From the Guidelines
Normal core body temperature in humans is typically considered to be around 37° C, with a range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops below the normal temperature range near 37° C. It's essential to note that core temperature can vary slightly throughout the day and can be influenced by various factors such as time of day, physical activity, and method of measurement.
Key Points to Consider
- The normal core temperature range is between 36.5°C to 37.5°C, with an average of 37°C 1
- Core temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain to maintain homeostasis
- Factors that can influence normal temperature include time of day, physical activity, and method of measurement
- A sustained core temperature outside this normal range may indicate illness or other physiological issues that warrant medical attention
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, it's crucial to consider the potential risks of hypothermia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the very young, the very old, and people with impaired temperature perception, regulation, and ability to communicate 1. First aid providers should be guided by signs and symptoms, as they are unlikely to be able to obtain core body temperatures. Maintaining a normal core body temperature is essential to prevent hypothermia and its associated morbidity and mortality.
From the Research
Normal Core Temperatures
- Normal core temperature is typically considered to be around 37°C (98.6°F), but it can vary slightly from person to person 2.
- Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of 35°C (95°F) or lower 3.
- Fever is a natural response to infection, and antipyretics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to reduce fever 4, 2.
Effects of Antipyretics on Core Temperature
- Acetaminophen can reduce core temperature in the absence of fever, and this effect can be exacerbated by cold exposure 5.
- Ibuprofen has also been associated with hypothermia in children, with 19 cases reported in the Italian spontaneous reporting database 3.
- The use of antipyretics can lead to significant adverse events, including hypothermia, even when administered at therapeutic doses 4.
Management of Fever
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of a single antipyretic agent for the management of fever 4, 6.
- Ibuprofen has been found to be marginally more effective than paracetamol in reducing fever, but more research is needed to confirm this finding 6.
- It is important for healthcare professionals and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of antipyretics, including hypothermia 4, 3.