What is the normal body temperature for adults and children?
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A person's age, sex, and activity levels are some of the factors that affect body temperatures.
The normal body temperature for an adult is around 98.6F (37C), but every person's baseline temperature is slightly different, and may consistently be a little higher or lower.
The normal ranges of temperature for adults, children, and babies are discussed in this article.When to call a doctor is one of the factors we consider.
A person takes the temperature readings on their body.The rectal readings are higher than the armpit readings.
The normal ranges of body temperature for adults and children are given in the table below.
A normal adult body temperature can range from 98.6–98.6F, though different sources may give slightly different figures.
People's normal body temperatures have been looked into by researchers.African-American women had higher temperatures than white men, according to a study.
A person's body temperature can be affected by certain medical conditions.People with hypothyroidism had lower temperatures than people with cancer.
Babies and young children have higher body temperature ranges than adults.
When taken rectally, a normal body temperature for infants is 97.9–100.4F.When a baby is teething, the body temperature may rise.
A baby has a larger body surface area compared to their body weight.Their bodies are more active in generating heat.
Babies' bodies don't regulate temperature the same as adults'.Their bodies retain more heat when it is warm.It may be difficult to cool them down during a high temperature.
Short-term illnesses should not cause harm to healthy adults.A person with a heart or lung problem is more at risk for a moderate fever.
If there are other warning signs, such as confusion, headaches, or shortness of breath, call a doctor.The temperature can cause organ failure.
Hypothermia is a temperature dropping below 95F.Hypothermia can be dangerous if not treated quickly.
Children under the age of 3 years old who have a temperature of less than 102F do not need medicine.If a child has a temperature of over 102.2F or a lower temperature, you should call your doctor.
If an infant has a rectal temperature of 100.4F or higher, seek emergency medical attention.There is a chance of a serious infection in very young babies.
After about 10 minutes, take another reading if the temperature is high or low.If someone is not sure if the reading is correct, they can take a different reading.
The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates body temperature.The hypothalamus kicks in to regulate the temperature if it goes above or below the 98.6F (37C) mark.
The hypothalamus warms the body up if it is too cold.The body sweats if it is too hot.
Most illnesses are caused by infections.The body has a natural way of fighting infections.
A body temperature that reaches or exceeds 100.4F is considered afever by doctors.Other symptoms include:
The ideal body temperature in adults is 98.6F, but this varies based on age, sex, physical activity, and health.Body temperature can change throughout the day.The temperature is above 100.4F.
Babies may have higher body temperatures than adults, but they can still have a serious illness.
Doctors consider a range of body temperatures to be normal.The rectal and armpit readings are different.
A person should seek medical attention if they have a high or low temperature.