What should your axillary temp be

Be sure to read and follow the instructions to obtain an accurate temperature. The information may also include how the results of the device correlate with the results from other methods of taking a temperature.

Plastic strip thermometers have some uses, but they aren't recommended for general home use. Unlike oral, rectal, and ear thermometers, plastic strip thermometers measure skin temperature, not body temperature.

Temperature comparison table The temperature comparison table below will give you the range of temperature correlation with the different methods used to take a temperature. To use the table: Find the method that you used to take a temperature. Find the correct temperature range. Look for the temperature range of the other methods that correlates to the method you used. Remember, a child has a fever when his or her temperature is Current as of: July 1, I want to All rights reserved. Ear thermometers may need to be cleaned before they are used.

Taking an oral temperature causes only mild discomfort. You have to keep the thermometer under your tongue and hold it in place with your lips.

Taking a rectal temperature can cause a little discomfort, but it should not be painful. Taking an ear temperature causes little or no discomfort. The probe is not inserted very far into the ear, and it gives a reading in only a few seconds. Taking an armpit temperature does not cause any discomfort. There is very little chance of a problem from taking a temperature.

When taking a rectal temperature, do not push the thermometer in more than 1. Pushing it farther can be painful and may damage the rectum. If you tell your doctor about your temperature reading, be sure to say where it was taken: in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear. But that may not be normal for you. Your temperature also changes during the day.

It is usually lowest in the early morning. It may rise as much as 0. Your temperature may also rise by 0. A woman's body temperature often changes by 0. It peaks around the time she ovulates. A rectal or ear temperature of less than A temperature reading may not be accurate if:.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat.

Top of the page. Test Overview Body temperature is a measure of your body's ability to make and get rid of heat. When you are too hot, the blood vessels in your skin widen to carry the excess heat to your skin's surface. You may start to sweat. As the sweat evaporates, it helps cool your body. When you are too cold, your blood vessels narrow. This reduces blood flow to your skin to save body heat. You may start to shiver. When the muscles tremble this way, it helps to make more heat.

Fever In most adults, an oral or axillary temperature above A fever may occur as a reaction to: Infection. This is the most common cause of a fever. Infections may affect the whole body or one body part. These include antibiotics , opioids , antihistamines , and many others.

This is called a "drug fever. Other medicines keep the body from resetting its temperature when other things cause the temperature to rise. Severe trauma or injury. This may include heart attack, stroke, heatstroke , or burns. Other medical conditions. These include arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and even some cancers, such as leukemia and lung cancer. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison. Topic Overview You can take a temperature using the mouth oral , anus rectal , armpit axillary , or ear tympanic. Generally, the correlation of temperature results are as follows: The average normal oral temperature is If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever, it's important to get medical help immediately. Adults with fevers of F The main goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort and help you get rest.

Seek emergency medical care if your child has a fever after being left in a hot car or involved in another such potentially dangerous situation and shows any of these warning signs:. Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended.

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