When I was a kid, having my temperature taken was either deeply uncomfortable or wildly inaccurate. The old thermometer under the tongue felt like torture when you were already feeling a little bit crook. Similarly, the old strip thermometer measured your skin temperature rather than what was going on inside. It was no wonder I used to hate it so much. Thankfully, medical science has done its thing and given us the ear thermometer. Now, I know what you are thinking: This is a very pharmacist thing to be excited about. But it really matters. Having an accurate reading of your temperature gives us our best chance at countering any sickness which is trying to ruin your day. The Braun thermometer Australia’s number 1 choice by doctors and health experts. In fact, it is estimated that they are used 1.5 million times a day all around the world. Why do you need one? Well, it is your first red flag that something is up.
Let me explain.
There are a number of diseases that can be diagnosed with an accurate reading of body temperature. A ‘healthy’ body temperature can be anywhere from 36 degrees to 37.2 degrees. If you are any higher, then it means that your body is working hard to fight against some kind of infection. You will generally be starting to experience any or all of these symptoms at once.
- Despite your body temperature being high, you will start to feel cold, chilled with shivers
- Paradoxically, you can sweat and shake
- You might experience a pounding headache
- You might feel weak and achy
- You will often lose your appetite which can prevent you from getting the nutrients you need to regain your strength
If your symptoms have persisted longer than a few days, it is worth booking in to see a health professional. You should see a doctor immediately if your temperature is above 39.4 degrees and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms
- A skin rash
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Neck pain
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Convulsion or seizures
- Pain during urination
Fevers can often be the first indicator of a number of health conditions. Using a Braun Thermometer at home can be a wonderful way to nip these in the bud. If you start to develop a fever, it could be the early warning signs of any of:
Virus – A viral infection of your nose and upper throat is known as an upper respiratory tract infection. This should usually pass in a week or so, but it can be the longest week of your life. The fever is an indicator that your body is doing its level best to fight off the infection.
Bacteria – You will often develop a fever when your body is fighting off a bacterial infection such as salmonella, shigella, gastro and e. coli infections. While these are all deeply unpleasant, it can also be an indicator of more serious conditions like bacterial meningitis. When you consider this, you can begin to see why the Braun thermometer is such a big deal. In some cases, diagnosing a profoundly high temperature early is the difference between getting life saving treatment, and being too late.
Chronic illness – Fevers can be an early warning sign of various illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Rheumatoid arthritis is when your body begins to attack healthy cells in your body which causes inflammation in your joints. It can be debilitating if you don’t deal with the root causes. If you have a fever that has lasted more than fourteen days, it is advised that you seek medical assistance.
Tropical diseases – The body is genuinely an amazing thing. If you pick up malaria or typhoid, your body starts to fight against the foreign entity, but also does so in a way that alerts you to the problem. Imagine battling a life threatening disease and having no idea you were even ill. A fever is your body’s way of telling you to go and get some medical backup
Heat stroke – This is an under recognised fact. If you are severely dehydrated and suffer heat stroke, you will often feel feverish and weak. The only difference is that you don’t sweat if your fever is a result of heat stroke – it makes sense, you are already dehydrated, and don’t have the moisture to spare
The best part is, you don’t need to be a medical expert to use one!
- Remove the thermometer from the protective case.
- Press the “Power” button.
- Attach a new Braun lens filter – this will ensure that you are being as hygienic and safe as possible.
- Fit the probe snuggly into the ear canal. It doesn’t need to puncture an eardrum or tickle your brain to get an accurate reading. Don’t go any further than what feels comfortable.
- Push and release the Start button.
- Read the temperature displays. If you are above or below the healthy threshold, consider seeking medical assistance
- Press the Eject button to remove the used lens filter.
- Discard the used lens filter.
And viola! You have gathered all the information you need to start making informed health choices!
Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of literature, and Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings was an early entry point for me. One of my favourite moments is the lighting of the beacons from Gondor to call for aid from Rohan. This early intervention is arguably the move that saves the race of men from being defeated by the Orcs of Mordor, and Peter Jackson’s film adaptation captured this beautifully. I believe that fevers (painful as they may be) is your body’s way of lighting the beacons to call for aid, and the Braun Thermoscan is the way we heed that call. Don’t sit idly by as your body is swarmed by the Orcs of Mordor. Get on the front foot and beat that illness before it takes hold.
As the Elves would say, ‘Namárië’ (it is a farwell, but fittingly, it literally translates to “be well”),
Floyd
