Body Temperature Chart: Body Temperature is the normal temperature at which the body can perform all of its physiological functions properly. The range of normal body temperature can vary for different persons as every body works differently. The body temperature can be measured by using a thermometer. This reading can vary according to the region which is used to measure the temperature of the person.
The average normal body temperature for adults is 98.6°F (37°C). This can vary from person to person and is usually affected by many factors such as your gender, age, time of the day and the type of activity that you do. A minor variation in the temperature reading does not mean that you are sick.
If your body temperature is significantly higher than your basal body temperature then it means that you are suffering from a fever and if your body temperature is lower than your basal body temperature then you are suffering from Hypothermia. Prolonged fever and Hypothermia can lead to severe complications in the patient.
Body Temperature Chart
Many researchers have formulated a range to measure normal body temperature, fever and hypothermia. These ranges can help the physicians to differentiate normal body temperature from fever and hypothermia. These ranges have been suggested after years of extensive research as many people have different normal body temperatures and body temperatures also vary because of many factors.
Many diseases can also affect the body temperature of an individual. Many patients who have been suffering from Hypothyroidism have lower body temperatures and patients who have been suffering from cancer for long periods of time tend to have higher body temperatures. Women also have higher body temperature when they are menstruating.
The type of food that a person eats and their recent physical activities also affect their body temperatures. The article given below will cover the normal temperature ranges by age, how to check temperatures and the symptoms associated with Fever and Hypothermia.
Normal Range of Temperatures By Age
The body can regulate the body temperature as you get older. The process by which your body regulates body temperature is known as Homeostasis and it is controlled by your brain. The table given below consists of the average ranges of body temperatures according to the age of the person.
| Age | Oral | Armpit | Rectal/Ear |
| 0–12 months | 95.8 to 99.3°F (36.7 to 37.3°C) | 94.8 to 98.3°F (36.4 to 37.3°C) | 96.8 to 100.3°F (37 to 37.9°C) |
| Children | 97.6 to 99.3°F (36.4 to 37.4°C) | 96.6 to 98.3°F (35.9 to 36.83°C) | 98.6 to 100.3°F (37 to 37.9°C) |
| Adults | 96 to 98°F (35.6 to 36.7°C) | 95 to 97°F (35 to 36.1°C) | 97 to 99°F (36.1 to 37.2°C) |
| Elderly over age 65 | 93 to 98.6°F (33.9 to 37°C) | 94 to 99.6°F (34.4 to 37.6°C) | 92 to 97.6°F (33.3 to 36.4°C) |
How to Check Temperature
There are many methods which can be used to check the temperature of a person by using a thermometer. The methods which can be used to check the temperature of the person depend on the age of the person. The table given below will tell you the methods which can be used to check the body temperature according to their age.
| Methods | Age of the person |
| Rectal | Newborn Babies to 3 Years Old |
| Temporal (Forehead) | 3 Months Old to Elderly |
| Oral | 4 Years Old to Elderly |
| Tympanic (Ear) | 6 Months Old to Elderly |
Symptoms of Fever
A person is diagnosed with Fever when they have a higher body temperature. Fever can occur as an immune response to an infection or injury. A person is said to have a fever when they have a reading which is 2°F (1.1°C) higher than their normal body temperature. Fever is also accompanied by the following symptoms.
- Excessive Sweating
- Body Aches
- Chills
- Headache
- Loss of Appetite
- Dehydration
- Malaise and Weakness
Fever is a sign that your body is trying to fight an infection or trying to repair an injured site. However when the person suffers from very high temperature and for long periods of time then it can lead to the development of many complications. You should take antipyretics as soon as possible to control your body temperature.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious medical condition in which the body temperature falls below the normal body temperature. This condition can occur when people are exposed to cold weather for long periods of time. Babies and elderly people are more susceptible to Hypothermia. It can also present the following symptoms in patients.
- Shivering
- Cold hands and feet
- Slurred speech
- Weak pulse
- Incoordination
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Confusion and memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Frostbite (in extreme cases)
Hypothermia is a protective mechanism which is developed to survive cold and harsh weather. This happens in order to preserve the body heat and to provide heat to important organs such as your heart, lungs and brain. However when the cold conditions persist for long durations then the patient can develop the above mentioned symptoms which means that they need immediate medical attention.
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FAQs Related To Different Temperatures
The average normal body temperature of an adult is 98.6°F (37°C). This can vary from person to person and is usually affected by many factors such as your gender, age, time of the day and the type of activity that you do.
Hypothermia is a serious medical condition in which the body temperature falls below the normal body temperature. This condition can occur when people are exposed to cold weather for long periods of time. Babies and elderly people are more susceptible to Hypothermia.
A person is diagnosed with Fever when they have a higher body temperature. Fever can occur as an immune response to an infection or injury. A person is said to have a fever when they have a reading which is 2°F (1.1°C) higher than their normal body temperature.