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Thermometres
Temperature Control
As a rule, a person’s body temperature is controlled by a highly specialized internal mechanism (thermostat), which is located in the human brain. The body temperature itself is actually generated in the liver-, muscle- and fat tissues and is radiated primarily through the skin (rays, condensation and airflow).
Contrary to popular belief, body temperature is only minimally transmitted through the mouth or via excretions. In cases of children and infants, their inner thermostat is not yet fully developed and as such react quite differently and quicker to temperature fluctuations to adults.
Various fever-causing substances such as infectious germs (i.e. bacteria and viruses) and inflamed cells (i.e. white blood cells) can cause the temperature mechanism to not work properly. As such, muscles start to quiver and the body shivers to try and up the body temperature.
How do we interprete the thermostat?
Along with the pulse, blood pressure and breathing, the body temperature is considered a vital sign. These signs are measurable and indicate whether or not the essential body functions are in good order, thus helping to indicate a person’s state of health. In essence, they are important indicators for any changes in one’s health.
As a rule, body temperature is measured in degrees centigrade (° C). Any deviations from the normal body temperature are reliable indicators to a change in one’s body. These are usually also accompanied by certain symptoms, such as headaches, coughing and pains, etc.
The person with increased or decreased body temperature, fever, shivers, muscle spasms, etc., is in need of competent and responsible care and observation, which should also include record keeping for further reference.
It is imperative that one consults his or her physician upon first indications of an illness or changes in one’s vital signs!
Normal Levels
If measured rectally, the body temperature usually fluctuates between 36.5° C and 38.0° C. The temperature particularly is reflected by:
- Physical activities (such as exertion)
- Psychological exhaustion (especially in "sensitive" children)
- Types and quantities of food and drink consumed
- Surrounding temperatures (the body temperature will increase in a warmer environment)
Humidity, Lull in the wind, Indoor temperatures, Clothing, Bed sheets, etc.)
Fever
Anything starting from 38.5°, is considered to be a fever, when measured rectally or orally and as of 38.0° , when measured under the armpit.
Acute fever are often caused by:
- Frequent infections (including otitis/ear infection, tonsillitis, respiratory flu and / or stomach flu).
- Infrequent infections (including inflammation of the urinary tract, childhood illnesses such as short-term fever, German measles, measles, mumps, scarlet fever and chickenpox), meningitis, pneumonia and appendicitis, amongst others.
- Increased temperature in one’s surroundings (such as intense sunrays and hot climates, overheated rooms, tick clothing and thick blankets)
- Dehydration (diarrhea, vomiting and lack of fluids)
- Rare cases (reacting to vaccines, allergic reactions to certain medications, certain foods and teething – normal teething is not a usual cause of fever; however, fever can sometimes stimulate teething)
- Very rare cases (improperly functioning glands such as an over-active thyroid, as well as meningitis or other types of brain disorders)
- Malignant illnesses (various types of cancers, such as leukemia)
Should fever be treated?
Pros:
- A fever strains the metabolism and circulation
- The general well being of the patient is suppressed
- Cramps and aches that may arise will take a toll on the body
- A fever can stimulate and intensify an illness, which may lead to further complications and/or side effects
Cons:
- Treatments can mask (causing) symptoms, which may in turn lead to an incorrect diagnosis and treatment
- A fever actually helps stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms to fight the fever and causing illness
- Medications can cause side effects
How should fever be treated?
Regardless of how high the fever might be, the following suggestions are usually quite effective in controlling body temperature:
- Reduce the room temperature (i.e. turn down the heater)
- Air the room regularly (drafts and direct contact with sunrays should be avoided)
- Cover the subject in light clothes such as t-shirts and shorts (cotton and linen products work well, as this kind of fabric allows the skin to breath very well)
- Use light bedspreads and blankets (again, cotton and linen are preferred)
- Regular intake of fluids is extremely important (water, herbal teas, orange juice, effervescent vitamin tablets dissolved in water) and helps combat dehydration prompted by fever
What if the fever remains stubborn?
Turn on the fan (however, ensure it’s not directly blowing onto the face)!
Cold compresses: when and only if the feet are also warm, wrap towels - soaked in cold but not freezing water or vinegar diluted in water - around the calves and thighs for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Cold bath: fill the tub with water with the temperature being 5° C less than the fever. After a while, repeat this by another 5° C by adding more cool water into the tub. The bath should last about 10 to 20 minutes.
Using medications
Should one’s temperature be 39.5° C or higher (measured rectally), it is probably necessary to use medication, as the above-mentioned methods alone might not be enough. As such, it is important to seek professional medical attention for further advice and treatments!
