We all are well aware that the average body temperature of a human being is 98.6 degrees. Any rise or fall in body temperature levels tells a lot about our health. Sometimes, in some cases, average body temperature can vary between 97.8 degrees to 99 degrees. There are various factors responsible for determining body temperature. Environmental factors, health reasons, excessive exercise etc. directly affect our body temperature. Besides, body temperature also varies depending on age. Newborns have higher temperatures than older ones. Thus, all of us should be well aware of the facts that bring about a change in the average temperature of the body. Dr Rahul Tambe, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital states that "Human body temperature range between 97.7 to 99.5 °F is considered healthy with that over 100.4 °F reported as hot, and below 96.8 °F reviewed as cold body temperature."
What are the facts about body temperature that we all know?
Smoking increases body temperature
When we smoke, our body temperature rises. Cigarette smoke enters the lungs and heats them. Eventually, due to heat, the lungs fail to complete their regular functioning. Although this increase in temperature is temporary, there is a change in body temperature. No individual maintains same body temperature throughout the day and several internal and external factors such as age, sex, time of day, health status (such as illness and menstruation), exertion level, what part of the body measurement is taken at and state of consciousness (waking, sleeping, sedated) may cause fluctuations to the body temperature of an individual.
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Cayenne affects body temperature
People often use red chilli in their food to add flavour. However, scarce people know that red pepper can cause a change in body temperature. According to a study, it has been found that red chillies temporarily increase body temperature. Moreover, the emotional and psychological state of an individual may also alter his or her temperature. An excited or elated individual may report higher temperature than that a relatively calmer one.
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Sleep affects body temperature
Our sleep often affects body temperature. When the skin is calm, a person can sleep better. Even one study shows the relationship between both body temperature and insomnia. However, when the body warmth is too high, it often disturbs sleep. Since extreme changes in the temperature are denoted as the body's immune response to external or internal threats, one should seek immediate medical intervention in such cases.
Men and women have different body temperatures
Body temperature is also affected according to your gender. According to one study, women are more likely to get cold than men. As a result, hot and cold also change their endurance. Thus, their feet, hands, nose cool faster than men.
Age also affects body temperature
A person's age also affects body temperature. As we get older, body temperature tends to be lower than average, as the study says. Thus, while measuring the fever of an older person, it should be kept in mind. Self-monitoring of the fluctuations in body temperature is essential as though it cannot help diagnose a particular disease but can provide meaning information to the clinicians about specific etiologies.
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