Human Body Temperature

It is a common fact that humans are warm-blooded and that human body has various ways of regulating its temperature. For example, during extreme cold, the body generates heat by shivering, whereas in hot conditions, the body temperature is brought down by sweating. This regulation mechanisms called homeostasis, helps the body to maintain a normal body temperature. The normal human body temperature range was deduced by a German physician, Dr. Carl Wunderlich during the 19th century. According to his studies, the normal body temperature is 37°C. Later, this figure was converted to Fahrenheit and the value is 98.6°F. Later studies found variations in this temperature that are caused by various factors that affect human body temperature. According to those studies, the normal body temperature can vary slightly with time, age of person, gender, place of the body where it is registered, etc. However, the universally accepted normal boy temperature in humans remains to be 37° C (98.6° F). Let us take a look at the various aspects of human body temperature.

Normal Body Temperature Variations

Even though, 37° C (98.6° F) is considered as the normal human body temperature, it can vary with different factors. If you take the body temperature at different locations, the figures may vary slightly. For example, the oral temperature in humans may be slightly lower than the rectal temperature. The underarm temperature maybe half to one degree below temperature measured by oral method. The normal body temperature may also very from one person to another. According to health experts, the normal human body temperature (oral method) may vary between 33.2 to 38.2 °C or 92 to 101 °F. In case of rectal temperature, it can vary between 34.4 to 37.8° C (94 to100° F). Likewise, the human body temperature varies with time, activity, etc. It is found to be at the lowest between 2 to 4 am and the highest between 6 and 10 pm. This applies to those who sleep at night and are active during the day. It is said that during the course of a day, the normal body temperature varies by around 1° F. Studies show that the body temperature in women will be slightly higher than men (around 0.3° F). Children have slightly higher temperature than adults, but, elderly people have lower body temperature. It can also happen that the body temperature increases after consumption of food and during activities. While slight variations in normal human body temperature is considered normal, any drastic rise or dip can be dangerous. It will be a good idea to refer to a human body temperature chart and know about it. The following paragraphs deals with high and low body temperature.

High and Low Human Body Temperatures

Abnormal rise or dip in the normal human body temperature of 37° C (98.6° F) may be an indication of some health problem. In case of abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia), the person may experience confusion, extreme fatigue, slow breathing and heartbeat, purple coloration of fingers and toes, etc. If the temperature is between 26.6° C to 32.2° C or 80.0° F to 90.0° F, then, the patient has fair chances of recovery, but, may suffer some permanent bodily damages. If it is below 80.0° F, survival is very difficult. If it is above 90.0° F, then, there are very good chances of recovery. In case of high body temperature (hyperthermia), the affected person may experience hot dry skin. In case of heat stroke a person may feel nausea, dizziness, fainting, etc. Severe heat stroke may cause high heart rate and heavy respiration. Unconsciousness and coma may also happen in severe cases. In general, a rise in temperature above 40° C (104° F) can be fatal, if not treated at the earliest.

Now, you have a basic idea about human body temperature. The normal temperature may slightly vary with other factors, but, any abnormal hike or dip in temperatures need to be treated, so as to avoid future complications.