Why measure body temperature?

It is of great medical importance to measure body temperature. The reason is that a number of diseases are accompanied by characteristic changes in body temperature. Likewise, the course of certain disease can be monitored by measuring body temperature, and the efficiency of a treatment initiated can be evaluated by the physician. Fever is a reaction to disease-specific stimuli, where the setpoint of the temperature control centre is varied to promote the body’s defense against the disease process. Fever is the most common form of pathological (disease-related) elevation of body temperature.

Body temperature is a vital indicator of one’s health. A number of diseases are accompanied by characteristic changes in body temperature. Likewise, the course of certain diseases can be monitored by measuring body temperature. The efficiency of many treatments can be evaluated by monitoring body temperature and changes therein. Fever is a reaction to disease-specific stimuli, where the setpoint of the temperature control center is varied to promote the body’s defenses against the disease process. Fever is the most common form of pathological (disease-related) elevation of body temperature.

Rectal Measurement:

The most reliable core temperature is obtained by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. This measurement is accurate and has low scattering in the results. The normal range is: 97.16 degrees Fahrenheit (36.2 degrees Celsius) to 99.86 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius).

Oral Measurement:

Oral measurements should be performed under the tongue (sublingually). This measurement underestimates the rectal temperature by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit (.5 degrees Celsius).

Under-arm (Axillar) Measurement:

The only types of body surface temperature measurement used in clinically settings are under-arm and groin measurements. There is a difference between these measurements and rectal measurements of 1 degree fahrenheit (.5 degrees Celsius).