What is the normal body temperature?

Remember when we were kids, we often took our temperature by putting the thermometer under our armpits, and rarely put it anywhere else? However, there are many ways to measure body temperature clinically, such as the commonly measured temperature of the mouth, armpit and rectum. Because measuring body temperature under the armpit is the simplest and most convenient method, it is the most common method chosen by doctors. So, what is the normal armpit temperature? How many degrees is considered sick and having a fever? What is the correct way to measure? Please see below

1. What is the normal axillary temperature? Under normal circumstances, the normal axillary temperature should be between 36.0-37.0°C. Under physiological conditions, body temperature shows certain periodic fluctuations throughout the day and night: it is lowest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and highest between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Women's body temperature is also slightly higher than normal during ovulation and pregnancy. If the armpit temperature fluctuates by more than 1 degree in a day, it is considered abnormal. Tips: The normal oral temperature (also known as oral temperature) is 36.2℃~37.2℃. Place the thermometer under the patient's tongue and take it out after closing the mouth for about 3 minutes; the armpit temperature is 0.2℃~0.5℃ lower than the oral temperature, and the rectal temperature (also known as anal temperature) is 0.2℃~0.6℃ higher than the oral temperature. Disinfect the thermometer, apply lubricating oil, then insert it into the anus and take it out after three minutes.

2. What is the armpit temperature considered a fever? Generally speaking, 37.4 to 38 degrees is a low fever, 38 to 39 degrees is a moderate fever, 39 to 41 degrees is a high fever, and above 41 degrees is a very high fever. Among them, a temperature below 38 degrees, such as 37.5 degrees, is considered a low fever with no other symptoms and no big problem. You can apply ice to cool down physically. Fever is a protective reaction of the body. You can drink more water and observe. Of course, if a low-grade fever persists for more than 24 hours, you should still seek medical treatment.

3. Should 0.5 degrees be added to the axillary temperature ? The normal axillary temperature of the human body is 36~37℃. It is not appropriate to add 0.3-0.5℃ to the actual measured temperature. Under normal circumstances, the actual measurement is the axillary temperature actually measured, and 0.3-0.5℃ should not be added. It is not recommended to add 0.5 to the axillary temperature now. The normal axillary temperature of a person fluctuates between 36-37.2 degrees Celsius. As long as it is not higher than 37.2 degrees Celsius, it is not considered as a fever. Especially for children, their body temperature is not very constant and may fluctuate with temperature, climate, environment, etc. An armpit temperature of 37.3℃ is generally not considered a fever, but it should attract the attention of parents. An axillary temperature above 37.4℃ is considered a fever, and this temperature does not need to be increased by 0.5℃. 4. How to measure axillary temperature with a mercury thermometer: first shake the mercury column on the thermometer to below 35°C, then wipe and disinfect it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. When measuring the temperature under the armpit, wipe off the sweat in the armpit first, then place the end of the thermometer with the mercury column under the armpit and clamp it, then take out the reading after 5 minutes. Electronic thermometer: Let your arm hang naturally and close your armpit for 5 minutes to stabilize the armpit temperature. Then place the thermometer's temperature sensor in the middle of your armpit and clamp it to measure for about 1 minute. When the ℃ symbol on the electronic thermometer stops flashing, it means that the electronic thermometer has completed the armpit temperature measurement.

<<: What to do if your baby's temperature is 39 degrees

>>: What is a temperature below normal called?