Is Your Temperature Fluctuation Normal? Fever and Health Concerns

Q: Is Your Temperature Fluctuation Normal? Fever and Health Concerns

Hello： In response to your questions. <br>1. <br>Human body temperature is generally stable, but it does fluctuate slightly throughout the day due to physiological activities of the muscles and liver. <br>Body temperature gradually rises after waking up in the morning, peaks in t

Is this fluctuation in body temperature normal?

Hello Doctor: Since October of last year, due to work fatigue, emotional stress, and irregular eating and sleeping habits, I have experienced difficulty sleeping for over two weeks, frequent diarrhea, and later developed gastroesophageal reflux, often feeling a sensation of phlegm stuck in my throat.
In November, I underwent an examination, and an endoscopy confirmed several ulcers near the duodenum.
However, blood and urine tests, as well as a comprehensive examination, showed normal white blood cell count, liver and kidney function, and cancer markers, with slightly enlarged red blood cells.
Since then, I have improved my diet and sleep habits, and my sleep has been okay, but the gastroesophageal reflux has not completely resolved, and I still occasionally feel phlegm in my throat.
Additionally, I have a mild left-sided varicocele (diagnosed by scrotal ultrasound in early February), which has kept my emotions quite tense, and I sometimes experience diarrhea (though sometimes normal).
At first, I was hesitant to eat anything, and I have lost about 6 to 7 kilograms in four months.
My most anxious concern right now is that my body temperature has generally been elevated during this period, especially in the past week.
My axillary temperature is mostly below 37 degrees Celsius in the morning and afternoon, but often rises to around 37 to 37.4 degrees Celsius between 6 PM and 10 PM (measured before meals), and then gradually drops below 37 degrees Celsius after 10 PM, with a morning temperature of about 36.5 degrees Celsius.
(The more I measure, the more anxious I get!) Doctor, may I ask: 1.
Is my temperature fluctuation normal? Does it count as a fever? 2.
If it is a mild fever, what could be the likely issues? 3.
If further examination is needed, which department should I consult? What tests should be conducted? Thank you for your patience in reading and answering my questions!

Xiao Lu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/24

Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine

Hello: In response to your questions.
1.
Human body temperature is generally stable, but it does fluctuate slightly throughout the day due to physiological activities of the muscles and liver.
Body temperature gradually rises after waking up in the morning, peaks in the afternoon, and then gradually decreases in the evening as activity decreases.
However, factors such as hydration, environmental temperature, medication intake, and sweating can all influence temperature variations.
Of course, diseases themselves can also cause fever, which should be taken into account.
2.
There are many causes of mild fever, including normal temperature variations, infections, immune responses, emotional reactions, and various other factors.
3.
Given the multiple issues and concerns you have raised, it is advisable to first consult your original treating physician or family doctor to discuss and consider differential diagnoses one by one.
Dr.
Hsiao Yong-Hsun, Department of Family Medicine, Keelung Hospital.

Reply Date: 2010/02/24

More Info

Understanding temperature fluctuations and their implications for health can be quite complex, especially when considering various factors that influence body temperature. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of symptoms and fluctuations in your body temperature, which can understandably cause concern.

1. Is Your Temperature Fluctuation Normal?
Your reported temperature readings indicate that your body temperature is generally within the normal range, with occasional elevations in the evening. A normal body temperature typically averages around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary slightly from person to person and throughout the day. It's common for body temperature to be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening due to the body's circadian rhythm. The fluctuations you describe, with morning temperatures around 36.5°C (97.7°F) and evening temperatures reaching up to 37.4°C (99.3°F), are not unusual.
According to medical guidelines, a fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Therefore, your evening temperatures do not constitute a fever but may indicate a mild elevation, which can be influenced by various factors such as physical activity, stress, and even the time of day.

2. Possible Causes of Mild Fever:
Mild elevations in body temperature can be attributed to several factors, especially given your recent health history. Stress and anxiety can lead to physiological changes in the body, including increased heart rate and slight temperature elevations. Additionally, your history of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and reflux, may contribute to your body's response to discomfort or inflammation. Other potential causes of mild fever can include:
- Infections: Even a minor infection can cause slight increases in body temperature.

- Inflammation: Conditions like gastritis or esophagitis can lead to localized inflammation, which might manifest as a mild fever.

- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in response to stress or dietary changes, can affect body temperature.

- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to elevated body temperature.

3. When to Seek Further Evaluation:
If your mild fever persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms—such as significant weight loss, persistent gastrointestinal issues, or new symptoms like severe fatigue or pain—it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. Given your history of gastrointestinal problems, it may be beneficial to see a gastroenterologist. They can evaluate your symptoms in the context of your previous diagnoses and may recommend further testing, such as:
- Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation.

- Imaging Studies: Such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to assess for any underlying issues related to your gastrointestinal health.

- Endoscopy: If symptoms persist, a repeat endoscopy may be warranted to evaluate the status of your ulcers and esophagus.

In conclusion, while your temperature fluctuations appear to be within a normal range, the context of your overall health and symptoms is crucial. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your individual situation and guide you through any necessary evaluations or treatments. Remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and stay hydrated, as these factors can significantly impact your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Fluctuating Body Temperature: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature fluctuates between feeling hot and cold. After measuring, I found that whenever my body temperature drops to 36.5 degrees Celsius, I feel very uncomfortable, experiencing symptoms such as shaking hands and overall w...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, it could be hyperthyroidism or another endocrine disorder. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a metabolic specialist for examination and treatment.

Understanding Body Temperature Fluctuations: When to Worry About Tumors

Hello, doctor. Recently, for about a week, around noon, my body temperature rises to 36.8-37.2°C. Sometimes I feel a bit warm, but by 8 or 9 PM, my temperature returns to 36.6-36.8°C. I have had blood tests done, and the results are normal (cholesterol and triglycerides are sligh...

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
Body temperature can change in response to external environmental temperatures; for instance, higher temperatures at noon can lead to relatively higher body temperatures, and vice versa. A body temperature exceeding 38°C or below 36°C is clinically significant (indicating fever o...

Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice

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 3...

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...

Understanding Fever and Temperature Fluctuations: Common Concerns

Hello Doctor, last night I felt a bit of pressure in my head and had a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. My left arm muscles were a bit sore, but I didn't have any other discomfort. Today during the day, my headache eased, and I felt fine. However, when I checked my tempera...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Teresa: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating; conversely, to conserve internal heat, it reduc...