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Temperature measurement with an electronic thermometer. How to correctly measure the temperature of children and adults with an electronic or mercury thermometer - algorithm and methods

In order to correctly determine the patient's diagnosis, the doctor must obtain correct and accurate information about the state of the patient's body.

Body temperature can tell a lot about health and well-being. the human body is a variable value, it fluctuates under the influence of various factors from 36.3 to 37.5 ° C.

To accurately and reliably measure it, you need to follow certain rules. Everyone should know how to use various types thermometers, how much to measure the temperature.

How to choose a thermometer?

The duration of the temperature measurement depends on the type of thermometer. Pharmacies sell two types of thermometers that differ in the principle of operation: ordinary and familiar mercury, expensive and modern electronic. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Mercury devices are familiar to every person from childhood, they do not lose popularity at the present time. Their main advantages are:

low price;
accurate temperature readings;
ease of use;
exclusion of incorrect data with correct measurement;
temperature measurement in several ways.

However, mercury thermometers are fragile and fragile; if handled carelessly, they are easily broken. Mercury spilled from a broken appliance can cause serious harm to human health. It also takes longer to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer than with an electronic one. The advantages of electronic devices are as follows:

the ability to measure temperature in several ways;
short measurement time;
strength and safety.

But many people who use electronic thermometers note that the devices sometimes give unreliable temperature readings.

Methods for measuring body temperature

In both adults and children, body temperature is measured in three ways: axillary, oral, rectal. The most accurate temperature data can be obtained with rectal measurements, and the least accurate with axillary measurements. Normal body temperature with axillary, that is, axillary, measurement is 36.6 ° C, with rectal - 37.3 - 37.7 ° C, and with oral method - 37.1 - 37.5 ° C. It is possible to measure the temperature in the armpit, in the oral cavity, in the rectum with both a mercury and an electronic thermometer.

Measurement of body temperature by rectal method

With this method of measurement, the thermometer is immersed through the anus into the rectum. This measurement is considered the most accurate and reliable, since the intestine, protected by the sphincter from external environment, is not subject to significant temperature fluctuations. Most often, the temperature is determined rectally in young children. In adults, it is recommended to measure the temperature by the rectal method in the following situations:

when a person is in an unconscious state;
to determine the onset of ovulation in women by basal temperature;
with a significant deficiency of body weight;
with skin diseases covering the armpits;
with inflammatory reactions in the oral cavity;
with subfebrile condition.

It is forbidden to measure the temperature rectally in the presence of hemorrhoids, difficult exit of feces, diarrhea, proctitis. Also, you should not measure after being in a hot bath, bath, sauna, after active physical training, as the temperature readings will be incorrect.

For a convenient measurement of rectal temperature, an adult is recommended to lie on his side, bend his knees and press his legs to his stomach. To determine the temperature of the baby, you can put him on his back on a horizontal surface and raise his legs.

Measurement of body temperature by oral method

With this method of measuring temperature, the thermometer is placed in the mouth so that the mercury capsule is under the tongue. In this way, body temperature is most often measured in Western clinics; in the post-Soviet space, doctors usually use the axillary version. It is recommended to determine the temperature orally for school-age children and adolescents, but it is strictly forbidden for infants.

Reckless kids can inadvertently bite through a mercury thermometer, swallow glass and mercury. It is also contraindicated to measure the temperature orally in case of respiratory diseases accompanied by nasal congestion, with inflammation in the oral cavity.

Axillary measurement

The simplest and most popular way to measure body temperature, in which the thermometer is placed in the armpit. It is this method that the vast majority of people use, although it cannot be called accurate and reliable.

It should be noted that incorrect axillary measurement results are most often observed when the procedure is performed incorrectly. Not only children, but also many adults do not know how to properly measure in the armpit, they carry out the procedure at their own discretion.

Proper use of a mercury thermometer

Every day, millions of people measure body temperature mercury thermometer, but rarely does anyone think about how to do it right. Many adults and children do not even know how many minutes the measurement procedure should take. There are certain rules that must be followed step by step when measuring temperature with a mercury thermometer in the armpit.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a room where the air temperature is not lower than 18°C, but not higher than 25°C.
The armpit should be dry. If the skin is damp, then sweat from it must be removed with a napkin or a clean cloth.
The thermometer should be shaken to bring the mercury down to 35°C on the scale.
Place the device in the armpit so that the mercury capsule fits snugly against the skin.
In order for the thermometer to hold well under the armpit and not slip out, the shoulder part of the arm must be pressed tightly against the body.
In the process of measuring temperature, you need to sit still, do not talk, do not move, do not eat.
The measurement time with a mercury thermometer is 10 minutes.

A sick person needs to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer several times a day. It is advisable to do this every day at the same time: for example, at 10 am and 8 pm. It is useless to try to determine the body temperature after intense sports training, walking on the street, swimming in ponds, baths, saunas, showers, as the indicators will definitely be unreliable.

Also, you should not carry out the procedure after a stressful situation, nervous overexertion, a heavy meal, since the temperature will most likely be elevated. In all of the above cases, you should wait half an hour, lie down quietly, relax, and then start measuring. If a person uses antipyretic medications, then at least 40 minutes should elapse between taking the medication and measuring the temperature.

Measure the temperature in the oral cavity with a mercury thermometer with extreme caution. One awkward movement of the jaws - toxic mercury appears on the tongue, and many small fragments of glass. To correctly determine oral temperature, the following rules should be considered:

before placing the thermometer in the oral cavity, it must be rinsed with warm water and then wiped with any antiseptic;
the device must be shaken so that the mercury is set at 35 ° C on the scale;
the thermometer is inserted into the mouth so that the mercury capsule is located under the tongue;
so that the thermometer does not fall out of your mouth, you need to close your lips, and slightly squeeze the device with your teeth;
the measurement time with a mercury thermometer is 5 minutes.

Do not smoke or drink before measuring oral temperature hot tea or coffee, otherwise the readings will be incorrect.

Doctors advise to determine the rectal temperature with a mercury thermometer, since in this case it gives the most accurate and correct results. The thermometer is immersed in the rectum to a depth of no more than 2.5 centimeters. The measurement time is 8 minutes.

During the procedure, you need to lie still, so as not to bring down the indicators. After measuring, the thermometer is carefully removed from the anus. If the thermometer is alternately used by several people, then after each procedure it must be carefully treated with antiseptic substances.

Proper use of an electronic thermometer

Many people do not like that the measurement with a mercury thermometer takes too long. If you do not want to wait 10 minutes for the result, then you can use an electronic thermometer. At the end of the device is a sensor that sets the body temperature, on the panel there is a screen showing digital data. Measurement of axillary temperature with an electronic thermometer is carried out in the same way as with mercury.

The main thing is that the sensor fits snugly against the skin in the armpit. With a loose fit, the thermometer can show the temperature not of the body, but of the air in the room.

The instructions for the device say that you need to remove it from the armpit immediately after the beep. But for the reliability of the result, doctors recommend that patients keep the thermometer under their armpit for a few more minutes after the signal.

An electronic thermometer can measure the temperature orally. Moreover, it is enough to hold the device in the oral cavity for only a minute to get accurate and correct indicators.

Body temperature is checked in different ways:

Rectally - in the rectum.
Orally - in the mouth.
Under the arm.
On the forehead - for this, infrared scanners are used to check the artery.
In the ear - also with the help of scanners.

For each method, there are electronic thermometers specially designed for each location. There are plenty to choose from. But there is a problem: cheap (sometimes not very cheap) devices often lie or fail. Therefore, when choosing an electronic thermometer, do not save money, be sure to read the reviews and check the readings of the mercury one at least once.

The latter, by the way, is preferred by many. The maximum mercury thermometer (as the thermometer is correctly called) costs a penny and is quite accurate, which cannot be said about many electronic devices with “so-so” quality. However, it is dangerous because it is easy, and glass fragments and mercury vapor have not made anyone even healthier.

It doesn't matter which thermometer you use, read the instruction manual first.

After each use, it would be good to clean the thermometer: wash it, if possible, or wipe it with an antiseptic. Be careful if the thermometer is sensitive to moisture and may deteriorate. It's embarrassing to mention, but still, a rectal thermometer should not be used anywhere else.

How to measure the temperature under the arm

Most often, we measure the temperature under the arm with a conventional mercury or electronic thermometer. Here's how to do it right:

You can not measure the temperature after eating and physical exertion. Wait half an hour.
Before starting the measurement, the glass thermometer must be shaken off: the mercury column should show less than 35 ° C. If the thermometer is electronic, just turn it on.
The armpit should be dry. Sweat must be wiped off.
Keep your hand firmly pressed. In order for the temperature under the arm to become the same as inside the body, the skin must warm up, and this takes time. It is better to press the child’s shoulder on your own, for example, taking the baby in your arms.
The good news is that if you follow the previous rule, a mercury thermometer will take 5 minutes, not 10, as is commonly believed. Many electronic thermometers respond to changes in temperature and measure as long as these changes are present. Therefore, if the hand is not pressed, the temperature can change for a long time and the results will be inaccurate.

How to measure temperature rectally

This method is needed when it is necessary to check the temperature of infants: it is difficult for them to hold their hand, it is not safe to put something in their mouth, and not everyone has an expensive infrared sensor.

The part of the thermometer that you will insert into the rectum must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or vaseline oil(sold in any pharmacy).
Put the child on his side or on his back, bend his legs.
Gently insert the thermometer into the anus by 1.5-2.5 cm (depending on the size of the sensor), hold the child while the measurement is in progress. A mercury thermometer must be held for 2 minutes, an electronic one - as long as it is written in the instructions (usually less than a minute).
Remove the thermometer, look at the data.
Treat the child's skin, if necessary. Wash the thermometer.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth

This method is not suitable for children under four years of age, because at this age children cannot yet reliably hold the thermometer. Do not take your temperature in your mouth if you have eaten something cold in the last 30 minutes.

Wash the thermometer.
The sensor or reservoir of mercury should be placed under the tongue and hold the thermometer with your lips.
Use an ordinary thermometer to measure the temperature for 3 minutes, electronic - as much as necessary according to the instructions.

How to measure the temperature in the ear

For this, there are special infrared thermometers: it is useless to put other thermometers in the ear. Children under 6 months of age do not have their ear temperature taken. Age guidelines, because due to developmental features, the results will be inaccurate. You can measure the temperature in your ear only 15 minutes after you have returned from the street.

Pull your ear a little to the side and insert the thermometer probe into your ear. It takes a few seconds to measure.

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Some infrared devices measure the temperature on the forehead, where the artery passes. Data from the forehead or from the ear is not as accurate Fever: First aid, as with other measurements, but they are fast. And for household measurement, it is not so important what temperature you have: 38.3 or 38.5 ° C.

How to read a thermometer

The result of the measurement depends on the accuracy of the thermometer, the correctness of the measurements and where the measurements were taken.

The temperature in the mouth is higher than under the arm by 0.3-0.6 °C, rectal - by 0.6-1.2 °C, in the ear - up to 1.2 °C. That is, 37.5 ° C is an alarming figure for measuring under the arm, but not for rectal.

Also, the rate depends on age. In children up to a year, rectal up to 37.7 ° C (36.5-37.1 ° C under the arm), and there is nothing wrong with that. The 37.1°C under the arm that we suffer from becomes a problem with age.

In addition, there are individual features. The temperature of a healthy adult ranges from 36.1 to 37.2 ° C under the arm, but someone's personal norm is 36.9 ° C, and someone's is 36.1. The difference is big, so in an ideal world it would be nice to take your temperature when you are healthy for the sake of interest, or at least remember what the thermometer showed there at the physical examination.

Content

A popular method for diagnosing diseases and inflammatory processes is to measure body temperature using special devices - thermometers, also called thermometers. Depending on the deviation of the obtained indicator from the norm, the doctor makes a forecast about the state of the body systems, determines the intensity of the necessary drug therapy in the first days of treatment. Answers to questions about which thermometers are best to use, and on which part of the body to measure the temperature, will help you understand how to measure it correctly, to minimize the error.

What is temperature measurement

Thermometry is a set of methods and methods that help measure the temperature, in medicine - the human body. The degree of heating of the object is compared with the absolute thermodynamic scale. Deviations from the average norm up or down show the doctor that processes are taking place in the body that violate its thermoregulation, for example, the fight against a virus or inflammation. Regular measurements of this parameter allow you to monitor the patient's condition, improve the effectiveness of treatment in a timely manner, and avoid possible complications.

What determines body temperature

In addition to infectious infections and other external factors (for example, hypothermia or overheating), many circumstances affect the body temperature. You will see different numbers on the thermometer by measuring the temperature on the surface of the skin (in the armpit or in the inguinal folds) or by one of the internal methods (orally or rectally). In addition to the location of the measurement, the indicator is affected by:

the time of the manipulation (morning / evening);
patient's age;
period of the menstrual cycle in women.

Normal human body temperature

Physiological indicators of the normal temperature of the human body can vary between 36.3 - 37.3 ° C. The norm of 36.6 ° C, to which we have become accustomed since childhood, is set for measurement in the axillary region, due to individual features may deviate within 36.4 - 37.0 ° С. The average rectal temperature (in the rectum) is 37.3-37.7 °C; temperature ranges for oral measurement, considered healthy indicators - 36.8 - 37.2 ° C.

Minimum human body temperature

The human body is better adapted to hypothermia than to an increase in temperature. Deviation from the norm towards the lower limit up to 35 ° C is accompanied by severe weakness, after lowering to 29 ° C, the person loses consciousness. The lowest recorded rate at which the life of a hypothermic patient could be saved was 14.9 °C. Death usually occurs when the temperature reaches 25°C.

Critical temperature

With an increase in the temperature of the victim from overheating to the absolute scale mark above 42 ° C and the inability to reduce the indicator, the probability of death is high. A case was recorded when the patient managed to survive with overheating up to 46.5 °C. The lower limit in some cases can reach up to 25-26 °C. With hyperthermia - an increase in the indicator to 42 ° C and above - loss of consciousness, hallucinations, delirium are observed. In this case, the patient's life is in serious danger, so it is necessary to lower this biometric indicator in any way possible.

What is temperature measured in

In the SI system ( international system units) there are two main units for measuring temperature indicators - degrees Celsius and degrees Kelvin. Body temperature in medicine is measured on the Celsius scale, on which zero is equal to freezing water, and one hundred degrees is the state of its boiling.

Temperature measuring instruments

In thermometry, a special measuring device is used - a thermometer to measure body temperature. These devices are also called thermometers. They are made of different materials (glass, plastic), have their own specifics and principle of operation (contact, non-contact; digital, mercury, infrared), measurement error. Each type of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Instrument classification

The main principle by which thermometers are classified for measuring body temperature is the principle of operation of these measuring instruments. According to him, they are divided into:

mercury;
digital;
infrared (for non-contact measurement method).

Mercury thermometers are made of glass and work on the principle of expanding the mercury contained in their glass tank. When heated from the body, the mercury column moves up the scale, reaching a mark corresponding to t of the body. This method of determining temperature characteristics helps to obtain high accuracy of measurement results, the error of the actual temperature when using this type of thermometer is only 0.1 degrees.

Along with the advantages - affordability, wide range of applications, durability, obtaining accurate measurements - liquid thermometers with mercury have significant disadvantages:

fragility of the body;
mercury toxicity (there is a risk of poisoning if you accidentally damage the mercury tank or break the thermometer);
measurement duration (up to 10 minutes).

Digital, electronic thermometers are widely used. They may have different appearance, their body is made of plastic, and the temperature is determined due to the operation of a thermodynamic sensor. Electronic thermometers are safer than mercury ones, they help to get a quick measurement result (within one minute), however, the accuracy of the readings of these devices is significantly inferior to mercury thermometers.

Infrared devices for measuring temperature indicators do not require direct contact with the body, the time of measuring the temperature value takes a few seconds. A special sensor displays a digital infrared image on the screen, the device requires adjustment, gives an error of about 0.2 degrees, is expensive, and is often used in cases where the patient cannot be disturbed.

Especially for infants who cannot be at rest for a long time, pacifier thermometers disguised as an ordinary pacifier were invented. They are made of silicone, the duration of the measurement is about five minutes, but this does not bring any inconvenience to the child. The deviation from the exact data can reach 0.3 degrees.

Where to take the temperature

Not all parts of the body have the same indicator, in this regard, there are different ways temperature measurements. To obtain an accurate determination of the state of the body, this biometric indicator is determined by:

axillary (the thermometer is installed and held with the working end in the armpit);
oral (measurement is carried out by taking the level of thermal radiation in the mouth);
rectally (in the rectum);
in the inguinal folds;
in the woman's vagina.

How to measure correctly

In different cavities and sections, the temperature indicator is measured according to certain rules. Important to check technical condition the device you are using - replace the battery in the digital thermometer, if necessary, adjust the infrared, make sure the integrity of the mercury. If there is any doubt about the reliability of the results obtained - for example, the child's forehead is hot, and the device shows a normal temperature, repeat the procedure or measure the indicator on another part of the body.

mercury thermometer

Before using a mercury thermometer, shake it to bring down the mercury column to the minimum value on the scale, less than 35 ° C. The instrument must be dry and clean if you are measuring orally or rectally, necessary condition The use of the thermometer is its preliminary disinfection. For glass thermometers, in order to avoid damage, there are rules for careful storage in a case.

During the procedure in the armpit, the device is kept in a state of equilibrium, tightly pressed against the body for the required time. For oral measurement, the device is placed under the tongue, which closes tightly, breathing through the nose. During the rectal measurement method, the patient lies in a supine position on his side, the thermometer is inserted through the sphincter into the rectum and held for two to three minutes.

Time for measuring body temperature with a mercury thermometer

When using contact thermometers, the type of which is mercury, the time during which the measurement is taken is important. Depending on the place of measurement, it is:

5-10 minutes - for the axillary method;
2-3 minutes - for rectal;
3-5 minutes - for oral.

Electrothermometer

Digital measuring instruments must be used when you want accurate and fast results. The audible signal function provided with the thermometers makes it easier to control the thermometry, as it notifies the user when the measurement process is completed. They produce so-called instant thermometers, which, due to the high sensitivity of the thermoelement, give a result in 2-3 seconds.

Remote temperature measurement

Measurement of temperature indicators at a distance is a convenient property of infrared thermometers. These devices are the result of high-tech laboratory development, which determines the quality of their work and the accuracy of the data obtained. They do not have a harmful effect on the body, and are suitable for both immobilized patients and infants who are in constant motion.

Measurement algorithm

Using the correct algorithm for measuring body temperature, you will reduce the influence of external factors, be able to timely monitor changes in temperature indicators, thereby speeding up the patient's recovery process. With any method and use of any type of contact thermometer, follow the rules of hygiene and disinfection of the devices themselves. The algorithm for using a mercury thermometer:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Take the device out of the case.
Shake it gently but firmly while keeping your index finger on the reservoir.
Make sure the mercury column is below 35°C.
Take a measurement.
Disinfect the thermometer after completing the procedure.
Write down the received data.

Measurement of body temperature in the armpit

By adhering to the following algorithm, you will understand how to measure the temperature in the armpit with any thermometer in order to get an accurate value and not use another method:

take measurements several times a day, at regular intervals;
press the thermometer tightly to the body to avoid the free position of the thermometer;
keep your body still during the procedure;
record the upper and lower indicators in writing during the day.

Under which armpit to measure

The physical sensitivity of the right and left axilla is the same, so it does not matter which one you use to measure temperature. If you wish, you can remove the value from both the right and left sides several times to make sure that you get the same data as a result. If there are doubts about the correctness of the result obtained, you can always measure the temperature in another sensitive area, in the groin area, for example.

In the mouth

The answer to the question of how to measure the temperature in the mouth correctly lies in the following two main points - the position of the thermometer and the measurement time. Place the device under the tip of the tongue, press it firmly and close your mouth. To obtain data, hold this position for two to three minutes, breathing through your nose, evenly and calmly. Before carrying out the procedure, be sure to treat the thermometer with a disinfectant wipe.

Processing thermometers

A clean, disinfected thermometer is an important condition for obtaining correct data when measuring indicators. The treatment of the device should be carried out after each procedure; at home, this can be done using wipes soaked in any disinfectant alcohol composition. After disinfection, the device is wiped dry and placed in a storage case.

How to correctly measure the temperature of children and adults with an electronic or mercury thermometer - algorithm and methods

Everyone is familiar with such measuring equipment as a thermometer. It is used to control the temperature level. For example, during an illness or when tracking the day of ovulation in women. Therefore, there should always be at home. Mercury thermometers are being replaced by electronic thermometers. Before buying this equipment, it is necessary to consider all its positive and negative qualities, as well as features of temperature measurement under the armpit, rectally, in the mouth.

Mercury and electronic thermometer

Features of an electronic thermometer

Modern thermometers are distinguished by the presence of a special sensor, which is located on the narrow part of the thermometer. After the temperature measurement is completed, the result will be displayed on the display in the form of numbers. Therefore, the second name of the device is a digital thermometer.

When choosing an electronic device, you should pay attention to its strengths and weaknesses. The positive qualities include:

Safety. It does not contain mercury, so it cannot cause harm to health. Suitable for use by both adults and children of all ages.
Versatility. An electronic thermometer can measure the temperature various methods. For example, orally, rectally, in the armpit, elbow or groin.
Speed. The procedure usually does not take long. On average, it takes about 30-60 seconds to obtain reliable data.
Comfort. The end of the temperature measurement process can be recognized by the sound signal that the device will emit.
Simplicity. The measurement result will be displayed on a special display. It will be enough for a person to simply look at the scoreboard.
Profitability. The device will turn itself off after a few minutes of use. This will help save battery.

The market is filled with various medical thermometers that can be equipped with additional features. The most sought after and popular include:

built-in memory. That is, the device automatically stores the latest indicators, which will help a person to analyze changes in their own body temperature. Some models remember up to 30 measurements;
waterproof case. This function allows young mothers to measure not only the body temperature of a newborn baby, but also determine the degree of heating of the water that will be used for bathing;
switching the scale from the measuring system Celsius to Fahrenheit;
display illumination. This will help to see the thermometer readings even at night, without getting out of bed to turn on the light;
tip change.

So that small children are not afraid to measure the temperature, manufacturers have developed special thermometers. They look like toys or are painted in bright colors. For newborns, you can purchase thermometers in the form of nipples. They greatly simplify the temperature measurement procedure.

Baby thermometers

In addition to the positive qualities, the equipment also has several negative points. Among them:

Some models are afraid of moisture, so they can not be wetted.
An electronic thermometer should usually be kept for several minutes after the beep. This is not very convenient, as additional time should be noted.
The cost of a good electronic device is somewhat higher than that of a mercury thermometer.

In addition, when buying a device for a newborn, remember that you can only use it until the first teeth appear.

In order for the data to be as accurate and correct as possible, it is imperative to follow all the instructions and advice of the manufacturer, which are indicated on the packaging of the equipment and in the attached instructions.

Package

How to use an electronic thermometer?

To get the right data, you need to use the equipment correctly. In this case, some rules should be observed:

The sensor on the thermometer should fit snugly against the body.
The most accurate results are obtained with rectal or oral measurements.
The data can only be evaluated after the instrument emits a specific beep. If measurements take place in the armpit, then it is recommended to hold the thermometer after that for about 2-3 minutes.
When measuring temperature orally, do not eat or drink before.
It is not recommended to take measurements in the armpit after taking a bath and other water procedures.

Batteries also affect the correct temperature measurement. Usually one set lasts from 2 to 5 years. At the time when they begin to sit down, the thermometer may begin to incorrectly indicate body temperature. Therefore, batteries are recommended to be changed regularly.

Electronic thermometer battery

How to measure temperature by various methods using an electronic thermometer?

There are several ways to use an electronic thermometer:

oral;
rectally;
in the armpit.

Using an electronic thermometer is not only much more convenient, but also safer. If the temperature is measured in the mouth or armpit, the algorithm of actions is practically the same as using a mercury thermometer. But there are also specific features. First of all, they include the time after which you can get an accurate result. It depends on the type of thermometer, as well as on the manufacturer. Usually there is an instruction for this, which indicates how long you can watch the result. For most models, this period of time is from 30 seconds to 1 minute. But in practice it happens a little differently. If measurements are taken in the armpit, then after the sound signal, you must still wait about 2-3 minutes without taking out the thermometer. Only after this period, you can evaluate the result.

The first sign of problems in our body is often elevated body temperature. It is the temperature that is of interest to the therapist, to whom you periodically come for an appointment. And it is precisely its indicators and their dynamics that can lead the doctor to a diagnosis. A healthy body, despite various fluctuations in the temperature of the external environment, various physical activity during the day, maintains our body temperature with high accuracy. To take measurements, you will need a thermometer (you can, of course, touch your forehead with your lips, but this method is too subjective and cannot serve as the basis for deciding whether to treat a person). The thermometer can be mercury (inexpensive, but easily broken and requiring prolonged contact with the body) or (more expensive, but fast and safe). There are also infrared thermometers that measure in just 3-5 seconds, but they are too expensive. On the human body, there are several places where it is customary to measure temperature (in the armpit, under the tongue, on the elbow, in the rectum, in the vagina). Accordingly, the norm of temperature indicators for each place is different. The easiest, safest, most common and familiar way for everyone is to insert a thermometer under the armpit. Each of us measured the temperature in the armpit hundreds of times, but some did not even think about the fact that there are special rules that must be followed when taking measurements. Otherwise, the result will be incorrect. The following tips will help you to properly carry out this simple at first glance, but such an important procedure.

You will need:

Thermometer
A chair or bed where you can sit comfortably during the measurement
Dry towel
Disinfectant solution

Step by step solution:

The temperature in the room where the measurement takes place should be between 18-25 degrees. If the room is cooler, then before you stick the thermometer under your armpit, you must first hold it in your hands for about 30-40 seconds, warming it with your palms.
Before installing the thermometer, it is necessary to wipe the skin of the armpit with a napkin or dry towel. This will significantly reduce the risk of the thermometer cooling down due to sweat evaporation.
Remember to shake the thermometer if you are using the mercury version, or turn on the electronic one.
When installing a thermometer, be sure to make sure that the mercury column (or the metal tip in an electronic thermometer) hits the deepest point of the armpit, while it should be in contact with the body on all sides. The thermometer should not rest against clothing.
Air should not enter the axillary fossa. Therefore, press the shoulder and elbow to the body, then the armpit will be closed. The skin tightness must be ensured throughout the measurement time.
Do not measure the temperature immediately after coming from the street, physical exertion, taking a bath or a warm shower. Usually, if a person (and especially a child) cried or was very nervous, then the temperature would be too high. An increased result will be obtained immediately after a hearty lunch rich in protein foods, as well as after a hot tea party. In all these cases, you need to wait at least 10-15 minutes, which should be spent at rest, and only then proceed to measuring the temperature.
During the measurement, you need to be motionless, do not talk, do not sing, do not eat, do not drink.
The measurement time for a mercury thermometer is at least 6 minutes, maximum 10, and the electronic one must be kept under the arm for another 2-3 minutes after the beep.
Take out the thermometer in a smooth motion. If you sharply pull out an electronic thermometer, then due to friction with the skin, it will add a few tenths of a degree.
When you are sick, take your temperature at least twice a day - in the morning (between 7-9 am) and in the evening (between 7-9 pm). At the same time, it is desirable to put a thermometer at the same time, this is how you can trace the dynamics of temperature changes. In severe illness with high temperature, it should be measured before taking antipyretics, as well as after (30-40 minutes after taking the medication).
If several people use the thermometer, then do not forget to wipe it with a disinfectant solution and wipe it dry after each use.

Note:

By the way, the most the usual way(a thermometer under the arm) scientists recognize as the most inaccurate. In addition, the difference between the armpits can be from 0.1 to 0.3°C. Therefore, if you need to get a high measurement accuracy in order to clearly trace the dynamics, then measurements in the armpit are not suitable.
In a healthy person, the normal temperature is from 36.3 to 36.9 degrees. In children, the norm of body temperature can be several tenths of a degree higher, and in older people it can be lower. In the morning the temperature is usually two to three tenths of a degree lower than in the evening.
Even at normal body temperature, a person can be sick. For example, people with low body reactivity get the flu at normal temperatures, but at short intervals and with complications.
Thermometer nipples have been created for babies. This is very convenient for those kids who are too active: even if they manage to insert a thermometer under their arm, the child immediately pulls it out. When the baby sucks on the pacifier, the mother can easily control the temperature of his body. Naturally, you should not take measurements immediately after a meal or a warm drink. Pediatricians note that this type of electronic thermometer gives incorrect values \u200b\u200band during teething, and this, as you know, is a very lengthy and protracted process.
It is advisable to shake the mercury thermometer immediately after measurement. If you store a thermometer with readings, especially if they were high, then over time the thermometer starts to act up.