What is the normal temperature of a person should be. What is normal body temperature

Vital important function The human body is thermoregulation. The human body produces heat, maintains it at an optimal level, and performs a temperature exchange with the air. Body temperature is an unstable value, it does not change significantly during the day: it is low in the morning, and in the evening it rises by about a degree. Such fluctuations are due to daily changes in metabolic processes in the body.

What does it depend on?

Body temperature is a value showing the thermal state of any living being. It represents the difference between the formation of heat by the body and heat exchange with the air. The temperature of a person constantly fluctuates, which is due to the following factors:

• age;
• the physical state of the body;
• climatic changes in the environment;
• some diseases;
• period of the day;
• pregnancy and other individual characteristics of the body.

Stages of change in body temperature

There are two classifications of temperature changes. The first classification reflects the temperature stages according to the thermometer readings, the second - the state of the body, depending on temperature fluctuations. According to the first medical classification, body temperature is divided into the following stages:

• low - less than 35°C;
• normal - 35 - 37°C;
• subfebrile - 37 - 38 ° C;
• febrile - 38 - 39 ° C;
• pyretic - 39 - 41°C;
• hyperpyretic - more than 41 ° C.

According to the second classification, the following states of the human body are distinguished depending on temperature fluctuations:

• hypothermia - less than 35°C;
• norm - 35 - 37 ° C;
• hyperthermia - more than 37 ° C;
• fever.

What temperature is considered normal?

What should be the normal temperature for a healthy adult? In medicine, it is considered the norm - 36.6 ° C. This value is not constant, during the day it increases and decreases, but only slightly. There is nothing to worry about if the temperature drops to 35.5°C or rises to 37.5°C, since its fluctuations are greatly influenced by climatic conditions, age and well-being of a person. In people of different ages, the upper limit of normal temperature, measured in the armpit, is different, has the following values:

• in newborn babies - 36.8 ° C;
• in six-month-old babies - 37.5 ° C;
• in one-year-old children - 37.5 ° C;
• in three-year-old children - 37.5 ° C;
• in six-year-old children - 37.0 ° C;
• in people of reproductive age - 36.8 ° C;
• in the elderly - 36.3 ° C.

Usually during the day the body temperature of a healthy person fluctuates within one degree.

The lowest temperatures are observed in the morning immediately after waking up, and the highest in the evening. It should be taken into account that the temperature female body on average 0.5°C higher than the male body, and can vary significantly depending on the menstrual cycle.

It is interesting to note that representatives of different nationalities have different body temperature. For example, in most healthy Japanese, the body does not heat up above 36.0°C, while in the Australian continent, a temperature of 37.0°C is considered the norm. Human organs also have different temperatures: the oral cavity - from 36.8 to 37.3 ° C, the intestines - from 37.3 to 37.7 ° C, and the hottest organ is the liver - up to 39 ° C.

How to measure with a thermometer

To get reliable results, the temperature in the armpit should be measured correctly. To do this, you need to sequentially perform the following steps:

• cleanse the skin of sweat armpit;
• wipe the thermometer with a dry cloth;
• shake the device so that the temperature on the scale drops to 35 ° C;
• place the thermometer in the armpit so that the mercury capsule fits snugly against the body;
• hold the device for at least 10 minutes;
• take out the thermometer, see to what mark on the scale the mercury has reached.

It is necessary to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the mouth not only correctly, but also carefully, so as not to inadvertently bite through the capsule filled with mercury, not to swallow its contents. Temperature oral cavity a healthy person is usually 37.3°C. To correctly measure the temperature in the mouth, you need to do the following:

• lie down quietly for a few minutes before the procedure;
• remove removable dentures from the mouth, if any;
• wipe the thermometer with a dry cloth;
• put the device with a mercury capsule under the tongue;
• close your lips, hold the thermometer for exactly 4 minutes;
• take out the device, determine to what mark on the scale the mercury has reached.

Symptoms and causes of fever

Subfebrile temperature, equal to 37.0 - 37.5 ° C, is usually considered normal, but sometimes it is a sign of pathologies developing in the body. In most cases, a slight increase in body temperature is caused by the following factors:

• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• intense physical activity;
• bath procedures, taking a hot shower;
• cold, viral infection;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• eating hot or spicy food.

Sometimes an increase in temperature to 37 ° C is provoked not by harmless factors, but by life-threatening diseases. Most often, subfebrile temperature is set to long time with malignant tumors and early stages of tuberculosis. Therefore, even a slight increase in body temperature should not be treated negligently, and with the slightest ailment, you should go to the doctor.

Only a medical professional can determine if a temperature of 37°C is normal for a particular person. In rare cases, doctors have to examine amazing patients for whom 38 ° C is the temperature norm.

Febrile temperature, equal to 37.5 - 38.0 ° C, is a sure sign of the development of an inflammatory reaction in the body. The body of a sick person is deliberately heated to such a degree that in this way the viability of pathogenic microorganisms is suppressed.

Therefore, it is not recommended to lower the febrile temperature with medications. The body must be given the opportunity to fight the infection on its own, and to alleviate the condition, prevent dehydration and get rid of toxic substances, a sick person should drink plenty of warm water.

At a pyretic temperature of 39°C, there is no doubt that an acute inflammatory reaction is taking place in the body. Usually provocateurs of heat are pathogenic viruses and bacteria that actively multiply in tissues and organs. Less commonly, a significant increase in body temperature is observed with severe injuries and extensive burns.

Pyretic temperature is often accompanied by muscle cramps, so people prone to convulsive conditions during inflammatory diseases must be extremely careful. When heating the body to 39 ° C, it is imperative to take antipyretic drugs. It is not difficult to understand that a fever is starting, since the following symptoms are usually observed with it:

• malaise, weakness, impotence;
• pain in the joints of the limbs;
• muscle weighting;
• migraine;
• chills;
• violation of the heart rhythm;
• loss of appetite;
• profuse sweating;
• drying of the skin and mucous membranes.

With hyperthermia of 40 ° C, medical attention should be called immediately. The highest temperature that the human body can withstand is 42°C. If the body heats up higher, then the metabolic reactions in the brain are blocked, the functioning of all organs and systems stops, the person dies.

The factor that caused the hyperpyretic temperature can only be determined by a medical specialist. But most often, fever is provoked by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, toxic substances, severe burns and frostbite.

You can raise your body temperature different ways. If the cooling of the body is caused by severe pathologies, then it is impossible to do without medicines. If the decrease in temperature is not associated with diseases, then it is not necessary to use pharmaceuticals, it is enough to warm your feet in hot water, sit in an embrace with a heating pad, and dress warmer. It is also useful to drink hot herbal tea with honey in the evening.

To assess the condition of a person with a high temperature, let's find out why this happens to the body.

normal body temperature

The temperature of a person is normally 36.6 C on average. This temperature is optimal for the biochemical processes occurring in the body, but each organism is individual, therefore it is possible to consider a temperature from 36 to 37.4 C normal for some individuals (we are talking about a long-term state and in if there are no symptoms of any disease). In order to make a diagnosis of habitually elevated temperature, you need to undergo an examination by a doctor.

Why does body temperature rise?

In all other situations, an increase in body temperature above normal indicates that the body is trying to fight something. In most cases, these are foreign agents in the body - bacteria, viruses, protozoa or a consequence of physical effects on the body (burn, frostbite, foreign body). At elevated temperatures, the existence of agents in the body becomes difficult, infections, for example, die at a temperature of about 38 C.

But any organism, like a mechanism, is not perfect and can fail. In the case of temperature, we can observe this when the body, due to the individual characteristics of the immune system, reacts too violently to various infections, and the temperature rises too high, for most people it is 38.5 C. But again, for children and adults who had early febrile convulsions at a high temperature (if you don’t know, ask your parents or your doctor, but usually this is not forgotten, as it is accompanied by a short-term loss of consciousness), a critical temperature can be considered 37.5-38 C.

Complications of fever

At too high a temperature, disturbances occur in the transmission of nerve impulses, and this can lead to irreversible consequences in the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, up to respiratory arrest. In all cases of critically high temperature, antipyretics are taken. All of them affect the center of thermoregulation in the subcortical structures of the brain. Auxiliary methods, and this is primarily wiping the surface of the body with warm water, is aimed at increasing blood flow on the surface of the body and contributes to the evaporation of moisture, which leads to a temporary and not very significant decrease in temperature. Wiping with a weak solution of vinegar on present stage after the studies, it is considered impractical because it has exactly the same results as just warm water.

A prolonged increase in temperature (more than two weeks), despite the degree of increase, requires an examination of the body. During which the cause should be clarified or a diagnosis of habitually subfebrile temperature should be made. Please be patient and contact several doctors with the results of the examination. If, according to the results of analyzes and examinations, pathology is not revealed, do not measure the temperature without any symptoms, otherwise you risk getting psychosomatic diseases. A good doctor should tell you exactly why you constantly have a subfebrile temperature (37-37.4) and whether you need to do anything. There are a lot of reasons for a long-term elevated temperature, and if you are not a doctor, do not even try to diagnose yourself, and it is impractical to occupy your head with information you do not need at all.

How to measure temperature correctly.

In our country, probably more than 90% of people measure body temperature in the armpit.

The armpit should be dry. Measurements are made in a calm state 1 hour after any physical activity. It is not recommended to take hot tea, coffee, etc. before the measurement.

All this is recommended when clarifying the existence of a long-term high temperature. In emergency cases, when complaints of poor health appear, measurements are taken under any conditions. Mercury, alcohol, electronic thermometers are used. If you have any doubts about the correctness of the measurements, measure the temperature in healthy individuals, take another thermometer.

When measuring temperature in the rectum, a temperature of 37 degrees C should be considered the norm. Women should take into account the menstrual cycle. It is possible that the temperature in the rectum will normally rise to 38g C during the period of ovulation, which is the 15th-25th day of the cycle of 28 days.

Measurement in the oral cavity is considered inappropriate.

Recently, ear thermometers have appeared on sale, which are considered the most accurate. When measuring in the ear canal, the norm is the same as when measuring in the armpit. But young children usually react nervously to the procedure.

Calling an ambulance requires the following conditions:

A. In any case, at a temperature of 39.5 and above.

b. High temperature is accompanied by vomiting, blurred vision, stiffness of movements, muscle tension in cervical region spine (it is impossible to tilt the chin to the sternum).

V. High fever is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen. Especially in the elderly, even with moderate pain in the abdomen, at a temperature, I advise you to call an ambulance.

d. In a child under ten years of age, the temperature is accompanied by a barking, dry cough, difficulty in breathing. A high probability of developing inflammatory narrowing of the larynx, the so-called laryngotracheitis or false croup. The algorithm of actions in this case is to humidify the inhaled air, trying not to scare, calming, take the child to the bathroom to pour hot water to get steam, inhale humidified, but of course not hot air, so staying from hot water is at least 70 centimeters. In the absence of a bathroom, a makeshift tent with a source of steam. But if the child is still scared and does not calm down, then stop trying and just wait for an ambulance.

e. A sharp rise in temperature over 1-2 hours above 38 degrees C in a child under 6 years old, who had convulsions at a high temperature earlier.
The algorithm of actions is to give an antipyretic (dosages must be agreed in advance with the pediatrician or see below), call an ambulance.

In what cases should you take an antipyretic to reduce body temperature:

A. Body temperature above 38.5 gr. C (if there is a history of febrile convulsions, then at a temperature of 37.5 degrees C).

b At a temperature below the above figures, only in the case when the symptoms are expressed in the form of a headache, a feeling of aches all over the body, and general weakness. significantly interferes with sleep and rest.

In all other cases, you need to allow the body to take advantage of the increased temperature, helping it to remove the so-called infection-fighting products. (dead leukocytes, macrophages, remnants of bacteria and viruses in the form of toxins).

I will give my preferred vegetable folk remedies.

Folk remedies at elevated temperatures

A. In the first place, fruit drinks with cranberries - take as much as the body requires.
b. Fruit drinks from currants, sea buckthorn, lingonberries.
V. Any alkaline mineral water with a low percentage of mineralization or just pure boiled water.

The following plants are contraindicated for use at elevated body temperature: St. John's wort, golden root (Rhodiola rosea).

In any case, if the temperature rises for more than five days, I recommend that you consult a doctor.

A. The onset of the disease, when the fever appeared, and can you connect its appearance with anything? (hypothermia, increased physical activity, emotional overstrain).

b. Has there been contact with feverish people in the next two weeks?

V. Have you had any illness with fever in the next two months? (remember, you may have suffered some kind of ailment “on your feet”).

d. Have you had a tick bite this season? (It is appropriate to recall even the contact of a tick with the skin without a bite).

e. It is very important to remember if you live in endemic areas for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and these are areas far east, Siberia, the Urals, the Volgovyatsk region, whether there was contact with rodents or their waste products. First of all, fresh excrement is dangerous, since the virus is contained in them for a week. The latent period of this disease is from 7 days to 1.5 months.

e. Indicate the nature of the manifestation of elevated body temperature (jump-like, constant, or with a smooth increase at a certain time of the day).

h. Specify whether you have been vaccinated (vaccinated) within two weeks.

and. Clearly tell your doctor what other symptoms accompany high body temperature. (catarrhal - cough, runny nose, pain or sore throat, etc., dyspeptic - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, liquid stool etc.)
All this will allow the doctor to more purposefully and timely prescribe examinations and treatment.

Over-the-counter drugs used to lower body temperature.

1. paracetamol in various names. Dosage for adults single 0.5-1 gr. daily up to 2 gr. the period between doses is at least 4 hours, for children 15 mg per kilogram of the child's weight (for information, 1000 mg in 1 gram). For example, a child of 10 kg of weight needs 150 mg; in practice, this is a little more than half a tablet per 0.25 grams. It is available both in tablets of 0.5 g and 0.25 g, and in syrups and rectal suppositories. Can be used from infancy. Paracetamol is part of almost all combined anti-cold drugs (Fervex, Teraflu, Coldrex).
Babies are best used in rectal suppositories.

2. nurofen (ibuprofen) adult dosage 0.4g. , children's 0.2g Children are recommended with caution, used in children with intolerance or weak action of paracetamol.

3. nise (nimesulide) is available in both powders (nimesil) and tablets. An adult dosage of 0.1g ... children 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of the child's weight, that is, with a weight of 10 kg, 15 mg is required. Just over one tenth of a tablet. Daily dosage no more than 3 times a day

4. Analgin - adult 0.5 g ... children's 5-10 mg per kg of child's weight That is, with 10 kg of weight, a maximum of 100 mg is required - this is the fifth part of the tablet. Daily up to three times a day. Not recommended for children for frequent use.

5. Aspirin - adult single dosage 0.5-1 gr. Daily up to four times a day, children are contraindicated.

At elevated temperatures, all physiotherapy, water procedures, mud therapy, massage are canceled.

Diseases occurring with a very high (above 39 degrees C) temperature.

Influenza is a viral disease, accompanied by a sharp rise in temperature, severe aching joints and muscle pain. Catarrhal phenomena (runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc.) join on the 3rd-4th day of illness, and with the usual ARVI, first the symptoms of a cold, then a gradual rise in temperature.

Angina - severe pain in the throat when swallowing and at rest.

Chicken pox (chickenpox), measles can also begin with a high temperature and only on the 2-4th day the appearance of a rash in the form of vesicles (vesicles filled with liquid).

Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) almost always, except for patients with reduced immunity and the elderly, it is accompanied by high fever. Distinctive feature, the appearance of pain in chest, aggravated by deep breathing, shortness of breath, dry cough at the beginning of the disease. All these symptoms in most cases are accompanied by a feeling of anxiety, fear.

Acute pyelonephritis(inflammation of the kidneys), along with a high temperature, pain in the projection of the kidneys comes to the fore (just below 12 ribs, with irradiation (recoil) to the side more often on one side. Edema on the face, high blood pressure. The appearance of protein in urine tests.

Acute glomerulonephritis, the same as pyelonephritis only with the inclusion in the process of the pathological reaction of the immune system. It is characterized by the appearance of erythrocytes in urine tests. It has, in comparison with pyelonephritis, a higher percentage of complications, is more prone to becoming chronic.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome - infection transmitted from rodents, mainly from mice and voles. It is characterized by a decrease, and sometimes a complete absence of urination in the first days of the disease, redness of the skin, severe muscle pain.

Gastroenterocolitis(salmonellosis, dysentery, paratyphoid, typhoid fever, cholera, etc.) The main dyspeptic syndrome is nausea, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal pain.

Meningitis and encephalitis(including tick-borne) - inflammation of the meninges of an infectious nature. The main meningeal syndrome is severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, neck muscle tension (it is impossible to bring the chin to the chest). Meningitis is characterized by the appearance of a punctate hemorrhagic rash on the skin of the legs, the anterior wall of the abdomen.

Viral hepatitis A- the main symptom is "jaundice", the skin and sclera become icteric in color.

Diseases occurring with a moderately elevated body temperature (37-38 degrees C).

Exacerbations of chronic diseases such as:

Chronic bronchitis, complaints of cough both dry and with sputum, shortness of breath.

Bronchial asthma of an infectious-allergic nature - complaints of nocturnal, sometimes daytime attacks of lack of air.

Tuberculosis of the lungs, complaints of prolonged coughing, severe general weakness, sometimes streaks of blood in the sputum.

Tuberculosis of other organs and tissues.

Chronic myocarditis, endocarditis, characterized by prolonged pain in the region of the heart, arrhythmic irregular heartbeat

Chronic pyelonephritis.

chronic glomerulonephritis - the symptoms are the same as in acute ones, only less pronounced.

Chronic salpingoopharitis is a gynecological disease characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, discharge, and pain during urination.

The following diseases occur with subfebrile temperature:

Viral hepatitis B and C, complaints of general weakness, joint pain, late stages"jaundice" joins.

Diseases of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis, nodular and diffuse goiter, thyrotoxicosis) main symptoms, sensation of a lump in the throat, palpitations, sweating, irritability.

Acute and chronic cystitis, complaints of painful urination.

Acute and exacerbation chronic prostatitis, a male disorder characterized by difficult and often painful urination.

Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, as well as opportunistic (may not manifest as a disease) urogenital infections - toxoplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, ureoplasmosis.

A large group of oncological diseases, one of the symptoms of which may be a slightly elevated temperature.

The main tests and examinations that can be prescribed by a doctor if you have prolonged subfebrile condition (increased body temperature in the range of 37-38 degrees C).

1. A complete blood count - allows you to judge by the number of leukocytes and the value of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) whether there is any inflammation in the body. The amount of hemoglobin can indirectly indicate the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. A complete urinalysis indicates the state of the urinary system. First of all, the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes and protein in the urine, as well as the specific gravity.

3. Biochemical analysis of blood (blood from a vein):. CRP and rheumatoid factor - their presence often indicates an overactive immune system of the body and manifests itself in rheumatic diseases. Liver tests can diagnose hepatitis.

4. Hepatitis B and C markers are prescribed to exclude the corresponding viral hepatitis.

5. HIV- to exclude acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

6. Blood test for RV - to detect syphilis.

7. Mantoux reaction, respectively, tuberculosis.

8. Fecal analysis is prescribed for suspected diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and helminthic invasion. Positive occult blood in the analysis is a very important diagnostic sign.

9. A blood test for thyroid hormones should be done after consulting an endocrinologist and examining the thyroid gland.

10. Fluorography - even without diseases, it is recommended to take place once every two years. It is possible to prescribe FLG by a doctor for suspected pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis, tuberculosis, lung cancer. Modern digital fluorographs make it possible to make a diagnosis without resorting to large radiography. Accordingly, a low dose of X-ray radiation is used and only in unclear cases additional examinations on a radiograph and tomography are required. The most accurate is magnetic resonance imaging.

11 Uzi internal organs, the thyroid gland is produced for the diagnosis of diseases of the kidneys, liver, pelvic organs, thyroid gland.

12 ECG, ECHO KG, to exclude myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis.

Analyzes and examinations are prescribed by the doctor selectively, based on clinical need.

Therapist - Shutov A.I.

Everyone knows what "thirty-six and six" is. This is considered to be the normal temperature of a person. Also, everyone knows that if the thermometer reading is higher or lower than this value, then this is a sign possible problems with health. But the question of how much this reading should differ from 36.6 ° C in order to see a doctor often causes difficulty. Let's see what temperatures are considered normal, low and high by modern medicine.

The number 36.6 was obtained at the end of the 19th century as an average statistical result measurements in the armpit in a large number of people. You can navigate to "36.6", but the difference is a few tenths of a degree not indicative of abnormality.

According to doctors, when determining the normal thermal state of the human body, attention should be paid to the following main factors:

• age;
• measurement method;
• daily and seasonal biorhythms;
• current intensity of physical activity or mental activity.

Upper bounds normal values ​​when measured under the arm, depending on age, are given in the following table.

In addition, a woman's body is usually 0.5 °C warmer than a man's.

It should also be taken into account measurement method. Compared to the thermometer reading under the arm, the value measured in the mouth is 0.5 °C higher; and in the ear, vagina or anus- approximately 1.0 °C.

In a healthy person, daily fluctuations are also normal: in the evening, the human body is several tenths of a degree colder than in the morning.

It is normal to slightly exceed 36.6 ° C during intense physical or mental activity, during stress, fear, excessive positive emotions, during sex.

Temperatures below 35.0 °C are considered low. A person experiences weakness and malaise, drowsiness and fatigue.

The most common cause is hypothermia, hypothermia in cold weather or in water. In this case tremors appear in the body and numbness of the extremities, especially fingers and toes. To normalize the state of the body during hypothermia, it is enough warm clothes and hot drinks.

Another one common cause Is it the flu or a cold. A strong organism usually fights with them by generating heat, thereby "burning out" the infection and removing it through sweat. But if the immune system is reduced and the body is weakened and it does not have the strength to fight the infection, then a decrease in body temperature is noted. It is important not to waste time on self-treatment, but to consult a doctor.

There may be other causes of low body temperature:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• problems in the hormonal sphere, decreased functionality of the thyroid gland, problems with the adrenal glands;
• abuse of drugs and dietary supplements;
• chronic fatigue;
• depletion of the body or lack of vitamins;
• big blood loss;
• radiation sickness;
• HIV infection.

With a decrease in temperature during pregnancy and lactation, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Hyperthermia and fever

Depending on the cause of the high temperature, modern medicine distinguishes hyperthermia and fever.

hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is overheating of the body due to excess external heat or poor heat exchange with environment. The body reacts by expanding skin vessels, profuse sweating and other physiological mechanisms of thermoregulation.

If the causes of hyperthermia are not eliminated, then heating the body to 42 ° C can lead to heat stroke, and in the case of people with cardiovascular diseases, even death.

Fever

Fever (in Latin "febris") is an increase in temperature, which is a protective reaction of the body to pathogenic impact. Common reasons are:

• viral infections;
• inflammatory processes;
• tissue and joint injuries;
• diseases of the cardiovascular, circulatory or endocrine systems;
• weakened immunity;
• allergy.

In young children, the temperature often rises during teething.

medical classification high temperature is presented in the table.

Temperature dynamics is tracked by temperature curves.

Temperature curves

Graphs of temperature versus time are called temperature curves. They play an important role in diagnosis and prognosis. Time values ​​are plotted along the horizontal axis, temperature values ​​are plotted along the vertical axis. Classification of temperature curves is given in the table.

Type of fever	Latin name	Temperature curve dynamics
Constant	Febris continua	Fluctuations in pyretic or febrile body temperature in the range of 1 ° C.
Laxative (remitting)	Febris remittens	Daily fluctuations over 2 °C.
Intermittent (intermittent)	Febris intermittens	Cycles of a sharp rise to pyretic values ​​and a rapid decline to normal.
Debilitating (hectic)	Febris hectica	Daily fluctuations are greater than 3 ° C, that is, higher than with relapsing fever. Rapid decline to normal and subnormal values.
returnable	Febris recurrences	Rapid growth, then lasts for several days and then declines to normal. After some time, a new cycle.
wavy	Febris undulans	Unlike relapsing fever, a gradual rise and fall.
perverted	Febris in versa	Evening temperature is lower than morning.
Wrong		The most common type of fever. Chaotic dynamics.

If you will be abroad, then keep in mind that in the USA, Canada and a number of other countries, degrees Celsius (°C) are used, but degrees Fahrenheit (°F). 36.6°C corresponds to 98°F; 0 °C (ice melting) - 32 °F; 100°C (boiling water) - 212°F.

Temperature changes are a frequent companion of diseases. Why in most cases it is not necessary to bring down the temperature and how to remove the heat, if necessary?

What to do with elevated body temperature is one of the most common questions for therapists and pediatricians. Indeed, the heat often frightens patients. However, are elevated values ​​always a cause for panic? Under what conditions does the temperature stay, and under what diseases does it, on the contrary, fall? And when are antipyretics really needed? What temperature should be normal in children and the elderly? MedAboutMe dealt with these and many other issues.

body temperature in adults

Thermoregulation is responsible for human temperature - the ability of warm-blooded organisms to maintain a constant temperature, reduce or increase it if necessary. The hypothalamus is primarily responsible for these processes. However, today scientists are inclined to determine what to determine single center thermoregulation is wrong, because many factors affect the temperature of the human body.

In childhood, the temperature changes under the slightest influence, while in adults (from 16-18 years old) it is quite stable. Although it also rarely stays on one indicator all day. Physiological changes are known that reflect circadian rhythms. For example, the difference between normal temperature in the morning and in the evening in a healthy person will be 0.5-1.0°C. With these rhythms, a characteristic increase in fever in the evening hours in a sick person is also associated.

The temperature can change under the influence external environment, increase with physical exertion, eating certain foods (especially often after spicy meals and overeating), with stress, fear, and even intense mental work.

What temperature should be normal

Everyone is well aware of the value of 36.6 ° C. However, what temperature should be normal in reality?

The figure of 36.6 ° C appeared as a result of research conducted by the German physician Karl Reinhold Wunderlich back in the middle of the 19th century. Then he made about 1 million temperature measurements in the armpit in 25 thousand patients. And the value of 36.6°C was just the average body temperature of a healthy person.

According to modern standards, the norm is not a specific figure, but a range from 36 ° C to 37.4 ° C. Moreover, doctors recommend periodically measuring the temperature in a healthy state in order to accurately know the individual values ​​​​of the norm. It should be borne in mind that with age, body temperature changes - in childhood it can be quite high, and in old age it drops. Therefore, an indicator of 36 ° C for an elderly person will be the norm, but for a child it can indicate hypothermia and a symptom of the disease.

It is also important to consider how the temperature is measured - the values ​​​​in the armpit, rectum or under the tongue can differ by 1-1.5 ° C.

The temperature is very dependent on hormonal activity and therefore it is not surprising that pregnant women often experience fever. Hot flashes during menopause and temperature fluctuations during menstruation are associated with hormonal changes.

It is very important for expectant mothers to carefully monitor their condition, while understanding that a slightly elevated or low temperature during pregnancy is the norm for most women. For example, if the values ​​​​do not exceed 37 ° C in the first weeks, and there are no other symptoms of malaise, then the condition can be explained by the activity of female sex hormones. Particularly progesterone.

And yet, if the temperature during pregnancy lasts for a long time, then even subfebrile indicators (37-38 ° C) should be a reason for consulting a doctor. With such a symptom, it is important to undergo examinations and take tests to exclude the presence of such infections - cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, herpes, hepatitis and others.

Temperature during pregnancy can also be a sign of common seasonal SARS. In this case, it is very important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor. If a common cold is unlikely to pose a danger to the fetus, then the flu can lead to serious consequences, up to a miscarriage for early dates. With influenza, the temperature rises to 39 ° C.

The child's temperature

The system of thermoregulation in children under 1 year of age has not yet been established, therefore the temperature in a child can change significantly under the slightest influence. This is especially true for babies in the first three months of life. Most often, parents are concerned about elevated values, however, the causes of a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be:

• Too warm clothes.
• Cry.
• Laughter.
• Eating, including breastfeeding.
• Bathing in water above 34-36°C.

After sleep, the values ​​\u200b\u200bare usually lower, but with active games, the child's temperature rises quickly. Therefore, when taking measurements, it is necessary to take into account all external factors that could affect them.

At the same time, too high a temperature (38 ° C and above) can be dangerous for small children. To compensate for the heat, the body uses a lot of water and therefore dehydration is often observed. Moreover, in a child, this condition occurs faster than in an adult. Dehydration can pose a danger to health (often against its background there is a deterioration in the condition, subsequently complicated by pneumonia) and life (with severe dehydration, there may be loss of consciousness and even death).

In addition, some children under 5 years of age experience febrile convulsions - when the child's temperature rises to 38-39 ° C, involuntary muscle contractions begin, short-term fainting is possible. If at least once such a condition was observed, in the future, even with a slight heat, the baby needs to bring down the temperature.

Human temperature

Normally, a person's temperature is controlled by the endocrine system, in particular, the hypothalamus and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4, as well as the hormone TSH, which regulates their production). Thermoregulation is influenced by sex hormones. And yet, infections remain the main cause of fever, and too low a temperature in most cases is caused by overwork or a lack of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Man is a warm-blooded creature, which means that the body can maintain a stable temperature regardless of environmental factors. At the same time, in severe frost, the overall temperature drops, and in hot weather it can rise so much that a person will get heat stroke. This is due to the fact that our body is quite sensitive to thermal changes - changes of only 2-3 degrees of temperature significantly affect metabolic processes, hemodynamics and the transmission of impulses through nerve cells. As a result, pressure may increase, convulsions and confusion may occur. Frequent symptoms of low temperature are lethargy, at a value of 30-32 ° C there may be loss of consciousness; and high - delusional states.

Types of fever

For the vast majority of diseases that occur with an increase in temperature, certain ranges of values ​​are characteristic. Therefore, it is often enough for a doctor to make a diagnosis to know not the exact value, but the type of fever. In medicine, there are several types of them:

• Subfebrile - from 37 ° C to 38 ° C.
• Febrile - from 38°C to 39°C.
• High - more than 39°C.
• Dangerous for life - the line is 40.5-41 ° C.

Temperature values ​​are evaluated in combination with other symptoms, since the degree of fever does not always correspond to the severity of the disease. For example, subfebrile temperature is observed in such dangerous diseases as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, pyelonephritis and others. A particularly alarming symptom is a condition in which the temperature is kept at 37-37.5 ° C for a long time. This may indicate disruption of the endocrine system and even malignant tumors.

fluctuations in normal body temperature

As already mentioned, the normal temperature in a healthy person can change throughout the day, as well as under the influence of certain factors (food, physical activity, and more). In this case, you need to remember what temperature should be at different ages:

• Children under one year old - a temperature of 37-38 ° C can be considered the norm.
• Up to 5 years - 36.6-37.5 ° C.
• Adolescence- strong fluctuations in temperature are possible, associated with the activity of sex hormones. The values ​​stabilize in girls at the age of 13-14, in boys differences can be observed up to 18 years.
• Adults - 36-37.4 ° C.
• Elderly people over 65 years old - up to 36.3 ° C. A temperature of 37°C can be considered a serious febrile condition.

In men average temperature body is lower on average by 0.5°C than in women.

There are several ways to measure body temperature. And in each case there will be their own norms of values. Among the most popular methods are:

• Axillary (in the armpit).

In order to receive exact values, the skin should be dry, and the thermometer itself should be pressed tightly enough to the body. This method will require the most time (with a mercury thermometer - 7-10 minutes), since the skin itself must warm up. The norm of temperature degrees in the armpit is 36.2-36.9 ° C.

• Rectally (in the rectum).

The method is most popular for young children, as one of the safest. For this method, it is better to use electronic thermometers with a soft tip, the measurement time is 1-1.5 minutes. The norm of values ​​​​is 36.8-37.6 ° C (on average, it differs by 1 ° C from axillary values).

• Orally, sublingually (in the mouth, under the tongue).

In our country, the method is not widely used, although in Europe this is how the temperature in adults is most often measured. It takes from 1 to 5 minutes to measure, depending on the type of device. The temperature values ​​​​are normal - 36.6-37.2 ° C.

• In the ear canal.

The method is used to measure the temperature of a child and requires special type thermometer (non-contact measurement), so it is not very common. In addition to determining the overall temperature, the method will also help in the diagnosis of otitis media. If there is inflammation, then in different ears the temperature will be very different.

• Into the vagina.

It is most often used to determine basal temperature (the lowest body temperature that is recorded during rest). Measured after sleep, an increase of 0.5 ° C indicates the onset of ovulation.

Types of thermometers

Today in pharmacies you can find different types thermometers to measure human temperature. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Mercury (maximum) thermometer.

It is considered one of the most accurate types and at the same time affordable. In addition, it is used in hospitals and clinics, as it is easily disinfected and can be used for a large number Human. Disadvantages include slow temperature measurement and brittleness. A broken thermometer is dangerous with poisonous mercury vapor. Therefore, for children today it is used quite rarely, they are not used for oral measurement.

• Electronic (digital) thermometer.

The most popular type for home use. Quickly measures the temperature (from 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes), informs about the end with a sound signal. Electronic thermometers can be with soft tips (for rectal temperature measurement in a child) and hard (universal devices). If the thermometer is used rectally or orally, it must be individual - for one person only. The disadvantage of such a thermometer is often inaccurate values. Therefore, after purchase, you need to measure the temperature in a healthy state in order to know the possible error range.

• Infrared thermometer.

Relatively new and expensive. Used to measure temperature in a non-contact way, for example, in the ear, forehead or temple. The speed of obtaining the result is 2-5 seconds. A slight error of 0.2-0.5°C is allowed. A significant drawback of the thermometer is its limited use - it is not used for measurements in the usual ways (axillary, rectal, oral). In addition, each model is designed for its own method (forehead, temple, ear) and cannot be used in other areas.

Relatively recently, thermal strips were popular - flexible films with crystals that change color at different temperatures. In order to get the result, it is enough to apply the strip to the forehead and wait for about 1 minute. This method of measurement does not determine the exact degrees of temperature, but only shows the values ​​\u200b\u200bof "low", "normal", "high". Therefore, it cannot replace full-fledged thermometers.

An increase in body temperature is well felt by a person. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Fatigue, general weakness.
• Chills (the more fever, the more chills).
• Headache.
• Aches in the body, especially in the joints, muscles and fingers.
• Feeling cold.
• Sensation of heat in the region of the eyeballs.
• Dry mouth.
• Decreased or complete loss of appetite.
• Rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias.
• Sweating (if the body can regulate heat), dry skin (when the temperature rises).

Rose and white fever

High fever can manifest differently in children and adults. It is customary to distinguish two types of fever:

• Pink (red).

So named after characteristics- red skin, especially pronounced blush on the cheeks and face as a whole. The most common type of fever, in which the body is able to provide optimal heat transfer - the superficial vessels expand (this is how the blood cools), sweating is activated (decrease in skin temperature). The patient's condition, as a rule, is stable, there are no significant violations of the general condition and well-being.

• White.

A rather dangerous form of fever, in which failures of thermoregulatory processes occur in the body. The skin in this case is white, and sometimes even cool (especially cold hands and feet), while the measurement of rectal or oral temperature shows fever. A person is tormented by chills, the condition worsens significantly, fainting and confusion can be observed. White fever develops if there is a spasm of blood vessels under the skin, as a result of which the body cannot start the cooling mechanisms. The condition is dangerous in that the temperature rises significantly in vital organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) and can affect their functions.

Thermoregulation is provided by the endocrine system, which triggers various mechanisms to increase or decrease a person's temperature. And of course, violations in the production of hormones or the functioning of the glands lead to violations of thermoregulation. Such manifestations, as a rule, are stable, and the values ​​remain within the subfebrile range.

The main cause of elevated temperature are pyrogens, which can affect thermoregulation. Moreover, some of them are not introduced from the outside by pathogens, but are secreted by cells of the immune system. Such pyrogens are designed to increase the effectiveness of the fight against various health-threatening conditions. The temperature rises in such cases:

• Infections - viruses, bacteria, protozoa and others.
• Burns, injuries. As a rule, there is a local increase in temperature, but with a large area of ​​​​the lesion there may be a general fever.
• Allergic reactions. In these cases, the immune system produces pyrogens to fight harmless substances.
• shock states.

ARI and high fever

Seasonal respiratory diseases are the most common cause of fever. In this case, depending on the type of infection, its values ​​​​will be different.

• With a standard cold or a mild form of ARVI, subfebrile temperature is observed, in addition, it rises gradually, on average over 6-12 hours. At proper treatment the fever lasts no more than 4 days, after which it begins to subside or disappear altogether.
• If the temperature rises sharply and exceeds 38 ° C, this may be a symptom of the flu. Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, this disease requires mandatory monitoring by a local therapist or pediatrician.
• If the fever resumed after the condition improved or did not go away on the 5th day from the onset of the disease, this most often indicates complications. A bacterial infection has joined the initial viral infection, the temperature is usually above 38°C. The condition requires an urgent call to the doctor, as the patient may need antibiotic therapy.

A temperature of 37-38 ° C is typical for such diseases:

• SARS.
• Exacerbations of chronic diseases respiratory tract. For example, bronchitis or bronchial asthma, tonsillitis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Chronic diseases of internal organs during an exacerbation: myocarditis, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart membranes), pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
• Ulcer, colitis.
• Viral hepatitis (usually hepatitis B and C).
• Herpes in the acute stage.
• Exacerbation of psoriasis.
• Infection with toxoplasmosis.

This temperature is typical for the initial stage of thyroid dysfunction, with increased production of hormones (thyrotoxicosis). Hormonal disturbances during menopause can also cause mild fever. Subfebrile values ​​can be observed in people with helminthic invasion.

Diseases with a temperature of 39 ° C and above

High temperature accompanies diseases that cause severe intoxication of the body. Most often, values ​​​​within 39 ° C degrees indicate the development of an acute bacterial infection:

• Angina.
• Pneumonia.
• Acute pyelonephritis.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera.
• Sepsis.

At the same time, intense fever is also characteristic of other infections:

• Flu.
• Hemorrhagic fever, in which the kidneys are severely affected.
• Chicken pox.
• Measles.
• Meningitis, encephalitis.
• Viral hepatitis A.

Other causes of high fever

Violations of thermoregulation can be observed without visible diseases. Another one dangerous reason the fact that the temperature has risen - the inability of the body to provide adequate heat transfer. This happens, as a rule, with prolonged exposure to the sun in the hot season or in a too stuffy room. The temperature of the child may rise if he is dressed too warmly. The condition is dangerous with heatstroke, which can be fatal for people with heart and lung disease. In case of severe overheating, even healthy people Organs, especially the brain, are severely affected. Also, fever for no apparent reason can manifest itself in emotional people during periods of stress and great excitement.

A low temperature is less common than a fever, but it can also indicate serious health problems. Indicators below 35.5 ° C for an adult are considered a sign of diseases and disorders of the body, and below 35 ° C in the elderly.

The following degrees of body temperature are considered life-threatening:

• 32.2 ° C - a person will fall into a stupor, there is a strong lethargy.
• 30-29°C - loss of consciousness.
• Below 26.5 ° C - a fatal outcome is possible.

Low temperature is characterized by the following symptoms:

• General weakness, malaise.
• Drowsiness.
• There may be irritability.
• The extremities become cold, numbness of the fingers develops.
• Attention disturbances and problems with thought processes are noticeable, the speed of reactions decreases.
• General feeling of coldness, trembling in the body.

Causes of low temperature

Among the main reasons for low temperatures are the following:

• General weakness of the body caused by external factors and living conditions.

Insufficient nutrition, lack of sleep, stress and emotional distress can affect thermoregulation.

• Endocrine system disorders.

Associated, as a rule, with insufficient synthesis of hormones.

• Hypothermia.

The most common cause of low temperature in humans. The condition is dangerous by a violation of metabolic processes and frostbite of the extremities only in the case of a strong drop in temperature. With a slight hypothermia, a person's local immunity decreases, so this or that infection often develops subsequently.

• Weakened immune system.

It is observed during the recovery period, after operations, it can manifest itself against the background of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Also low temperature is typical for people with AIDS.

Hormones play an important role in the processes of thermoregulation. In particular, the thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. With their increased synthesis, heat is often observed, but, on the contrary, it leads to a decrease in the overall temperature. In the initial stages, this is often the only symptom by which the development of the disease can be suspected.

A stable decrease in body temperature is also observed with adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Pathology develops slowly, may not show other signs for months or even several years.

Low hemoglobin in the blood

One of the most common causes of low temperature is iron deficiency anemia. It is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, and this in turn affects the functioning of the whole organism. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen to the cells, and if it is not enough, different degrees of hypoxia appear.

The person becomes lethargic, there is a general weakness, against which metabolic processes slow down. The low temperature is the result of these changes.

In addition, the level of hemoglobin can fall with various blood loss. In particular, anemia can develop in people with internal bleeding. If a significant blood loss occurs in a short period of time, the volume of circulating blood decreases, and this already affects heat transfer.

Other causes of low temperature

Among the dangerous conditions that require mandatory medical advice and treatment, one can single out such diseases with a low temperature:

• Radiation sickness.
• Severe intoxication.
• AIDS.
• Brain diseases, including tumors.
• Shock of any etiology (with massive blood loss, allergic reactions, traumatic and toxic shock).

However, the most common causes of temperatures below 35.5 ° C are an unhealthy lifestyle and a lack of vitamins. So, nutrition remains an important factor, if it is not enough, then the processes in the body will slow down, and as a result, thermoregulation will be disturbed. Therefore, for various strict diets, especially with a poor diet (deficiency of iodine, vitamin C, iron), low temperature without other symptoms is very common. If a person consumes less than 1200 calories per day, this will definitely affect thermoregulation.

Another common cause of such a temperature is overwork, stress, lack of sleep. It is especially characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome. The body goes into a sparing mode of functioning, metabolic processes slow down in the body and, of course, this affects heat transfer.

Since temperature is only a symptom of various disorders in the body, it is best to consider it in combination with other signs of illness. It is the general picture of a person’s condition that can tell what kind of disease develops and how dangerous it is.

An increase in temperature is often observed with various ailments. However, there are characteristic combinations of symptoms that appear in patients with specific diagnoses.

Temperature and pain

In the event that, with pain in the abdomen, the temperature is above 37.5 ° C, this may indicate serious violations of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, this is observed with intestinal obstruction. In addition, a combination of symptoms is characteristic of the development of appendicitis. Therefore, if the pain is localized in the region of the right hypochondrium, it is difficult for a person to pull his legs to his chest, there is a loss of appetite and cold sweat, an ambulance should be called immediately. A complication of appendicitis, peritonitis, is also accompanied by persistent fever.

Other causes of a combination of abdominal pain and temperature:

• Pyelonephritis.
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Bacterial bowel disease.

If the temperature rises against the background of pain in the head, this most often indicates a general intoxication of the body and is observed in such diseases:

• Influenza and other SARS.
• Angina, scarlet fever.
• Encephalitis.
• Meningitis.

Pain in the joints and muscles, discomfort in the eyeballs are symptoms of a temperature above 39 ° C. In such conditions, it is recommended to take an antipyretic.

An elevated temperature against the background of diarrhea is a clear sign of a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Among intestinal infections with such symptoms:

• Salmonellosis.
• Cholera.
• Botulism.
• Dysentery.

The cause of the temperature against the background of diarrhea can also be severe food poisoning. The combination of such symptoms is very dangerous for health, so self-medication in such cases is unacceptable. It is urgent to call an ambulance and, if necessary, agree to hospitalization. This is especially true if the child is sick.

Temperature and diarrhea are factors that contribute to dehydration. And with their combination, fluid loss by the body can become critical in a fairly short period. Therefore, in the event that it is not possible to adequately compensate for the lack of fluid by drinking (for example, a person has vomiting or the diarrhea itself is pronounced), the patient is injected with solutions intravenously in a hospital. Without it, dehydration can lead to serious consequences, damage to organs and even death.

Temperature and nausea

In some cases, nausea may be due to fever. Due to intense heat, weakness develops, pressure decreases, dizziness occurs, and this is what causes slight nausea as a result. In this state, if the temperature is above 39 ° C, it must be brought down. The combination of symptoms may appear in the first days of the flu and be caused by severe intoxication of the body.

One of the causes of nausea and fever during pregnancy is toxicosis. But in this case, values ​​​​higher than subfebrile (up to 38 ° C) are rarely observed.

In the event that nausea is accompanied by other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, pain, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation), simply bringing down the temperature is not enough. This combination of symptoms can indicate serious diseases of the internal organs. Among them:

• Viral hepatitis and other liver damage.
• Acute appendicitis.
• Peritonitis.
• Inflammation of the kidneys.
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Intestinal obstruction (accompanied by constipation).

In addition, fever and nausea are often observed against the background of intoxication with stale food, alcohol or medicines. And one of the most dangerous diagnoses with these symptoms is meningitis. All of the listed diseases and conditions require a mandatory consultation with a doctor.

In the event that vomiting occurs against the background of temperature, it is very important to compensate for the loss of fluid. Children with this combination of symptoms are most often referred for inpatient treatment.

Raise blood pressure is a common symptom of fever. Heat affects hemodynamics - patients have an increased heart rate, and blood begins to move faster through the vessels, they expand, and this can affect blood pressure. However, such changes cannot cause severe hypertension, more often the rates do not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Art., observed in patients with a fever of 38.5 ° C and above, disappear as soon as the temperature stabilizes.

In some cases, a high temperature, on the contrary, is characterized by a decrease in pressure. There is no need to treat this condition, as the indicators return to normal after the fever subsides.

At the same time, for hypertensive patients, any, even a slight fever, can threaten with serious consequences. Therefore, they should consult with their doctor and, if necessary, take antipyretics already at rates of 37.5 ° C (especially when it comes to older people).

Pressure and temperature is a dangerous combination for patients with such diseases:

• Cardiac ischemia. Cardiologists note that this combination of symptoms sometimes accompanies myocardial infarction. Moreover, in this case, the temperature rises slightly, may be within the framework of subfebrile indicators.
• Heart failure.
• Arrhythmias.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes.

In the event that low pressure and temperature in the subfebrile range last for a long time, this may be a sign of oncopathology. However, not all oncologists agree with this statement, and the symptoms themselves should simply become the reason for a full-fledged examination of a person.

Low pressure and low temperature are a common combination. Such symptoms are especially characteristic with low hemoglobin, chronic fatigue, blood loss, and nervous disorders.

Temperature without other symptoms

Elevated or decreased temperature without symptoms characteristic of acute infections, should be the reason for a mandatory medical examination. Violations can talk about such diseases:

• Chronic pyelonephritis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Malignant and benign tumors.
• Organ infarcts (tissue necrosis).
• Blood diseases.
• Thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism.
• Allergic reactions.
• Rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage.
• Violations of the brain, in particular, the hypothalamus.
• Mental disorders.

Temperature without other symptoms also occurs against the background of overwork, stress, after prolonged physical activity, overheating or hypothermia. But in these cases, the indicators stabilize. If we are talking about serious diseases, the temperature without symptoms will be quite stable, after normalization it will rise or fall again over time. Sometimes hypothermia or hyperemia is observed in a patient for several months.

An elevated temperature can cause significant discomfort, and in some cases even be life-threatening. Therefore, any person needs to know what to do with a fever and how to bring down the temperature correctly.

When to bring down the temperature

Not always, if the temperature has risen, it needs to be brought back to normal. The fact is that with infections and other lesions of the body, he himself begins to produce pyrogens, which cause fever. High temperature helps the immune system fight antigens, in particular:

• The synthesis of interferon, a protein that protects cells from viruses, is activated.
• The production of antibodies that destroy antigens is activated.
• Accelerates the process of phagocytosis - absorption foreign bodies phagocyte cells.
• Reduced physical activity and appetite, which means that the body can spend more energy to fight infection.
• Most bacteria and viruses thrive best at normal human temperatures. With its increase, some microorganisms die.

Therefore, before deciding to “bring down the temperature”, you need to remember that a fever helps the body recover. However, there are still situations in which the heat must be removed. Among them:

• Temperature above 39°C.
• Any temperature at which there is a serious deterioration in the condition - nausea, dizziness, and so on.
• Febrile convulsions in children (any fever above 37 ° C is knocked down).
• In the presence of concomitant neurological diagnoses.
• People with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with diabetes.

Air, humidity and other parameters in the room

There are many ways to lower the temperature. But the first task should always be to normalize the air parameters in the room where the patient is located. This is especially important for children of the first years of life, and critical for infants. The fact is that the child's sweating system is still poorly developed and therefore thermoregulation is carried out to a greater extent through breathing. The baby inhales cool air, which cools his lungs and the blood in them, and exhales warm air. In the event that the room is too warm, this process is inefficient.

The humidity in the room is also important. The fact is that the humidity of the exhaled air normally approaches 100%. At a temperature, breathing quickens and if the room is too dry, a person additionally loses water through breathing. In addition, the mucous membranes dry up, congestion develops in the bronchi and lungs.

Therefore, the ideal parameters in the room where the patient with fever is located are:

• The air temperature is 19-22°C.
• Humidity - 40-60%.

In the event that you need to quickly bring down the temperature, you can use antipyretics. They are taken symptomatically, which means that as soon as the symptom passes or becomes less pronounced, the medication is stopped. Drinking antipyretics throughout the disease for prevention is unacceptable.

One of the main conditions for the successful action of drugs in this group is drinking plenty of water.

The main antipyretics:

• Paracetamol.

It is actively prescribed for adults and children, it is considered a first-line drug. However, recent studies, in particular those conducted by the American organization FDA, have shown that if the drug is taken uncontrolled, paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. Paracetamol helps well if the temperature does not exceed 38 ° C, but in extreme heat it may not work.

• Ibuprofen.

One of the key non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for fever. Designed for adults and children.

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

For a long time it was the main drug of the NSAID category, but over the past decades, its association with severe kidney and liver damage (with overdose) has been proven. Also, researchers believe that taking aspirin in children can cause the development of Reye's syndrome (pathogenic encephalopathy), so this moment the drug is not used in pediatrics.

• Nimesulide (nimesil, nise).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent of the latest generation. Contraindicated in children.

• Analgin.

Today it is practically not used as an antipyretic, but it can still relieve fever.

The temperature can also be brought down with the help of folk remedies. Among the most common and simple ways- decoctions of herbs and berries. Drinking plenty of fluids is always recommended when the temperature is high, as it helps to improve perspiration and reduces the risk of dehydration.

Among the most popular herbs and berries that are used for fever are:

• Raspberries, including leaves.
• Black currant.
• Sea ​​buckthorn.
• Cowberry.
• Linden.
• Chamomile.

To normalize the temperature, a hypertonic solution will also help. It is prepared from ordinary boiled water and salt - two teaspoons of salt are taken for 1 glass of liquid. Such a drink helps cells retain water and is great if the temperature manifests itself against the background of vomiting and diarrhea.

• Newborns - no more than 30 ml.
• From 6 months to 1 year - 100 ml.
• Up to 3 years - 200 ml.
• Up to 5 years - 300 ml.
• Over 6 years old - 0.5 l.

Ice can also be used for fever symptoms. But it must be used very carefully, since a sharp cooling of the skin can lead to vasospasm and the development of white fever. Ice is placed in a bag or placed on a piece of cloth and only in this form is applied to the body. A good alternative would be wiping with a towel dipped in cold water. In the event that it is not possible to bring down the temperature, antipyretics do not work, and folk remedies do not help, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

How to raise the temperature

If the body temperature drops below 35.5 ° C, a person feels weak and unwell, you can increase it in the following ways:

• Warm plentiful drink. Well helps tea with honey, rosehip broth.
• Liquid warm soups and broths.
• Warm clothes.
• Covering with several blankets, for greater effect, you can use a heating pad.
• Hot bath. Can be supplemented with essential oils coniferous trees(fir, spruce, pine).
• Exercise stress. A few intense exercises will help improve circulation and increase body temperature.

If the temperature stays below 36°C for a long time, you should consult a doctor. And after finding out the cause of such a symptom, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, a high temperature can pose a serious threat to health, and then you simply cannot do without the help of doctors. An ambulance must be called in such cases:

• Temperature 39.5°C or higher.
• A sharp increase in temperature and the inability to bring it down with antipyretic and other methods.
• Against the background of temperature, diarrhea or vomiting is observed.
• Fever is accompanied by difficulty breathing.
• There are severe pains in any part of the body.
• There are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, pallor, severe weakness, dark urine or no urination.
• High blood pressure and temperature above 38°C.
• The fever is accompanied by a rash. Especially dangerous is a red rash that does not disappear with pressure - a sign of a meningococcal infection.

Fever or a decrease in temperature is an important signal of the body about diseases. This symptom should always be given due attention and try to fully understand its causes, and not just eliminate it with the help of drugs and other methods. But at the same time, one should not forget that normal temperature is an individual concept and not everyone corresponds to the well-known indicator of 36.6 ° C.