Knowing what the normal temperature of the human body is is something that can be vital to be aware of whether our body warns us of any abnormality and we should consult the doctor. In addition, understand how the temperature and humidity in our health it is crucial.
We tell you everything about body temperature, from What happens with the different temperatures that our body can reach to how it is best to take or measure temperature.
Normal body temperature
When we talk about "normal body temperature" we are referring to the average internal temperature that keeps our body in stable health conditions or in equilibrium. This temperature can vary depending on a person's age, sex, physical activity, time of day, and many other internal and external factors.
The average temperature considered normal in the human body ranges between 36º and 37,5º, although we must also take into account the place where we are going to measure the temperature because then it will be more or less high. For a deeper understanding of the effects of heat on the body, you can read about the impact of humidity in our body temperature.
Tools of our body to control temperature
Our organism is prepared to self-regulate in order to, under normal conditions, maintain a stable temperature. It is a complex thermoregulation system where the central nervous system, blood vessels and sweat glands are mainly involved. In our brain, the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating internal temperature, it is like a thermostat that maintains homeostasis, that is, balance.
If our body temperature increases, the hypothalamus activates cooling mechanisms which consist of sweating, vasodilation, and heat reduction. Sweat soaks into our skin and causes our temperature to drop because as sweat evaporates from the skin, it absorbs body heat. To learn more about how fever affects pets, check out this article on the fever in dogs.
On the other hand, when the temperature decreases the hypothalamus activates the heating mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, increased metabolism and increased heat production. Spasms or tremors are a mechanism that tries to generate heat in our body.
How to measure it?
To measure body temperature there are different types of thermometers, Most of them are designed to measure temperature in different parts of the human body. Although we can also find some specifically designed to take temperature in the ear or remotely on the forehead (something that became very common during the COVID pandemic).
When we measure the temperature in the armpit, we must take into account that it is the lowest measurement that will be obtained, it is normal that we take into account the armpit between 36º and 37º. When we measure the temperature in the mouth, we must put the thermometer under the tongue and we will find a temperature somewhat higher than in the armpit, which is normal between 36,5º and 37,5º the temperature in the mouth. Another option is to measure the temperature in the rectum, the thermometer is inserted into the rectum and we will find an even higher temperature than in the previous case since it ranges between 37º and 37,5º. This last measurement is the most accurate of all possible body temperature measurements.
Changes in body temperature
It is important to keep in mind that body temperature can be affected by different factors, From physical activity to illness, including factors such as ambient temperature, diet, stress, the state of a woman's menstrual cycle, and much more. For those interested in how temperature affects cats, it is advisable to read about How to know if my cat has a fever.
If the body temperature is above normal values, that is, above 37,5º, it is most likely a symptom of an illness, an infection, and that our body raises its temperature to cure itself. This A higher temperature than normal is called a fever. On the contrary, a temperature below normal is hypothermia. Both things can be very dangerous for your health.
Normal body temperature is a important health indicator therefore. Values above or below normal or above normal are alerting us to a metabolic problem, a disease or infection. Therefore, if we notice that our body has altered its usual temperature, we must go to the doctor.
When to worry about a rise or fall in temperature?
At this point in the article, we are already clear that our body is between 36º and 37,5º and that if that temperature increases or decreases we must be careful. But when we should be alarmed may still be in doubt. A fever is considered when we exceed 38º, it is from then on that we can notice that something is not working as it should in our body. If our temperature exceeds 39º, it is an important indication that we may have a disease or infection. and headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, hallucinations or chills may begin to appear. For this reason, it is important to go to the doctor and lower the body temperature by opening windows to let in the cold and using damp cloths.
On the other hand, if our body temperature drops to 33º we are in mild hypothermia, but if it drops more than that temperature we must go to the doctor immediately as well as trying to raise body temperature. Severe hypothermia can easily lead to death.
