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Effect of facial cooling on tympanic temperature
K A Thomas1, M V Savage, G L Brengelmann
1Department of Family-Child Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Summary
Tympanic temperature, commonly used to estimate body temperature, may be affected by facial cooling. This study found that fanning the face altered tympanic temperature readings, suggesting external factors can influence ear temperature measurements.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Thermometry
Background:
- Tympanic temperature is clinically used as a proxy for core body temperature.
- Theoretical basis suggests tympanic temperature reflects arterial blood supply to the brain.
- Existing research shows inconsistencies between tympanic and core body temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between esophageal (core) and tympanic temperatures.
- To determine if external factors, specifically facial cooling, influence tympanic temperature readings.
Main Methods:
- Controlled laboratory experiment involving four adult volunteers.
- Simultaneous recording of esophageal and tympanic temperatures at 2-minute intervals.
- Application of facial cooling via a small electric fan to three subjects during heating and cooling cycles.
Main Results:
- The temperature difference (gradient) between tympanic and esophageal measurements varied significantly among subjects.
- Correlations between esophageal and tympanic temperatures were inconsistent across individuals.
- Facial cooling led to a reduction in tympanic temperature without a corresponding change in esophageal temperature.
Conclusions:
- Facial cooling, through fanning, demonstrably alters the tympanic temperature.
- This suggests that cooled facial venous blood flow may lower tympanic temperature.
- Further research is needed on the use of tympanic temperature when facial temperature deviates from overall body temperature.