Child's body temperature is low, should I worry? & bull; hello healthy

Since birth, humans have a system called homeostasis that is responsible for maintaining body temperature in a normal range. So, if your child's body temperature suddenly rises or drops outside its normal range, this means that something is wrong in the baby's system. You may already know that a child's body temperature rises so that a fever usually indicates a bacterial, viral, or germ infection. However, what about the body temperature that decreases so that your little one's skin feels cold to the touch? Is this a natural thing or should you be aware of it?

Normal body temperature of the child

As long as your child's palms and feet or the surface of your child's skin don't feel too cold or freeze when you touch them, their body temperature is still relatively normal. However, if it feels cold you should take your child's temperature with a thermometer in the mouth, ear, armpit or anus. In a healthy and normal state, the child's body temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37 degrees Celsius. This number will continue to change throughout the day, for example at night when the child sleeps, in the afternoon after bathing, or after your child has done certain physical activities.

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Why is my child's body temperature low?

Although everyone has a different body temperature, be aware that your child's body temperature often or always falls below 36.5 degrees Celsius. Low body temperature can indicate various health conditions such as the following.

1. Lack of physical activity

If your child lacks movement and physical activity, the risk is low body temperature. This happens because a passive body will usually slow down the metabolic system, which is the process of burning calories into energy. Physical activity is one way to trigger the combustion process. So, the less mobile your child is, the colder, limp, and paler your body will be.

2. Nutritional intake

A balanced diet and nutritional intake will help keep your child's body temperature within the normal range. If your child is hungry, their body temperature will decrease. Likewise with the lack of certain nutritional intake such as calories, iodine, and iron. Unbalanced nutritional intake can lower your little one's body temperature. So, make sure that you always keep your child's diet regular and balanced.

3. Lack of blood

Lack of blood (iron deficiency anemia) or poor blood circulation can affect the child's core temperature (internal organs) and body temperature. If your child looks pale, weak, has difficulty breathing, tingles, and feels cold, your child may be short of blood. In addition, children who lack blood are also usually susceptible to infection until they fall sick. Another sign is attention span (attention span) are short and growing at a slower pace than children his age. Be careful because lack of blood in children can cause learning and mental development disorders.

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4. Symptoms of minor illness

Usually the child's body temperature will decrease if you want to get sick, for example, catch a cold or influenza. Low body temperature is often experienced by children just before they develop a fever. This is because viruses, bacteria, and germs will be most vicious in attacking the body where the temperature is low. However, the immune system will fight it by increasing the core temperature and body temperature so that your little one gets hot and has a fever. After taking febrifuge, your child may also experience a drop in body temperature.

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5. Serious illness

A low child's body temperature can be a symptom of a serious illness. Some chronic diseases such as autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism, or multiple sclerosis are characterized by a decrease in body temperature and feeling weak throughout the day. Neurological disorders in children are also sometimes indicated by low body temperature.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If your child's body temperature is still around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, you don't need to worry. To increase the child's body temperature, try to adjust the room temperature so that it is not too cold and wear clothes that are warm enough. You can also offer hot drinks and foods such as ginger to help raise her core temperature.

However, if your child's temperature drops to 35 degrees Celsius, you should immediately take it to the nearest health care center. Consult with doctors and health workers so that you can get the best treatment. If the doctor suspects certain health problems, your child may be asked to undergo a series of medical examinations. Stay calm and stay with the child during the examination.