Definition
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature. It is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Causes
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses more heat than it can produce. It is usually the result of being exposed to very cold temperatures. But it can also occur in other circumstances, such as:
- Being in less cold temperatures (eg, if there is a wind chill)
- Wearing wet clothes
- Being in a position where you cannot move
Risk Factors
People that may have a higher risk of hypothermia include:
- Elderly people (For example, elderly people who do not have enough heat, food, or clothing.)
- Adults under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- People who are mentally ill
- People who spend long periods of time outdoors
- Babies and young children
Risk may also be increased by certain medicines and conditions that make it harder for your body to stay warm.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothermia usually happen gradually. Over time, mental and physical abilities are lessened. The main symptoms of hypothermia are:
- Shivering (This increases the muscle activity in your body as your body tries to keep warm.)
- Confusion
- Clumsiness
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Slowed breathing
- Cold, pale skin
The situation becomes very dangerous when shivering stops and confusion and drowsiness increase. Hypothermia is deadly because it causes the heartbeat to slow down, become irregular, and eventually stop.
Diagnosis
Normal body temperature is 98.6˚F (37˚C). Hypothermia is diagnosed when body temperature reaches 95˚F (35˚C) or lower. Only a special rectal thermometer that reads low temperatures can confirm that someone has this condition.
Treatment
It is important to act quickly if you suspect that you or someone else has hypothermia:
- Get to a warm, sheltered area.
- Remove any wet clothing.
- Use an electric blanket to warm the core of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin.
- If no electric blanket is available, use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets or towels.
- Give warm beverages to drink. Do not give alcoholic beverages.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and appear to have no pulse. Medical attention is very important because, in some cases, people can be saved even though they appear dead.
Prevention
If you are planning to spend time outside, take the following precautions:
- Be aware of the weather.
- Wear the right clothing:
- Hat, scarf, and mittens
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
- Water-resistant coat and shoes
- Wind-resistant outer layer
- Go inside when you are shivering or if you are wet.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.
Also, take special precautions with elderly people and babies. If rooms are not kept warm enough, the elderly and babies can be affected by hypothermia even if they remain indoors.