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In order to correctly determine the diagnosis of a patient, the doctor must obtain correct and accurate information about the state of the sick person's body.

Body temperature can tell a lot about health and well-being. Normal temperature human body- unstable value, it fluctuates under the influence of various factors from 36.3 to 37.5 ° C.

To accurately and reliably measure it, you need to follow certain rules. Everyone should know how to use different types of thermometers, how much to measure the temperature.

The duration of the temperature measurement depends on the type of thermometer. In pharmacies, thermometers of two types are sold, differing in the principle of action: ordinary and familiar mercury, expensive and modern electronic. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Mercury devices are familiar to every person from childhood, they do not lose their popularity at the present time. Their main advantages are:

low price;
accurate temperature readings;
ease of use;
elimination of incorrect data with correct measurement;
temperature measurement in several ways.

However, mercury thermometers are fragile and fragile; if handled carelessly, they break easily. Mercury escaping from a broken device can cause serious harm to human health. And a mercury thermometer has to measure the temperature longer than an electronic one. The advantages of electronic devices are as follows:

the ability to measure temperature in several ways;
short measurement time;
strength and safety.

But many people who use electronic thermometers note that devices sometimes give inaccurate temperature readings.

Methods for measuring body temperature

In both adults and children, body temperature is measured in three ways: axillary, oral, rectal. The most accurate temperature data can be obtained with rectal measurement, and the least accurate with axillary measurement. The normal body temperature for axillary, that is, axillary, measurement is 36.6 ° C, with rectal - 37.3 - 37.7 ° C, and with the oral method - 37.1 - 37.5 ° C. It is possible to measure the temperature in the armpit, in the oral cavity, in the rectum with both a mercury and an electronic thermometer.

Rectal body temperature measurement

At this way measuring the thermometer is immersed through the anus into the rectum. This measurement is considered the most accurate and reliable, since the intestine, which is shielded by the sphincter from the external environment, is not subject to significant temperature fluctuations. Most often, the temperature is determined rectally in young children. In adults, it is recommended to measure temperature by the rectal method in the following situations:

when a person is in an unconscious state;
to determine the onset of ovulation in women by basal temperature;
with a significant deficit in body weight;
with skin diseases covering the axillary fossa;
with inflammatory reactions in the oral cavity;
with subfebrile condition.

It is forbidden to measure the temperature rectally in the presence of hemorrhoids, difficult exit feces, diarrhea, proctitis. Also, do not take a measurement after being in hot tub, bath, sauna, after active physical training, as the temperature readings will be incorrect.

For a convenient measurement of rectal temperature, an adult is recommended to lie on his side, bend his knees and press his legs against his stomach. To determine the baby's temperature, you can put his back on a horizontal surface and raise his legs.

Oral body temperature measurement

With this method of measuring the temperature, the thermometer is placed in the oral cavity so that the mercury capsule is under the tongue. In this way, body temperature is most often measured in Western clinics; in the post-Soviet space, doctors usually use the axillary option. Oral temperature determination is recommended for children school age and adolescents, but infants are strictly prohibited.

Inadvertent kids can inadvertently bite through a mercury thermometer, swallow glass and mercury. It is also contraindicated to measure the temperature orally for respiratory diseases, accompanied by nasal congestion, with inflammation in the oral cavity.

Axillary measurement

The simplest and most popular way to measure body temperature, in which the thermometer is placed in the armpit. It is this method that the overwhelming majority of people use, although it cannot be called accurate and reliable.

It should be noted that incorrect axillary measurement results are most often observed when the procedure is performed incorrectly. Not only children, but also many adults do not know how to correctly measure in the armpit, they carry out the procedure at their own discretion.

Correct use of a mercury thermometer

Every day millions of people measure their body temperature with a mercury thermometer, but rarely anyone thinks about how to do it correctly. Many adults and children do not even know how many minutes the measurement procedure should take. There are certain rules that must be followed step by step when measuring the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the armpit.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a room where the air temperature is not lower than 18 ° C, but also not higher than 25 ° C.
The axillary fossa should be dry. If the skin is damp, then sweat should be removed from it with a napkin or clean cloth.
The thermometer should be shaken to bring the mercury down to 35 ° C on the scale.
The device should be placed in the armpit so that the mercury capsule fits snugly against the skin.
In order for the thermometer to hold well under the armpit, not to slip out, the shoulder part of the hand must be pressed tightly to the body.
In the process of measuring the temperature, you need to sit quietly, do not speak, do not move, do not eat food.
The measurement time with a mercury thermometer is 10 minutes.

A sick person needs to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer several times a day. It is advisable to do this every day at the same time: for example, at 10 am and 8 pm. It is useless to try to determine body temperature after intense sports training, walking on the street, swimming in ponds, baths, saunas, showers, since the indicators will definitely be unreliable.

Also, you should not carry out the procedure after stressful situation, nervous strain, a heavy meal, as the temperature is likely to be elevated. In all of the above cases, you should wait half an hour, lie down quietly, relax, and then start measuring. If a person uses antipyretic medications, then at least 40 minutes should elapse between taking the medications and measuring the temperature.

It is necessary to measure the temperature in the oral cavity with a mercury thermometer with extreme caution. One awkward movement of the jaws - toxic mercury appears on the tongue, and many small fragments of glass. To correctly determine the oral temperature, the following rules should be observed:

before placing the thermometer in the oral cavity, it must be rinsed with warm water and then wiped with any antiseptic;
the device must be shaken so that mercury settles at 35 ° C on the scale;
the thermometer is inserted into the mouth so that the mercury capsule is located under the tongue;
so that the thermometer does not fall out of your mouth, you need to close your lips, and slightly squeeze the device with your teeth;
the measurement time with a mercury thermometer is 5 minutes.

Do not smoke, drink hot tea or coffee before measuring the oral temperature, otherwise the readings will be incorrect.

Doctors advise to determine the rectal temperature with a mercury thermometer, since in this case it gives the most accurate and correct results. The thermometer is immersed in the rectum to a depth of no more than 2.5 centimeters. The measurement time is 8 minutes.

During the procedure, you need to lie down without moving, so as not to knock down the indicators. After measurement, the thermometer is carefully removed from the anus. If the thermometer is used by several people in turn, then after each procedure it must be carefully treated with antiseptic substances.

Correct use of an electronic thermometer

Many people do not like the fact that the measurement with a mercury thermometer takes too long. If you don't want to wait 10 minutes for the result, you can use an electronic thermometer. There is a body temperature sensor at the end of the device and a digital display on the panel. Measurement of axillary temperature with an electronic thermometer is carried out in the same way as with a mercury one.

The main thing is that the sensor fits snugly against the skin in the armpit. If the thermometer is loose, it can show the temperature not of the body, but of the air in the room.

The instructions for the device say that you need to remove it from the armpit immediately after the beep. But for the reliability of the result, doctors recommend that patients hold the thermometer under their armpit for a few minutes after the signal.

An electronic thermometer can be used to measure the temperature orally. Moreover, it is enough to hold the device in the oral cavity for just a minute to get accurate and correct readings.

A mercury thermometer is a thin capillary tube sealed on both sides, from which air is pumped out. At the lower end of this tube is a reservoir filled with mercury. The bar, to which the tube is attached, has a scale with divisions from 34 to 42 degrees Celsius. Each degree is subdivided into 10 smaller divisions of 0.1 0 С

Medical maximum thermometer differs from a conventional mercury thermometer in that the lumen at the junction of the capillary tube into the mercury reservoir is narrowed and curved, which hinders the movement of mercury in this elbow. Therefore, when heated, mercury slower reaches its maximum level, but after the heating stops, the mercury column does not fall by itself, but continues to show the maximum figure on the temperature scale, to which it has reached. Therefore, such a thermometer is called the maximum. To get the column of mercury back down into the reservoir, the mercury thermometer must be shaken.

The mercury thermometer remains the most widely used device for measuring body temperature.

Mercury thermometer advantages:

A mercury thermometer is closest in performance to a gas thermometer, which is recognized as a reference thermometer. Therefore, it is believed that a mercury thermometer measures body temperature more accurately than other thermometers.
It is affordable for almost any buyer (usually the price of a mercury thermometer does not exceed 25-50 rubles).
It allows disinfection with full immersion in a disinfectant solution, therefore, it is suitable for medical institutions.

Disadvantages of a mercury thermometer:

Long measurement time - at least 10 minutes.
The main drawback, which easily negates all the advantages, is that it contains mercury hazardous to health (about 2 grams) and is easily broken at the same time.

It is for this reason that a mercury thermometer for measuring body temperature is prohibited in some countries. The ban also applies to room thermometers, barometers and blood pressure measuring devices. This measure can significantly reduce the amount of toxic mercury that gets into the environment with waste.

What is the danger of a broken thermometer?

Mercury is a liquid with a silvery-metallic luster, which begins to evaporate at temperatures of + 18 ° C and above. If the thermometer breaks, then the mercury on impact breaks up into small drops and scatters around the room, easily penetrating into the cracks of the floors, into the cracks under the baseboards, getting stuck in the pile of carpets. Gradually evaporating, it poisons the air in the room. Long-term intake of small amounts of mercury leads to chronic mercury intoxication, which can manifest itself as dermatitis, stomatitis, salivation, metallic taste in the mouth, diarrhea, anemia, headaches, tremors of the extremities, and kidney damage.

In the diagnosis of mercury poisoning, laboratory data are of particular importance. Excretion in the urine of more than 0.3 mg / l of mercury indicates the possibility of mercury intoxication.

What to do if a mercury thermometer breaks? - about measures aimed at decontamination of mercury (demercurization).

Rules for using a mercury thermometer

Before each measurement, you should inspect the mercury thermometer to make sure that the mercury column is below 35 0 C. If it is higher, then it should be shaken off.

Shaking off produced as follows: grabbing the upper part of the thermometer in a fist so that the head rested against the palm, the reservoir with mercury looked down, and the middle of the thermometer was between the thumb and forefinger, it is necessary to repeatedly abruptly move the elbow joint with force to lower the hand down, while doing this a sudden stop.

After use, the mercury thermometer is disinfected. Never wash a mercury thermometer with hot water.

INDICATIONS OF THE PREPARATION.

Thermometers for measuring temperature are accurate instruments. Measurement results are accurate when used correctly and in accordance with this manual.

MODE OF APPLICATION.

Thermometers for measuring temperature are accurate instruments. Measurement results are accurate when used correctly and in accordance with this manual. Take the thermometer by the upper end and lower it with the reservoir down. Shake the thermometer by hand so that the meniscus of the column of mercury is below the digital mark of 35.5 ° C on the scale. Place the reservoir thermometer in the center of the person's armpit / groin and press down with hand / foot to fix the thermometer. Avoid applying strong pressure to the thermometer. In debilitated patients, it is necessary to hold the hand when measuring the temperature. Withstand the thermometer for about 5 minutes. Remove the thermometer from the armpit / groin and read the temperature on the scale. The temperature measurement method is suitable for infants and young children. When measuring temperature in children, it is recommended to fix the thermometer in the armpit / groin, holding the child's hand by the forearm or leg by the thigh. This procedure must be followed for every temperature measurement. After taking a bath or shower, you should postpone the temperature measurement for 30 minutes. In the event of an unexpected increase or decrease in temperature, it is recommended to repeat the measurement several times at short intervals. It is recommended to measure the temperature 2 times a day: at 7-8 in the morning and 17-19 in the evening. Record the time and measurement results so that you can show them to your doctor if necessary. After use, the thermometer must be disinfected: living conditions- wash with warm water and soap.

Special instructions: ATTENTION!

The thermometer contains mercury! Mercury outside the thermometer is dangerous! A rupture of the column of mercury in the capillary tube above the reservoir of mercury is not a defect, it is typical for thermometers with a maximum setting. Handle the thermometer very carefully: do not drop, do not overheat. Broken thermometers are special waste and must be disposed of in accordance with specific rules and regulations. In case the thermometer breaks, try to stay in this room as little as possible. If you come into direct contact with mercury or suspect that you have inhaled mercury vapor, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Collect thermometer fragments only when wearing protective gloves. Temporarily store a broken thermometer and its fragments in a closed container with water, and then hand over to an organization that collects and disposes of such waste. The collection of mercury must be carried out by the appropriate protection service. the environment in accordance with the regulations in force.

What is a thermometer

A thermometer (or more correctly called a thermometer) is a device that can be found in any apartment. With it, you can measure the temperature of the body, soil, water or air. It is used in various areas of life: medicine, cooking, agriculture, in various industries, for scientific purposes, etc. Measuring the air temperature at home and outdoors allows people to navigate the weather, and fever associated with an increase in body temperature is a symptom of a large number diseases (for example, infectious). A thermometer is an indispensable assistant in various situations, and to present modern life without it, it is simply impossible.

There are several types of thermometers:

Liquid (alcohol thermometer, mercury thermometer),
Mechanical thermometer,
Optical thermometer,
Gas thermometer.

The history of the modern thermometer dates back to the Middle Ages. The inventor of thermometers is considered to be Galileo, whose students described that in 1597 he invented a device that records changes in water temperature. It was a tube filled with liquid and a ball that floated on its surface. When the water was heated, its level rose and the ball along with it; when it cooled, everything happened in the reverse order. However, this device could not be called a true thermometer, because with the help of it it was impossible to determine how many degrees were in the room or how much hot water, that is, it did not have any scales and graduations. And, nevertheless, this primitive device became the prototype of a real thermometer.

The history of the first liquid thermometers began in the middle of the 17th century. However, the first tests were not crowned with success - when the temperature dropped below zero degrees, they burst. The reason was that the tube was filled with water. The situation changed radically when wine alcohol was used as a liquid, which freezes at a much lower temperature.

The thermometer acquired its modern form as a result of the long-term work of the scientist Fahrenheit (1723). At the beginning of his activity, he used alcohol as a liquid, and only many years later - mercury. He identified the main control points: ice melting, water boiling and body temperature healthy person... His work was continued by another scientist - Celsius (1742). He took for 0 - the level of ice melting, and for 100 - boiling water and calibrated the thermometer. He also found out that these parameters depend on the level at which the device is in relation to the sea.

Types of thermometers

There are several types of thermometers, each of which works according to its own special principle. Each has merits and demerits, and, accordingly, the area where they are best for thermometry.

A liquid thermometer is a special device for measuring temperature, the basic principle of which is based on the expansion of a certain liquid. It is widely used in various fields of science, technology and medicine. It is a capillary with a liquid inside. Depending on the increase in its temperature, it increases in volume and its level rises. A special division is applied to the capillary, taking into account the fact that one degree corresponds to a certain level of increase in the column of this liquid. Various types of liquid thermometers allow you to measure temperatures from -200 ° C to + 750 ° C. The most commonly used are an alcohol thermometer and a mercury thermometer, much less often other varieties (kerosene, pentane, etc.).

Mercury thermometer

A mercury thermometer is a device that not everyone has, although a few decades ago it was mandatory in any home first aid kit... It was replaced by a modern electronic thermometer and became more popular than its predecessor for safety reasons. However, a number of specialists still prefer the mercury medical thermometer, since, in their opinion, its readings are more accurate.

A mercury thermometer is a device whose main element is a thin tube from which air is pumped out. At the end of it there is a special reservoir of mercury (shiny gray). There is a special bar along the tube with a scale on it. Each division of this scale indicates a certain temperature range (1 or 0.1 ° C).

The mechanism of action of a mercury thermometer for the body is as follows: at room temperature, all mercury is in the reservoir, but when it gets into an environment with more high temperature it expands and the column rises up. As a result, the level stops at the mark corresponding to the real temperature, if we talk about the use in humans, it helps to identify the presence of fever or normothermia. If the thermometer is designed to determine weather conditions or how hot it is in the apartment, then it is attached to the appropriate surface (wall, window frame, platband, etc.). As a result, a home thermometer will help determine if it's time to ventilate the room and how to dress outside.

A medical mercury thermometer differs from one that is designed to determine the temperature on the street or in an apartment in that after removing it from the area of the human body, the column does not go down on its own. This is due to the special structure of the entrance to the mercury reservoir (it is slightly narrowed). Therefore, many people know that in order to remove the previous readings on such a thermometer, it is necessary to shake it several times.

Mercury body thermometer has its advantages:

Measurement accuracy (the most reliable after a gas thermometer),
Low cost (20-30 rubles),
Availability in all pharmacies in our country,
The ability to be treated with disinfectants (therefore, a mercury thermometer for the body is used in all hospitals),
Long lifespan - no need for batteries.

A mercury thermometer has its drawbacks:

Measurement duration (5-10 minutes),
The presence of mercury in the composition of a hazardous substance,
When it falls, it breaks
Cannot be used for oral temperature measurement in children.

An alcohol thermometer is also widely used by people, like a mercury one. It has a similar operating principle as the latter. Only, unlike him, the tube contains not mercury, but alcohol. It is very easy to distinguish between these two types of thermometer: by the color of the liquid in the tank. In a mercury thermometer, it is brilliant gray, and in an alcohol thermometer, it is red, because it is this shade that special dyes give this solution. The red bar is clearly visible from a distant distance. However, the alcohol thermometer has not found its use for measuring body temperature, its niche is the determination of the number of degrees indoors and outdoors, the temperature of various liquids (in laboratories, in production, in cooking). It has a gradation from -40 ° C to + 50 ° C.

Other types of liquid thermometers

In addition to mercury and alcohol thermometers, kerosene and pentane are also referred to liquid thermometers. The first allows you to determine the temperature level in the range from -20 ° C to + 300 ° C, the second - from -200 ° C to + 20 ° C. Kerosene thermometers are used to obtain information about the flow technological processes, pentane - in the manufacture of various alloys from several metals.

Mechanical thermometer

A mechanical thermometer has the same principle of operation as a liquid thermometer. That is, the ability to expand is taken as a basis. various materials under the influence of elevated temperature. A distinctive feature of a mechanical thermometer is the presence of two tapes with different physical properties... As the temperature rises, they begin to move relative to each other, which is reflected on the dial.

Mechanical thermometers have not found their application in medicine. Their niche is the determination of the temperature in various electrical appliances or mechanical devices (for example, in a toaster); mechanical thermometers are also produced to determine the temperature in a room.

The electronic thermometer went on sale several decades ago, but its popularity is growing every day. Many families, especially those where there are kids, prefer this particular device for determining the temperature and believe that this is the best thermometer for children.

The principle of operation of an electronic thermometer is based on determining the temperature level with a special sensor built into its body. The measurement result is shown on the display, the measurement accuracy is 0.1 ° C. It has found its application exclusively in medicine, as it quickly detects body temperature anywhere (in the mouth, armpit, vagina or rectum).

An electronic body thermometer has its advantages:

It has strength: does not break when dropped.
Does not contain a hazardous substance - mercury.
Thanks to the case, it is the best thermometer for travel and travel.
Fast results (less than 1 minute).
Ideal thermometer for children - allows you to determine the temperature even in the mouth without fear that the baby will bite off the tip or accidentally drop it on the floor.
Contemporary.

The production of mercury thermometers decreases every year. This means that the electronic medical thermometer will gradually completely replace it from household use. After all, it is much more convenient, safer, faster to use. However, it also has certain disadvantages:

The cost ranges from 200-1000 rubles, which is not affordable for every family.
Available for sale mainly in cities, rural and rural pharmacies cannot always provide customers with an electronic thermometer.
Inaccuracy of readings. When the temperature level of the same person changes in the same place several times in a row, it can give results that differ by several tenths of a degree.
It can break down (like any electronic device), require repair or even replacement.
The battery needs to be changed regularly.
After a beep has sounded, indicating that the temperature has been measured, if the measurement is continued, its level may rise further. This should be taken into account.
It is not subject to the treatment of disinfectants and sterilization, that is, it is not suitable for use in a large number of people (clinic or hospital). Therefore, it is a home thermometer suitable for use by members of the same family.
Powered by small batteries that can be removed and swallowed by particularly smart children. Therefore, the question whether a thermometer is dangerous can be answered in the affirmative.

Optical thermometer

An optical thermometer is a rather complicated device in which the temperature is measured using various photocells and photomultipliers. They evaluate the brightness of incident light that bodies with different temperatures emit at different intensities. For comparison, heat is taken from a light bulb heated to 600-800 ° C. Naturally, such a device is not suitable for household use or for measuring body temperature. Its role is application in production, laboratories, etc.

Gas thermometer

The gas thermometer is based on the Charles principle. It lies in the fact that while maintaining the same volume, the same increase in body temperature leads to the same increase in pressure. Temperature changes lead to pressure fluctuations. A vessel with gas is connected to a pressure gauge (a device for measuring the pressure level), respectively, the temperature can be determined by this indicator, using a special graduation.

The gas used is hydrogen or helium, although it has been proven that the specific type does not affect the final result. A gas thermometer is the most accurate of all existing ones, but it cannot be called a home thermometer for sure: it is used in experiments, experiments, in production.

The infrared thermometer is a novelty in the world of thermometers, which is gaining popularity among buyers. The principle of operation of this device is associated with the registration of infrared radiation emanating from a certain surface, the level of which directly depends on the temperature. A sensitive sensor captures this radiation and transforms this indicator into a temperature level, the result can be seen on the display.

The infrared thermometer is widely used in pediatrics. It allows you to quickly and accurately measure the temperature of a sleeping baby without having to wake him up. There is a frontal and ear thermometer; for thermometry, you need to apply it to the corresponding area for a few seconds.

An infrared medical thermometer has a number of advantages:

Security. A child cannot break it, cut his hand on glass, or inhale mercury vapor.
The best thermometer for travel or commuting.
Fast measurement result within seconds.
An infrared thermometer for children is an excellent choice, it allows you to carry out thermometry on a sleeping baby.
In addition to body thermometry, it allows you to measure the temperature of any liquid or solids, for this you need to configure a specific mode.

However, in addition to its advantages, an infrared thermometer also has certain disadvantages:

High cost (2000-3000 rubles).
Runs on batteries, so you need to have them in stock.
Ear and forehead thermometers only measure temperature in these areas.
In order for the thermometer to show the correct result, a person must sit still for several seconds. This is very difficult to achieve with babies.
Not entirely reliable result (error is 0.5-1.0 ° C).
In order to make a second measurement, you need to wait a few seconds.
The ear thermometer does not show the correct result when the tip does not fit into the ear canal of the smallest patients. With active movements of newborns, it can injure the ear, so such a thermometer can be dangerous for them. You also need to buy special attachments for it.

A non-contact thermometer is one of the varieties of infrared, distinctive feature which there is no need to touch the device to the skin. This is the most ideal thermometer for children, because it can conduct thermometry without disturbing the child (who can sleep, play or eat mother's milk).

A non-contact thermometer is more correctly called a pyrometer. Its principle of operation is to measure the power of thermal radiation from an object (which can be a person, liquid or solid object). However, the device takes into account only infrared radiation and transforms the result into a certain temperature indicator.

The advantages of a non-contact thermometer are similar to those already described for all infrared thermometers. However, the peculiarity of this particular type is that it allows you to measure the temperature on any part of the body without touching it. This is especially true for babies who cannot take thermometry with a mercury or electronic thermometer.

The disadvantages of a non-contact thermometer are also similar to all infrared ones. However, its cost is even higher than ear or frontal (3-4 thousand rubles), but given that this purchase is a one-time purchase, this amount can be allocated from the family budget of almost any family. In addition, the readings of a non-contact thermometer are somewhat dependent on the environment, so the temperature in the room should not be too low or high.

Dummy thermometer

The pacifier thermometer is another trendy invention for pediatric thermometry. It is the best thermometer for young children who have not yet learned from the pacifier. This device has a special sensor built into the case, which determines the temperature similarly to an electronic thermometer. The result becomes visible on the display 60 seconds after the start of the measurement.

The dummy thermometer is truly a unique invention. It cannot be broken, which can happen with a mercury thermometer. The thermometry process does not cause discomfort to the baby. However, it also has disadvantages:

Batteries need to be changed.
The cost is about 400 rubles.
Like any device, it can break.
Unlike a regular pacifier, it cannot be fully sterilized or boiled.
Not suitable for babies who do not like to suck on a pacifier (and there are many).

Thus, we see that a home thermometer can be selected according to needs. Each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and scope.

A thermometer is a multifunctional device that a person uses in various areas of life. Its main role in medicine is to determine body temperature, because this is the most important parameter of the state of the body. The normal indicator ranges from 36.6-37.1 ° C (in the armpit). In the mouth and rectum, it may differ slightly, depending on various parameters (hot food intake, phase of the menstrual cycle, etc.). Temperature in the range of 37.1-37.9 ° С is subfebrile, 38.0-38.9 ° С - febrile, 39.0-41.0 ° С - pyretic and above 41.0 ° С - hyperpyretic and potentially dangerous for life.

The task medical thermometer is to determine body temperature as quickly and accurately as possible. This indicator affects the correct diagnosis and the appointment of timely treatment. An elevated temperature without a thermometer can also be detected quite simply, but sometimes the count goes on for minutes and it is simply pointless to neglect such an elementary device (especially for young children).

The following types of thermometers are used in medicine:

mercury,
electronic,
infrared, including non-contact.

In hospitals and clinics, preference is still given to mercury thermometers due to the fact that the durable glass case is easily disinfected in various antiseptic solutions. After all, quite often a lot of people will use it during the day, so the issue of cleanliness in this aspect is very important.

For home use electronic or infrared thermometers are more suitable, since in the overwhelming majority of cases they are used by members of the same family and no special treatment with disinfectants is required. However, they sometimes give errors, so in order to determine whether the thermometer is correct or not, its readings should be periodically checked against a standard mercury thermometer, which is not affected by anything.

Temperature measurement with a thermometer for the body

Measurement of body temperature or thermometry is an important procedure for detecting the presence of fever, as a symptom of a large number of serious diseases. The most important rules, which determine in what place it is better to take the measurement and how long to keep the thermometer, help to do this as efficiently as possible. Therefore, everyone should know how to carry out thermometry in order to recognize fever in time and seek help from a doctor.

Measuring body temperature is a procedure that directly depends on what type of thermometer is used for this.

Rules for thermometry with a mercury thermometer

When measuring the temperature with a mercury thermometer, the first thing to find out is what are the readings from the previous thermometry on the device (after all, as already mentioned above, the level of the mercury column does not return to the minimum mark on its own). If the indicator is above 35 ° C, then the thermometer should be gently shaken several times. Then re-evaluate the level. Next, the device must be placed in the armpit. The question of how long to keep the thermometer is very important, because if you remove it ahead of time, you can get an underestimated unreliable result. The duration of the stay of the mercury thermometer in the armpit should be at least 5-6 minutes, ideally - 10. After that, it should be removed and evaluated.

Thermometry rules with an electronic thermometer

The rules for using an electronic thermometer are described in the instructions for this device. Before using it for the first time, like any other, you should read it carefully. Each electronic thermometer has its own characteristics that relate to thermometry technology. Before starting the procedure, you need to look at the display and reset the previous readings (although with some devices this happens automatically). Then place it in the armpit, in the mouth or rectum. The waiting period for the result is determined by the appearance of a special sound signal. However, for greater accuracy, you should continue measuring the temperature for another 1-2 minutes, sometimes these results differ.

Thermometry rules with infrared thermometer

An infrared thermometer is a device that also requires reading the instructions. Each manufacturing company brings its own nuances to the thermometry process, so this should always be remembered. The question of how long to hold such a thermometer should also be found out in the text of the instruction, but usually the result is displayed on the display for 1 minute.

It must be remembered that periodically any thermometer needs to be processed. A mercury thermometer can be rinsed with an antiseptic solution (you can use a weak alcohol), but the electronic and infrared after such a procedure may fail. They should simply be wiped off with a clean, damp cloth after each use.

The question of how long you need to keep the thermometer is very important. After all, its premature extraction leads to an underestimated result. The result is an underestimation of the severity of your condition. Therefore, for different types of thermometers, this parameter is individual:

Mercury thermometer.

Desirable - 5-6 minutes, ideally - 10 minutes.

Desirable - before the sound signal appears (1-2 minutes), ideally - 1-2 minutes after the sound signal.

Desirable - before the sound signal appears (60 seconds). After that, further measurement is meaningless. The non-contact thermometer shows the result on the display after 30 seconds.

How to determine an elevated temperature without a thermometer

Fever is a symptom that, as a rule, has a very specific effect on the patient's well-being. Therefore, an increased temperature without a thermometer can also be diagnosed quickly enough. Here are some signs that you might be suspicious of a fever:

Feeling, trembling (when the temperature rises), or fever - when it has already risen to high numbers.
Redness of the skin of the face, chest.
Headache, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness.
Pain in muscles, joints, bones, body aches.
Thirst, dry mouth, decreased appetite.

Children behave in a very specific way with fever. They become lethargic, whiny, refuse to eat and play, ask their parents for pens. It is possible to determine the presence of high temperature without a thermometer, however, only the device can find out its specific level, so you should not neglect it.

Young children are often sick, and colds are much more common in them than in adults due to immaturity immune system... Fever in a child often develops, and it can quickly reach pyretic numbers. Babies in the first 2 years of life are very vulnerable to high fever, because one of its potential complications is febrile seizures. They arise against the background of an increase in body temperature to a level of 39 ° C and above and are the result of an underdevelopment of the nervous system. In order to prevent their appearance, it is necessary to determine as soon as possible whether the baby has a fever and urgently take measures to reduce the body temperature. Therefore, the presence of a thermometer in a house where there are children is mandatory, and its absence is a negligent crime of the parents.

The best thermometer for babies

An increase in body temperature in infants up to a year is an extremely serious and dangerous symptom. Any mother should be able to measure this indicator, despite the fact that the child himself may not be delighted with this procedure. Fortunately, by now different kinds thermometers that help carry out thermometry in the smallest patients. These include thermometers - pacifiers, electronic and infrared thermometers. Most the best option: non-contact thermometer, it helps to measure the sleeping baby.

A mercury thermometer is the most extreme option, because a baby can react specifically to a cold glass device - to break the thermometer by hitting a pen or a leg.

The right thermometer for preschool children

Children between the ages of 1 and 6 years old differ greatly in their level of development. Six-year-olds are conscious people who can sit quite calmly for several minutes while taking temperature measurements with any kind of thermometer, which cannot be said about two-year-olds: this procedure can cause a storm of negative emotions in them. Therefore, when choosing the type of thermometer, first of all, the temperament of the baby must be taken into account. A dummy is an option that will suit only one year old child, therefore, after 2 years, preference should be given to infrared, non-contact or electronic thermometers.

Occasions when children preschool age accidentally smashed the thermometer, not uncommon. Therefore, this option should be left primarily in order to find out whether the correct thermometer is infrared or electronic, or the batteries or the device itself should be replaced.

The question of whether a thermometer containing mercury is dangerous and whether mercury poisoning from a thermometer is possible worries all owners of this device. There have always been many myths and legends around him that do not quite correspond to reality. Therefore, this issue, as well as what to do if the thermometer is broken and how the thermometers are recycled, should be given special attention.

Is mercury poisoning from a thermometer possible?

Is mercury poisoning from a thermometer possible? This is the main question that revolves in the head of a person who sees small shiny balls of this liquid metal on the floor, which got there as a result of careless handling of the thermometer. However, experts say that the dose of this substance in one device is so small that real mercury poisoning from a thermometer is very unlikely. However, the chances increase if the balls hit a hot stove, frying pan, then the metal evaporates and this increases the likelihood of getting them into the respiratory tract.

Also, the likelihood of getting chronic mercury poisoning from a thermometer increases if the balls rolled somewhere in a secluded place and stayed there for a long time. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary after the thermometer has been broken to take all the necessary preventive measures for this serious condition.

What to do if the thermometer is broken

If such a situation occurs in the house, the first thing to do is to isolate all animals and children in a separate room. After that, you need to close the doors tightly, open the window wide open and start collecting the balls of mercury. This must be done with rubber gloves glued to tape or paper in a large glass jar. After a thorough inspection of the scene, it is necessary to tightly close the can and call the rescue service so that they take a control measurement of the residual level of mercury and dispose of the thermometer.

How is the disposal of mercury thermometers

An old or broken mercury thermometer is a potential environmental hazard. Therefore, the disposal of mercury-based thermometers is the task of specialists. Ideally, they should be handed over in a tightly closed bag or bank to the city's emergency services. Do not throw them in a trash can or take them to a landfill yourself.

Disposal of mercury thermometers is a serious job that must be carried out by specially trained professionals.

Everyone is familiar with such measuring equipment as a thermometer. It is used to control the temperature level. For example, during illness or when tracking the day of ovulation in women. Therefore, there should always be at home. Electronic thermometers are replacing mercury. Before buying this equipment, it is necessary to consider all its positive and negative qualities, as well as the peculiarities of measuring the temperature in the armpit, rectally, in the mouth.

Mercury and electronic thermometer

Features of the electronic thermometer

Modern thermometers are distinguished by the presence of a special sensor, which is located on the narrow part of the thermometer. After the temperature measurement has passed, the result will be shown on the display in the form of numbers. Therefore, the second name of the device is a digital thermometer.

When choosing an electronic device, you should pay attention to its strengths and weaknesses. Positive qualities include:

Security. It contains no mercury, so it cannot be harmful to health. Suitable for use by both adults and children of any age.
Versatility. An electronic thermometer can measure temperature different methods... For example, orally, rectally, in the armpit, elbow or groin.
Speed. The procedure usually does not take long. On average, it takes about 30-60 seconds to obtain reliable data.
Comfort. The end of the temperature measurement process can be recognized by the sound signal that the device will emit.
Simplicity. The measurement result will be displayed on a special display. It will be enough for a person to just look at the scoreboard.
Profitability. The device will turn itself off after a few minutes after use. This will help save battery life.

The market is filled with a variety of medical thermometers that can be equipped with additional features. The most demanded and popular are:

the presence of built-in memory. That is, the device automatically stores the latest indicators, which will help a person analyze changes in his own body temperature. Some models can store up to 30 measurements;
waterproof case. This function allows young mothers to measure not only the body temperature of a newborn baby, but also to determine the degree of heating of the water that will be used for bathing;
switching the scale from the measuring system Celsius to Fahrenheit;
display backlight. This will help you see the thermometer readings even at night, without getting out of bed to turn on the light;
tip change.

So that little children are not afraid to measure the temperature, manufacturers have developed special thermometers. They look like toys or come in vibrant colors. Nipple thermometers are available for newborns. They greatly simplify the procedure for measuring temperature.

Baby thermometers

In addition to the positive qualities, the equipment also has several negative points. Among them:

Some models are afraid of moisture, so they cannot be wet.
The electronic thermometer should usually be kept for a few minutes after the beep. This is inconvenient, as the extra time must be counted.
The cost of a good electronic device is slightly higher than that of a mercury thermometer.

In addition, when buying a device for a newborn, remember that you can use it only until the first teeth appear.

In order for the data to be as accurate and correct as possible, it is imperative to follow all the instructions and advice of the manufacturer, which are indicated on the equipment packaging and in the attached instructions.

Package

How to use an electronic thermometer?

To get the correct data, you need to use the equipment correctly. In this case, you should follow some rules:

The sensor on the thermometer should fit snugly against the body.
The most accurate results are obtained with rectal or oral measurements.
The data can only be evaluated after the instrument emits a certain beep. If measurements take place in the armpit, it is recommended to hold the thermometer after that for about 2-3 minutes.
When taking the temperature orally, you must not eat or drink before.
It is not recommended to take measurements in the armpit after taking a bath or other water procedures.

Batteries also affect the correct temperature measurement. Usually one set lasts from 2 to 5 years. At the time when they begin to sit down, the thermometer may begin to incorrectly show body temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to change the batteries regularly.

Electronic thermometer battery

How to measure temperature by various methods using an electronic thermometer?

There are several ways you can use an electronic thermometer:

orally;
rectally;
in the armpit.

Using an electronic thermometer is not only much more convenient, but also safer. If the temperature is measured in the mouth or armpit, the algorithm of actions is practically the same as using a mercury thermometer. But there are also specific features. First of all, these include the time after which an accurate result can be obtained. It depends on the type of thermometer, as well as on the manufacturer. Usually, there is an instruction for this, which indicates how long you can look at the result. For most models, this period of time is from 30 seconds to 1 minute. But in practice, it happens a little differently. If measurements are taken in the armpit, then after the sound signal, you must still wait about 2-3 minutes without taking out the thermometer. Only after this period you can evaluate the result.