Heat at low temperature. General information about thermoregulation. Causes of low body temperature in a child

Body temperature is an indicator of the body's thermal state. Thanks to it, the relationship between heat production is reflected internal organs, heat exchange between them and the outside world. At the same time, temperature indicators depend on a person’s age, time of day, exposure to the environment, health status and other characteristics of the body. So what should a person's body temperature be?

People are accustomed to the fact that when body temperature changes, it is customary to talk about health problems. Even with a slight hesitation, a person is ready to sound the alarm. But everything is not always so sad. Normal human body temperature ranges from 35.5 to 37 degrees. In this case, the average in most cases is 36.4-36.7 degrees. I would also like to note that temperature indicators can be individual for everyone. Normal temperature conditions It is considered when a person feels completely healthy, able to work and there is no failure in metabolic processes.

What is normal temperature bodies in adults also depends on what nationality the person is. For example, in Japan it stays at 36 degrees, and in Australia the body temperature rises to 37 degrees.

It is also worth noting that normal human body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. In the morning it is lower, and in the evening it rises significantly. Moreover, its fluctuation during the day can be one degree.

Human temperature is divided into several types, which include:

  1. bodies. Her readings drop below 35.5 degrees. This process is commonly called hypothermia;
  2. normal body temperature. Indicators can range from 35.5 to 37 degrees;
  3. elevated body temperature. It rises above 37 degrees. In this case, it is measured in the armpit;
  4. . Its limits range from 37.5 to 38 degrees;
  5. febrile body temperature. Indicators range from 38 to 39 degrees;
  6. high or pyretic body temperature. It rises to 41 degrees. This critical temperature body, which leads to disruption metabolic processes in the brain;
  7. hyperpyretic body temperature. A lethal temperature that rises above 41 degrees and leads to death.

Internal temperature is also classified into other types as follows:

  • hypothermia. When temperatures are below 35.5 degrees;
  • normal temperature. It ranges from 35.5-37 degrees;
  • hyperthermia. The temperature is above 37 degrees;
  • feverish condition. The readings rise above 38 degrees, and the patient experiences chills, pale skin, and marble mesh.

Rules for measuring body temperature

All people are accustomed to the fact that, according to the standard, temperature indicators should be measured in the armpit. To complete the procedure, you must follow several rules.

  1. The armpit should be dry.
  2. Then take a thermometer and carefully shake it down to a value of 35 degrees.
  3. The tip of the thermometer is located in the armpit and pressed tightly with your hand.
  4. You need to hold it for five to ten minutes.
  5. After this, the result is evaluated.

You should be extremely careful with a mercury thermometer. You cannot break it, otherwise the mercury will spill out and release harmful fumes. It is strictly forbidden to give such things to children. As a replacement, you can have an infrared or electronic thermometer. Such devices measure temperature in a matter of seconds, but the values ​​​​from mercury may differ.

Not everyone thinks that temperature can be measured not only in the armpit, but also in other places. For example, in the mouth. At this method measurements normal indicators will be within 36-37.3 degrees.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth? There are several rules.
To measure the temperature in the mouth, you need to be in the room for five to seven minutes. calm state. If in oral cavity If you have dentures, braces or plates, they should be removed.

After that mercury thermometer you need to wipe it dry and place it under the tongue on either side. To get results, you need to hold it for four to five minutes.

It is worth noting that oral temperature differs significantly from measurements in the axillary zone. Temperature measurements in the mouth may show a result higher by 0.3-0.8 degrees. If an adult doubts the indicators, then a comparison needs to be made between the temperature obtained in the armpit.

If the patient does not know how to measure the temperature in the mouth, then you can adhere to conventional technology. During the procedure, you should follow the execution technique. The thermometer can be installed both behind the cheek and under the tongue. But clamping the device with your teeth is strictly prohibited.

Reduced body temperature

After the patient has found out what temperature he has, it is necessary to determine its nature. If it is below 35.5 degrees, then it is customary to talk about hypothermia.

The internal temperature may be low for some reasons, which include:

  • weakened immune function;
  • severe hypothermia;
  • recent illness;
  • diseases endocrine system;
  • using some medicines;
  • low hemoglobin;
  • failure in the hormonal system;
  • presence of internal bleeding;
  • intoxication of the body;
  • chronic fatigue.

If the patient's internal temperature is very low, he will feel weak, weak and dizzy.
To increase your temperature at home, you need to put your feet in a hot foot bath or on a heating pad. After this, put on warm socks and drink hot tea with honey, an infusion of medicinal herbs.

If the temperature indicators decrease gradually and reach 35-35.3 degrees, then we can say:

Increased body temperature

The most common phenomenon is elevated temperature bodies. If it stays at levels from 37.3 to 39 degrees, then it is customary to talk about infectious lesion. When viruses, bacteria and fungi enter the human body, severe intoxication occurs, which is expressed not only in an increase in body temperature, but also a runny nose, lacrimation, cough, drowsiness, and deterioration in general condition. If the internal temperature rises above 38.5 degrees, then doctors advise taking antipyretics.

The occurrence of temperature can be observed with burns and mechanical injuries.
In rare situations, hyperthermia occurs. This condition is caused by an increase in temperature above 40.3 degrees. If such a situation occurs, you must call an ambulance as soon as possible. When the indicators reach 41 degrees, it is customary to talk about a critical condition that threatens later life patient. At a temperature of 40 degrees, irreversible processes begin to occur. There is a gradual destruction of the brain and deterioration in the functioning of internal organs.

If the internal temperature is 42 degrees, the patient dies. There are cases when the patient experienced such a condition and survived. But their number is small.

If the internal temperature rises above normal, then the patient exhibits symptoms in the form of:

  1. fatigue and weakness;
  2. general painful condition;
  3. dryness skin and lips;
  4. lung or . Depends on temperature indicators;
  5. pain in the head;
  6. aches in muscle structures;
  7. arrhythmias;
  8. decreased and complete loss of appetite;
  9. increased sweating.

Each person is individual. Therefore, everyone will have their own normal body temperature. Someone with readings of 35.5 degrees feels normal, but if they rise to 37 degrees they are already considered sick. For others, even 38 degrees may be the normal limit. Therefore, it is also worth focusing on general state body.

Equals 36.6°C. In fact, this value is not the only correct one - deviations of several tenths of a degree are permissible in both directions. If body temperature drops below 36.2°C, then it is considered low.

Why is low body temperature dangerous?

A drop in body temperature to 36.2°C or lower is accompanied by a feeling of general weakness, loss of strength, chills and dizziness. At this temperature, metabolism slows down and the body goes into economical functioning mode. In general, it is no less dangerous than elevated levels, because it becomes more difficult for the body to resist all kinds of bacteria and viruses.

In addition, a decrease in body temperature entails general weakness and impaired concentration, which may result in injury. If the body temperature continues to decrease and reaches 32°C, then .

What measures to take if body temperature is reduced?

Most often, the reason for a drop in temperature is simple overwork. You should give the body rest and support it by consuming natural immunostimulants (for example, ginger tea with honey). It’s good to take a course of multivitamins and get a massage; will also have an extremely positive effect on the body’s condition; moderate physical activity And cold and hot shower By . If all these measures do not lead to an improvement in the condition, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

Low temperature body is quite rare in medicine, but is no less dangerous. A strong decrease in temperature leads to death. Even minor deviations from the norm indicate a malfunction of the body. In adults and children reduced rate occurs with weakened immunity, hypothermia, internal bleeding and poisoning.

As a rule, a low temperature is characteristic of a loss of strength. It may appear after serious illness, in this case, the patient needs to undergo a full course of therapy.

In medicine, low body temperature in children and adults is referred to as hypothermia.

Etiology

Quite often people face the problem of lowering their body temperature. In this regard, they are interested in the question of why this happens and what causes it.

For humans, the optimal temperature is 36.6 degrees when measured in the armpit. This indicator can shift by 0.5 degrees. However, if the body temperature begins to decrease, and the difference is already 1–1.5 degrees, then this indicates the appearance of pathologies in the body.

The causes of abnormal cooling of the human body are interconnected with various factors. The indicator may decrease for the following reasons:

  • immune system disorder;
  • lack of vitamins;
  • infectious diseases;
  • operations;
  • stressful situations;
  • physical ailment.

A small or significant drop in temperature can also occur from hypothermia, drug poisoning, or alcoholic drinks, as well as with a sharp change blood pressure, development, and other ailments.

The manifestation can also be formed under the influence of other factors:

  • time of day;
  • person's age;
  • exposure to environmental factors;
  • pregnancy;
  • individuality of the organism.

With the slightest changes in temperature and suspicious signs, a person should seek qualified medical help.

It is especially important to monitor the child’s condition, since children during the developmental period are quite vulnerable and sensitive to various disorders in the functioning of organs.

Symptoms

Low temperature in children and adults has characteristic symptoms, which indicate certain changes. If the reading is below 36 degrees, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

  • weakness and malaise;
  • drowsiness and fatigue;
  • irritability.

If the patient’s body temperature is below 35 degrees, then the symptoms become more intense and the following are noted:

  • trembling throughout the body;
  • confused speech;
  • heaviness throughout the body;
  • skin of an ash-gray or blue hue;
  • weak pulse;
  • hallucinations;
  • fainting.

If the reduced body temperature of a person reaches 32 degrees, then death occurs.

A low temperature accompanied by other signs will indicate the appearance of a disease in the body:

  • general deteriorated condition;
  • lethargy;
  • shiver;
  • cold skin;
  • drowsiness;
  • lethargy or irritability;
  • decreased heart rate;

Quite often, women experience low temperatures during pregnancy. In this case expectant mother will experience additional symptoms:

  • loss of appetite;
  • vomiting attacks;
  • chilliness in the lower extremities;

Diagnostics

In case the low body temperature of a child or an adult persists for a long time - more three days, then you should seek help from a doctor. The doctor must order an examination, which will reveal the cause of the anomaly. The results of laboratory and instrumental examination help to identify what was the root cause of the decrease in body temperature.

Treatment

Low temperature in a child most often manifests itself from a common cold. In this case, parents need to call a pediatrician at home. If the doctor says that nothing bad happened to the baby, then there is no need to worry. At the time of treatment, the child needs to stay at home and undergo a course of therapy.

Also, low body temperature during a cold can be treated with warm tea, but with such an illness you should not go into the bath with hot water. Warming up the entire body can lead to fatal outcome. It is necessary to limit walks with your child outside and dress warmly even in the house. Doctors recommend giving warm natural juices from berries that are rich in vitamin C.

It is necessary to note which situations are considered critical and when you need to call the hospital. You will definitely need the help of specialists if:

  • the patient lost consciousness;
  • the temperature has dropped to 35 degrees and continues to decline;
  • the symptom appeared in an elderly person;
  • when other symptoms appear - bleeding, hallucinations, vomiting, speech and vision disturbances.

During pregnancy, changes in body temperature occur quite often. This may be due to malnutrition due to frequent eating, due to disruption of the endocrine system, or common cold. The method of therapy for each patient is determined individually.

It happens that the temperature drops very quickly, but after a while it returns to normal. Such changes can be diagnosed both as a physiological manifestation and as pathological. Therefore, if the patient is in a restless state, it is better to seek the help of a doctor.

To treat hypothermia, doctors prescribe to patients:

  • physiotherapy;
  • balneotherapy - use mineral waters and carrying out sanatorium-resort treatment.

Such simple ways can also be used in preventive measures.

Besides traditional ways treatment, there are also unconventional methods in medicine. Folk remedies They help not only strengthen the immune system, but also increase tone and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. For such recipes traditional medicine This includes eating foods rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C.

Body temperature– this is a dynamic value that, within normal limits, can fluctuate during the day, changing by several degrees. In the morning, when the body is just waking up, body temperature is significantly reduced and approximately equal to 35.5 degrees. During the day, the values ​​increase, and in the evening, due to fatigue and decreased activity, the values ​​tend to decrease again. Based on this, it can be noted that the temperature, which is not considered a pathological phenomenon, ranges from 35 to 37 degrees.

The term low temperature- this is the value of the thermometer 0.5-1.5 degrees lower accepted norm in the current situation, but not less than 35 degrees.

Low temperature or hypothermia– this is a drop in temperature below the limit of 35 degrees.

Symptoms of hypothermia

When it comes to symptoms, it should be noted that a change in thermoregulation values ​​is a sign of the presence of some kind of disorder in the body. Low temperature in medical practice is considered not as an independent illness, but as a symptom that describes a specific phenomenon. However, if you look low temperature in isolation from other biological processes occurring in the human body, we can identify a number of criteria that suggest a decrease in body temperature.

Quite often, along with hypothermia, the following is observed:

  • headache;
  • circulatory disorders and, as a result, arrhythmia;
  • the appearance of dizziness;
  • numbness in fingers and toes;
  • chills;
  • feeling cold;
  • trembling throughout the body, accompanied by weakness and loss of appetite;
  • nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms do not always occur.

In addition to everything described above, the main criteria that characterize low temperature as a pathological phenomenon should be indicated. First of all, the temperature should drop below 35 degrees and remain static throughout the day. If the situation remains unchanged for several days, it can be argued that serious violation in the functioning of the body.

Main causes of low body temperature

There can be a lot of causes of hypothermia, and therefore they are divided into a decrease in temperature due to exacerbation of chronic or development acute illness, as well as as a result of local organismal changes. About diseases as a cause of development pathological process we'll talk in the next paragraph, first of all, we will reveal the essence of less complex reasons, causing the development of the described problem.

  1. Wrong lifestyle, including daily routine and diet, is the main reason for the decrease in body temperature below 35 degrees. In situations where the body does not rest for an insufficient amount of time, while constantly encountering physical and mental overload internal energy reserves are exhausted. In this case, low temperature is the least that can arise as a result of working without proper rest.
  2. Lack of vitamins. According to statistics, 80 percent of all cases of prolonged hypothermia, both in adults and children, are associated with wrong mode and way of eating. If the body does not get all of it from food essential vitamins, acids and other components, then it may begin significant loss energy potential, characterized by the inability of biological systems to heat the body to normal levels.
  3. Severe stress. In fact, all the diseases that people suffer from are the result of suffering from neuropsychic tension and stress. It is stress that forces the body to function differently, accelerating biological processes and directing all available resources to maintain a state of rest, blocking irritating factors. Low temperature in this situation is a fairly common occurrence and means that the body is very weakened.
  4. Pregnancy. Temperature during pregnancy tends to rise or fall from time to time and depending on the situation. There is nothing particularly terrible about this, but only as long as the indicators do not go beyond the permissible limits. In such a situation, risks arise both for the health of the mother and for the unborn baby. To prevent everything undesirable consequences must be monitored very carefully own fortune throughout pregnancy. Sometimes hypothermia during the period of bearing a child can be evidence of early toxicosis or be a sign of overwork. More are possible serious reasons the phenomenon being described, such as endocrine system disruption. Often a specific reaction of the body is accompanied by nausea and dizziness, which can go away on their own without additional influences.
  5. Medicines lower the temperature. Some medications can have an effect on the body negative impact, inhibiting the activity of systems, as well as disrupting the natural processes of thermoregulation. There are common cases in which the body temperature dropped below normal after taking antibiotics. This happens mainly due to individual characteristics the body and its reaction to a particular drug. This phenomenon is similar to allergic process, within which the immune system because of genetic disorder blocks safe elements, recognizing them as a threat. To minimize the risks of hypothermia, you should take all pharmacological agents only after a doctor's prescription.

Possible diseases at temperatures below 36 degrees

If there are no obvious signs strong decline there is no body temperature, then this serious reason think about own health. In such a situation, most likely, there is the presence of some chronic illness who is in a state of relapse. Therefore, it is necessary to go through the full medical examination by contacting a specialist for a diagnosis. The situation described may be a profile large quantity specialists, including a neurologist, oncologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist or immunologist.

  • Oncological diseases. As part of the description of hypothermia as a result of the progression of the disease process, it should be noted that the lion's share of all cases is occupied by oncological diseases. It is the growth of a tumor, such as the brain, that can lead to functional disorders central nervous system, which will cause a change in the thermoregulation process. Quite often there is a decrease in temperature due to pathologies of the endocrine system, anorexia, poisoning, and HIV.
  • Flu. Temperature indicators can fluctuate greatly with the flu, as the immune system strives to create the most unfavorable illness for infection. This disease often occurs auxiliary symptoms in the form of a runny nose and sore throat. In the described situation, the manifestations of the disease cannot be ignored; it is necessary to immediately begin adequate therapy.
  • Cold. Despite the fact that a completely natural condition for a cold is a temperature above 37 degrees, which is designed to destroy the source of the disease, hypothermia also occurs. This can happen in some cases, for example, if a cold arises from an existing, untreated disease. In this case, the fragile body will send all remaining resources to fight the source of inflammation, which under certain circumstances can deplete the immune system. It is for this reason that symptoms such as chills, sweating and cough most often appear against a background of low temperature. Considering such a phenomenon as acute respiratory disease, it should be noted that with this disease local intoxication of the body occurs. Often, toxins penetrate the brain and affect the hypothalamus, which is responsible for thermoregulation. As a result, the body reacts to the virus in a similar way, temporarily reducing the temperature to a minimum. In this case, you need to very carefully monitor the dynamics of the disease, being under constant medical supervision.
  • Arterial hypotension. Reduced blood pressure by more than 20 percent of normal is quite common in combination with low body temperature. This happens because the blood flow slows down significantly, resulting in cellular respiration and biochemical processes inside the body begin to proceed more slowly. The whole point is that the body goes into an energy-saving mode, saving energy. Often a similar process is observed in people in hot weather, as a result of which the blood vessels expand, therefore, their area increases, which is one of the tools for reducing body temperature naturally.

Is it dangerous?

A low temperature is only dangerous when it crosses the 35 degree mark on the thermometer. In this case, the phenomenon is already regarded as pathological, and additional measures to normalize the readings. In most cases, in order to restore the temperature you need to start eating right and healthy image life, enough rest and sleep.

What to do at low temperatures

Low temperature is a polyetiological condition, so before taking any measures you need to consult a doctor and make sure that this is not a pathological phenomenon accompanying the disease. You can eliminate the decrease in temperature using the following methods:

  1. take a few days off. The problem is caused by overwork and a busy schedule, and proper rest is important for recovery;
  2. regular consumption of liver, red meat, fresh juices, spices (cinnamon, cloves and peppers). Fatty chicken broths, peanuts and chocolate help cope with low temperatures;
  3. adherence to diet;
  4. in case of hypothermia, emphasis should be placed on drinking large amounts of hot drinks, taking a bath and resting under a warm blanket;
  5. the doctor may prescribe immunostimulating drugs to combat the problem (Pantocrine, Normoxan, vitamin E);
  6. reception recommended herbal decoctions from St. John's wort, mint, echinacea, lemon balm.

How to increase the temperature at home

For moderate and mild hypothermia, when the temperature does not cross the lower limit of 31 degrees, medications are not required. There are ways to urgently raise the temperature, but they do not eliminate the problem, but only temporarily relieve it:

  1. lubricate the nostrils with domestic stationery glue;
  2. eat a couple of tablespoons of instant coffee in dry form;
  3. rub your armpits with garlic or salt;
  4. eat the stylus a simple pencil and wash it down with water;
  5. a few drops of iodine are dropped onto a spoon with sugar or a piece of bread and eaten;
  6. activate blood circulation through exercise;
  7. procedures are used to increase body heat:

Thank you

Almost everyone knows that an increase in body temperature indicates the presence of a certain disease or pathological condition. But here's the opposite symptomlow body temperature– often baffles, and sometimes people simply don’t pay attention to it. This is the wrong approach, since a decrease in body temperature can be an indicator of the presence of many diseases.

Temperature fluctuations from 35.8 o C to 37.0 o C are considered normal, and in most cases are not evidence of pathology. Reduced temperature in medicine is called human body from 35.8 o C and below. Such a constant decrease in body temperature in an adult may indicate a serious illness, therefore this symptom should not be ignored and a doctor should be consulted. A drop in temperature below 29.5 o C leads to loss of consciousness, and a temperature of 27 o C causes coma with impaired breathing and cardiac activity, which can be fatal.

Many people note an unreasonable drop in temperature, which is accompanied by general apathy, lethargy, and chills in the arms and legs. Such violations can be dangerous not only for a person’s well-being, but sometimes even for his life.

A persistent decrease in body temperature occurs in many conditions. Here are its main reasons:

  • brain diseases;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • previous bacterial or viral infections;
  • thyroid diseases;
  • adrenal gland lesions;
  • critically low body weight;
  • hypotension and neurocirculatory dystonia;
  • severe intoxication of the body;
  • significant blood loss;
  • hypoglycemia;
  • vitamin C deficiency;
  • physical hypothermia;
  • use of medications;
  • self-medication;
  • artificial hypothermia;

Brain pathologies

Most often, a symptom such as low body temperature occurs with tumors of the brain, especially the hypothalamus. This is explained by the fact that when tumors appear in the brain, they disrupt blood circulation in the hypothalamus, compress it, which invariably leads to disruption of its functions, in particular thermoregulation.
In addition to a decrease in body temperature, brain tumors manifest themselves with a number of symptoms, including:
  • sensitivity disorders;
  • memory impairment;
  • movement disorders;
  • hearing and speech recognition impairments;
  • visual impairment, text and object recognition;
  • violations of oral and written speech;
  • autonomic disorders;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • impaired coordination of movements;
  • mental disorders and hallucinations;
  • cerebral symptoms.
Sensory disorders
Decreased or lost ability to perceive external stimuli, which act on the skin - pain, temperature, tactile. The ability to determine the position of parts of one's body in space may be lost. For example, the patient is unable to eyes closed indicate whether he holds his hand with his palm down or up.

Memory disorders
With tumors of the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for memory, its complete or partial loss is observed. The patient ceases to recognize his loved ones or even recognize letters.

Movement disorders
Muscle activity decreases due to damage to the nerve pathways that transmit motor impulses. Depending on the location of the tumor, it varies clinical picture. It may manifest as lesions individual parts body, complete or partial paralysis of the muscles of the trunk and limbs. Also, such movement disorders sometimes take the form of epileptic seizures.

Hearing and speech recognition disorders
For lesions auditory nerve there is a loss of ability to receive signals from the hearing organs. If the area of ​​the cerebral cortex responsible for recognizing speech and sounds is affected, then all audible sounds for the patient turn into meaningless noise.

Visual impairment, text and object recognition
If the tumor affects optic nerve or occipital region brain, partial or complete loss of vision occurs. This is due to a disruption in the transmission of signals from the retina to the visual cortex of the brain. In addition, the tumor can also affect areas in the cortex responsible for image analysis. In this case, a whole range of disorders is observed: inability to understand incoming visual signals, inability to understand written speech and recognize moving objects.
Disorders of oral and written speech
With lesions in the areas of the cortex responsible for oral and written speech, there is a partial or complete loss of the ability to use it. This process is usually gradual and progresses as the tumor grows. At first, the patient's speech becomes very slurred, like small child, the handwriting begins to change. IN further violations increase to the point of complete inability to understand the patient’s speech, and the formation of handwriting in the form of a straight or jagged line.

Autonomic disorders
These include fatigue, weakness, the patient is not able to get up quickly, he complains of dizziness. Fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse are observed. In most cases, this is due to a violation of the tone of the vascular wall.

Hormonal disorders
With brain tumors affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the hormonal background, and the content of all hormones dependent on these areas may fluctuate.

Coordination problems
With lesions of the midbrain and cerebellum, coordination of movements is disrupted, a person’s gait changes, and without visual control he is unable to perform precise movements. For example, such a patient misses when trying to touch the tip of the nose with his eyes closed and does not feel how he moves his hand and fingers.

Mental disorders
The patient becomes irritable, absent-minded, his character changes, and memory and attention disorders are observed. The severity of symptoms in each case depends on the size of the tumor and its location. The range of such signs can range from slight absent-mindedness to complete loss of the ability to navigate in time and space.

When areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for image analysis are damaged, patients begin to hallucinate. Most often these are just flashes of light or stable light halos around objects. When the auditory areas of the cortex are damaged, the patient hears hallucinations in the form of monotonous sounds, such as ringing in the ears or endless knocking.

General cerebral symptoms
Such manifestations are caused by increased intracranial pressure, as well as compression of the main brain structures.

One of distinctive features oncological diseases brain is a headache, which is constant and highly intense. In addition, it practically does not go away when taking non-narcotic analgesics. Relief comes from therapy aimed at reducing intracranial pressure.

In addition, HIV-infected patients often report systemic signs of disease:

  • increased sweating at night;
  • swollen lymph nodes;
  • chills;
  • weakness and weight loss.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia

Patients with this disease experience either an increase in body temperature or a fairly persistent decrease. This is due to fluctuations in blood pressure and increased heat loss in the body due to disturbances in the thermoregulation system.

In patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia, about 150 different clinical symptoms. The most common of them are:

  • heartache;
  • partial exhaustion of the body;
  • neurotic disorders;
  • sleep disorders;
  • headache;
  • dizziness, especially with a sudden change in body position;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • respiratory disorders;
  • coldness and trembling of hands and feet;
  • pain in muscles and joints;
  • swelling of soft tissues.

Exhaustion of the body

Symptoms of body exhaustion (cachexia):
  • significantly expressed general weakness;
  • decreased ability to work;
  • a sharp drop in weight, often accompanied by signs of dehydration.
When the body becomes asthenic, weight loss can be 50% or more. The layer of subcutaneous fat tissue decreases sharply or completely disappears, and signs of vitamin deficiency appear. The patient's skin becomes wrinkled, flabby, and acquires a pale or earthy-gray tint. Changes in nails and hair are also observed and may develop inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, the appearance of persistent and severe constipation. In patients it decreases sexual function, and women may stop menstruation due to a decrease in circulating blood volume.

With cachexia, various mental disorders. At the beginning of the development of pathology, asthenia appears, which is characterized by irritability, tearfulness, weakness and subdepressive moods. At further development exhaustion, the patient has a reluctance to move.

Even if the disease that caused the exhaustion is successfully cured, asthenic phenomena are observed for quite a long time. This in many cases can be manifested by a decrease in body temperature.

Neurocirculatory dystonia and hypotension

A disease called neurocirculatory dystonia is often associated with vasodilation and, as a consequence, the occurrence of hypotension - low blood pressure. In turn, a decrease in blood pressure and dilation of blood vessels always entails an increase in heat loss from the body and a decrease in body temperature.

In addition to hypotension, neurocirculatory dystonia is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • increased heart rate;
  • sweating;
  • dizziness;
  • tremor of the limbs;
  • attacks of uncontrollable fear.

Intoxication

It is well known that when the body is intoxicated, the patient’s body temperature rises. However, in some cases, an absolutely opposite picture is observed: with very severe intoxications, the temperature of the human body decreases, sometimes quite significantly. This is due, first of all, to the suppression of the nervous system, as a regulatory mechanism for maintaining a constant temperature.

In addition, severe intoxication is manifested by the following symptoms:
1. Neurological disorders , alternation of periods deep sleep with a state of extreme excitement. During development comatose state There is a complete loss of consciousness.
2. Circulatory disorders. IN cardiovascular system most often, blood flow disturbances in the extremities predominate, “marbling” of the skin, an increase in heart rate, and a decrease in blood pressure are observed.
3. Dysfunctions gastrointestinal tract manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal paralysis, and exhaustion of the body.
4. Damage to the liver and kidneys.
5. Hemorrhage syndrome who have varying degrees severity: from single spots on the mucous membranes and skin to massive bleeding.

Significant blood loss

Injuries large vessels, accompanied by massive hemorrhages, are always characterized by a decrease in circulating blood volume. This leads to disruption of heat exchange and, as a result, to a decrease in body temperature.

Except open injuries Internal, hidden bleeding may be observed. Bleeding is called internal if it occurs in body cavities that do not communicate with external environment. This is the abdominal and pleural cavity, joint cavities of the limbs, ventricles of the brain, etc. This is one of the most dangerous species bleeding, since it is very difficult to diagnose, and in many cases surgery is required to stop it.

Anemia

Often lead to a decrease in body temperature different kinds anemia, in particular caused by poor diet and iron deficiency.

The following symptoms are characteristic of a hypoglycemic state:

  • increased aggressiveness, agitation, restlessness, fears, anxiety;
  • excessive sweating;
  • disturbance and increase in heart rate;
  • high muscle tone and muscle tremors;
  • dilated pupils;
  • pale skin;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • hunger;
  • general weakness, disorientation, decreased ability to concentrate.
  • headaches, dizziness;
  • sensitivity disorders;
  • movement coordination disorders;
  • visual disturbances in the form of double vision;
  • grimaces on the face, increased grasping reflex;
  • inappropriate types of behavior;
  • memory impairment and loss;
  • respiratory and circulatory disorders;
  • epileptiform seizures;
  • disturbances of consciousness up to fainting or coma.

Vitamin C deficiency

A decrease in body temperature with hypovitaminosis C is combined with signs of the development of scurvy: fragility of blood vessels with the formation of characteristic hemorrhagic rashes on the body and bleeding gums. There is also pain in the extremities, which is caused by hemorrhages under the periosteum. In addition, vitamin C deficiency is associated with a decrease in overall immunity and the development of anemia.

Radiation sickness

A decrease in body temperature occurs with chronic radiation sickness, which develops as a result of prolonged exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation on the body. Acute radiation sickness, on the contrary, is characterized by an increase in temperature.

Symptoms of chronic radiation sickness include the following:

  • changes and oppression of the sexual sphere;
  • sclerotic processes in organs and tissues;
  • eye damage in the form of radiation cataracts;
  • violations immune status body;
  • formation of malignant tumors.
Besides, long-term consequences irradiation manifests itself on the skin, in connective tissue, blood vessels lungs and kidneys in the form of various compactions and atrophy of the irradiated areas. Tissues lose their elasticity, which gradually leads to their replacement with connective tissue.

Shock

Shock states are also often characterized by low body temperature.

The generally accepted classification divides all shocks into:
1. Hypovolemic – associated with loss of fluid by the body.
2. Cardiogenic– due to acute cardiovascular accidents.
3. Traumatic– associated with pain syndrome.
4. Infectious-toxic – due to acute poisoning of the body.
5. Septic– occurs during massive blood poisoning.
6. Anaphylactic – caused by a severe allergic reaction.
7. Neurogenic th – due to inhibition of the functions of the nervous system.
8. Combined – combining elements of various shocks.

With almost any type of shock, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

  • decreased blood pressure;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • anxiety, agitation or, conversely, lethargy and darkening of consciousness;
  • respiratory disorders;
  • decrease in the volume of urine excreted;
  • wet, cold skin with a marbled, pale or bluish color.

Physical hypothermia

A decrease in body temperature inevitably occurs when freezing, for example, during prolonged immersion in cold water. After the stage of adaptive warming of the body due to chills is completed, the body temperature begins to decrease until the moment when metabolism practically stops, which is fraught with death.

Artificial hypothermia

Less pronounced, not dangerous For life, a decrease in body temperature is sometimes achieved through artificial cooling of the body. This medical hypothermia is used to reduce the metabolic rate and reduce the body's need for oxygen. A similar method is used, for example, for long-term surgical operations when the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine.

Use of certain medications

A decrease in body temperature is sometimes a sign toxic poisoning medicines due to prolonged use, for example, during chemotherapy.

Self-medication

In some cases, uncontrolled self-medication and violation of the recipe, dosage and quantity of medications can lead to a decrease in body temperature.

Overwork

Often the cause of a persistent decrease in body temperature is chronic fatigue syndrome associated with chronic lack of sleep or constant stressful situations. Such conditions affect the functioning of the entire body in an extremely negative way. Fatigue that is not compensated for by adequate recovery within long period time, causes an overload syndrome of the body, followed by a state of exhaustion.

Pregnancy

In some cases, body temperature may decrease due to pregnancy. If a woman notices a low temperature, it would not hurt to immediately take a pregnancy test.

Low body temperature during pregnancy is also accompanied by:

  • cold feet;
  • nausea;
  • lack of appetite;
  • prolonged headaches;
  • fainting

Low body temperature is normal

A decrease in body temperature (below 36 o C) can also be observed in healthy people, especially in the morning. But even at this time the temperature does not fall below 35.8 o C. Such a low temperature can be regarded as a variant of the norm if three conditions are met:
1. The person does not notice any unpleasant symptoms.
2. Vigor and efficiency are fully preserved.
3. The examination does not reveal any pathologies.

Low body temperature in children

A decrease in body temperature can be observed in young children during the first two months of life. That is why pediatricians always recommend that parents constantly monitor their child’s temperature. It is necessary to ensure that the child’s skin is always dry and warm - this is a sure sign that he feels comfortable. If a child experiences a persistent decrease in body temperature, he or she must be shown to a doctor.

What to do if your body temperature is low?

We must remember that temperature fluctuations in the region of 36.1-36.9 o C during the day are normal physiological process. In the mornings, body temperature is usually lower, and in the evening it tends to increase. In addition, in women it may depend on the period menstrual cycle. However, if the thermometer shows low body temperature for several days, you need to visit a doctor for examination and treatment. The doctor will determine required list analyzes and examinations. Typically it includes: