Body temperature

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Revision as of 15:27, April 18, 2020 by Notjusttired (talk | contribs) (CCC)

The normal human body temperature range is typically stated as 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). The average internal temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F). It is typically maintained within this range by thermoregulation. Body temperature normally fluctuates over the day following circadian rhythms, with the lowest levels around 4 a.m. and the highest in the late afternoon.

Core temperature is regulated and stabilized primarily by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain linking the endocrine system to the nervous system.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

In ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

Temperature sensitivity, or intolerance to the heat or cold, occurs commonly as a symptom in ME/CFS, and is recognised in the Canadian Consensus Criteria as a neuroendocrine symptom.

  • 53.9% - 58.7% of the 2073 patients in a Belgian study of 2001 reported symptom exacerbation in extremes of temperature.[1]
  • Katrina Berne reports a prevalence of 75-80% for heat/cold intolerance.[2]

Temperature intolerance is featured as a symptom in the International Consensus Criteria. In the London criteria, sensitivity to both heat and cold is mentioned under the criteria of periods of impaired circulation compatible with autonomic dysfunction.[3]

References[edit | edit source]