Why is the temperature measured in the mouth in the West, and in our armpit?

Most likely, you have seen in the movies that Americans put a thermometer in their mouth to measure the temperature. At the same time, we are not talking about any preferences of individuals-this is a standard procedure for US residents. But the fact that the temperature can be measured by sticking a thermometer under your arm, as they do here, seems unusual to them. Why do we use such different methods of measuring body temperature?

Let's start with the theory. The most correct is to measure the temperature at the points of the body closest to the place where it is stable. Such classic places are considered to be the armpit, the place under the tongue and the rectum. The most accurate method of measurement is in the rectum, that is, rectal, and it is practiced all over the world.

Most often, the temperature is determined by the rectal method in infants, because a small child can not yet hold a thermometer under the tongue or pressing it to the body with his hand. The method is also applied to adults, when it is necessary to get the most accurate indications for diagnostic purposes.

The mouth is an excellent place for temperature measurements, accessible and scientifically based. A person's body can overheat, for example, when he is lying under a blanket, and this will affect the accuracy of the readings. But the temperature in the mouth is always constant and at the same time the most corresponding to reality.

Another plus of measuring under the tongue is speed. On average, this takes only 1-2 minutes, and not 5, as with the armpit. For such manipulation, you do not need to undress and even unbutton your clothes, which is also very convenient. But then why is it not measured in our country in the most accurate, not the most convenient, and not the fastest way?

The tradition of measuring body temperature under the armpit, surprising both Americans and Europeans, was inherited from the Soviet era. Long queues in domestic hospitals somehow did not have the ability to measure under the tongue, and even more so rectally. There were not many thermometers, and it was difficult to disinfect them after each patient. Therefore, the doctors chose the third recommended point for themselves, not the most accurate, but the least troublesome.

Yes, it is worth saying that the temperature of 36.6 is considered normal only with the axillary method. With the oral method, the norm is 37.3 — 37.7 degrees, and with the rectal method-37.1 — 37.5 degrees.

Did you know that a thermometer can be not just a boring device, but also a real miracle and even a work of art? Don't you believe it? Then get acquainted with the Galileo thermometer.