reset the previous data.
- Electronic. It is used to measure temperature in the oral cavity, under the arm, in the rectum, inguinal fold and elbow. It is an absolutely safe device, as it has a flexible tip and is also resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. The duration of the procedure is from 10 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the model of the thermometer. The instrument notifies the end of the measurement with a special signal. The disadvantage of an electronic thermometer is that it works on battery power, so it needs to be constantly checked for performance.
- Infrared. This type of thermometer is innovative. It allows you to measure temperature through the ear and non-contact. The principle of the thermometer is based on measuring infrared radiation coming from the eardrum and the skin in the frontotemporal. The device allows you to get the most accurate data for 1-5 seconds, even from a sleeping person. The disadvantages of the thermometer are its overpriced and the inability to use for otitis media, since the indicators will be significantly overstated.
Temperature: temperature measurement methods
You can determine the temperature indicator in various ways. You must familiarize yourself with them so that you can use them if necessary.
Methods for measuring temperature with a medical thermometer:
- axillary - in the armpit;
- orally - in the oral cavity;
- rectally - in the rectum;
- in the ear canal;
- non-contact - bringing the thermometer to the forehead;
- in the inguinal fold.
Each of these options has its own characteristics of the procedure. But in order to understand how to correctly determine the temperature, methods for measuring temperature should be considered individually. This information will help to carry out the procedure without any special difficulties.
Axillary method of measuring temperature
This method is the most common, due to the simplicity of its implementation. But, according to experts, the axillary measurement of body temperature is the most inaccurate and gives the greatest errors.
When measuring the temperature in the armpit, it must be taken into account that on the left side the indicator will be 0.1–0.3 degrees higher than on the right. If, when measured on both sides, the discrepancy is 0.5 degrees or more, then the inflammatory process in the body is most likely present where there are large numbers.
To measure the temperature axillarily, it is necessary to place the tip of the thermometer at the deepest point of the armpit and firmly press it with your hand. The device must be surrounded on all sides by skin. After 5 minutes, you can take readings. With this method of measurement, it is considered the norm of 36.3–36.9 degrees.
Measurement through the oral cavity
The oral method of measuring temperature is often used in Western countries. According to experts, it allows you to get readings with minimal error. The main contraindication to the procedure is the age of 4–5 years, since it is believed that the child is unable to correctly fix the device in the mouth.
However, an innovative nipple thermometer solves this problem. In this case, you can even measure the temperature of a sleeping baby.
When using a conventional thermometer, the temperature should be measured under the tongue or behind the cheek. During the procedure, you must close your mouth and breathe through your nose until it ends. The tip of the device should be pressed to the bottom of the tongue during this time.
The duration of the measurement procedure is from 10 seconds. up to 3 min depending on the type of thermometer. With the oral method of measuring body temperature, 36.3–36.9 degrees are considered the norm.
Features of the rectal method
In this case, the temperature is measured in the rectum. Experts say that this method is the most accurate. This is because the rectum is a closed cavity with a stable temperature.
The method of measuring temperature by the rectal method is used in children younger than 4–5 years old, as well as in weakened, emaciated patients, when a person does not have the strength to tightly clamp the thermometer in the armpit. To measure it, you must first lubricate the tip of the thermometer with vaseline, and then introduce it into the rectum to a depth of 2.5 cm. The duration of the procedure is from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. At the end of the device, it is necessary to rinse and disinfect.
With the rectal method of measuring body temperature, 37.3–37.7 degrees is considered the norm.
Ear temperature measurement
Data can be obtained with this method of measuring body temperature only with the help of a special infrared thermometer with a soft tip-sensor. The error in this case will be minimal.
To carry out the measurement, it is necessary to insert the sensor into the ear and fix it in this position for several seconds. This method of measuring human body temperature is considered one of the fastest. The restriction to its implementation is the age of up to 6 months, since in this case the data obtained will not correspond to reality.
Non-contact measurement methods
The necessary data can be obtained without direct contact with the patient. This was made possible with the help of infrared thermometers, which appeared not so long ago. Their principle is based on determining the amount of heat from the diagnosed person with the further conversion of information into an electrical signal. Infrared thermometers give an error level in the range of 0.1-0.2 degrees.
Non-contact methods of measuring temperature make it possible to obtain the necessary data in 1-3 seconds. To do this, just bring the device to the forehead of even a sleeping person. This procedure reduces the likelihood of transmission through the device, as there is no direct physical contact. Therefore, this method is ideal for public institutions: hospitals, honey. classrooms, schools, kindergartens.
conclusions
The main indicator of human health is temperature. Methods of measuring temperature help to identify the inflammatory process at the initial stage of development. This allows you to apply treatment in a timely manner and stop the further spread of infection.
Therefore, everyone should know how to use thermometers to determine the temperature. After all, with the help of these data you can track many health problems and prevent further deterioration of the situation.