EN
When you’re worried you may have a fever, a doctor typically measures your temperature with a thermometer. Thermometers are valuable devices that allow us to assess our body heat to detect if we may have a higher-than-normal temperature. Thermometers come in all different kinds, and each one has its own special way of working. In this guide, we will discover the different types of thermometers, where and how they are used, and why they are relevant to our health.
Here’s How to Choose the Right Thermometer
First, you have to choose the right type of thermometer for your circumstances. There are four common types of thermometers: oral, rectal, axillary, and tympanic.
Oral thermometers are used under the tongue. They tend to be user-friendly and offer instant reads.
Rectal thermometers are inserted gently into the rectum. They are very accurate but some find them uncomfy.
Axillary thermometers are placed in the armpit. The procedure is non-invasive and painless which means that this does not hurt.
Tympanic thermometers go inside the ear. They don’t take long to use and are relatively easy, although sometimes earwax gets in the way of them working very well.
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a thermometer. First, consider the age of the intended user. Some types, for instance, may be more familiar at a younger age: babies and toddlers. You also have to consider the health history of the person. “Some individuals may be more comfortable in a certain type of thermometer. You should also review how accurate the thermometer is, the ease of use, and the time it takes to provide a reading.
Pros and Cons of Each Type
There are positives and negatives for each type of thermometer. Here’s how to understand them, so that you can make the best choice when it comes to checking temperature:
The good old-fashioned method: Oral thermometers are common because they’re simple to use and they take a quick reading. But they may not be appropriate for young children or for those who have undergone surgery in their mouths or have mouth injuries.
For checking the temperature of babies, rectal thermometers are the most accurate and also a good choice. They’re still uncomfortable, and some may not care for this method.
Axillary thermometers are extremely gentle and do not inflict any pain, however they may not be as accurate compared to oral or rectal thermometers. That means they can sometimes read a temperature that is slightly inaccurate.
Tympanic thermometers are excellent because they are fast and simple to use. If ear blockage exists, though, it can influence their accuracy in measuring the heat.
How Thermometers Work: Measuring Temperature
The way Thermometers measure temperature is also different.
Traditional thermometers employ a liquid, such as mercury or alcohol, that expands when it is warmed. The liquid rises up a column contained in a small tube and indicates temperature on a scale.
Digital thermometers are not the same. They deploy electronic sensors to sense temperature and display the value on a screen (which can usually be more accurate and easier to read).
Infrared thermometers measure the heat radiating from a body with special rays. They provide rapid, contactless results, at highly convenient locations.
Here’s Why Thermometers Are Important for Health
Thermometers play a big role in keeping us healthy. But they also serve other purposes, helping us monitor our body temperatures when we are sick or worried that we could be infected. When doctors check us for a fever, it helps them know if we should take precautions or whether something is wrong. If someone is running a fever, that can be an indication of an infection, and that knowledge can inform doctors about treatment options for that person. Thermometers also help physicians determine what is happening if someone is feeling unwell so they can provide proper medication or advice.
Thermometer Technologies: New and Emerging
Thermometers have improved and become easier to use over the decades, thanks to new technology. Certain smart thermometers can pair with your mobile phone. That means you could track temperature readings over time and share them with doctors when necessary. Another good invention are no-touch thermometers. Infrared technology does this by taking the body heat of the person in question without contact with them, beneficial for patients that may be incapacitated or may not want any points of contact.
Hangzhou Huaan is a leading supplier of thermometers. They offer many choices to accommodate the needs of diverse patients, using the standard thermometers to more modern smart versions. That way, they can get a thermometer that works best for them and keeps them healthy.
