Introduction
Fever is a warning sign of infection or illness. Checking the temperature can help one determine if one has a fever or not. Usually, the fever goes away within one or three days. If it persists for more than a week, one must get checked by a physician. Taking temperatures is not rocket science, but one should know how to get accurate readings. Individuals must remember that not all readings above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit suggest a fever.
What Are the Types of Thermometers to Check the Temperature?
The types of thermometers are:
- Oral Digital Thermometers: Oral digital thermometers are the most common and fastest thermometers that provide accurate results. It uses electronic heat sensors to measure the body temperature. It consists of flexible plastic with a sensor at the tip and a display window at the other end.
- Electronic Ear Thermometer: These thermometers are called tympanic thermometers, which measure infrared heat waves from the ear drum. It is the fastest and easiest to use. The thermometer can give low readings if wax is in the ear or placed incorrectly. It is ideal for infants older than six months, children, and adults. The thermometer is not advised for infants below six months, as the ear canal is too small for accurate readings. In case of an earache, the thermometer is placed in the other ear to prevent further pain. Additionally, inflammation from ear infections may produce slightly higher readings.
- Temporal Artery Thermometer: The forehead thermometer measures the heat waves from blood vessels under the skin across the forehead. The thermometer is swiped over the forehead to behind the ear. The temperature readings are less accurate than a digital thermometer. Therefore, an individual must check more than once to get an accurate reading. The forehead must be dry while checking, as sweating can produce incorrect readings. It measures temperature in infants older than three months, children, and adults. The readings can be affected by direct sunlight or cold outdoor temperatures.
- Pacifier Thermometer: The thermometer should not be used in infants below three months. Baby must hold the pacifier stiffly to get an accurate reading.
How to Check the Temperature?
To properly check the temperature, an individual can use a digital thermometer as it is the easiest and most accurate way to check the temperature. It is better to avoid glass or mercury thermometers as there is potential for mercury exposure or ingestion and, therefore they are not recommended. Temperature can be checked through the mouth, ear, underarm, or temporal (forehead). If taking the temperature orally, wait 20 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking. The thermometer must be turned on and placed at the location to be checked. It should be held firmly in place until it beeps with reading. A normal temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the temperature can vary between 97.2 to 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the body’s temperature differs throughout the day. The temperature is lower during the morning and becomes high in the evening. The temperature can also vary with activity or exercise. Therefore, it is advised to wait for 15 minutes after drinking hot or cold beverages. For bundled infants, the temperature must be taken five minutes after unwrapping.
A temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a less than three-month-old baby indicates fever. A temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit is considered feverish in children and adults. Seeking medical help is essential if the child has a fever and shows symptoms of dehydration, a dry diaper for eight hours, or crying without tears.
How to Use a Thermometer at Various Sites?
The thermometer is cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before use. However, thermometers should not be submerged in water.
- Oral Temperature: The thermometer should be placed under the tongue as far as possible. The lips can be closed around the thermometer, but avoid biting it. Relax and breathe through the nose until the thermometer under the tongue starts beeping. Oral temperatures can be measured for children between 4 to 5 years.
- Underarm Temperature: The tip of the thermometer is placed under the armpit. The thermometer tip must touch the skin, not the clothes. Squeezing the arms can help keep the thermometer in place until it beeps. The armpit temperatures are less accurate than the oral temperature.
- Temporal Temperature: The temporal artery thermometer uses an infrared scanner to measure the temperature on the forehead. The thermometer must be turned on by pushing a button. It is swiped from one side of the temple to the other side and behind the ears until it beeps.
- Ear Temperature: The ear thermometer uses infrared rays to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. The ear should be gently pulled up and back for adults. In children, the ear is pulled down and back. The thermometer tip is placed within the ear. The tip must not touch the eardrum. Make sure that the thermometer is not pushed forcefully. Wait until the thermometer beeps.
- Rectal Temperature: The temperature is checked from the rectum for newborns and infants. A dab of petroleum jelly or lubricant is applied to the thermometer tip to check the temperature. The infant is placed on its back, and the legs are bent towards the chest. The rectal thermometer is inserted up to an inch into the infant's rectum. The thermometer tip is left in the rectum until it beeps.
What Are the Prerequisites for Using a Thermometer?
- Regardless of the type of thermometer used, it is essential to read the instructions.
- One must wash the hands with soap and water before using the thermometer.
- The thermometer must be cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before and after every use. It is to prevent the spread of the germs.
- The same thermometers should not be used for oral and rectal temperature checks.
- If temperature-lowering medications such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin are taken, the temperature must be checked after six hours.
Conclusion
Checking one temperature oneself has become easier with the introduction of digital thermometers. Several types of thermometers are available in the market, which can be used based on an individual's need or comfort. An average temperature of the body is 98.6 Fahrenheit. Any temperature above this threshold is considered as fever.
