Body Temperature & Fever

It is of great medical importance to measure body temperature. A large number of diseases are accompanied by changes in body temperature. By measuring body temperature it is possible to monitor the progression of certain diseases.

The doctor can also evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment given.

Fever is the first weapon of the body’s defence when a foreign substance invades the body. Fever is not actually caused by an external factor but by our own body.

When a bacterium enters our body and makes us sick (sore throat or headache, etc.), it can, among other things, cause certain chemicals to be spilled into the bloodstream. These substances when they enter the bloodstream are detected by special messengers in the hypothalamus. These messengers are everywhere in the blood and when they detect such substances they send a message to the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is an area in the centre of our brain and is responsible for regulating body temperature. When the hypothalamus gets a message from its messengers that chemicals have entered the bloodstream, it reacts immediately by ordering the body to raise its temperature. By increasing the body temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius, the body tries to expel the bacteria, as it becomes an unsuitable place for them to live. In this way, the higher body temperature works with the immune system to overcome the infection.

Values of “normal” temperature vary between different age groups. The following values are based on oral body temperature measurements.

For infants from 0-2 years old, the “normal” values are from 36.4 C – 38 C.
For children from 3-10 years old, the “normal” values are between 36.1 C and 37.8 C.
For young people and adults from 11-65 years old the “normal” values are between 35.9 C – 37.6 C.

For adults over 65 years of age the ‘normal’ values are between 35.8 C – 37.5 C. Always consult your doctor about measurement methods and guidelines for your body temperature.