What is the child's maximum temperature? Deadly body temperature readings
The importance of hyperthermia for the body
The development of hyperthermia is defense mechanism. Pathogenic agent, penetrating the body, causes the production of pyrogen substances responsible for raising the temperature. These, in turn, act on thermoregulation centers in the hypothalamus, ensuring the development of hyperthermia. When body temperature rises to 39 degrees, the production of interferon and leukocytes increases. At such temperatures, the death or slowdown of the vital processes of many infectious pathogens begins.
However, even taking these factors into account, not every development of hyperthermia can be beneficial for the body.
According to their indicators, the temperature is divided into elevated (up to 39 degrees) and high, exceeding 39 degrees. Hyperpyretic temperature is also distinguished, characterized by indicators above 41 degrees.
Moreover, if its increase to 39.5 can only be beneficial for the body, activating it protective forces, then hyperpyretic temperature in itself is dangerous. At 42.5 degrees it develops irreversible process metabolic disorders in brain cells, at 45 degrees the process of protein denaturation of the cells of the whole body begins.
Heatstroke
However, in medical practice, a negligible number of cases of temperature rises to 42 degrees as a result of any disease have been described. Usually, doctors encounter a fatal temperature for a person only as a result of heat or sunstroke. This situation may occur when working in a hot shop or when performing active physical activity under straight lines sun rays and at high humidity. Under these circumstances, it is difficult for the body to transfer heat, which is manifested by the development of hyperthermia. The literature describes a case of a surviving patient whose temperature increased to 45 degrees as a result of overheating.
Symptoms of hyperthermia
The immediate cause of death from high fever is respiratory arrest. High body temperature leads to a change in the rheological properties of the blood, an increase in its viscosity, resulting in deep disorders of cardio-vascular system and functions of the central nervous system, up to the development of cerebral edema.
Symptoms of high fever are:
- loss of consciousness;
- decreased blood pressure;
- dyspnea;
- convulsions;
- rave;
- hallucinations.
The patient requires emergency hospitalization intensive care unit, where priority measures will be aimed at replenishing fluid loss and correcting cardiovascular failure.
Symptoms of hypothermia
Lethal body temperature can be caused not only by high numbers, but also by critically low ones. Hypothermia below 36 degrees is considered low; temperatures below 35 degrees are considered low. When the temperature drops below 34 degrees, the following symptoms may occur:
- difficulty moving;
- trembling throughout the body;
- slurred speech;
- hallucinations;
- loss of consciousness;
- weak pulse;
- drop in blood pressure.
The development of hypothermia below 32 degrees can lead to irreversible changes in the body and even death.
Causes of hypothermia
The causes of low human temperature are the following pathological processes:
- hypothermia;
- anemia;
- immunodeficiency states;
- overdose of sleeping pills or antidepressants;
- anorexia;
- endocrine pathology.
Of all the above, only a decrease in temperature as a result of hypothermia can become fatal for a person.
In most of the reported cases of hypothermia, patients were forced to remain in the cold for several hours or cold water, like on the Titanic. Fishermen who find themselves in an ice hole often find themselves in similar circumstances.
Urgent measures
In severe hypothermia associated with hypothermia, emergency measures must be taken to warm the patient. Before the ambulance arrives, if the patient is conscious, it is necessary to wrap him up with all available means, rub his limbs, and give him warm sweet tea to drink. In the event that the victim is unconscious, it is necessary to urgently begin to carry out emergency measures, which include carrying out artificial respiration, indirect cardiac massage.
Low body temperature, although less common than high body temperature, can be just as dangerous. The vital functions of the body can only be carried out in a temperature range from 34 to 42 degrees. When these indicators change in any direction, the body's compensatory capabilities reach a limit, which can lead to irreversible consequences. Consequently, a fluctuation in the indicator up or down can become a fatal human body temperature.
What body temperature is considered normal for a child?
Many questions are asked by parents about fluctuations in their baby’s body temperature. And this is natural. After all, a change in temperature is a symptom that indicates trouble in the body. However, unlike adults, children have their own characteristics, knowledge of which will allow parents to dispel many of their doubts and calm down.
What should a baby's body temperature be? What does it depend on and can it change with age?
Body temperature depends on many physiological processes, and maintaining stable normal temperature provides a thermoregulation system. Babies are born with an immature nervous system, and therefore their thermoregulation system is imperfect, and children are very thermosensitive. Therefore, they are sensitive to all changes in the environment - air temperature both at home and outside.
Up to three months the thermoregulation system is not able to maintain constant temperature body, and it fluctuates depending on indoor and outdoor conditions, so often infants very quickly become hypothermic or, on the contrary, overheat. Moreover, we must remember that it is much easier to overheat a baby, since when hypothermic, the baby will begin to worry and scream, thus warming up.
It is important to understand that it is not always elevated temperature bodies in infants indicates the presence of any infectious diseases, high temperatures are often caused by prolonged crying or wearing too warm clothes.
By about three months, the thermoregulation system gradually begins to return to its physiological state.
Body temperature is considered normal in children from 1 month to 5-7 years:
- in the armpits and other hollows - 36.4-37.3°C,
- rectal - 36.9-37.5°C,
- oral - 36.6-37.2°C.
Approximately 10% of the population has individual temperature fluctuations ranging from 36 to 38 degrees, provided there are no infections and full health, which can be considered individual norm due to the peculiarities of the body’s vital functions and metabolism.
There is no need to frantically grab the phone when the baby’s body temperature rises to 37.3-37.5 degrees. The fact is that any action of a child in the first year of life requires sufficient energy expenditure, which can instantly increase body temperature by a significant interval. If the baby strains, poops, fusses, the temperature can rise to 37 degrees, if he sucks on his mother’s breast, it can be 37.5, and if the baby is screaming heart-rendingly, all red and wrapped in diapers, the thermometer will show 38 degrees. Can this state of the baby reflect the true picture? Of course not.
It is very important to measure the temperature in right time. You should not do this during or immediately after feeding, after swimming or walking - the readings on the thermometer may be too high. To obtain objective data, it is better to wait until half an hour has passed since feeding, bathing or walking.
How to correctly measure a child's temperature?
Experts recommend measuring the baby’s temperature at rest, or even better, when the baby is sleeping. The baby should be picked up or placed on his side if he is sleeping. Place the thermometer on the side opposite the mother. Placing the thermometer involves placing it completely between the child’s arm and body, as if hiding it from the armpit to the elbow. For children over 4-5 years old, it is permissible to place the thermometer, like adults, perpendicular to the plane of the shoulder.
Causes of fever in infants, other than illness
Prolonged crying or overexcitement. As already noted, a child’s thermoregulation system is unstable in the first months of life, therefore, when a child is overexcited or cries for a long time, he may overheat, resulting in a slight increase in body temperature.
Colic. The cause of an increase in body temperature in a child up to 1 month can be colic or gas in the tummy - this is common occurrence. A sign of this may be a bloated stomach.
General overheating. When the child is in a hot room or dressed too warmly, exposure to the sun, or prolonged exposure to a hot bath.
An increase in temperature in babies under one year old can be expected when they have teething, or when the child was vaccinated.
Elevated temperature may be a consequence allergic reaction for any irritating factors.
Fever in children accounts for 20% of telephone calls to pediatricians after hours. Of course, any increase in temperature must be taken seriously, especially when it comes to small child. But how to understand how critical the situation is? What temperature can be considered high? Let's try to understand this issue.
Depending on the age of the baby, the method of measurement, time of day and other factors, “normal” temperature indicators can vary quite significantly. To correctly assess the condition little patient, you must first of all clearly know what temperature is normal for him.
Normal body temperature values in children
based on measurements in the armpit/groin fold
(Lowery, GH: Growth and development of children, 8th edition, 1986)
Eat several options for measuring temperature in young children. IN European Union common rectal method, when the thermometer is inserted approximately 2 cm into the rectum, while raising the child’s legs, as when washing. A person's rectal temperature is approximately 0.5-1°C higher than when measured in our usual armpit(axillary temperature). Results of measurements in the armpit and inguinal fold
, should be approximately the same. And here oral temperature
, that is, measured in the mouth, will be about half a degree higher than the axillary one. This method is most popular in the USA, Britain and other English-speaking countries and is considered quite accurate, but has a number of contraindications. Pediatricians do not recommend measuring the temperature orally for a child under 4-5 years of age, as well as for children prone to increased excitability or mental illness (all of them can accidentally break or bite the thermometer and injure themselves). Another contraindication is the presence of oral diseases and/or nasal breathing disorders in the patient.
remember, that Children's temperature fluctuates throughout the day- increasing by 0.5° in the evening, and in some children - by 1.0°, so it is better to take “control” measurements over several days at the same time. For example, at 7-9 am and at 17-19 pm. It is advisable to carry out all manipulations when the baby is fed and calm - does not scream or play. By calculating the average result from several measurements, you can find out the individual temperature norm child for a given time of day.
It is important to remember that regardless of the child’s age (even in the first months of life) and the method of measuring temperature, if the baby’s temperature “jumps” to 37.3 - 37.5 °C in the evening, there is no particular reason for concern. But if the thermometer has “exceeded” 38.0°C, this is a reason to think and try to understand the causes of the fever.
1. | The child’s thermometer must be individual. Rinse it warm water with soap or wipe with alcohol before each use. |
2. | Oral temperature is determined only using special dummy thermometers. To measure the temperature in the armpit, rectum or inguinal fold, you can use any thermometers - electronic and mercury. |
3. | The most accurate readings of mercury thermometers, the error of their electronic analogues is significantly higher. To find out its size, measure your body temperature with electronic and mercury devices and compare the results. The difference in readings is the size of the error. It is better to carry out measurements sequentially, because in the left armpit the temperature is most often 0.1-0.3°C higher than in the right. |
4. | For a more accurate result when determining axillary temperature, it is necessary that the skin at the measurement site is dry. |
5. | For measuring temperature in the groin fold lay the child on his side. Place the thermometer so that its tip fits completely into the fold of skin. Press the child's thigh against your body and hold it throughout the procedure. The duration of the measurement is 5 minutes. |
6. | Body temperature measurement time in the armpit does not depend on the thermometer model and is 5 minutes. When using the rectal and oral method, the duration of the procedure depends on the type of thermometer chosen (electronic, mercury) and ranges from 10 seconds to 2 minutes in the first case and from 10 seconds to 3 minutes in the second. |
7. | Oral temperature measurement(in the mouth) should be carried out 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating, because food and drinks, especially hot ones, can change the natural temperature of the oral cavity by 1-1.5°C. |
8. | If your child has a fever, make sure he or she is not overheating: ventilate the room, if the baby is wrapped up, undress and cover with a thin diaper, and after 20-30 minutes repeat the procedure. |
9. | If the child is not healthy, constant temperature monitoring is necessary. Measurements should be taken at least 3 times a day: morning, afternoon and evening. |
10. | The measurement will not be accurate if the child cries or is overly active. Hot indoors, swimming in warm water also affect the thermometer readings, because increase body temperature. |
Body temperature- an indicator of the thermal state of the human body or other living organism, which reflects the relationship between the heat production of various organs and tissues and the heat exchange between them and the external environment.
Body temperature depends on:
— age;
— time of day;
— environmental impact on the body;
— health status;
- pregnancy;
- characteristics of the body;
— other factors that have not yet been clarified.
Types of body temperature
Depending on the thermometer readings, the following types of body temperature are distinguished:
— less than 35°C;
— 35°С — 37°С;
— Low-grade body temperature: 37°С - 38°С;
— Febrile body temperature: 38°С - 39°С;
— Pyretic body temperature: 39°С - 41°С;
— Hyperpyretic body temperature: above 41°C.
According to another classification, the following types of body temperature (body condition) are distinguished:
— Hypothermia. Body temperature drops below 35°C;
— Normal temperature. Body temperature ranges from 35°C to 37°C (depending on the state of the body, age, gender, moment of measurement and other factors);
— Hyperthermia. Body temperature rises above 37°C;
— Fever. An increase in body temperature, which, unlike hypothermia, occurs while maintaining the body’s thermoregulation mechanisms.
![](https://i2.wp.com/medicina.dobro-est.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ponizhennaya_temperatura_tela_index.jpg)
Low body temperature is less common than high or high body temperature, but nevertheless, it is also quite dangerous for human life. If the body temperature drops to 27°C or lower, there is a chance that a person will fall into a coma, although there have been cases where people have survived at temperatures up to 16°C.
Temperature is considered low adult healthy person below 36.0°C. In other cases, a low temperature should be considered a temperature that is 0.5°C - 1.5°C below your normal temperature.
Body temperature is considered low which is more than 1.5°C below your normal body temperature, or if your temperature drops below 35°C (hypothermia). In this case, you must urgently call a doctor.
Reasons for low temperature:
- weak immunity;
- severe hypothermia;
- a consequence of an illness;
- thyroid disease;
— medications;
- decreased hemoglobin;
- hormonal imbalance
- internal bleeding;
- poisoning
- fatigue, etc.
The main and most common symptoms low temperature are loss of strength and.
![](https://i2.wp.com/medicina.dobro-est.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/normalnaya_temperatura_tela_index.jpg)
Normal body temperature, as many experts note, mainly depends on age and time of day.
Let's consider values upper limit normal body temperature in people of different ages, if measured under the arm:
— normal temperature in newborns: 36.8°C;
— normal temperature in 6 month old babies: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 1 year old children: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 3 year old children: 37.4°C;
— normal temperature in 6 year old children: 37.0°C;
— normal temperature in adults: 36.8°C;
— normal temperature for adults over 65 years of age: 36.3°C;
If you measure the temperature not under the armpits, then the readings of the thermometer (thermometer) will differ:
- in the mouth - 0.3-0.6°C more;
- in the ear cavity - more by 0.6-1.2°C;
- in the rectum - more by 0.6-1.2°C.
It is worth noting that the above data are based on a study of 90% of patients, but at the same time, 10% have a body temperature that differs up or down, and at the same time, they are absolutely healthy. In such cases, this is also the norm for them.
In general, temperature fluctuations up or down from the norm by more than 0.5-1.5 ° C are a reaction to any disturbances in the functioning of the body. In other words, this is a sign that the body recognized the disease and began to fight it.
If you want to know the exact indicator of your normal temperature, consult your doctor. If this is not possible, then do it yourself. To do this, you need to take temperature measurements over several days, when you feel great, in the morning, afternoon and evening. Write down the thermometer readings in your notebook. Then separately add up all the indicators of morning, afternoon and evening measurements and divide the sum by the number of measurements. The average value will be your normal temperature.
![](https://i2.wp.com/medicina.dobro-est.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/vysokaya_temperatura_tela_index.jpg)
Increased and heat bodies are divided into 4 types:
— Subfebrile: 37°C - 38°C.
— Febrile: 38°C - 39°C.
— Pyretic: 39°C - 41°C.
— Hyperpyretic: above 41°C.
Maximum body temperature, which is considered critical, i.e. at which a person dies is 42°C. It is dangerous because metabolism in the brain tissue is disrupted, which practically kills the entire body.
Only a doctor can indicate the reasons for high temperature. The most common causes are viruses, bacteria and other foreign microorganisms that enter the body through burns, disruption, airborne droplets, etc.
Symptoms of fever and fever
- For the first time fever human body(oral temperature) was measured in Germany in 1851 using one of the first mercury thermometers to appear.
- The world's lowest body temperature of 14.2 °C was recorded on February 23, 1994 in a 2-year-old Canadian girl who spent 6 hours in the cold.
- The highest body temperature was recorded on July 10, 1980 in a hospital in Atlanta, USA, in 52-year-old Willie Jones, who suffered from heatstroke. His temperature turned out to be 46.5 °C. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 24 days.
With the arrival of a baby in the family, mom and dad ask themselves many new questions. So, parents are concerned about the baby’s daily routine, his nutrition, physical activity and mental development. It would seem that everything is simple. However, quite often children are prone to illness. In this case, the most common symptom of pathology is an increase in the mark on the thermometer. This article will describe the normal temperature in a child under one year old. You will learn how to take measurements correctly and what is needed for this. It is also worth mentioning what the child’s norms are after one year.
How to correctly measure a baby's temperature?
The norm can be determined using some available means. Currently, there are a lot of instruments for measuring values. These can be pacifiers for babies with a special display. Also becoming very popular are plates that are glued to the baby’s forehead. This is very convenient, since there is no need to hold a thermometer.
Manufacturers household appliances and medicines produce the latest thermometers. They can be electronic or mercury, as before. Many devices are equipped with a shockproof system and a flexible tip. This device allows you to measure temperature not only in the armpit.
To obtain reliable values, it is necessary to use diagnostic instruments correctly. Follow the instructions on the package. If you use a classic one, you need to place it completely under the child’s arm. The shaft of the device should run parallel to the forearm. After 5-7 years, you can measure the temperature of a child in the same way as an adult.
Types of temperatures
The normal temperature for a child up to one year old and after may differ depending on where the measurement is made. Most often, measurements are taken in the armpit. However, temperature determination can be made at the elbow, in the rectum, in the mouth, and so on. In medicine, there are several types of meanings:
- normal body temperature in children under one year old, at an older age, as well as in adults (values range from 35.5 to 37.5 degrees);
- subfebrile values (from 37.5 to 38 degrees);
- weak (from 38 to 38.5 degrees);
- febrile temperature, or moderate (up to 39 degrees);
- pyretic, or high (up to 41 degrees);
- hyperperitic temperature, or fever (from 41 degrees).
What temperature is normal for a child under one year old?
Absolutely all babies are born with an underdeveloped nervous system. The consequence of this is bad job thyroid gland and hypothalamus. This is why thermoregulation is poorly developed in infants. What is the normal temperature for a child under one year old? Doctors say that the thermometer readings can range from 36 to 37.5 degrees. It all depends on the environment and the baby’s well-being. You also already know that the normal body temperature in children under one year of age differs depending on the location of measurement. Let's look at the basic meanings.
Values in children of the first year of life
In this zone, a baby’s body temperature can range from 36.4 to 37.3 degrees. Wherein big influence provides environment. If the baby is outside in hot weather, then the thermometer level can show a value of 37.6 degrees. When the baby cries hysterically, blushes, or begins to experience colic, the temperature can rise to 38 degrees. At the same time, the baby is completely healthy and has no viral or bacterial infections. During feeding, the normal temperature of a baby can range from 37 to 37.2 degrees.
If the child is hypothermic, then the thermometer readings can show a temperature from 35.8 to 36.5. In this case, the baby most often behaves restlessly, cries and tries to warm up.
Rectal temperature in infants
With this method of measurement, the thermometer values will always be slightly higher. Thus, for a child under one year old, thermometer readings in the range from 36.9 to 37.6 degrees are considered normal. Remember that measurements must be taken when the baby is at rest. It is better to do this during sleep (half an hour after falling asleep).
Rectal temperature may increase after eating, during bowel cleansing, or when the child is active. In this case, the thermometer values can increase to 38 degrees. However, this is not a pathology and is considered normal.
Oral temperature in newborns
These values in babies can range from 36 to 37.1 degrees. Measurements should be taken in the sublingual area. In this case, the mouth must be closed. It is worth noting that in children it is quite difficult to produce correct measurement. That is why this method is rarely used.
Normal temperature in children after one year
After the first year of life, the functioning of the nervous system and hypothalamus improves. Thermoregulation becomes more correct and may already respond to external sources impact. So, with prolonged exposure to the sun, the child’s body starts self-cooling. The normal temperature for a child a year and later is in the range from 36.3 to 37 degrees. At the same time it has great importance measurement area.
Measuring armpit temperature
In this area, the normal temperature for a child (1 year and older) is from 36.5 to 36.9 degrees. This condition only applies if the baby is at rest. Children often experience it in the late afternoon. This happens especially often after swimming or active games. However, if the fever persists even after going to bed, then we may be talking about an inflammatory process.
A decrease in body temperature in babies is observed in the morning, while the baby is still sleeping. So, you can find the minimum values on the thermometer in the period from 5 to 7 am. In this case, a level from 35.8 to 36.6 degrees is considered normal.
Oral temperature after one year
For children after one year, this method of measurement is also used quite rarely. However, it is quite possible to persuade the baby to sit quietly and with closed mouth A couple of minutes. Normal values indicators from 36.4 to 36.8 degrees are considered.
Rectal temperature measurement after one year
During this period, the thyroid gland is already functioning quite smoothly. The temperature level in this place is almost the same as that of an adult. At rest, it ranges from 36.4 to 37 degrees.
Can there be exceptions?
So, you know what the normal body temperature is for children under one year old. The table shows the basic values for both children and older people. However, many parents are interested in the question of whether there are exceptions. Does it happen that the temperature rises or falls for no reason (in the absence of illness)?
Increased body temperature
As you already know, infants experience an increase in body temperature due to overheating and stress. During massage, exercise and eating, an increase in the thermometer value is also observed.
Temperature may rise during teething. However, the thermometer readings should not exceed 37.8 degrees. Otherwise, we may be talking about a pathological process. Many mothers believe that a temperature of 38 to 39 during teething is normal. However, it is not. Most likely, an inflammatory process occurs against the background of decreased immunity.
An increase in the thermometer value can be observed when active games, especially in the evening. Also, after a warm bath, you should not measure your temperature, as there is a high probability of getting inflated values.
Decreased body temperature
In children, this phenomenon is often observed in the first 24 months of life. During this period, the decrease in thermometer values may be affected by the environment, hypothermia, taking certain medications, and so on.
It is worth noting that low temperature may be no less dangerous than high. If the thermometer shows less than 36 degrees, then you should worry and consult a doctor.
Exceptions to the rules
There are children whose body temperature can range from 35 to 38 degrees without any reason or illness. This happens rarely, but medicine knows similar cases. Before we talk about individual characteristics, it is worth conducting some examinations and making sure that the child is truly completely healthy.
Summing up and a short conclusion
So, you now know what the normal body temperature is for a child under one year of age and older. Remember that measurements must be taken correctly and only with a working device. Otherwise, the obtained values may be unreliable.
Never rely on one-time data. Repeat the measurement after a few minutes if necessary. If the temperature is not within the normal range, consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis. You should not self-medicate, because the diagnosis made by the parents is not always correct.
Listen to the advice of doctors and don’t get sick. Health to you and your children!