Is it normal for my temp to be 36 degrees as an average?

Question

I have constant problems with chest infections. My Dr insists that it isnt a problem because I dont have a fever. I have told him about my average temp, but he doesnt seem to accept that. If I have a temp of 38 and my normal is 36, it seems to me that represents a fever. I'm really just wondering if anyone else has had this issue and what they did to handle it.

Yes, I have tried different thermometers. This has been on going since childhood. Unfortunately, in rural Canada, changing Dr's is not an option. We have a severe shortage. You get what u get.

Answer 1

Have you tried different thermometers? They vary quite a bit. The one I use at home gives me a usual reading of 97.4, while the ones in my doctor's office usually show I'm 98.6

I'm used to Farenheit, but degrees F are about 1/2 degrees C, so two degrees C is equal to 4 F, which would mean your increase to 38 would be about equal to a fever of 102F. My "Healthwise Handbook" says that a fever of 102 for a couple of days is something to worry about, but not if it just comes and goes.

Are you running a temp of 38 for several days, or just occasionally?

Answer 2

Yes, this is fairly common. 37C is not NORMAL body temp, it is AVERAGE body temp. Baseline temperatures fluctuate within 1-2 degrees of this mark. My own normal temp. is around 36.

Chest infections may or may not come with fever. Regardless, your doctor should offer some level of treatment, even if it's only treating symptoms. Frankly, if you're not pleased with the care you're recieving from your doctor, or you don't feel that your doctor trusts you to konw how you feel, you should find a new one.

EDIT: To the user above:

Just so you know:
Fahrenheit temp = (Celcius temp / 5 * 9) + 32

A Celcius temp of 38 would be 100.4F. That's not really something to worry about, but it can make you feel miserable.