THE average body temperature of 36.6°C, historically considered the norm, comes from German physician Carl Wunderlichwho in 1868 collected data from more than 25,000 patients using an axillary thermometer. This study established an average temperature of 37°C, with a range between 36.6°C and 37°C. However, recent research has questioned the validity of this standard. A Stanford University study in 2020, which analyzed data from nearly two centuries in the United States, found a gradual decline of 0.03°C per decade in average body temperature since the 19th century.
Today, this average is around 36.4°C, although there are still variations due to factors such as time of daygender and age. For example, women may experience slight increases during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, while men elderly people They tend to have a lower body temperature. Despite this change, the healthy range remains current, between 36°C and 37°C. Large or persistent deviations outside of this range may be a sign of medical problems such as infections or metabolic problems.
It’s the new body temperature
For a long time, the standard body temperature was considered to be 36.6°C, a figure established in 1868 by the German doctor Carl Wunderlich, after analyzing body temperature. 25,000 people and record over a million measurements. However, recent research challenges this figure, indicating that average temperature has declined and that individual variations are greater than previously thought.
A study led by Julie Parsonnet of Stanford University analyzed hundreds of thousands of medical records from the past 150 years. The results show that the current average temperature is around 36.4°C, with a normal range. between 35.96°C and 37.32°C. This reduction could be linked to improvements in public health and a lower incidence of chronic infections compared to the 19th century.
As studies shed light on variations in body temperature, normal ranges will likely be redefined. Experts suggest that a single standard should not be set for all, but rather that measures should be considered in the context of individual characteristics and outcomes. natural changes in the human body.
Likewise, the medical approach must adapt to the individual characteristics of each patient. Knowing a person’s usual temperature would make it possible to more accurately detect abnormalities, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, where what may appear “normal” could hide problems such as infections or metabolic disorders.
General considerations
THE age It is one of the main factors that influence body temperature. In babies and young children, the temperature is usually higher due to their greater metabolic activity. In contrast, in older people, the temperature tends to be slightly lower, probably due to lower muscle mass and changes in metabolism.
Gender also plays an important role. Women, due to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, have a slightly higher body temperature than men. Additionally, men tend to have more muscle mass, which helps them generate more heat. THE daily fluctuations Temperature, known as the circadian rhythm, causes the temperature to be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon.
THE physical activity This also has a huge impact. During exercise, the body generates heat and body temperature increases. This increase is temporary and normalizes once physical activity stops. Additionally, factors such as illness, stress, and physical condition can cause temperature fluctuations.
As for the normal temperature according to ageIn children and adolescents, body temperature generally remains around 36.6°C. However, in older people, the average temperature tends to be lower, around 36°C, due to less efficiency in regulating body temperature.
In summary, the body temperature This is a dynamic measurement that depends on many factors and varies from person to person, so it is important to take these into account when interpreting any temperature changes.
Fever and mild fever
Fever is a rise in body temperature that usually exceeds 38°C and is a common symptom of infections, inflammations or infections. metabolic disorders. In contrast, a mild fever is a slight rise in body temperature, usually between 37.1°C and 37.9°C. Even if it does not reach a fever, a mild fever can be a sign of a mild infection, or even stress or physical activity. In adults, a low-grade fever is usually not of much concern.
It is important to monitor body temperature and consider other symptoms such as discomfort or pain. If fever persists or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or confusion, a healthcare professional should be consulted.
