Body temperature is a fundamental indicator of health, reflecting various physiological states and potential medical conditions. Understanding what different temperature readings mean can help you recognize when something might be amiss. This blog from AIM Group in New York delves into the normal variations in body temperature, the causes of deviations, and when to seek medical care for both high and low body temperatures.
Normal Differences in Body Temperature
A normal body temperature for adults is typically around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) and still be considered normal. This range can fluctuate based on various factors:
- Time of Day: Body temperature is usually lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
- Age: Infants and young children tend to have higher average body temperatures compared to adults. Elderly individuals might have lower average temperatures.
- Activity Level: Physical activity can increase body temperature temporarily.
- Hormonal Changes: Women might experience fluctuations in body temperature due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.
- External Temperature: Environmental factors such as hot weather or a heated room can affect body temperature.
Causes of High Body Temperature
An elevated body temperature, commonly known as a fever, is typically a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Common causes of high body temperature include:
- Infections: Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of fever. This includes conditions like the flu, strep throat, and urinary tract infections.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause prolonged high body temperatures.
- Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially during physical exertion.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures, can cause fever as a side effect.
- Vaccinations: It’s common to have a mild fever after receiving a vaccine as the body builds immunity.
When to Be Concerned About High Body Temperature
While a mild fever is generally not a cause for concern and can often be managed at home, certain situations warrant medical attention:
- Persistent Fever: If a fever lasts more than three days, it’s advisable to seek medical advice.
- High Fever: A fever over 103°F (39.4°C) in adults or a fever above 102°F (38.9°C) in children should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Accompanying Symptoms: Seek medical care if the fever is accompanied by severe symptoms such as a stiff neck, severe headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, or a rash.
Causes of Low Body Temperature
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Common causes include:
- Cold Exposure: Prolonged exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia.
- Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, severe infections, and certain metabolic disorders can cause low body temperatures.
- Medications: Some drugs, including sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Age and Health Factors: Infants and elderly individuals are more susceptible to hypothermia due to less efficient temperature regulation.
When to Be Concerned About Low Body Temperature
Hypothermia is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Signs of hypothermia include:
- Shivering: While shivering is an initial response to cold, its absence in extreme cold can be a sign of severe hypothermia.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking or slow, mumbled speech is a warning sign.
- Confusion and Drowsiness: Hypothermia can cause confusion, memory loss, and drowsiness, making it difficult to recognize the severity of the condition.
- Weak Pulse and Shallow Breathing: These are critical signs that the body’s core temperature has dropped dangerously low.
When to Seek Medical Care
For high body temperature:
- Persistent fever for more than three days.
- Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) in adults or 102°F (38.9°C) in children.
- Accompanying severe symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or severe pain.
For low body temperature:
- Signs of hypothermia, such as intense shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Cold exposure without adequate warming measures.
Understanding your body temperature and recognizing abnormal changes are crucial for maintaining good health. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
AIM Group Offers Primary Care & House Calls In East Hills, NY
At Advanced Internal Medical Group in East Hills, NY we have 40 years of experience providing care with over 20 services in primary care, house call appointments, and more. To learn more about any of our services, call 516-352-8100 to speak with one of our team members.