What causes a body temperature of 96°F while feeling ill. How to accurately measure body temperature. When should you seek medical attention for low body temperature. What are the symptoms of hypothermia and sepsis. How does age affect body temperature.

Understanding Normal Body Temperature Ranges

Body temperature is a crucial indicator of health, but what constitutes “normal” has evolved over time. Contrary to the long-held belief that 98.6°F (37°C) is the standard, recent research suggests that normal body temperature can vary based on several factors.

A comprehensive 2019 review of 36 studies revealed that adults under 60 have an average temperature of 98.04°F (36.68°C), while those over 60 average 97.7°F (36.5°C). These findings challenge the traditional notion of a single “normal” temperature.

Temperature Variations by Measurement Method

• Rectal: 98.67°F (37.04°C)
• Eardrum: 97.95°F (36.64°C)
• Oral: 97.83°F (36.57°C)
• Armpit: 96.75°F (35.97°C)

It’s important to note that temperature ranges also differ for newborns and children:

• Newborns: 97.7°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C)
• Children: 96.8°F to 99.5°F (36°C to 37.5°C)

Common Causes of Low Body Temperature

If your thermometer reads 96°F (35.55°C) and you’re feeling unwell, several factors could be at play. While this temperature is lower than average, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a severe health issue. However, it’s essential to consider various possibilities.

Incorrect Temperature Measurement

One of the most common reasons for a low temperature reading is improper measurement technique. To ensure accuracy:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific thermometer.
2. Consider factors that might affect the reading, such as recently consuming cold drinks for oral measurements.
3. Take multiple readings to confirm consistency.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to cold temperatures can naturally lower your body temperature. This can occur due to:

• Prolonged time outdoors in cold weather
• Wearing wet clothes in a cool environment
• Staying in an inadequately heated indoor space

To prevent temperature drops from environmental factors, dress appropriately for the weather and ensure your living space is adequately heated.

Medical Conditions Associated with Low Body Temperature

While a temperature of 96°F (35.55°C) isn’t always cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Here are some medical conditions that may be associated with low body temperature:

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. In adults, hypothermia is typically defined as a body temperature below 95°F (35°C).

What are the symptoms of hypothermia? Early signs include:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Drowsiness or very low energy
• Confusion or memory loss

Hypothermia is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. If you suspect hypothermia, seek medical help promptly and try to warm the person gradually while waiting for assistance.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ failure. While fever is a common symptom of sepsis, some patients may experience a drop in body temperature.

What are the warning signs of sepsis? Look out for:

• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
• Clammy or sweaty skin

If you suspect sepsis, seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment is crucial for survival and recovery.

Hormonal Imbalances and Low Body Temperature

Certain hormonal conditions can affect body temperature regulation. One such condition is hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and body temperature.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? Common signs include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Dry skin and hair
• Constipation
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels

If you suspect hypothyroidism, consult your healthcare provider. They can perform blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.

Age-Related Changes in Body Temperature

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect temperature regulation. Older adults often have lower average body temperatures compared to younger individuals.

Why does body temperature tend to decrease with age? Several factors contribute:

• Reduced metabolic rate
• Decreased muscle mass
• Changes in circulation
• Alterations in the body’s thermoregulatory system

If you’re an older adult with a consistently lower body temperature but feel well otherwise, it may simply be a normal part of aging. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns or experience other symptoms.

Medications That Can Affect Body Temperature

Certain medications can influence body temperature regulation as a side effect. It’s important to be aware of these potential interactions, especially if you’re taking multiple medications.

Which medications can lower body temperature? Some common examples include:

• Beta-blockers (used for heart conditions and high blood pressure)
• Antipsychotics
• Opioid pain medications
• Some antidepressants

If you’re concerned about the effects of your medications on your body temperature, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Never stop or change your medication regimen without professional guidance.

Special Considerations for Infants and Children

Temperature regulation in infants and young children requires special attention, as they are more susceptible to rapid changes in body temperature.

What factors can influence a baby’s body temperature? Key considerations include:

• Low birth weight
• Prematurity
• Environmental temperature
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Infections

For accurate temperature monitoring in infants and children:

1. Use a reliable, age-appropriate thermometer
2. Consistently use the same measurement method
3. Follow pediatrician recommendations for frequency of temperature checks
4. Be aware of normal temperature ranges for different age groups

If you’re concerned about your child’s body temperature or they show signs of illness, consult your pediatrician promptly.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While a body temperature of 96°F (35.55°C) isn’t always cause for alarm, certain circumstances warrant medical evaluation.

When should you contact a healthcare provider for low body temperature? Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Your temperature remains consistently below 95°F (35°C)
• You experience other symptoms along with low temperature, such as confusion, extreme fatigue, or difficulty breathing
• You have a known medical condition that affects temperature regulation
• You’ve been exposed to extreme cold or have had a cold-water immersion
• You’re an infant, elderly, or have a compromised immune system

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to unusual body temperature readings, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

Understanding your body’s normal temperature range and recognizing potential causes of low body temperature can help you make informed decisions about your health. By staying vigilant and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

Body Temperature Is 96, But I Feel Sick: Causes and More

Normal body temperatures vary, but if your temperature is 96 and you feel sick, there might be something else going on. It could a sign of sepsis, or something simpler. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

You may feel ill and take your temperature assuming you have a fever. Instead, your thermometer reads 96°F (35.55°C). This lower-than-average temperature could occur for several reasons. You may have an illness that corresponds to low temperatures. You may have taken your temperature incorrectly. Age may play a factor. Finally, you may have a health condition causing a lower body temperature.

Understanding body temperature is important to making sense of your 96-degree reading. Long ago, doctors considered 98.6°F (37°C) to be a “normal” temperature. That has changed in recent years. A normal temperature is now considered to be a bit lower than that, and it depends on your age and the method you use to measure your temperature.

One 2019 research review looked at 36 prior studies about body temperature and found that adults less than 60 years old had an average temperature of 98.04°F (36.68°C). Adults more than 60 years old had a average temperature of 97.7°F (36.5°C).

The study also examined body temperatures taken with different methods. These average temperatures by method were:

• Rectal: 98.67°F (37.04°C)
• Eardrum: 97.95°F (36.64°C)
• Oral: 97.83°F (36.57°C)
• Armpit: 96.75°F (35.97°C)

Average temperatures for newborns and children are also different:

• Newborns: 97.7 and 99.5°F (36.5 and 37.5°C).
• Children: 96.8 and 99.5°F (36 and 37.5°C).

Certain illnesses, or incorrect temperature readings, could factor into why your thermometer reads 96°F (35.55°C), but you feel sick. Low body temperature could also be a symptom of a serious illness like hypothermia or sepsis, but you’d likely have severe symptoms.

Incorrect temperature taking

One common reason your thermometer may read 96°F (35.55°C) is because you took your temperature incorrectly.

• Make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions for your thermometer.
• Consider any factors that could have led to an inaccurate temperature. An oral reading may be affected if you’ve sipped a cold drink or kept your mouth open while taking your temperature. An armpit reading may be lower if you did not hold the thermometer in the correct place or if you improperly closed your arm.
• Take your temperature a few times to make sure the reading is correct.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body is at 95°F (35°C) or lower in adults. For children and infants, it can occur when their temperature is lower than a reading in the normal range. Hypothermia is a very serious medical condition that can lead to death if not treated immediately by medical professionals.

This condition can occur because of exposure to cold weather, submersion in cold water, prolonged time in cold and wet clothes, or a cold home environment. An early symptom of hypothermia is shivering.

Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention, so you should call for emergency help if you suspect you have hypothermia. If you have to wait for medical help, try to warm yourself up with blankets or a hot drink.

Sepsis

A drop in body temperature could be a symptom of sepsis. This occurs when your body starts fighting itself instead of an infection. It can damage to your tissues, shut down your organs, and even lead to death. Other symptoms of sepsis include:

• symptoms of infection
• changes in mental state
• feeling very sick, such as having a hard time breathing or feeling pain

Seek immediate medical help if you think you might have sepsis.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is not functioning properly. It does not create enough of your thyroid hormone for your body. Therefore, you may experience:

• a decreased body temperature
• fatigue
• dry skin
• mood changes
• constipation

You can take medication to improve your thyroid’s hormone production.

Advanced age

You may have a lower body temperature as you age. You may have less body fat in your arms and legs, dry skin, and a slowed metabolism as you get older. These can all contribute to a lower body temperature.

Medications

Taking certain medications could lower your temperature. These include beta-blockers and some antipsychotics.

Exposure to cold temperatures

Your temperature may be low if you have been outside in cold weather. Wear warm enough clothes and keep your head covered in cold weather. Avoid getting wet in cold weather.

Keeping babies in a normal temperature range is very important to avoid hypothermia or other illnesses. Some factors that could influence a baby’s temperature include:

• low birth weight
• prematurity
• their birth environment being too cold
• hypoglycemia
• infection

Take your baby’s temperature using the same method every time. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature, and let the infant warm up if they have been brought in from the cold.

The best temperature-taking methods for infants and toddlers are:

• In the armpit. Place the thermometer in the middle of the armpit, and close the arm against the body. Wait 3 minutes for an accurate measurement, or follow the thermometer’s instructions.
• In the rectum. Put a protective sleeve over the thermometer and add a lubricant to it. Insert the tip of the thermometer in the rectum (no more than 2 centimeters) and wait 5 seconds before pulling it out and reading it, or follow the thermometer’s instructions.
• In the eardrum (for infants more than 3 months old). Place the thermometer into the ear, seal off the ear, and turn on the thermometer. Pull it out when the thermometer indicates it’s taken the reading.
• Contactless forehead: Some thermometers allow you to take a child’s temperature without contact. The thermometer and forehead must be movement-free to get an accurate reading. Press the temperature button. Your device will beep or flash to let you know the temperature is ready to be read.

Learn more about contactless thermometers here.

Call a healthcare professional if your temperature is 96°F (35.55°C) and you feel sick. You can describe your symptoms over the phone. They may offer a diagnosis or ask you to make an office visit.

You need immediate medical treatment if your temperature drops due to hypothermia or sepsis. Seek care if your temperature is declining and you have:

• breathing difficulty
• slowed speech
• confusion or other mental changes
• tiredness
• blue skin or lips

Infants with a low body temperature should be seen by a doctor immediately. Other symptoms of hypothermia in infants include red or discolored and cold skin, sleepiness, and disinterest in feeding.

Below are commonly asked questions regarding a low body temperature.

What causes a low temperature of 96F?

There are many different causes of low body temperature, including:

• incorrect temperature taking
• advanced age
• cold exposure or hypothermia
• certain health conditions

What does it mean when you have a low temperature?

Having a low body temperature can mean different things depending on its cause. It may mean that you have taken a temperature reading wrong or your living environment is too cold. A low temperature can also indicate an underlying health condition.

What illness causes low temperature?

Certain health conditions may cause a drop in body temperature, including hypothermia, hyperthyroidism, and sepsis.

What should I do if my body temperature is low?

If your body temperature is low, you should move to a warm, sheltered location as soon as possible and retake a temperature reading. If a low body temperature accompanies other symptoms such as breathing difficulty or skin changes, you should seek medical assistance.

There are several reasons you feel ill and have a thermometer reading of 96°F (35.55°C). You may have a serious illness like hypothermia or sepsis that requires immediate attention. You may have taken your temperature incorrectly. Or you may have another underlying factor contributing to the lower temperature like advanced age, medication use, or hypothyroidism.

Body Temperature Is 96, But I Feel Sick: Causes and More

Normal body temperatures vary, but if your temperature is 96 and you feel sick, there might be something else going on. It could a sign of sepsis, or something simpler. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

You may feel ill and take your temperature assuming you have a fever. Instead, your thermometer reads 96°F (35.55°C). This lower-than-average temperature could occur for several reasons. You may have an illness that corresponds to low temperatures. You may have taken your temperature incorrectly. Age may play a factor. Finally, you may have a health condition causing a lower body temperature.

Understanding body temperature is important to making sense of your 96-degree reading. Long ago, doctors considered 98.6°F (37°C) to be a “normal” temperature. That has changed in recent years. A normal temperature is now considered to be a bit lower than that, and it depends on your age and the method you use to measure your temperature.

One 2019 research review looked at 36 prior studies about body temperature and found that adults less than 60 years old had an average temperature of 98.04°F (36.68°C). Adults more than 60 years old had a average temperature of 97.7°F (36.5°C).

The study also examined body temperatures taken with different methods. These average temperatures by method were:

• Rectal: 98.67°F (37.04°C)
• Eardrum: 97.95°F (36.64°C)
• Oral: 97.83°F (36.57°C)
• Armpit: 96.75°F (35.97°C)

Average temperatures for newborns and children are also different:

• Newborns: 97.7 and 99.5°F (36.5 and 37.5°C).
• Children: 96.8 and 99.5°F (36 and 37.5°C).

Certain illnesses, or incorrect temperature readings, could factor into why your thermometer reads 96°F (35.55°C), but you feel sick. Low body temperature could also be a symptom of a serious illness like hypothermia or sepsis, but you’d likely have severe symptoms.

Incorrect temperature taking

One common reason your thermometer may read 96°F (35.55°C) is because you took your temperature incorrectly.

• Make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions for your thermometer.
• Consider any factors that could have led to an inaccurate temperature. An oral reading may be affected if you’ve sipped a cold drink or kept your mouth open while taking your temperature. An armpit reading may be lower if you did not hold the thermometer in the correct place or if you improperly closed your arm.
• Take your temperature a few times to make sure the reading is correct.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body is at 95°F (35°C) or lower in adults. For children and infants, it can occur when their temperature is lower than a reading in the normal range. Hypothermia is a very serious medical condition that can lead to death if not treated immediately by medical professionals.

This condition can occur because of exposure to cold weather, submersion in cold water, prolonged time in cold and wet clothes, or a cold home environment. An early symptom of hypothermia is shivering.

Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention, so you should call for emergency help if you suspect you have hypothermia. If you have to wait for medical help, try to warm yourself up with blankets or a hot drink.

Sepsis

A drop in body temperature could be a symptom of sepsis. This occurs when your body starts fighting itself instead of an infection. It can damage to your tissues, shut down your organs, and even lead to death. Other symptoms of sepsis include:

• symptoms of infection
• changes in mental state
• feeling very sick, such as having a hard time breathing or feeling pain

Seek immediate medical help if you think you might have sepsis.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is not functioning properly. It does not create enough of your thyroid hormone for your body. Therefore, you may experience:

• a decreased body temperature
• fatigue
• dry skin
• mood changes
• constipation

You can take medication to improve your thyroid’s hormone production.

Advanced age

You may have a lower body temperature as you age. You may have less body fat in your arms and legs, dry skin, and a slowed metabolism as you get older. These can all contribute to a lower body temperature.

Medications

Taking certain medications could lower your temperature. These include beta-blockers and some antipsychotics.

Exposure to cold temperatures

Your temperature may be low if you have been outside in cold weather. Wear warm enough clothes and keep your head covered in cold weather. Avoid getting wet in cold weather.

Keeping babies in a normal temperature range is very important to avoid hypothermia or other illnesses. Some factors that could influence a baby’s temperature include:

• low birth weight
• prematurity
• their birth environment being too cold
• hypoglycemia
• infection

Take your baby’s temperature using the same method every time. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature, and let the infant warm up if they have been brought in from the cold.

The best temperature-taking methods for infants and toddlers are:

• In the armpit. Place the thermometer in the middle of the armpit, and close the arm against the body. Wait 3 minutes for an accurate measurement, or follow the thermometer’s instructions.
• In the rectum. Put a protective sleeve over the thermometer and add a lubricant to it. Insert the tip of the thermometer in the rectum (no more than 2 centimeters) and wait 5 seconds before pulling it out and reading it, or follow the thermometer’s instructions.
• In the eardrum (for infants more than 3 months old). Place the thermometer into the ear, seal off the ear, and turn on the thermometer. Pull it out when the thermometer indicates it’s taken the reading.
• Contactless forehead: Some thermometers allow you to take a child’s temperature without contact. The thermometer and forehead must be movement-free to get an accurate reading. Press the temperature button. Your device will beep or flash to let you know the temperature is ready to be read.

Learn more about contactless thermometers here.

Call a healthcare professional if your temperature is 96°F (35.55°C) and you feel sick. You can describe your symptoms over the phone. They may offer a diagnosis or ask you to make an office visit.

You need immediate medical treatment if your temperature drops due to hypothermia or sepsis. Seek care if your temperature is declining and you have:

• breathing difficulty
• slowed speech
• confusion or other mental changes
• tiredness
• blue skin or lips

Infants with a low body temperature should be seen by a doctor immediately. Other symptoms of hypothermia in infants include red or discolored and cold skin, sleepiness, and disinterest in feeding.

Below are commonly asked questions regarding a low body temperature.

What causes a low temperature of 96F?

There are many different causes of low body temperature, including:

• incorrect temperature taking
• advanced age
• cold exposure or hypothermia
• certain health conditions

What does it mean when you have a low temperature?

Having a low body temperature can mean different things depending on its cause. It may mean that you have taken a temperature reading wrong or your living environment is too cold. A low temperature can also indicate an underlying health condition.

What illness causes low temperature?

Certain health conditions may cause a drop in body temperature, including hypothermia, hyperthyroidism, and sepsis.

What should I do if my body temperature is low?

If your body temperature is low, you should move to a warm, sheltered location as soon as possible and retake a temperature reading. If a low body temperature accompanies other symptoms such as breathing difficulty or skin changes, you should seek medical assistance.

There are several reasons you feel ill and have a thermometer reading of 96°F (35.55°C). You may have a serious illness like hypothermia or sepsis that requires immediate attention. You may have taken your temperature incorrectly. Or you may have another underlying factor contributing to the lower temperature like advanced age, medication use, or hypothyroidism.

reasons and how to increase body temperature A healthy body temperature is 36.6°C. However, there are cases when the norm “deviates” in one direction or another, goes to decrease or vice versa – grows.

We are more accustomed to the rising temperature trend, so we do not know what to do when the temperature is low.

R + Medical Network private clinic specialists will help you understand this issue and give you the necessary practical recommendations.

In our medical center you can undergo accurate diagnosis, all types of laboratory tests and correct treatment of one or another pathology.

Why is there a low body temperature?

Low body temperature (below 36.6°C) is hypothermia. Temperature drops to 33°C are considered deadly. The most common cause of this phenomenon is hypothermia. It is especially dangerous if the hypothermia was prolonged, and the protection from the cold was poor (lack of warm shoes, clothes and other protective equipment).

If a person has a temperature of 35°C or lower, it is necessary to react to changes immediately (within 1-2 hours).

Yes, each person’s body temperature can change during the day, and in women also depending on the menstrual cycle, but in any case, low body temperature should not be left without close attention. Especially if the deviations on the temperature scale exceed 0.5°C.

Body temperature of 36 °C and below is an accurate indicator that a pathological process is taking place in the body.

Causes of low body temperature

Not only hypothermia causes a decrease in body temperature. Even an elementary diet with a lack of nutrients can fail in the body.

When there is little energy coming from food, all that is left for the body is to work for wear and tear. Little heat is produced, and this is a direct path to exhaustion and lower temperatures to lower levels.

Do not allow the body to use a resource that is not at all intended to maintain vitality. Let this mission go to proper and balanced nutrition.

Therefore, if you follow a strict diet, do not forget that carbohydrates are the main sources of energy for the body. And 60% of our energy resources depend on them. At the same time, do not confuse fast carbohydrates (disaccharides, monosaccharides) and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides).

From fast – we refuse (pasta, fast food, confectionery, white rice), complex carbohydrates – we welcome. Since they transport all vital components: fiber, inulin, pectin, glycogen, chitin, cellulose, etc.

In addition, the causes of low temperature may lie:

1. Lack of sleep.

Lack of sleep has a negative impact on the general condition of the body, so it can also cause an imbalance in the temperature regime. Of course, one or two sleepless nights is not a reason to worry and definitely not a reason to immediately run for a thermometer. But systematic lack of sleep can lead to hypothermia.

2. In adaptation to new climacteric conditions.

A sudden transition from warm to cold will not please your body, it can signal this by giving a malfunction in temperature. Adaptation should be soft. Try to dress as warmly as possible and do not stay in cold and windy weather for a long time without reliable protection in the form of warm clothes and shoes.

3. In hormonal disorders.

Low body temperature (temperature below 35.5°C) may also be associated with endocrine disorders. After all, thyroid and ovarian hormones play an important role in thermoregulation.

Low temperature may indicate hypofunction of the endocrine glands, insufficient production of iodine, progesterone and TSH.

• Therefore, the specialists of the R + Medical Network clinic strongly recommend not to delay the visit to the endocrinologist and undergo at least a minimal examination – ultrasound of the thyroid gland and 900 11 biochemical blood test.
  

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Only timely and competent diagnosis of the disease can guarantee a high result of treatment.

What are the symptoms of hypothermia?

If we divide the symptoms of hypothermia into 4 temperature blocks, the signs of a decrease in body temperature will be as follows:

As a rule, death occurs at temperatures below 33°C. Since the metabolism and chemical reactions in the body are completely disrupted. Breathing becomes rare and intermittent, the pupils stop responding to light, the heart stops.

How to raise the temperature?

First of all, put on warm and dry clothes. Warm sweater, scarf, mittens, socks. Everything you need to keep warm.

At home, a blanket or a woolen blanket will not be superfluous.

If a person can move and the indicator is not critical (34 ° C or 35 ° C degrees), you can do some moderate exercise.

If the body temperature is less than 35°C, it is also recommended to eat and drink, which will saturate the body with more energy.

It can be cereal, chocolate, broth or soup, warm tea, coffee or warm milk.

Drinks and food must not be too hot.

To raise the temperature, it is important to act as quickly as possible. It is best when no more than one hour has passed from the moment of lowering to the moment of first aid.

If severe hypothermia is the cause of the drop in body temperature, first aid in the form of warm drinks and clothing is not enough. The victim must be taken to the hospital or call for medical assistance at the scene.

In case of frostbite, it is strictly forbidden to rub the frostbitten area with snow, alcohol or grease!

And remember, the temperature of 36°C is not a constant, but always a litmus indicator of the state of your body and well-being.

Let these simple, at first glance, rules help you react correctly in a critical situation and who knows, maybe you will save not only your own, but also someone else’s life.

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description of the disease, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Hypothermia is a violation of heat transfer, which is manifested by a significant decrease in body temperature (less than 35. 5 ° C). Occurs with prolonged exposure to low ambient temperatures or a decrease in heat production and an increase in its return. Hypothermia often becomes a sign of certain diseases.

Mechanism of heat production

Mandatory heat production is the heat that is produced during the body’s metabolic processes. It is enough to maintain normal body temperature, but only if the ambient temperature is comfortable. For an adult, the range from 18 to 23 ° C is considered comfortable, but with minimal physical activity and light clothing. When the body is hypothermic, muscle tone increases, so muscle tremors appear.

However, there is the concept of additional heat production. It becomes active if the air temperature becomes too low. Additional heat production includes contractile thermogenesis, which is based on involuntary muscle contraction, as well as non-contractile thermogenesis, carried out by splitting brown fat. It is practically absent in adults, since it regresses with growing up. Brown adipose tissue is located in the area of ​​​​the kidneys, shoulder blades, on the neck. Young children have more of it, and it is metabolically very active, because it protects them from severe hypothermia.

The metabolic rate is influenced by thyroid and adrenal hormones. The thermoregulatory center is located in the hypothalamus. The central body temperature is measured in the oral cavity, rectum, ear canal, and in a medical institution – in the bladder, nasopharynx and esophagus. In the central vessels and most internal organs, it is maintained at a level of 36–38°C.

Peripheral body temperature is measured in the armpits or on the forehead. Normally, it is slightly below the center.

Temperature readings are individual for each person and differ depending on the part of the body. There is a certain norm, which changes slightly during the day.

Causes of hypothermia

Possible causes of decreased body temperature include:

• CNS pathology;
• low muscle mass;
• alcohol or other types of intoxication;
• prolonged physical activity;
• decreased metabolic rate;
• period of pregnancy;
• drug exposure;
• recovery period after a long illness.

Hypothermia can also be caused by prolonged exposure to ice-cold water, wet clothing, and low ambient temperatures. These factors often lead to disruption of thermal exchange and heat loss.

Types of low temperature

Hypothermia is endogenous, when pathologies of internal organs are observed, or exogenous, when body temperature depends on external factors.

Medical hypothermia is also classified as exogenous. It is used when a temporary slowdown in blood circulation is required. That is, its task is to reduce metabolism and activity in organs and tissues. This is necessary to increase resistance to lack of oxygen. Medical hypothermia is indicated during open surgical interventions on the heart and blood vessels, with injuries of the brain and spinal cord, ischemic stroke, neonatal hypoxia.

The following types of low temperature are noted:

1. Mild degree – observed at body temperature from 32.2 to 35 ° C, characterized by drowsiness, chills, increased heart rate and respiration.
2. Medium degree – noted at a temperature of 27 to 32.1 ° C, it is characterized by a decrease in reflexes, bradycardia and slow breathing.
3. Severe degree – observed at temperatures below 27 ° C, when a person is in a depressed state, and he completely lacks reflexes.

The degree of severity is assessed by the doctor not only by the level of decrease in the central temperature, but also by some clinical signs.

Pathologies causing hypothermia

The most rare causes include:

• spinal cord injury;
• terminal liver failure;
• septic condition;
• uremia;
• certain types of diabetes.

Common causes of hypothermia include heart attack and stroke, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, anemia, hypoglycemia, as well as VSD and depression.

Body temperature may decrease during shock conditions, with a sharp expansion of blood vessels. Heat transfer increases many times, and the body temperature drops by 4-5 ° C below the accepted norm. If this is combined with chest pain and low blood pressure, then myocardial infarction is possible.

Occasionally, hypothermia is caused by ischemic stroke. The patient feels drowsiness, some stupor, a short-term loss of consciousness is possible. As a rule, neurological symptoms and temperature decrease increase gradually.

A decrease in temperature below 32°C is noted with hemorrhages or inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus. When the posterior hypothalamus is affected, temperature fluctuations associated with the environment (poikilothermia) are observed. In cold conditions, a hypothermic coma is possible with irreversible consequences for some parts of the brain.

Addison’s disease is also often the cause of a decrease in temperature. Corticosteroids, which are synthesized by the adrenal glands, maintain the metabolism at the proper level, including the temperature. However, with their insufficient production, a number of disorders appear, against their background, the body temperature drops. A sudden decrease in blood pressure, muscle weakness, loss of consciousness, combined with a temperature below 33 ° C, indicate an Addisonian crisis.

Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, and the brain center responsible for proper thermoregulation reduces its activity. Such conditions negatively affect the skin: pallor, waxiness are the main signs. Due to microcirculation disorders, hair can fall out. The patient complains of loss of strength, constant drowsiness.

Initially, with hypoglycemia, there is a slight decrease in temperature, but if the causes are not eliminated, the condition rapidly worsens, and the temperature continues to decrease. Deep syncope is possible, because with hypoglycemia, energy starvation of the brain occurs.

Hypothermia in anemia is caused by low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Among the clinical signs are headache, darkening in the eyes, fatigue. The condition of nails, hair, skin worsens.

In VVD, hypothermia is caused by impaired blood circulation and autonomic regulation. Such conditions are characterized by weakness, dizziness, trembling in the limbs. Such attacks occur periodically, they are provoked by prolonged stress, physical activity, prolonged stay in a stuffy room.

It is not uncommon to have a low body temperature after a viral infection. This is due to the sluggish activity of the immune system and the depletion of the body. Among the symptoms of asthenia are fatigue, weakness, drowsiness. The condition persists for 2-3 weeks.

In some cases, hypothermia is noted in depression, as associations change and the limbic system is disturbed, which causes malfunctions in the thermoregulatory center. However, temperatures are rarely set below 34.5°C, although hypothermia in depressive disorders is prolonged. Along with a low temperature, patients experience depression, sleep problems, they have cold extremities with a marbled pattern on the skin.

Hypothermia is possible with various intoxications of the body. Toxins, accumulating in the blood, penetrate into the parts of the brain, disrupting the transmission of impulses. Under the influence of toxic compounds, the body temperature decreases, the general condition of the body worsens.

Which doctor should I contact if my body temperature drops?

If a slight decrease in temperature, which is not associated with hypothermia, persists for a long time, then it is necessary to consult a general practitioner, neurologist, endocrinologist.

In case of a sharp drop in temperature, which is accompanied by other life-threatening symptoms, severe hypothermia, an ambulance will be required.

Diagnosis of hypothermia

The volume of diagnostic measures depends on the degree of temperature decrease and the general condition of the body. At indicators below 32 ° C, instrumental studies of the body are necessary, as well as advanced laboratory tests. The most informative are:

• biochemical blood test to determine the level of nitrogen and urea;
• hormonal test for the content of thyroxine and free T3, pituitary hormones;
• CT scan of the brain;
• thyroid scintigraphy;
• electrographic methods – ECG, EEG to assess brain activity, in the clinic – electromyography and electroneurography.