The fact that the body temperature is elevatedis a sign of a particular ailment, known to everyone without exception. And why the temperature may rise is also generally known. However, sometimes the opposite situation occurs - a person's body temperature is low. And here confusion arises - if a person has a low body temperature, the reasons are not known to everyone. In this article, we will consider why such situations arise, and what to do if the body temperature is significantly lowered. In order to understand this, you need to know some background. Evolution has ensured that humans become warm-blooded creatures. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for them to survive in such different climatic conditions. The human thermoregulation mechanism is almost perfect - it allows the body to maintain a constant body temperature of approximately 36.6 degrees. In the event that the temperature deviates towards higher values - fever - people almost always notice this change and seek medical help from a doctor, or independently take certain measures aimed at lowering the body temperature to normal values. But if the deviation is downward, a person, as a rule, does not pay much attention to it. But, as it turns out, completely in vain. Sometimes the reason for a decrease in body temperature is very serious diseases that are a serious threat not only to health, but sometimes even to human life. In order to understand what exactly can lead to a decrease in body temperature, you need to have at least a general idea of how exactly the process of thermoregulation occurs in the human body. Scientists distinguish several types of thermoregulation:
Types of thermoregulation disorders
Doctors point out the fact that there areviolations of all types of thermoregulation without exception. Let's consider these violations in more detail - this information will help to thoroughly understand the essence of the violation of thermoregulation processes. And we will begin the conversation with the violation of chemical thermoregulation:
- Disruption of the immune system of the body
Moreover, most often, a violation of thermoregulation occurs soon after a person has suffered some serious illness, most often accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature.
- Intoxication of the body
As is known, very often in cases of intoxicationthe body temperature of a person rises very sharply. However, in some cases, the opposite phenomenon is possible - with severe intoxication, the body temperature decreases, sometimes quite significantly. The reasons for this phenomenon have not been fully established - some believe that the type of toxin is to blame, some believe that the features of the immune system. Therefore, you should simply accept this fact.
- Iron deficiency and some other varieties of anemia
Often to the disruption of the normal processthermoregulation are caused by various types of anemia. This phenomenon is especially common if a person suffers from iron deficiency or plastic anemia. Therefore, if you find yourself in such a situation, be sure to monitor your body temperature, even if your doctor has not told you about it. Unfortunately, doctors often overlook this aspect.
- Diseases of the endocrine system
Often, low body temperature is a direct consequence of a disruption in the normal functioning of the endocrine system - problems with the adrenal glands, hypothyroidism, and others.
- Overexertion and lack of sleep
Often the cause of chemical imbalancethermoregulation becomes chronic fatigue syndrome, lack of sleep or constant stressful situations. Such situations generally have an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the entire body without exception.
- Pregnancy
In some situations, body temperature maydecrease due to pregnancy. Therefore, if a woman notices that she has a low temperature, she should immediately make sure that she is not pregnant. Violation of physical thermoregulation is that the body's heat loss can occur due to severe pathological sweating, or too strong and prolonged vasodilation. This can happen if a person has experienced severe stress, or diseases such as vegetative - vascular distension, or hypotension. Not the last place among the reasons leading to a decrease in body temperature is occupied by a violation of normal behavioral thermoregulation. As a rule, this occurs if a person stops responding properly to changes in body temperature. Most often, the cause of such a violation of the perception of changes in the ambient temperature is either a mental disorder, or due to the effect of narcotic or alcoholic substances on the brain. Such a violation is extremely dangerous not only for a person's health, but sometimes even for his life. A person simply does not notice a significant decrease in the ambient temperature, and therefore can become very cold. And a decrease in body temperature to 25 degrees inevitably leads to coma and death. In addition, this can happen to small children in the first two months of life. That is why pediatricians constantly remind parents of the need to constantly and vigilantly monitor the child's body temperature. Make sure that the baby's skin is warm and dry - this is a sure sign that the baby feels comfortable. If the baby freezes, and the parents do not notice this in time, the body temperature can drop significantly. There are several other different reasons that can lead to a pathological decrease in body temperature. Moreover, among such reasons are often very serious diseases, such as various brain tumors affecting those areas of the brain that are responsible for the natural process of thermoregulation, critically low body weight, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
What to do?
Of course, a low body temperature is not always easy to notice. However, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate that a person has a low body temperature:
- Weakness and general malaise of a person.
- A pronounced drowsiness, which is very difficult to cope with.
- Increased nervous excitability and nervousness, tearfulness in children.
- The inhibition of various reactions - both mental and physical.
In the event that there is a decrease in body temperatureconfirmed, it is necessary to take measures as soon as possible. The first thing to do is to identify the cause of the decrease in body temperature. If this cause is hypothermia, it is necessary to warm him up as quickly as possible and call a doctor. So, low body temperature - what to do? The answer is extremely simple - in any case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination, and if necessary, prescribe a number of tests. If necessary, the sick person will be referred for additional consultation. In no case should you self-diagnose, and even more so self-medicate. Only a doctor can do this quickly and correctly. In some cases, low body temperature is an individual feature of a particular person. In such cases, a person maintains good health and performance, and during a full medical examination, doctors cannot identify any violations. Such people do not need medical care, since for them low body temperature is the norm. We recommend reading:
