RESCU: Please explain about the health risks of body temperatures rising or falling dramatically?
James Boian: Some health risks from the body’s temperature rising dramatically can include fatigue or heat stroke, and if the body temperature falls substantially, the body may experience hyperthermia.
RESCU: What is considered safe and reasonable fluctuation for an adult and for a young child?
James Boian: A child’s optimum body temperature is 36.8 to 37 degrees, which is slightly higher than an adult’s. A normal adult’s body temperature ranges between 36.5-37 degrees.
RESCU: How and when should we be taking our temperature?
James Boian: Although many people rely on placing a hand on the forehead to figure out if there is a temperature and needs medical attention, using a thermometer such as LifeTemp Medic Digital Ear thermometer can ensure you know when your child’s body temperature has risen and when you need to seek medical advice.
RESCU: What is a fever and what is the temperature that the body reaches at fever? At what level does it become dangerous and why?
James Boian: A fever is a sign that your body temperature has arisen above its normal level. As a fever progresses, people will tend to feel cold despite their body increasing in temperature. However, once the body reaches the new temperature they start to feel hot. A fever above 40°C is extremely dangerous and could trigger convulsions or brain damage in serious cases.
RESCU: Cold and flu aside, what can our body temperature tell us?
James Boian: Aside from the common cold or flu, our body temperature can reveal:
- An infection such as a virus or bacteria
- Menstrual ovulation day and hence the best time to attempt conception
- Hormonal imbalances changes particularly during pregnancy
- Overexposure to heat
- Exercise can result in your body becoming exhausted and your temperature to rise
- It can also be side effects of medication
- Body temperature can act as a predictor of medical outcomes
RESCU: Does the body’s base temperature change with age or any other factor?
James Boian: The body’s base temperature changes as it ages. This is due to poor circulation, and a thinning of the skin as we get older
RESCU: What is the ideal water temperature to bathe in?
James Boian: For children the ideal bath temperature is between 36°C for newborns and 37 -38°C. Adults can handle water temperatures of 38 – 40°C.
RESCU: What is the correct temperature for drinking water?
James Boian: It is less of a shock to the system to drink water at room temperature, but it comes down to preference.
RESCU: What is the optimal temperature for living in?
James Boian: Humans adapt to temperatures relatively easily, so it really depends on whether the person prefers warmer or cooler climates. However, a good temperature range that most people are quite comfortable in is 18 – 23°C.
For more information on The LifeTemp Medic Digital Ear thermometer ($69.00 RRP) or James Boian visit www.airssential.com.au
