Table of contents:
- What is a thermometer?
- 1. Digital thermometer
- 2. Mercury thermometer
- 3. Baby pacifier thermometer
- 4. Ear thermometer
- 5. Thermometer forehead or forehead
- Things to do before and after using a thermometer
When you have a fever, your body temperature will generally increase. If your body's skin is touched, it will generally feel hot or warm. Sometimes you also wonder how high your body temperature is when you have a fever. Knowing the body temperature is also a way of anticipation, whether it needs further treatment during fever or not. Measuring the right body temperature can be done using a thermometer. What is a thermometer? The following is an explanation and some types of body temperature gauges that you should know.
What is a thermometer?
Thermometer is a device used to measure body temperature. There are digital thermometers and some are manual. Manual thermometer aka analog thermometer usually consists of tubes, markers, and substances that can react with body temperature. Some substances in the thermometer can change color or expand up to fill the empty space in the tube when it reacts with body temperature.
In addition to measuring body temperature, this tool is generally also used in laboratories or to measure the temperature of the air or the temperature of other objects. Its main function is as a temperature measuring device. The following are some types of thermometers used to measure body temperature:
1. Digital thermometer
These digital body temperature gauges can generally show results quickly and accurately. These temperature gauges come in different shapes and sizes. You can get it at a pharmacy, drug store, or shop that sells medical devices.
In this digital body temperature gauge, there is a sensor at the end of the device. This sensor works to read your body temperature when it touches your body for a few seconds.
You can use this tool in 3 ways:
- Use in the mouth
When using the thermometer in your mouth, you simply place the tip of the sensor under your tongue with your lips closed. Try not to talk, bite or lick the appliance. Breathe normally through your nose. Wait until you hear a “beep” or other signal indicating that the temperature measurement result is ready to be read on the instrument screen.
- Use on the anus
This method is generally used with babies because they tend to find it difficult to be still for a while when a device is inserted into their mouth. That is why, measuring the baby's body temperature is generally done through the anus. Beforehand, first wash the tip of this digital body temperature gauge with soap and rinse with cold water. Dry with a clean cloth and then moisten the tip of the thermometer with lubricant, such as petroleum jelly.
First, you can put the baby to sleep on a flat surface, such as on a mattress or on the lap of your thighs. Put the baby on his stomach, then slowly open his legs from behind. After finding the anal canal, you can insert this tool into the anus slowly and let stand for 30 seconds or until the instrument sensor beeps.
The second way, you can also put the baby in a sleeping position face up, aka on his back. Then open both legs slowly and insert into the anus for 30 seconds or until a "beep" on the instrument is heard.
- Use it under your arms or armpits
Using a device under the arm or pressing it under the arm is also common practice. The trick, take off your shirt and place half of this digital body temperature gauge between your arms or squeeze it in your armpits. Make sure that the sensor is squeezed into your armpit and the sensor is on your skin, not on your clothes. After that hold for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sensor beeps. Then, you can see the results of the body temperature measurement on the tool screen.
Pay attention!
Do not use an oral and anal thermometer at the same time. You must provide a special label for anal (rectal) or mouth (oral) use to distinguish it. Also, make sure that you follow the rules for how to use it to get the right results
2. Mercury thermometer
Mercury thermometer is a manual body temperature measuring device using mercury or mercury. This tool is in the form of a glass tube filled with mercury in it. You can place it under your tongue to take your temperature. When placed under the tongue, the mercury, aka mercury in the glass tube, will rise to the empty space in the tube. On the tube, there is a temperature marker number. The mercury that rises will eventually stop at a number that indicates your body temperature.
Unfortunately, this manual body temperature gauge has begun to be banned. This aims to avoid the dangers of exposure to mercury, aka mercury into the body. Given that this device is placed on the tongue, the risk of mercury exposure is higher.
Remember too! Do not throw this mercury thermometer carelessly. This tool must be disposed of in a special medical waste bin. Consult the nurse or doctor when you want to dispose of this medical object.
3. Baby pacifier thermometer
This body temperature measuring device looks like a pacifier or pacifier, and is used specifically for babies or toddlers. This tool is used by inserting it into the baby's mouth for a few moments like a pacifier. The use of this tool is quite difficult and the results are at risk of being inaccurate because babies find it difficult to stay still for a while.
4. Ear thermometer
This tool is used by measuring the temperature inside the ear. In this body temperature gauge, there is an infrared light that will read the heat inside the ear.
Make sure you put the device in the ear hole correctly, not too deep or too far. Place the infrared sensor directly on the surface of the ear hole. Later, the body temperature results will appear on the device screen.
This body temperature measuring device is generally used for infants and children because it is easier to use. Also make sure that you or your child do not have an ear infection and have cleared the ear fluid. Too much fluid in the ear can make the thermometer reading inaccurate.
5. Thermometer forehead or forehead
This digital tool is used to measure body temperature via infrared light. All you have to do is position the infrared sensor of the tool towards your forehead or forehead. Later, the infrared rays will read the heat coming out of the head. You can see the body results through the temperature number on the screen of this tool.
Things to do before and after using a thermometer
Before using this temperature measuring device, there are a few things you need to know:
- Before taking your temperature, make sure that you are not eating or drinking hot or cold drinks. Because this can mess with your body temperature when it is measured. Better, wait for about 10-15 minutes after eating or drinking.
- Do not smoke until you have checked your temperature
- Don't forget to clean the thermometer after use, especially the thermometer that is used specifically for the anus.
- If you finish exercising or take a shower using hot water, it is better to wait 1 to 2 hours so that the original body temperature is not affected when measured.
