New and traditional ways baby temperature measurements

Normal body temperature of a child

In newborns, thermoregulation of the body is not yet fully formed. Body temperature varies depending on how warm the baby is wrapped up or completely undressed, even different parts of the body have different temperatures. For example, if measured in the mouth or rectally, the difference will be within 1 degree. For babies, body temperature is considered normal from 36 degrees Celsius to 38. It stabilizes and will be equal to 36.6 only by 1 year of age.
To find out what temperature is normal for your child, measure it every day in the morning, afternoon and evening. The result that is obtained most often is the norm for your baby, provided that he is completely healthy.

Possible causes of an increase in body temperature

In most cases, in infants, body temperature rises for the following reasons:

• Overheat. It is hot outside, in the room, or dressed too warmly.
• Lack of fluid in the body.
• Chair disorders.
• Increased activity.
• The appearance of the first teeth.
• Individual characteristics and reactions.
• Cold.

In a small child, an increase in temperature often indicates a temporary discomfort that the body is trying to cope with, rather than a serious illness. However, it is necessary to observe in order to respond in time in case of the onset of the disease.

Temperature measurement methods

There are several ways to measure body temperature in young children:

• Orally. For this method, an electronic thermometer or in the form of a pacifier is suitable.
• In the ear You can purchase a special thermometer for this purpose.
• Rectally. The thermometer is inserted into the rectum. Suitable mercury or electronic.
• In the armpit. You can use electronic or mercury thermometer.
• Contactless. Appeared devices with infrared meters. It is enough to bring such an apparatus at a close distance to the body of the child and it will show what the temperature of the baby is.
• Using disposable indicator strips. One strip is attached to the forehead or placed under the tongue.

Despite the variety of methods and devices, mothers traditionally prefer a mercury thermometer. It is familiar, accessible and accurate.

Rules for measuring temperature with a mercury thermometer

To make the readings of a mercury thermometer as accurate as possible, follow these simple recommendations:

• In the room where the baby is located, the external temperature should not exceed 20-22 degrees.
• If you measure in the armpit, wipe it with a dry cloth first.
• Look at the thermometer, the indicators should be reset. Shake well if left over from previous use.
• Install at the deepest point of the armpit.
• If the baby still cannot hold the thermometer on his own, help him by holding it with your hand. At the same time, clothing should not interfere.
• Press the child's arm so that no air enters the armpit.
• Take the temperature when the baby is at rest.
• Immediately after a walk, eating and warm drinking, the indicators will not be correct. Therefore, wait 15 minutes before taking the child's body temperature.
• During the measurement of temperature, it is not advisable to talk, sing, make noise or do something else.
• The mercury thermometer must be held for at least 10 minutes.
• Get out without haste and sudden movements. The glass of the thermometer is fragile and can break.
• If the baby is not sick, then it is better to control the temperature 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, and do it at the same time. At colds, measure before and after the child takes antipyretics.
• After use, immediately bring down the indicators and wipe with alcohol.

The mercury thermometer must be used with extreme caution. Remember that mercury, even in small amounts, is not safe for health.

The measurement can be made with both mercury and electronic thermometers. While the child is sleeping, the temperature can be measured under the arm. In other countries, a thermometer is used to measure body temperature by placing it in the anus or in the mouth. The readings of the thermometer during measurements at different points will be different.

Traditionally, in every home or medical institution I have a mercury thermometer. It was the content of mercury in the thermometer and the possibility of pouring mercury that led to the introduction of a ban on the use of these thermometers in some countries. Western Europe. The 21st century offers new safe methods for measuring temperature with electronic, infrared and liquid crystal thermometers.

Such a thermometer will show the temperature with an accuracy of half a degree already in 20-30 seconds. The principle of operation of an infrared thermometer is quite clear - contact and non-contact. This thermometer works extremely fast.

The principle of operation of an electronic thermometer is reduced to a simple chain: the resistor heats up, its resistance drops and the current increases. The operating time of such a thermometer is quite long - up to 5 minutes, this is because the thermometer clearly reacts to minor changes in armpit temperature and cannot “calm down” in any way.

To obtain an accurate result, the temperature sensor of the electronic thermometer should fit as closely as possible to the skin under the arm. This method is strictly prohibited for measurement with mercury thermometers! For an accurate measurement of body temperature on the forehead, it is enough to gently hold the forehead infrared thermometer at the temples, and after a few seconds the temperature will be determined.

ATTENTION! In no case should vikoristovuvatiauditory passage for measuring temperature with conventional thermometers. Therefore, changes in body temperature occur faster and more accurately in the ear than elsewhere. It is carried out by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. It is the most accurate, since the rectal cavity is closed from the outside by an external sphincter.

Before proceeding with the procedure for introducing a thermometer, it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect it. It is carried out by placing a mercury or electronic thermometer in the oral cavity under the tongue. Before use, the tip of the thermometer must be thoroughly disinfected. Does not give the most accurate results, however, most people in Everyday life most often resort to it. However, not everyone knows how long you need to keep a mercury thermometer under your arm.

Temperature measurement methods

Firstly, you should not start measuring the temperature immediately after taking a bath or performing intensive physical activity. Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the tip of the thermometer and wipe it dry with a napkin or towel. The thermometer is inserted deep into the armpit, then pressed tightly with the hand. Air must be prevented from entering the measuring point.

mercury thermometer

Plus, the thermometer needs five minutes for the mercury to reach the desired point on the scale corresponding to the actual temperature. Many mothers are also interested in the question: how long should a thermometer be kept under the arm of a child. And after that, put a thermometer for the remaining 5 minutes.

A simple mercury thermometer known to everyone from distant childhood has not lost its relevance even now. Electronic thermometers have become popular among the population along with mercury thermometers. In order to learn how to correctly measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer, you must carefully read the instructions attached to it. The disadvantages of digital thermometers include: the possibility of obtaining incorrect information due to an error in the internal program of the thermometer.

This situation occurs if the electronic thermometer is removed immediately after the sound signal is triggered. In this case, the hand should be pressed against the body more strongly, since the temperature sensor of an electronic thermometer requires closer contact with the skin than mercury. Do not rule out a malfunction of the thermometer.

Electronic thermometer

In some Western European countries, it is customary to measure the body temperature of children in the ear canal using an infrared thermometer. In addition, a high-quality infrared thermometer has a high cost. Even for newborns, there are thermometers-pacifiers. Having studied and tried all the options for measuring temperature, everyone can choose for themselves the most convenient way.

When it is suspected that someone is sick, the first thing to do is to measure body temperature with a thermometer. How to hold it correctly so that the readings are true? Adults and young children measure the temperature in different ways. If you have a mercury thermometer, then after checking the body temperature, be sure to shake it to reset the readings.

Otherwise, the procedure for mercury and electronic thermometers is no different. The fact is that the sweat that stands out has more high temperature than the body itself, so the results on the thermometer will be inflated. You can increase the measurement time for older mercury devices, which over time begin to respond more slowly to temperature changes. Another way to hold a thermometer is to insert it under your knee.

For small children, you can measure the temperature rectally by inserting a thermometer into the baby's ass. If you leave the baby alone with the thermometer, he can, while playing, break it and cut himself. From the increase in the time of measuring body temperature, the readings of the thermometer will not change. Another disadvantage of a mercury thermometer is the relatively long (up to 10 minutes) temperature measurement time. Such thermometers require a battery for their work, which lasts for a long time.

Only after that, carefully place and hold the thermometer under your arm. And how many minutes to hold an electronic thermometer with a flexible tip? Insert the thermometer under your arm, press your hand against your body and hold tightly while taking the temperature. To find out the temperature, take a thermometer and hold it under your arm.

How long should you keep a thermometer under your arm? The answer to this question depends on many factors: the type of thermometer, what time of day the measurements are taken, etc. Let's look into all the details together.

The temperature in the armpit is measured in order to identify its deviation from the normal for the body. An elevated body temperature may indicate the presence of an infection, viral disease, the beginning of the inflammatory process in the body and a number of other conditions.

Normal temperature fluctuates between 35.6 and 36.7 ° Celsius and varies slightly depending on the time of day and physical activity of a person. Several types of thermometers have been developed to measure temperature. Which device you choose will depend on how long you keep the thermometer under your arm, as well as the accuracy of the measurements.

The digital thermometer is considered the fastest and most reliable. it small size a hand-held device with a "window" where body temperature data is displayed. Most electronic thermometers are equipped with virtual memory and can capture multiple measurement data. There are a lot of types of digital thermometers in the pharmacy. All of them are easy to use and measure temperature in less than a minute.

Read also:

• Basal Temperature Graphs with Examples

Glass thermometers with blue and red alcohol solutions inside also do an excellent job of measuring body temperature. In scientific and medical circles, such a device is called Galinstanov. The advantage of this thermometer is that the components inside it are non-toxic and also comply with all standards and requirements.

How many minutes you need to keep a Galinstan thermometer under your arm, in most cases depends on the age of the patient. So, he will show adults correct temperature after 8 minutes, and children need to keep the thermometer for about 10 minutes.

A kind of echo from the past today is an ordinary mercury thermometer. Such a thermometer is a thin glass tube with a silver filler inside. it Gray matter is nothing more than mercury toxic and dangerous to the human body. The design itself is very flimsy, and with strong shaking or improper handling, the thermometer can easily burst, and mercury can get on the skin. Keep a mercury thermometer under your arm for about 10 minutes.

Modern liquid crystal indicators can be used to measure temperature not only in the armpits, but also orally. Despite the advancement in technology, significant disadvantage device is that it is not recommended for use by children under the age of one year. The thermometer is available in the form of a disposable thermal strip and shows accurate measurement results in 5-6 minutes.

Each thermometer has its own advantages and disadvantages. If the measurement time does not play a decisive role, then for home use glass thermometers are fine. But for young patients, many pediatricians recommend acquiring accurate and fast electronic devices. They are safer than other alternatives, but are a bit more expensive.

If you need to quickly find out your body temperature while on the road, it is most convenient to use liquid crystal strips. They are very compact and will not take up much space even in your pocket.

After we figured out how long you need to keep one or another thermometer under your arm, it's time to move on to general rules. The accuracy of measuring body temperature depends on how clearly you follow them:

1. Remove the thermometer from the plastic holder.
2. Hold the device by the edge opposite the colored or silver tip.
3. Clean the tip and surrounding area with alcohol or warm water with soap.
4. The color bar on the scale should be below 35.6 degrees Celsius. If the indicator shows greater value Shake the thermometer gently with sharp movements several times. This is best done over a sofa or bed. This action will keep the thermometer from being destroyed if it accidentally slips out of your hand.
5. Gently pat your armpits dry with a paper towel.
6. Place the tip in the armpit and apply light pressure with your hand.
7. Hold the thermometer under your arm for up to 10 minutes, depending on the type of device.
8. Then gently remove the device from your armpit, wipe the tip clean and check the results on the scale.
9. Make a note of the time and thermometer readings, as your doctor may need these data.

What is a thermometer? A medical device familiar to many is located in almost every apartment. Why it is easy to find it in a family with any income (and often in several copies) is not necessary to explain, since it is not possible to measure the temperature without a thermometer.

You can touch the forehead of a sick person with your lips or measure a person’s pulse, but these actions will only help you understand that the temperature is too high, but you can’t hope for accurate results. Any working thermometer is an important and necessary item. This fact is not controversial. Disputes about how long to keep a thermometer are ongoing. Let's try to find out optimal time required to determine body temperature.

- inexpensive and most accurate device. Its disadvantage is its fragility and for a long time measurements, but there are no competitors in terms of accuracy. How long to keep a mercury thermometer depends on the method of measuring temperature:

• in the rectum or mouth - 5 minutes;
• in the armpit - 10 minutes.

History reference. The prototype of the liquid thermometer was the thermoscope, invented by Galileo in 1603. After 23 years, Santorio improved this device and measured the temperature for the first time. human body. The famous Fahrenheit filled the device with mercury in 1714. He first suggested using physical properties alcohol. But I noticed that under the influence of heat, mercury expands more evenly.

Electronic - more expensive and less accurate than a mercury device, but at the same time it produces results much faster. Each such gadget emits a sound signal at the end of the temperature measurement, the whole process takes from 2 to 5 minutes.

It is interesting . Thermometer-tattoo - a kind of electronic thermometer for permanent wear on the skin. The personal device was developed by a group of scientists from America, China and Singapore. Outwardly, this is a thin film with golden sensors, reminiscent of a tattoo with a barcode. It attaches to the skin inside wrists with special glue. Measures body temperature throughout the day. True, there is no particular accuracy so far.

Infrared (non-contact)- it is enough to bring it to the forehead of a person or insert it into the ear, the exact temperature data will be known in 5 seconds. The disadvantage of this type of device is the high cost. Plus - absolute safety and high speed of measurement.

New developments. Today, in pharmacies, you can often find thermometers in the form of a pacifier. Unfortunately for manufacturers and parents, not all babies like these options. Some of them spit them out, others start to gnaw ... Korean designers tried to correct the situation. They offered to take the temperature with the help of ... lollipop. The most real and quite edible. The thermometer is a stick, at the measuring end of which is a replaceable sweetness. While the baby is eating, his temperature is measured. If the idea is implemented and goes into mass production, then interchangeable sweets will be sold in pharmacies.

Disposable (travel)- is a strip that should be applied to the forehead or placed under the tongue. Colored divisions will help determine body temperature. You need to hold such a device for a minute. Such a device will be convenient while traveling, but you can’t count on an accurate result with it.

How long to keep the thermometer under the arm

Mercury and electronic devices are most in demand due to their affordable cost and ease of use. With their help, they usually determine the body temperature in the armpit, since this method brings a minimum of inconvenience, especially when you need to understand whether the child has a fever or not.

The answer to the question of how long to keep a thermometer under your arm is as follows:

• 2 to 5 minutes when using an electronic device;
• 8 to 10 minutes when using a mercury device.

Which thermometer to choose?

You need to choose a medical gadget based on who and under what conditions you need to measure the temperature.

For infants and young children fit infrared thermometer, because it determines the exact temperature in a few seconds. It is very convenient that the child does not need to undress and it is enough to free the forehead.

For adults, it is better to use a mercury device, as it shows the most accurate result. It will take some time to display adequate body temperature information.

For travel and business trips Disposable strips are great because you don't have to worry about them breaking or breaking.

Any doctor will be able to quickly and correctly diagnose a patient, having reliable and accurate information about his condition. Highly important parameter is body temperature. It turns out that in order to correctly determine it, it is necessary to observe certain rules, and also know how much it is necessary to measure the temperature with one or another type of thermometer. So, let's consider everything in order.

Temperature measurement methods

There are three main ways to measure the temperature in an adult or a child:

• rectal;
• oral;
• axillary.

The methods listed in the list are arranged as the accuracy of the readings obtained decreases. You should know that the well-known temperature of 36.6 degrees is the norm only for determining the temperature in the axillary way (under the arm). For example, with the rectal method, it will be correct to consider 37.3 - 37.7 degrees as the norm, and with the oral method - 37.1 - 37.5.

It's important to know

Temperature norms vary, depending on the part of the body:
- 36.3-36.8 - under the arm;
- 37.1-37.5 - in the mouth;
- 37.3-37.7 - in the rectum.

Temperature measurement by any of these methods is possible using a mercury thermometer or an electronic thermometer.
Let's consider each of the methods in more detail. Let's determine which method makes sense to use in each specific situation, how much you need to keep the thermometer under your arm or in other parts of the body.

Rectal temperature measurement

It is carried out by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. It is the most accurate, since the rectal cavity is closed from the outside by an external sphincter. Most often, this method is used to determine the temperature in children under 5 years of age. There are a number of cases where the rectal method is the best option:

• to determine the basal temperature in women;
• finding the patient unconscious;
• with thermoneurosis disease, when fever lasts for a long time;
• in people suffering from underweight;
• in the presence of skin diseases in the armpits, inflammation in the oral cavity.

Contraindications: constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, proctitis.
Do not measure immediately after taking a hot bath or shower, as well as after intense physical exertion.

How and how much to measure the temperature by the rectal method

The measurement can be made with both mercury and electronic thermometers. The most comfortable position is on the side, the legs must be bent at the knees. When measuring the temperature of a child, you can also lay him on his back, lifting his legs up or on his stomach on the knee of an adult.

Before proceeding with the procedure for introducing a thermometer, it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect it. Then lubricate its tip with petroleum jelly, oil or baby cream. Then insert into the anus to a depth of 5-6 cm for an adult and 1-2 cm for a child, firmly press the buttocks to each other. A time of 5 minutes will be required if you measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer, how long it takes when using an electronic thermometer will let you know a sound signal, after which you need to wait another 30 seconds.

Oral temperature measurement

It is carried out by placing a mercury or electronic thermometer in the oral cavity under the tongue. This method quite convenient and effective, is widely used in Western Europe and America. it best way for children over five years of age. AT younger age children are at risk of injury due to improper use of measuring instruments. It is used in cases where the procedure is not possible in other ways.

Contraindications: inflammatory processes in the oral cavity or nasal congestion.

How and how much to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the mouth

You can not measure the temperature immediately after taking cold or hot food. You must wait at least 20 minutes for the information to be reliable. In the mouth, it is correct to measure the temperature with both a mercury thermometer and an electronic thermometer.

Before use, the tip of the thermometer must be thoroughly disinfected. Then the thermometer should be placed as far as possible in the lower palate under the tongue and lips tightly compressed. Breathing is done only through the nose.

Many are concerned about the question of how many minutes to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the mouth. So, the time required to determine the maximum exact value temperature is five minutes. If an electronic thermometer is used, it is necessary to wait 30-40 seconds after the beep.

Axillary temperature measurement

It does not give the most accurate results, however, most people in everyday life most often resort to it. However, not everyone knows how long you need to keep a mercury thermometer under your arm. Many people do this procedure at random and do not keep track of how many minutes they hold a mercury thermometer under their arm. Let us dwell on the axillary method in more detail.

Firstly, you should not start measuring the temperature immediately after taking a bath or performing intense physical exertion. Secondly, the skin in the armpit should be dry. To do this, before measuring the temperature, you need to wipe this area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin with a dry cloth, removing the existing droplets of sweat. Thirdly, it is desirable to use a non-working hand to measure temperature.

Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the tip of the thermometer and wipe it dry with a napkin or towel. The thermometer is inserted deep into the armpit, then pressed tightly with the hand. Air must be prevented from entering the measuring point.

How long should you keep a mercury thermometer under your arm?

The duration of temperature measurement using the accelerator method is longer than any other. The fact is that in order for the temperature of the skin in the armpit to reach the internal temperature of the human body, it is necessary to keep the hand very tightly pressed to the body for at least five minutes. Plus, the thermometer needs five minutes for the mercury to reach the desired point on the scale corresponding to the actual temperature. Thus, the answer to the question: how many minutes to measure the temperature under the arm will be - 10 minutes.

How long to keep a mercury thermometer

- in the mouth and rectum - 5 minutes;
- under the armpit - 10 min.

Measurement of temperature under the arm in children

Many mothers are also interested in the question: how long should a thermometer be kept under the arm of a child. After all, most children are fidgety, so it is not possible to keep them in one position for as long as 10 minutes. In this case, experienced pediatricians advise first for about 5 minutes to ask the child to simply press his hand to the body so that the temperature under the arm rises to the internal temperature of the body. And after that, put a thermometer for the remaining 5 minutes.

You can also wait until the baby is fast asleep. Only after that, carefully place and hold the thermometer under your arm. No matter how long it takes, it is easy to fix the child in the right position when he sleeps.

After the optimal method for measuring temperature is chosen, the question arises of choosing a measuring instrument.

Which thermometer to choose

There are two main types of thermometers, which differ in the principle of operation:

• mercury;
• electronic.

Each of them has its own characteristics. Let's consider them in more detail.

mercury thermometer

A simple mercury thermometer known to everyone from distant childhood has not lost its relevance even now. It has a number of advantages:

• high measurement accuracy;
• low price;
• familiarity and ease of use;
• possibility of application at any method of measurement;
• the possibility of error is practically excluded.

Its disadvantages include:

• high fragility;
• the possibility of harm in case of damage;
• long time for the measurement procedure.

There are a number of rules for using mercury thermometers:

• use in children only under adult supervision;
• store in a special case out of the reach of a child;
• do not store faulty thermometers at home.

Electronic thermometer

Electronic thermometers have become popular among the population along with mercury thermometers. In order to learn how to correctly measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer, you must carefully read the instructions attached to it.
Advantages of using an electronic thermometer:

• short time of the procedure;
• universality, it is possible to measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer both axillary and oral and rectal;
• safety of use.

The disadvantages of digital thermometers include: the possibility of obtaining incorrect information due to an error in the internal program of the thermometer.
Some people notice that an electronic thermometer shows a temperature lower than a mercury one. This situation occurs if the electronic thermometer is removed immediately after the sound signal is triggered. Doctors strongly recommend holding the thermometer for another 30 seconds after the signal. Often such a situation arises when a measurement is made under the arm. In this case, the hand should be pressed against the body more strongly, since the temperature sensor of an electronic thermometer requires closer contact with the skin than mercury. Do not rule out a malfunction of the thermometer.

To obtain a more accurate result, the electronic thermometer must be held for another 30 seconds after the beep.

Other temperature measurement options

In some Western European countries, it is customary to measure the body temperature of children in the ear canal using an infrared thermometer. This method is quite convenient, as it takes a minimum of 2-4 seconds. However, there is some measurement error. In addition, a high-quality infrared thermometer has a high cost.

Even for newborns, there are thermometers-pacifiers. Pretty handy invention. But the scope of such thermometers is limited: firstly, not all children take a pacifier, and secondly, measurement is possible only by oral method.

Thermal strips on the forehead. They are convenient because you can always carry them with you. However, they give very approximate information about the rise in temperature.

Having studied and tried all the options for measuring temperature, everyone can choose the most convenient way for themselves. The main thing is to follow all the rules for the measurement procedure and the use of thermometers various types and do not forget about how much you need to measure body temperature with a mercury thermometer or electronic.