Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Acute Respiratory Infection
Question: My temperature is usually normal. Today I have an acute onset respiratory infection (post nasal drip, pharyngitis), no sneezing or runny nose. All day my temperature has been the same - 96.8. A few weeks ago, I had blood work done, including thyroid tests. Everything was completely normal. The only medication I take ( starting 2 weeks ago) is Desipramine , 25 msg. Should I assume subnormal temperature is part of the respiratory infection? I am a 73-yr old woman. The only other medical problem I have is that I am still recovering from a systemic allergic reaction to Cymbalta. I discontinued Cymbalta, after 29 days, 6 weeks ago. Skin reactions are improved, but not totally gone...
Brief Answer:
Your temperature is OK
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
your temperature is OK if you put the thermometer in your axilla. If you put the thermometer in your mouth then it's a little lower than normal.
Infections may cause hypothermia (low temperature) particularly during the recovery phase but also when the temperature was high and has started to fall towards normal.
Technical issues like measuring the temperature in a wet axilla, would result in a falsely low result.
This temperature is no reason for worry though no matter what the cause is.
Desipramine is not supposed to cause it if used according to your doctor's instruction. Desipramine overdose may result in hypo- or hyper- thermia.
I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
Your temperature is OK
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
your temperature is OK if you put the thermometer in your axilla. If you put the thermometer in your mouth then it's a little lower than normal.
Infections may cause hypothermia (low temperature) particularly during the recovery phase but also when the temperature was high and has started to fall towards normal.
Technical issues like measuring the temperature in a wet axilla, would result in a falsely low result.
This temperature is no reason for worry though no matter what the cause is.
Desipramine is not supposed to cause it if used according to your doctor's instruction. Desipramine overdose may result in hypo- or hyper- thermia.
I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I did not know that Desipramine could affect body temperature. Can ongoing allergic reaction also possibly cause subnormal body temperature?
Brief Answer:
I don't believe it's the allergy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I believe that the respiratory tract infection is the most likely cause of this finding. I would not consider the allergic reaction as a potential cause, since the infection is present and is the most common cause of such findings.
Kind Regards!
I don't believe it's the allergy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I believe that the respiratory tract infection is the most likely cause of this finding. I would not consider the allergic reaction as a potential cause, since the infection is present and is the most common cause of such findings.
Kind Regards!
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
