Concerns About Elevated Oral Temperature
Gender: Male Age: 26 Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5 feet 8 inches Weight: 360 pounds Substance Use: Non-user of drugs or alcohol; non-smoker. Following my battle with COVID-19 a few weeks ago, I had an unsettling experience involving undercooked chicken about ten days back, which has led me to obsessively monitor my oral temperature. Historically, my normal temperature has been around 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit; however, over the past week, I’ve noted a slight upward trend, with readings frequently hitting between 99.1 and 99.5 degrees, occasionally peaking at 99.7. Interestingly, when I checked it again 15 minutes later, it registered at 99.1 degrees. Just yesterday morning, after a call, my temperature was 98.8 degrees, but when I retested five minutes later, it had risen to 99.2 degrees. Trying to calm myself, I checked it again 15 minutes after that, and the reading was 99.5. This situation caused me significant anxiety, prompting a visit to the emergency room where my blood pressure skyrocketed to alarming levels, potentially indicating a stroke. Surprisingly, the medical staff remained relatively unfazed. While lying down, they rechecked my blood pressure with a forearm cuff, which revealed a decrease—it remained elevated but was no longer in the danger zone. They advised me to follow up with my primary care physician regarding my high blood pressure concerns. While in the ER, they conducted a urine analysis and tested for both COVID-19 and influenza, all of which returned negative results. Once I returned home, I continued to feel uneasy about my temperature. After a brief conversation with a friend, I re-checked my temperature; this time it fell to 98.3 degrees and later to 98.5 degrees just a few minutes afterwards. Though my temp readings were normal, I can’t shake the anxiety over it being higher than my typical baseline. I feel compelled to keep checking, as I tend to feel unwell, but seeing a normal reading seeming to ease my mind leads me to ponder if this could all be psychological.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 10:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your body, especially after recent health events like COVID-19 and the experience with undercooked chicken. Your observations about fluctuating temperature readings, along with the anxiety you've experienced, deserve attention.
Main Points:
- Fluctuations in temperature can occur due to a variety of factors, including stress and anxiety.
- Elevated blood pressure may contribute to your feelings of unease.
- It’s important to monitor your well-being and manage anxiety, as both can influence physical symptoms.
Explanation:
Your normal body temperature can range from about 97°F to 100.4°F. Slight variations in your readings, especially with the anxiety surrounding your recent health experiences, can lead to temporary increases. The fact that you are seeing normal readings at times (98.3°F and 98.5°F) is a reassuring sign. Stress and nervousness can lead to fluctuations in both blood pressure and body temperature.
Considering your recent ER visit shows your blood pressure was concerning at times, focusing on stress management could be beneficial. High anxiety can physically affect your body, which may include symptoms such as feeling unwell or a racing heart, and can elevate your blood pressure.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Continue to check your blood pressure regularly at home. If you notice consistent elevations, keep track of these readings.
- Manage Your Anxiety: Consider practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or light physical activity (like walking) that can help calm your mind and stabilize your physical symptoms.
- Establish a Routine: Instead of frequently checking your temperature, set a specific time each day for this task to reduce obsessive behavior. Believe in the normal readings you're obtaining.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Maintaining hydration and balanced nutrition can support your overall well-being.
- Follow-Up Care: Plan a visit to your primary care physician to discuss your elevated blood pressure and any lingering concerns about your health, including the recent episodes of anxiety.
If you notice any further symptoms, such as persistent high temperature (over 100.4°F), difficulty breathing, or any new worrisome symptoms, seek care promptly. Remember, it's completely okay to seek support for both physical and mental health; you're not alone in this.
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