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The temperature reading depends on which part of the body is being measured. The typical daytime temperatures among healthy adults are as follows: Temperature in the rectum (rectal), vagina, or in the ear (tympanic) is about 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) [20] [medical citation needed] Temperature in the mouth (oral) is about 36.8 °C (98.2 °F) [12]
Central temperatures, such as rectal temperatures, are more accurate than peripheral temperatures. [30] Fever is generally agreed to be present if the elevated temperature [31] is caused by a raised set point and: Temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal) is at or over 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F).
Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) in humans. [2] Symptoms depend on the temperature. In mild hypothermia, there is shivering and mental confusion.
Most have a normal body temperature set point that falls within the range of 36.0 to 37.5 °C (96.8 to 99.5 °F). [13] The main reason for checking body temperature is to solicit any signs of systemic infection or inflammation in the presence of a fever. Fever is considered temperature of 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) or above. [13]
Sufficient stress from extreme external temperature may cause injury or death if it exceeds the ability of the body to thermoregulate. Hypothermia can set in when the core temperature drops to 35 °C (95 °F). [2] Hyperthermia can set in when the core body temperature rises above 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F).
Bodily temperatures greater than 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F) can be diagnosed as a hyperthermic case. [43] As body temperatures increase or excessive body temperatures persist, individuals are at a heightened risk of developing progressive conditions.
Previously, average oral temperature for healthy adults had been considered 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), while normal ranges are 36.1 to 37.8 °C (97.0 to 100.0 °F).
Satisfaction with the thermal environment is important because thermal conditions are potentially life-threatening for humans if the core body temperature reaches conditions of hyperthermia, above 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F), [11] [12] or hypothermia, below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F). [13]