Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to produce and get rid of heat. Body temperature can be affected by various things, such as ambient temperature. High or low body temperature of a person can also be an indicator of his health condition.
A person's normal body temperature can vary depending on the activities carried out or the condition of the person's body. However, normal body temperature is generally in the range between 36.5–37.2o Celsius.
Apart from physical activity, changes in normal body temperature can also occur due to several other things, such as when a woman is entering her fertile period (ovulation) or during menstruation.
Is Low or High Body Temperature Dangerous?
Body temperature that is above or below the normal limit certainly needs to be considered, because this could be a sign of someone suffering from certain diseases. Here is the explanation:
Body temperature too low
Body temperature that is too low is called hypothermia. This condition is dangerous because it can interfere with the smooth flow of blood, breathing, and the performance of vital organs of the body, such as the brain and heart. Hypothermia that is not treated immediately can even lead to death.
A person is said to be hypothermic if his body temperature is below 35o Celsius. One of the things that can cause this condition is when a person is exposed to cold temperatures or weather.
In adults, hypothermia can cause symptoms such as chills, slurred speech, shortness of breath and slow, and dizziness. Over time, this condition can cause the sufferer to lose consciousness or coma.
In infants, hypothermia can cause symptoms such as weakness, fussiness, skin feels cold and looks reddish, and does not want to breastfeed.
To increase body temperature when cold due to hypothermia, wear thicker, warmer clothing and try to stay dry at all times. If possible, stay away from cold places and look for a heat source, such as a fireplace.
If you or those around you experience extreme drop in body temperature or hypothermia, immediately go to the doctor or the nearest hospital for treatment.
High body temperature
The opposite of hypothermia, hyperthermia is a condition when the body temperature is more than 40o Celsius. Hyperthermia occurs when the body fails to regulate temperature, so the body temperature continues to rise. If the body temperature exceeds 41.1o Celsius, this condition is called hyperpyrexia.
Hyperthermia is different from fever. Fever is an increase in temperature that is completely controlled by the body's temperature regulation system, whereas hyperthermia is an increase in body temperature beyond the control of that system.
Fever can be caused by infections, such as bacterial and viral infections. Meanwhile, hyperthermia is generally caused by heatstroke (heat stroke), which is a condition when a person cannot cool his body effectively when in a hot environment.
Continuous high body temperature can cause severe dehydration and permanent damage to organs, such as the brain. Therefore, this condition requires immediate medical attention.
Adults with a body temperature of 39.4o Celsius and children with a body temperature of 38o Celsius are advised to immediately consult a doctor.
How to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can not be known only by touch. You need to use a thermometer to measure body temperature accurately. There are several types of thermometers that can be used to measure body temperature, including:
1. Ear thermometer
As the name implies, this small cone-shaped thermometer is used in the ear. Body temperature can generally be seen on a digital screen in just a matter of seconds.
2. Mercury thermometer
The conventional type of thermometer is made of glass and mercury. These thermometers are the cheapest and easiest to find, but are not safe to use because they can break and release toxic mercury.
3. Electronic thermometer
Electronic thermometers are made of plastic and have a pencil-like tip. Besides being able to be used in various areas of the body, such as the armpit, mouth, or rectum (anus), this type of thermometer is also easy to use and read.
4. Forehead thermometer
Forehead thermometers use skin temperature to determine body temperature. This thermometer has a thin shape and can only be used by sticking it on the forehead.
5. Temporal artery thermometer
This thermometer is almost similar to a forehead thermometer which is used on the forehead to measure body temperature.
6. Disposable thermometer
This type of thermometer can only be used once in the mouth or rectum. Disposable thermometers can also be used to measure the baby's temperature continuously for 48 hours. These thermometers are safe, but not as accurate as electronic and ear thermometers.
7. Dot thermometer
As the name implies, this thermometer is shaped like a baby pacifier and is used by placing it in the baby's mouth. The dot thermometer is less effective and efficient, because it takes a long time for the results to appear and is not as accurate as other types of thermometers.
Causes of Inaccurate Thermometer
Sometimes the results of measuring body temperature by a thermometer can be inaccurate for several reasons, such as:
- The thermometer is not used on the right body part.
- The thermometer is lifted too quickly from the body.
- The thermometer battery is weak or dead.
- How to use the thermometer incorrectly or not according to the instructions for use.
- The mouth is open when taking body temperature orally (by mouth).
- Body temperature assessment is done after strenuous exercise or hot bath.
Body temperature is an examination of vital functions, in addition to blood pressure and pulse. Therefore, always keep a thermometer at home as a first step to assessing your body's condition, especially when you feel unwell or have a fever.
If your body temperature is abnormal, either too low or high, and you experience certain symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment.