Fever is defined as body temperature rising above normal limits. Body temperature varies depending on the time the measurement is made and the body part where the temperature is taken.
The average body temperature is accepted to be 36.5ºC-37ºC. It is known that it is lower in the morning and higher in the evening.
There are differences in temperature values depending on the body parts where temperature measurement is made. Among the temperature measurement sites used in routine practice, the highest temperature is the temperature taken rectally (anus). The temperature taken orally (by mouth) is lower than that taken rectally. Axillary (armpit) temperature is the lowest temperature.
Normal Values According to Body Regions
ARMIT: 34.7-37ºC
MOUTH VIA: 35.5-37.5ºC
RECTAL: 36.6-38ºC
APRIL: 35.8-38ºC
Exercise, overdressing, Hot baths, extremely hot weather, hot food and drinks can raise the body temperature of a healthy child.
Since the lowest body temperature accepted as fever may vary depending on the body part where the measurement is made, the time of measurement and the environmental temperature, each measurement region. It is not possible to give a single temperature value for .
Fever is generally the body's response to any infection. Fever in newborn babies also occurs due to dehydration of the body or when the baby stays in the heat for too long in hot climates.
Fever can be measured in various ways: Armpit Oral (measurement inside the mouth) Rectal (measurement through the mouth). rectal measurement) Tympanic (ear measurement). Which method to use in measurements can be determined according to the age of the child. Rectal measurements are more accurate in babies, and armpit temperature measurements are more accurate in older children. Since rectal temperature measurement gives the most accurate results, it is preferred to measure temperature rectally in children under 2 years of age. In children over 2 years of age, fever can be measured orally or under the armpit. Body temperatures over 38 degrees when measured rectally, 37.5 degrees when measured orally, and 37.2 degrees when measured from the armpit are considered fever.
Ability to measure temperature rectally. For this, the baby is laid face down and the thermometer is slowly inserted into the entrance of the anus for 2-2.5 cm with the help of some Vaseline. For babies under 6 months, 1cm may be sufficient. It is sufficient to keep the temperature at the measurement point for about 2 minutes.
To measure armpit temperature, the tip of the degree is placed under the baby's armpit. The baby's armpit should be dry and the armpit should be kept closed for 4-5 minutes after the temperature is set.
In order to measure oral temperature, make sure that the child does not drink anything hot or cold within half an hour. You need to be sure. The tip of the degree should be placed under one side of the tongue and the measurement should be made by keeping the lips closed for about 3 minutes.
Tympanic infrared thermometers work on the principle of detecting thermal radiation released from the eardrum. This is a sensitive method. Although they provide a quick measurement, ear thermometers are more expensive than other thermometers. Reliability is limited under 6 years of age. Since the external auditory canal in young children is S-shaped and curved, if the thermometer tip cannot see the eardrum, it will make incorrect measurements. For this reason, ear measurement is not recommended for children under2 years of age. In addition, the tooth cannot see or read the membrane in case of blockages due to ear canal secretions (couch). It is not significantly affected by crying or middle ear infections. The child's auricle is held from its upper part and gently pulled back and upwards. The sensor part of the thermometer is gently pushed into the ear. A few seconds after pressing the button that starts the measurement, the thermometer is removed from the ear and the value on the digital display is read. The highest value found after the measurement is repeated several times is considered the body temperature. If the child took a hot shower, stayed in a cold environment, or lay on the ear before the measurement, the measurement should be taken after waiting 10-15 minutes.
Measurement made on the forehead is a gentle method for monitoring the temperature. A forehead thermometer measures infrared energy emitted from the skin above the eyebrow area and the surrounding tissue. This energy is collected through the lens. Measurement is made by converting it to ir and temperature values. Before taking measurements, the forehead area should be cleaned of any dirt or hair. Measurements should be made by placing the thermometer in front of the forehead, in the middle of the eyebrows, by touching the forehead or using the proximity sensor and aiming light from a distance of no more than 5 cm. It is recommended that patients who measure their own temperature use the “contact” option instead of “non-contact”.
The use of glass thermometers for body temperature measurement in children is no longer recommended. AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) does not recommend the use of glass thermometers in infants and children, and the use of glass thermometers is prohibited in the USA and some developed countries. (2008)
We must make sure that the device we purchase is FDA, MED, ASTM, RoHS, FC approved or compatible.
(Calibration: Correct It is the process of comparing the results of a measuring device with another thermometer, detecting deviations and preparing a report. Calibration is required at regular intervals in all measuring devices such as blood pressure monitors etc.)
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