What does a low body temperature mean?

minimoneysaver

My daughter has an awful cough and isn't herself. I touched her and she's freezing cold, but well wrapped up with a blanket on and the heating is on too. Her temperature is 96.7 and she is 3 1/2 years old. She has in the past had febrile convulsions from a high temp... i've never seen her with a low one.
Searched all over the internet, (with the little time I have with her ill and can't find anything on low temperature).

Can someone please help me?

TomsMom

If you're worried I would call NHS Direct or your surgery's emergency number, or call the surgery in the morning if she's still the same.

Searching for answers on the internet can be very misleading, especially where a very young child is concerned.

minimoneysaver

I was thinking about calling nhs direct, but so often they say they'll call back later and it ends up being 2 or three hours later.
I'm still looking round, but keep finding out loads of info for high temp.... so annoying. Looks like it may be some kind of virus?

TomsMom

minimoneysaver wrote: »

I'm still looking round, but keep finding out loads of info for high temp.... so annoying. Looks like it may be some kind of virus?

In the nicest possible way minim/s, I really wouldn't do it. You'll end up imagining she has all sorts of dreadful things and torturing yourself. Try NHS Direct or the surgery's emergency number who will send someone out if they think it is urgent.

smileylunar

how reliable is your thermometer? trust your instincts and get your little one seen, if only to get another reading and reassurance. have you given her any calpol or such, which will bring her temp down anyway. has she any rash or difficulty breathing? In any case I strongly reccomend you seek medical advice tonight.please let us know how you get on:)

minimoneysaver

Thanks for you help. She settled down and had a reasonable nights sleep. This morning her temperature has swung the other way and is now about 102.5 (the avg of both ears). I've got the braun in the ear thermometer which was recommended by the hospital as she's had a couple of convulsions. I've kept her off nursery today and we'll see if it settles down with her medications.

smileylunar

Good to hear your little one is settling down, and thanks for letting us know.You obviously are clued up on these things and your little one has a lovely,caring mummy:)

drkrchrdsn

Normal human body temperature is usually stated as 98.6 F (37 C) orally, it actually ranges from 97.5 to 98.8 F (36.4 to 37.1 C). Some people have temperatures in the 96 F range and feel fine. Your body temperature is not considered dangerously low until it is below 95 F (35 C). Mild reductions in body temperature are often temporary and don't indicate a serious problem or condition. For example, your temperature normally is lower in the morning than in the evening. The most common cause of a lower-than-normal body temperature is exposure to cold. But occasionally, a low body temperature can indicate an underlying problem or condition, such as:

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Diabetes
• Adrenal gland insufficiency (Addison's disease)
• Hypothalamus dysfunction
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Widespread infection (sepsis)
• Excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs
• A side effect of certain medications, such as phenothiazines, barbiturates, opiates, clonidine, lithium and benzodiazepines

If your low body temperature persists, consult your doctor.