Hypothermia

January 9, 2024

3 min read

Hypothermia or low body temperature can occur because of prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures.

It is a dangerous condition that causes body temperature to drop very low, usually below 95 ℉(35 ℃), affecting a person’s ability to think clearly.

While mild hypothermia can result in confusion and tiredness, the condition can quickly become serious, causing cardiac arrest and, ultimately, death.

Hypothermia Causes

When a person is exposed to extremely low temperatures, the body’s metabolic process generates heat to maintain balance in their core body temperature.

However, exposure to wintry weather for a prolonged time can cause the body to lose more heat than it generates, resulting in hypothermia or a drop in the body’s core temperature.

In some cases, people can develop symptoms of hypothermia even when the temperature is 40 ℉ (4.4℃) when they become chilled from rain or submersion in cold water.

Who is most at risk of developing hypothermia?

The following people are more at risk for developing hypothermia.

Infants and toddlers sleeping in cold conditions
Older adults suffering from heart disease, hypothyroidism, circulation problems, or those taking medicines that affect temperature regulation
Older adults with inadequate heating, clothing, or food
People without homes and hikers who spend a lot of time outdoors in freezing weather;
People who drink alcohol or use recreational drugs

Hypothermia Symptoms

Hypothermia can range from mild to severe, causing the following symptoms.

Mild hypothermia occurs at a body temperature of 90 to 95 ℉ (30 to 35℃).

Shivering
Nausea
Pale, dry, dehydrated skin
Cloudy memory
Fast heart rate
Frequent urination
Loss of control in body movements

Moderate hypothermia occurs at a body temperature of 86 to 90 ℉ (30 to 32℃).

Increase in abnormal heart rhythms
Enlarged and less responsive pupils
Low blood pressure
Increase in confusion
Low heart rate
Lethargy
Paradoxical undressing or removal of clothes

Severe hypothermia occurs at a body temperature of less than 82 ℉ (28 ℃).

A steady decline in blood flow to the brain, causing unresponsiveness
A steady lowering of blood pressure and heart rate
Lung congestion
Loss of reflexes
Increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms
Production of less amount of urine

In babies, hypothermia can result in cold, bright red skin and very low energy levels.

Complications associated with hypothermia

Severe hypothermia, if not addressed immediately, can result in medical conditions like:

Kidney failure
Liver damage
Heart failure
Coma
Death

Diagnosis

Medical providers can diagnose hypothermia based on the person’s body temperature and the symptoms they experience. Blood tests can also detect if the hypothermia is mild, moderate, or severe.

Treatment

A person experiencing symptoms of hypothermia must get immediate medical attention. Where medical help is not available right away, follow the first-aid tips.

Move the person to a warm, dry place sheltering them from extreme weather.
Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
Cover the person with layers of clothing, blankets, or towels. Use skin-to-skin contact to increase body temperature.
Provide warm beverages where the person is conscious.
Get proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Severe hypothermia can cause a person to become unconscious . They may appear as not breathing or having a pulse. Handle such a person gently to avoid abnormal heart rhythms.

CPR can be performed on a person who appears dead until they respond or medical help arrives.

Medical treatment

The emergency medical care for hypothermia may include:

Blood rewarming: Blood is drawn, warmed, and recycled using a hemodialysis machine.
Airway rewarming: Humified oxygen is administered via a mask or nasal tube to increase body temperature.
Warm intravenous fluid: Salt water is put into veins to warm the blood. It can also warm areas around the lungs and the abdominal cavities.

Prevention

Hypothermia can be prevented by:

Limiting exposure to extreme low temperatures with high winds.
Wearing windproof, water-resistant clothing when venturing outside.
Avoiding tight-fitting clothes, alcohol, or smoking to prevent poor circulation.
Staying hydrated when outside in cold temperatures.