Thermometer Reading Temperature

The temperature of a person’s body varies based on where the measurements are taken on his or her person. For example, rectal temperature readings are typically greater than mouth temperature readings, although armpit temperature readings are typically lower.

Factors affecting body temperature

1. The age of a person
2. The time of day, with the lowest levels often occurring in the early morning and the largest levels occurring in the late afternoon.
3. The most recent activity of a person
4. Consumption of food and fluids

Normal body temperature of adults

According to reviews, the average adult body temperature across all different reading sites is 97.86 degrees Fahrenheit (36.59 degrees Celsius). Researchers also discovered that the average orally administered adult body temperature ranges between 97.2- and 98.6-degrees Fahrenheit (36.24 and 37 degrees Celsius). The average body temperature can vary depending on one’s age and gender. In addition, the researchers discovered that some medical problems can have an impact on body temperature. People with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), for example, tended to have lower temperatures, but people with cancer tended to have higher temperatures.

Temperature that indicates fever

1. A fever is referred to as a temperature of at least 100.4°F (38°C).
2. High fever is defined as a temperature more than 103.1°F (39.5°C).
3. A fever of more than 105.8°F (41°C) is considered to be extremely high.

Children’s body temperatures 

In general, children’s body temperatures hover around 97.52°F (36.4°C), however this might fluctuate. In children, a temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate the presence of a fever, just as it does in adults.

Temperatures that are considered normal during pregnancy

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of a pregnant woman is higher than that of an unborn child. This indicates that the body is producing greater heat. According to one study, the body temperature reaches its highest point around the 12th week of pregnancy, when it is 96–99.5°F (35.6–37.5°C). It is just after the 33rd week that the average body temperature reaches its lowest point, which is approximately 95.5–99.1°F (35.3–37.3°C).

Procedure to use thermometer

The most frequently recommended thermometers are electronic thermometers. The temperature is displayed on an easy-to-read panel. The probe can be inserted into the mouth, the rectum, or the armpit of the patient.

Mouth: Insert the probe under the tongue and seal the mouth. Breathe in and out via your nose. Make use of the lips to keep the thermometer firmly in position. Continue to hold the thermometer in your mouth for three minutes, or until the device beeps.

Rectum: This approach is used for new-borns and young children. They are incapable of safely holding a thermometer in their mouth. The bulb of a rectal thermometer should be coated with petroleum jelly. Place the child face down on a flat surface, such as a table or your lap. Spread the buttocks and push the bulb end into the anal canal, which should be approximately 1/2 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 centimetres) in length. Take caution not to insert it too far into the hole. Struggle can cause the thermometer to rise even higher. Remove after 3 minutes, or when the device beeps, whichever comes first.

Place the thermometer under the armpit if you have one. Maintain pressure on the arm against the body. Wait for 5 minutes before starting to read the thermometer.

The temperature is shown by the colour of the plastic strip thermometer. The accuracy of this procedure is the lowest.

Place the strip across the top of the head. After 1 minute, while the strip is still in place, read it.

Also available are thermometers in the form of plastic strips for use in the mouth.

Electronic ear thermometers are widely available. They are simple to operate. Some users, on the other hand, have complained that the readings are less accurate than those obtained with probe thermometers.

Electronic forehead thermometers are more accurate than ear thermometers, and their accuracy is on par with that of probe thermometers, according to the manufacturer.

Conclusion

A fever is defined as an increase in body temperature. The majority of the time, it’s a symptom of an infection. The fever itself is generally innocuous and may even be beneficial in some cases. In most cases, fevers do not require medical attention.

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C). Nevertheless, the normal body temperature can fluctuate anywhere between 97- and 99-degrees Fahrenheit (36 and 37 degrees Celsius). The temperature of your body can fluctuate depending on how busy you are or what time of day it is. In general, the body temperatures of older persons are lower than those of younger individuals.