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What Causes 4-5 Degree Temperature Difference In The Oral And Rectal Regions?

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Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017
Question: What might cause a 4 to 5 degree difference in oral and rectal temperature readings?
In the last 5 years I have developed an intolerance to heat and humidity, and this is one of the symptoms when I exert at all in heat.
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This should do with measuring technique.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

The two measurements are ideally the same. The body cannot maintain two different temperatures as they eventually get to have a single mean value. The measuring technique is probably not adequate. It is my guess that you will have higher oral because you are able to actually get it fully inserted while with rectal, you will be unable to get it in the right position. This leads to the temperatures nit reflecting explicitly that of the internal milieu. If you are not convinced by this, I will suggest you get this controlled by a doctor/nurse at the hospital.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes 4-5 Degree Temperature Difference In The Oral And Rectal Regions?

Brief Answer: This should do with measuring technique. Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. The two measurements are ideally the same. The body cannot maintain two different temperatures as they eventually get to have a single mean value. The measuring technique is probably not adequate. It is my guess that you will have higher oral because you are able to actually get it fully inserted while with rectal, you will be unable to get it in the right position. This leads to the temperatures nit reflecting explicitly that of the internal milieu. If you are not convinced by this, I will suggest you get this controlled by a doctor/nurse at the hospital. I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.