What is considered normal
The idea of the only correct 36.6 °C is a simplification. In a healthy person, the temperature changes throughout the day: it is minimal in the early morning and highest in the evening, the difference can reach almost a degree. The result is influenced by the method of measurement, physical activity, hot food, smoking, warm clothing, stress, and in women the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Before being examined, it is worth measuring your temperature for several days with the same working thermometer under the same conditions and recording the results along with your well-being.
- Daily temperature fluctuations are normal
- Temperatures are higher in the evening than in the morning
- Different measurement methods give different values
- The second phase of the cycle in women increases the temperature
- Hot food, workload and stress distort the results
- A temperature diary for 7–14 days is useful
Common reasons
The most common situation is residual low-grade fever after a viral infection, which goes away on its own within a few weeks. Next, you should look for foci of chronic inflammation: tonsils, teeth, sinuses, urinary tract, gallbladder, appendages. In hot climates, tuberculosis is always considered, especially with cough, weight loss and night sweats. A separate group consists of thyroid diseases, anemia and rheumatic diseases, as well as taking certain medications.
- Residual temperature after infection
- Chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries and periodontitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Tuberculosis
- Thyrotoxicosis and other thyroid diseases
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases
- Drug fever and tumors (less common)
When temperature is not associated with illness
There is a variant of the constitutional norm when a person’s usual body temperature is initially higher than average, and this is not accompanied by any deviations in tests and well-being. Such low-grade fever is often detected by chance, and the search for a “hidden infection” ends in nothing. In addition, the temperature may rise with severe anxiety and chronic stress. The diagnosis of constitutional low-grade fever is made only after excluding the real causes, and this is done by the doctor, and not by the patient himself.
- Individually high normal temperature
- No changes in analyzes or complaints
- Good tolerability and stability of performance
- Impact of anxiety and stress
- Diagnosis is made by exclusion
- Unnecessary repeated examinations only increase anxiety
Where to start the examination
The first step is a detailed conversation and examination: the doctor finds out the duration, nature of the temperature, accompanying complaints, previous infections, contacts, trips, medications taken. Next, basic tests are prescribed: a complete blood count, C-reactive protein, a complete urinalysis, and a chest x-ray. If necessary, TSH, examination for tuberculosis, ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs, examination by a dentist and otolaryngologist are added. The further volume depends on the results, and it makes no sense to prescribe everything.
- Detailed history and examination
- General blood test
- C-reactive protein and ESR
- General urine test
- Chest X-ray
- TSH for suspected thyroid disease
- Testing for tuberculosis according to indications
- Examination by a dentist and otolaryngologist to look for lesions
What should the patient do?
It is usually not necessary to bring down a low-grade fever: it is not dangerous and does not damage the body, and antipyretics only mask the picture and complicate diagnosis. It is much more useful to keep a diary of temperature and symptoms, improve sleep, reduce stress and not self-prescribe antibiotics - if they are viral or non-infectious in nature, they are useless and harmful. If the temperature does not go away within two to three weeks or alarming signs appear, you need a scheduled visit to the therapist with a ready-made diary and the results of tests already taken.
- Keep a diary of temperature and well-being
- Do not bring down low-grade fever without a prescription
- Don't take antibiotics yourself
- Improve sleep and routine, reduce overload
- Come to the therapist with a diary and tests
- Do not repeat the same examinations without indications
- Contact us immediately if any warning signs appear
