Body temperature is one of the key indicators that reflects the relationship between the formation of heat due to metabolic processes in the body and its release from the surface of the skin through the lungs or secreted by decay products. To correctly evaluate the information received, one should take into account many factors - when, to whom, in what way and under what conditions the measurement was made. Considering the totality of the facts obtained, one can answer the question of whether the temperature at 37 ° C is considered normal or not.
How to use a thermometer
In order to get the most reliable information, some features should be taken into account:
- A tool used for diagnostics. The most plausible information is obtained when measuring with mercury instruments. Infrared and digital assistants, widely advertised to consumers, have a large measurement error or an unreasonably high cost. If the obtained values fluctuate around 37 ° C, this is the normal temperature for most practical cases.
- Where to put the thermometer. Mercury meters can be used to obtain temperature values from the armpit, orally or from the rectum. Each of these methods has its own diagnostic "plug." For example, with the axillary method, a typical range is between 36.3 and 36.9 ° C. If the thermometer was in the patient’s mouth, then the resulting temperature of 37 ° C is normal, since it corresponds to standard values of 36.8-37.3 ° C. For the rectal method, the range of 37.3-37.7 ° C is considered classic.
- When, to whom and under what conditions they measured. It is reliably known that in the evening hours the values on the thermometer can increase by 1 ° C within the normal range. The same situation can be observed after intense physical exertion, visiting a bath, sauna and immediately after eating. And when choosing the right or left axillary cavity, the difference in the obtained data can reach 0.3 ° C. In children, due to the physiological characteristics of development, a temperature rise that is not associated with diseases can be observed: after crying or due to overheating due to too warm clothes.
How not to measure temperature
We are so used to this procedure that we do it on the machine. However, it is worth asking yourself a question after seeing the obtained values at 37 ° : is this a normal temperature, are there measurement errors here?
It is important to remember that all manipulations are performed with a person in a calm state. If the baby has just run, jumped or made other active actions, then before putting a thermometer in his bosom, he should be switched to quiet entertainment and wait at least half an hour. The same rule applies if a person has just taken food, water procedures or came from a walk.
Mercury thermometers require some skill in use. But the main problem for parents is the need to keep the child calm for 8 minutes, which are required for a qualitative assessment of the child’s well-being. Measure less - get unreliable values.
Do not rely only on your tactile sensations. Recently, cases of white fever are often found among children of different ages. They are cold to the touch, but when fixed with instruments, shockingly high values are observed. This effect occurs due to spasms of blood vessels, which must be eliminated as soon as possible.
What pathologies can be hidden behind a slight increase in temperature
Correctly diagnosing the cause of subfebrile human body temperature is not an easy task for doctors of different profiles and qualifications. A slight increase in the mercury column may indicate a large number of deviations in the normal functioning of various organs and systems of a person:
- sluggish and chronic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract - acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and others;
- infections of the genitourinary system - cystitis, pyelonephritis;
- hormonal imbalance;
- latent infections, for example, pathogenic streptococcus may manifest itself this way;
- the attachment of a bacterial infection in children a few days after the decline in high temperature.
For such situations, an increase in human temperature to 37 ° C is normal? Of course not.
Why does baby have 37 on a thermometer?
In the absence of noticeable signs of the course of diseases of various etiologies and visible deviations in the results of the analysis, you should not panic if your child has a thermometer showing a value of 37.2 ° C. For peace of mind, you should check the values in the dynamics: if the increase was a one-time, then there is nothing to worry about. A temperature of 37 ° C in a child is a normal reaction of the body to an attacking external environment. If knowledge is often observed over a long period of time, this is an occasion to consult a doctor, as inflammatory processes can develop in the human body.
Overheating is a common cause of fever in infants.
And if the child is a month and a temperature of 37? Is this normal or not? In the first month of a baby's life, he is under the scrutiny of parents, doctors, and caring relatives. Hyperopeca is manifested in excessive wrapping not according to the weather, poor ventilation due to possible drafts. And since the function of thermoregulation of infants is imperfect, the increase in numbers is quite natural. To remedy the situation, it is enough to remove excess clothing and cool the room by airing in the absence of a child.
And we have teeth!
Another possible cause of temperature deviation from normal in children of the first years of life is teething. In this case, a temperature of 37 is normal. Children tolerate teething in different ways. Someone is easy and at ease, but someone will have to suffer a little. Often the growth of teeth in young children is accompanied by increased salivation, which indirectly can help parents understand the ongoing changes in the state of their child.
Asymptomatic causes of fever
There are several conditions of the human body that can be accompanied by a slight increase in the values on the thermometer:
- The weakening of the immune system and, as a result, the acceleration of metabolic processes to combat various toxins manifests itself in the form of an increase in degrees.
- Upcoming motherhood. The body of the expectant mother can respond to changes that occur by increasing the values of the thermometer, so a temperature of 37 ° C during pregnancy is normal.
- Violation of thermoregulatory function in the brain due to tolerable depressive state.
- Overheating of the body due to prolonged exposure to the sun or wearing inappropriate clothing for the season, which very often happens in infants.
When you need to sound the alarm
Today, experts admit that for some people, exceeding the values on a thermometer is the norm, provided there are no other symptoms and normal tests. But there are situations when a slight deviation from the norm is a reason for contacting a specialist and conducting a number of studies.
Firstly, if the temperature lasts more than 3 days in a child and other symptoms accompany this fact, for example, diarrhea, vomiting, pale skin, and others.
Secondly, if the increase is repeated during the course of the viral infection. Most often, this indicates the attachment of a bacterial infection.
Thirdly, stable values of 37 ° C are regularly recorded for two weeks, provided that the thermometer is in good condition and the measurement rules are observed.
Fourthly, it is worthwhile to closely monitor the dynamics of measurements if the child is injured, it is especially necessary to carefully monitor the indicators with headaches.
Thus, the values on the thermometer should be considered together with the general condition of the person and the events preceding the measurement. In general, a single small increase in temperature without any concomitant symptoms does not require intervention from health professionals.