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Why Is Rectal Body Temperature Different From Underarm Temperature?
Question: I am watching my 8 month old grandson. When I take his temp under his arm is is normal 98.5 but rectally 103! How is this possible????
Brief Answer:
Use a different thermometer or else clinical assessment would help
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM
I can understand your concern.
The usual difference between rectal and axillary temperature is 1F.
First of all I would like to know if baby is warm or not.If you feel that his temperature is raised then the value of 98.5 is wrong.But again if rectal temperature is 103 then baby must be enough hot that can be well elicited even without help of thermometer.
Rectal temperature is always more accurate than axillary.
In few conditions like when there is sweat in axilla,can give false values.
I suggest you to use a different thermometer and if you feel that baby is warm on touch then give some antipyratic like paracetamol to bring down the temperature.
Also look for other associated symptoms which can be there with fever like cough/cold if any.This would be more suggestive of having fever.
If still you have any doubt please consult a pediatrician for clinical evaluation.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Regards
Use a different thermometer or else clinical assessment would help
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM
I can understand your concern.
The usual difference between rectal and axillary temperature is 1F.
First of all I would like to know if baby is warm or not.If you feel that his temperature is raised then the value of 98.5 is wrong.But again if rectal temperature is 103 then baby must be enough hot that can be well elicited even without help of thermometer.
Rectal temperature is always more accurate than axillary.
In few conditions like when there is sweat in axilla,can give false values.
I suggest you to use a different thermometer and if you feel that baby is warm on touch then give some antipyratic like paracetamol to bring down the temperature.
Also look for other associated symptoms which can be there with fever like cough/cold if any.This would be more suggestive of having fever.
If still you have any doubt please consult a pediatrician for clinical evaluation.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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