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What Is Low Body Temperature Defined As?
Question: Hello - If you said someone's temperature was "low" what degrees centigrade would you be referring to? (If a temperature reading was taken and a paramedic said it was "low" what temperature would you expect them to be referring to?)
Brief Answer:
temperature <35 degrees C
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thank you for posting your question to HCM.
The ranges of temperature vary from the place of measuring it.
It's very rare to having a low pathological temperature, and if thats the case then the person should be feeling and look very ill. In general the first thing to think is to check if the thermometer is working well, or if it was placed well during measurement.
The most accurate way to measuring temperature is by rectum, and low temperature is defined as:
--core (rectal) temperature < 35 degrees C (95.8 degrees F).
--mild hypothermia - 32-35 degrees C (89.6-95 degrees F)
--moderate hypothermia- 26-32 degrees C (80-89.6 degrees F)
--severe hypothermia < 26 degrees C (78.8 degrees F)
Sometimes doctors may refer as low, meaning its not high. I would not worry much about it though if the person was not severely ill.
Hope I answered your question. Let me know if you have other questions, I would be happy to answer.
Take care.
Dr. Papaqako.
temperature <35 degrees C
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thank you for posting your question to HCM.
The ranges of temperature vary from the place of measuring it.
It's very rare to having a low pathological temperature, and if thats the case then the person should be feeling and look very ill. In general the first thing to think is to check if the thermometer is working well, or if it was placed well during measurement.
The most accurate way to measuring temperature is by rectum, and low temperature is defined as:
--core (rectal) temperature < 35 degrees C (95.8 degrees F).
--mild hypothermia - 32-35 degrees C (89.6-95 degrees F)
--moderate hypothermia- 26-32 degrees C (80-89.6 degrees F)
--severe hypothermia < 26 degrees C (78.8 degrees F)
Sometimes doctors may refer as low, meaning its not high. I would not worry much about it though if the person was not severely ill.
Hope I answered your question. Let me know if you have other questions, I would be happy to answer.
Take care.
Dr. Papaqako.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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