Abstract
BackgroundThe aims of this study were to (1) evaluate whether recently introduced methods of measuring axillary temperature are reliable, (2) examine if individuals know their baseline body temperature based on an actual measurement, and (3) assess the factors affecting axillary temperature and reevaluate the meaning of the axillary temperature.MethodsSubjects were healthy young men and women (n = 76 and n = 65, respectively). Three measurements were obtained: (1) axillary temperature using a digital thermometer in a predictive mode requiring 10 s (Tax-10 s), (2) axillary temperature using a digital thermometer in a standard mode requiring 10 min (Tax-10 min), and (3) tympanic membrane temperature continuously measured by infrared thermometry (Tty). The subjects answered questions about eating and exercise habits, sleep and menstrual cycles, and thermoregulation and reported what they believed their regular body temperature to be (Treg).ResultsTreg, Tax-10 s, Tax-10 min, and Tty were 36.2 ± 0.4, 36.4 ± 0.5, 36.5 ± 0.4, and 36.8 ± 0.3 °C (mean ± SD), respectively. There were correlations between Tty and Tax-10 min, Tty and Tax-10 s, and Tax-10 min and Tax-10 s (r = .62, r = .46, and r = .59, respectively, P < .001), but not between Treg and Tax-10 s (r = .11, P = .20). A lower Tax-10 s was associated with smaller body mass indices and irregular menstrual cycles.ConclusionsModern devices for measuring axillary temperature may have changed the range of body temperature that is recognized as normal. Core body temperature variations estimated by tympanic measurements were smaller than those estimated by axillary measurements. This variation of axillary temperature may be due to changes in the measurement methods introduced by modern devices and techniques. However, axillary temperature values correlated well with those of tympanic measurements, suggesting that the technique may reliably report an individual’s state of health. It is important for individuals to know their baseline axillary temperature to evaluate subsequent temperature measurements as normal or abnormal. Moreover, axillary temperature variations may, in part, reflect fat mass and changes due to the menstrual cycle.
Highlights
The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate whether recently introduced methods of measuring axillary temperature are reliable, (2) examine if individuals know their baseline body temperature based on an actual measurement, and (3) assess the factors affecting axillary temperature and reevaluate the meaning of the axillary temperature
We propose that the core body temperature is used as a surrogate for the body temperature in clinical medicine, and accurate monitoring involves placement of a thermometer such as a thermistor probe or thermocouple in the core body, e.g., the rectum or esophagus [8, 9]
There was no significant correlation between Regular body temperature (Treg) and Tax-10 s (r = .11, P = .20)
Summary
The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate whether recently introduced methods of measuring axillary temperature are reliable, (2) examine if individuals know their baseline body temperature based on an actual measurement, and (3) assess the factors affecting axillary temperature and reevaluate the meaning of the axillary temperature. We propose that the core body temperature is used as a surrogate for the body temperature in clinical medicine, and accurate monitoring involves placement of a thermometer such as a thermistor probe or thermocouple in the core body, e.g., the rectum or esophagus [8, 9] More practical methods such as thermometry in the oral cavity, axilla, and ear canal are used in clinics and at home as the first step in the evaluation of infection, inflammation, and medication effects. These methods aim to assess the core temperature the temperatures measured are those of the body shell. Some more recently introduced digital thermometers, while capable of producing rapid results, utilize a predictive algorithm that could augment measurement errors and tend to show lower values [12,13,14]
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