Elevated Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Elevated Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice

Dear Ms. <br>Isabella：<br>1. <br>The body's temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain, typically maintaining a temperature around 37°C. <br>Even in high or low-temperature environments, humans strive to maintain a normal body temperature to ensure the proper funct

Elevated body temperature?

Hello, doctor.
Due to the pandemic, I have been measuring my ear temperature every morning and evening since mid-May.
In the morning, my temperature is around 36.9 or 37.0 degrees Celsius, while in the evening, it is usually between 37.2 and 37.5 degrees, occasionally rising to 37.6 or 37.7 degrees.
After resting, it typically returns to around 37.4 or 37.5 degrees.
During this period, I have not experienced any discomfort, and my temperature when going outside is approximately 36.7 degrees.
I would like to ask if this situation indicates a slightly elevated body temperature.
I have not paid much attention to my body temperature before, but it has fluctuated like this for almost two months.
Should I see a doctor or undergo any tests for this condition?

Isabella, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/27

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Isabella:
1.
The body's temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain, typically maintaining a temperature around 37°C.
Even in high or low-temperature environments, humans strive to maintain a normal body temperature to ensure the proper functioning of various bodily systems.
However, when there is a problem in the body, the hypothalamus, as the regulatory center, may reset the body temperature.
An increase in body temperature is referred to as a fever.
2.
There are many causes of fever, with over half stemming from infections, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and rickettsiae.
In fact, fever itself is a protective response of the body, often making it more difficult for pathogens to survive.
This means that fever can enhance the immune function of the body, increasing the activity of phagocytic cells to help eliminate certain bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances; it can also enhance the liver's detoxification function.
However, there are other causes of fever, such as pregnancy, ovulation, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, drug reactions, and cancers (such as lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia).
Sometimes, the cause of a fever is difficult to identify, and if it persists for more than two weeks, it is clinically referred to as fever of unknown origin, which poses significant challenges for both patients and clinicians.
3.
Based on your description, I personally believe there is likely no major issue, and it remains within an acceptable range; perhaps drinking more warm water, exercising, and sweating more could lead to improvement.
4.
To be cautious, I recommend discussing this with your family physician before making any decisions; alternatively, seeking care from an infectious disease specialist at a regional hospital or higher would be advisable.

Reply Date: 2021/07/27

More Info

Elevated body temperature can be a source of concern, especially in the context of the ongoing pandemic where health vigilance is heightened. Your observations regarding your body temperature readings are insightful, and it's important to understand what these numbers mean in relation to your overall health.

From your description, your morning temperatures range from 36.9°C to 37.0°C, while your evening temperatures fluctuate between 37.2°C and 37.7°C. It's worth noting that normal body temperature can vary throughout the day due to several factors, including physical activity, time of day, and even the method of measurement. Generally, body temperature is lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. The average normal body temperature is typically cited as around 37.0°C (98.6°F), but it can range from 36.1°C (97°F) to 37.2°C (99°F) in healthy adults.

Your evening temperatures, particularly those reaching 37.6°C to 37.7°C, are slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of a fever. A fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher. Therefore, while your temperatures are on the higher end of the normal range, they do not qualify as a fever.
The fact that you are not experiencing any discomfort or other symptoms is also a positive sign. Elevated body temperatures can sometimes be a response to various factors, including stress, anxiety, or even environmental conditions. Given your mention of monitoring your temperature closely since mid-May, it’s possible that your heightened awareness and anxiety about your health could be influencing your perception of your body temperature.

In terms of seeking medical advice, it is always prudent to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health. However, based on the information you've provided, it does not appear that you are experiencing a medical issue that requires immediate attention. If your temperatures continue to fluctuate or if you begin to experience symptoms such as persistent fever, chills, fatigue, or any other unusual signs, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation.

Additionally, if you have a history of anxiety or health-related concerns, it might be beneficial to discuss these feelings with a healthcare provider. They can help you understand how anxiety can manifest physically and provide strategies to manage these feelings effectively.

In summary, while your body temperature readings are slightly elevated, they do not indicate a fever, especially in the absence of other symptoms. Monitoring your temperature is a good practice, but it’s important to contextualize these readings within your overall health and well-being. If you remain concerned or notice any changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for further guidance.

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