Should you take your little one's temperature from their armpit? (Axillary Temperature) - How to do it right!

Does your little one feel a little hot? Or is he less active and not drinking any milk? Then, as a mother or father, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Oh, I don't know if my child has a fever." Checking the temperature of a small child can sometimes be a bit difficult, especially for small babies who cannot hold a thermometer in their mouth. At such times, an easy and often helpful method is to check the temperature in the armpit. Today, let's talk in detail about checking the temperature in the armpit, that is, measuring the temperature in the armpit (Axillary Temperature) .

What is an axillary temperature? Why is it important?

Simply put, taking a temperature under the armpit is taking a temperature by placing a thermometer under the child's armpit . This is often used to check the temperature of young children, especially those under five years of age, who are reluctant to put a thermometer in their mouth or who may not understand it. Imagine your six-month-old baby has a fever. What happens if you try to put a thermometer in their mouth? They will try to remove it, cry, and may even bite. In such a situation, taking a temperature under the armpit is easier for the child and easier for you .

But here's something important to remember. The temperature taken from the armpit may be slightly lower than the child's actual core body temperature. This means that it is less accurate than a rectal temperature, or an oral temperature, which is a slightly larger measurement that can be taken by a child with a thermometer in their mouth. This is because the armpit is a surface area of ​​the body, and can be affected by the ambient temperature.

But this method is very useful for quickly getting a rough idea of ​​whether the child has a fever or not, without making them uncomfortable. This is especially good for a nighttime emergency, to get a quick idea before seeing a doctor.

Be sure to take care of these things before checking for fever!

Before taking a temperature from the armpit, there are a few things we need to do. Doing these correctly will help us get the most accurate reading possible.

1. What kind of bamboo skewer should I use?

For this, you should definitely use a digital thermometer . The glass thermometers that used to contain mercury are no longer good to use. If they break even accidentally, mercury can spill out, which is very harmful to children and us. Also, glass thermometers can cause injuries. The digital thermometers on the market today are easy to use, safe, and the readings are clear. Some of them even have additional features such as an alarm if the temperature is too high, and can even remember previous readings.

2. When to wait a while before checking for fever

• If your child has just taken a bath or shower , it's best to wait 20 to 30 minutes before checking their temperature. This is because the body is still warm after a bath.The temperature may vary slightly.
• Similarly, if the child is well-wrapped, wearing a lot of clothes, or if a small baby is well-swadled , it may appear that the body temperature is too high if you check the temperature right away. Therefore, even at such times, remove the child's clothes a little, let them get used to the normal ambient temperature, and wait about 20 minutes before checking the temperature.

These small things can have a big impact on the accuracy of the temperature reading we receive.

How to accurately check your armpit temperature? (Step by step)

Okay, so now let's see how to properly take a temperature from the armpit. If you follow these steps in order, you can get a rough idea of ​​your child's temperature. 1. Prepare the thermometer:

• Check that the digital thermometer is clean. If necessary, clean it with an alcohol swab or by washing it with soap and drying it. The tip of the thermometer should be especially clean.
• Turn on the heat.

2. Prepare the child's clothes:

• Lift the child's upper garment, i.e. shirt or T-shirt, slightly to expose the armpit . The thermometer should be placed directly on the skin, not on top of the clothing. This is very important ! If you place it on top of the clothing, the reading will be incorrect.

3. Hold the bamboo skewer in your armpit:

• Place the tip of the thermometer (the side with the sensor) exactly in the middle of the child's armpit, pressing firmly against the skin .
• Then, press the child's arm against the armpit and fold it across the chest to the other side . As if the child is pressing the bamboo skewer into the armpit with his own hand. This way, the bamboo skewer should be firmly stuck inside the armpit and not visible outside.

*Imagine, if it's a small baby, you can hold the baby close to your body and hold the baby's hand close to your body. Then the fever will not move around.* 4. Wait until the fever is read:

• Most digital thermometers will beep when they are finished taking the temperature. Hold the thermometer in place until you hear the beep. This usually takes about a minute, but some thermometers will give you a reading faster.
• Depending on the model of your thermometer, you may be instructed to wait until the display stabilizes. Therefore, it is wise to read the instruction manual that came with your thermometer.

5. Read the value:

• After the beep, slowly pick up the thermometer and read the value on it.
• After reading the value, turn off the thermometer and clean it again.

Important:If the child is struggling, crying, or moving the thermometer while taking the temperature, the reading may be inaccurate. Therefore, try to keep the child calm and as still as possible while taking the temperature. Talking to the child, giving them a toy to distract them, and taking the temperature may be easier.

What should you think about when reading the value of a fever?

If the temperature measured under the armpit is usually less than 36.4 degrees Celsius (Celsius), it can be considered normal . However, if it is 37.4 degrees Celsius (Celsius) or higher , it can be suspected of being a fever. Remember, armpit temperature can be 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius lower than core body temperature. This means that if the armpit temperature shows 37.4°C, the actual temperature may be between 37.9°C and 38.4°C. When should you seek medical advice?

• If a baby under 3 months old has a fever of 37.4°C or higher when measured under the armpit, see a doctor immediately . Fever in young babies can be very serious.
• Regardless of the child's age, if they have symptoms such as difficulty breathing , seizures , blueness of the body, confusion, complete refusal to eat/drink, excessive vomiting or diarrhea along with a fever, take them to a hospital immediately.
• If the fever persists for several days.
• If you have the slightest doubt about the child's condition.

Remember: This article is for general information only. Only your doctor can give you the most accurate advice about your child's health.

Why choose armpit temperature? Aren't there other methods?

There are actually several ways to check for fever.

• Rectal Temperature: This is the most accurate way to measure a baby's core temperature. However, it can be a bit uncomfortable for the baby, and you need to know how to do it properly. This method is usually used in hospitals.
• Oral Temperature: This method is good for children over 4-5 years old who can hold the thermometer under their tongue. This is also fairly accurate.
• Tympanic or Ear Temperature: A method of measuring temperature inside the ear using a special thermometer. This is quick, but the reading can be inaccurate if the thermometer is not pointed exactly inside the ear.
• Forehead Temperature: Some digital thermometers can be used to take a temperature by placing it on the forehead or by rubbing it across the forehead (temporal artery thermometer). This is also convenient, but the accuracy may vary compared to other methods.

Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of taking a temperature from the armpit is its convenience and the fact that it is less uncomfortable for the child . That is why many parents choose this method at home.

## A little more about the little one's fever

Fever is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease . The body's temperature rises when the body is fighting an infection or other cause. Therefore, it is important not only to reduce the fever, but also to find the cause of the fever. If you feel a fever when you feel it in the armpit, give the child plenty of fluids (water, breast milk, fruit juice). Dress him in light clothes. If the doctor has prescribed it, give a fever-reducing medicine like Paracetamol in the prescribed dose. Never give medicines like Aspirin to young children without the advice of a doctor. It can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's Syndrome.

The most important thing - remember! (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've got a good idea about taking a fever from the armpit. Finally, remember this:

• Axillary temperature is an easy way to check a fever in young children .
• Be sure to use a digital thermometer . No glass thermometers!
• Before checking the temperature, wait 20-30 minutes if the child has been bathed and is well-wrapped.
• Place the bamboo skewer directly against the skin of the armpit , not on top of the clothing.
• To ensure the needle is well lodged in the armpit, fold the child's arm across his chest .
• Keep in mind that the value taken from the armpit may be slightly lower than the actual temperature inside the body.
• If the fever is high, or if your child has other problems, be sure to seek medical advice .

There's no greater joy than seeing your little one healthy and happy. So, knowing these little things will help you maintain that happiness.