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Temperature lowering after iced water. Enhanced effects in the elderly
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Ingesting iced water can significantly lower oral temperature readings, with effects lasting longer in older adults. Healthcare providers should wait at least 15-30 minutes after cold liquid consumption before taking oral temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Thermometry
- Physiological Response to Temperature
Background:
- Oral temperature measurement is a common clinical practice.
- Ingestion of cold liquids, like iced water, is suspected to affect oral temperature readings.
- The extent and duration of this effect remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of iced water ingestion on oral temperature measurements.
- To determine the duration required for oral temperature to return to baseline.
- To assess if age influences the effect of iced water on oral temperature.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-two afebrile adults were divided into three age groups.
- Baseline oral temperatures were recorded every two minutes for ten minutes.
- Subjects consumed 9 oz of iced water over two minutes, with temperatures monitored for 30 minutes post-ingestion.
Main Results:
- Oral temperature decreased by a mean of 2.4F immediately after iced water ingestion (P < .001).
- Temperature decrease and recovery time were significantly influenced by age.
- Older adults (≥60 years) experienced greater temperature drops and longer recovery times (median 26 minutes) compared to younger groups.
Conclusions:
- Iced water ingestion can lead to clinically significant reductions in oral temperature.
- Age is a critical factor in the duration of temperature alteration after cold liquid intake.
- Recommendations are made to delay oral temperature measurements after iced water consumption, with age-specific waiting periods.