Hypothermia

Hypothermia does not only threaten mountain climbers or Arctic adventurers. It is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone at any place often catching people off guard. The human body enters this dangerous state at the time its core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Many people don't realise they have hypothermia until it's too late. 

Cold, wet or windy environments can trigger this condition. Some people face higher risks than others. Men and elderly individuals have a greater chance of developing hypothermia. Hypothermia in a newborn is a common concern for many new parents.

This article covers essential information about this potentially fatal condition including what hypothermia is, its causes, signs & symptoms of hypothermia, and how you can prevent this condition.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This dangerous condition affects every organ system and can lead to heart and respiratory failure without quick treatment. Your body's thermostat—the hypothalamus—doesn't deal very well with maintaining normal temperature, which triggers various physical responses. The human body maintains a temperature of 98.6°F (37°C). When body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), hypothermia sets in and becomes more dangerous as the body gets colder.

Stages of Hypothermia

Doctors classify hypothermia into three main stages:

• Mild: Body temperature between 90-95°F (32-35°C)
• Moderate: Temperature ranges from 82-90°F (28-32°C)[92]
• Severe: Temperature falls below 82°F (28°C)[92]

Hypothermia Symptoms 

Each stage brings more severe symptoms:

• Excessive shivering
• Pale skin
• Slurred speech
• Confusion 
• Cumsiness
• The body temperature continues to drop and shivering stops—a dangerous sign. Breathing slows down and confusion gets worse. 

Severe cases can lead to:

• Unconsciousness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Respiratory failure

Causes of Hypothermia

The following are some common hypothermia causes:

• Extended exposure to cold environments without proper protection 
• Staying in cold water too long
• Wearing wet clothes in windy conditions
• Living in homes without adequate heat

Several groups face increased risk:

• Age plays a crucial role in hypothermia risk. 
• Infants lose heat rapidly due to their higher surface area-to-body weight ratio. 
• Older adults have a harder time because of their reduced metabolic rates. 
• People with medical conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes 
• Those who drink alcohol, which causes blood vessels to dilate 
• Homeless people without a proper shelter 
• Anyone taking certain medications such as antidepressants or sedatives

Diagnosis for Hypothermia

Doctors diagnose hypothermia by measuring body temperature with specialised low-reading thermometers. Regular clinical thermometers can be misleading since they only measure down to 34.4°C (94°F).

Doctors use rectal thermometers or thermistor probes to get accurate readings. Tympanic (ear) thermometry helps rule out hypothermia but isn't reliable enough to confirm it. Doctors also look for symptoms that match each severity stage—mild, moderate or severe—while reviewing the patient's medical history.

Hypothermia Treatments 

The focus lies on stopping further heat loss and careful rewarming:

• Take shelter in a warm place and remove wet clothes
• Cover with dry blankets and protect the head
• Give warm, non-alcoholic drinks to conscious patients
• Never rub or massage the skin

Hospitals treat severe cases with:

• Warmed IV fluids (41°C)
• Heated oxygen through masks
• Cardiopulmonary bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in critical situations

When to See a Doctor

You need emergency services right away if someone shows confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech or has a temperature below 35°C (95°F). Hypothermia is a serious health emergency that needs immediate medical care.

Prevention of Hypothermia

The best way to protect yourself against this dangerous condition is prevention:

• Layer your clothing properly—use wool or synthetic materials next to your skin. 
• Keep your home's temperature above 20°C (68°F). 
• Avoid drinking alcohol because it causes you to lose heat faster while giving you a false sense of warmth. 
• People around you might need extra attention - kids, seniors, and those with health issues are at greater risk.

Conclusion

Hypothermia needs our complete attention during cold months. Your body can't function properly when its temperature drops below normal levels, which affects all your systems. You can save lives by spotting early warning signs like shivering, confusion and slurred speech.

Time has a big impact on hypothermia. Quick action can make or break the chances of getting better or facing serious problems. Don't wait to get medical help if someone shows signs of severe cold exposure. What looks like simple confusion or tiredness might signal a dangerous drop in body temperature.

Knowledge about hypothermia can give you the tools that might save a life - maybe even your own. Your body needs protection in extreme temperatures. Understanding this condition helps you respond quickly when every minute counts. Keep yourself warm, alert, and safe in challenging cold weather.

FAQs

1. How does the body lose heat in hypothermia?

Your body loses heat through four main mechanisms. 

• Heat radiation makes up 55-65% of heat loss in cold, dry conditions. 
• Heat conduction happens when your body transfers heat directly to another object. This becomes especially dangerous in water where thermal conductivity is 30 times greater than in air.
• Heat convection occurs as air molecules pass by your body and carry heat away.
• Your body also loses heat through evaporation such as when you sweat.

2. Who is at higher risk of developing hypothermia?

These groups have a higher chance:

• Very young and older people
• People who drink alcohol 
• People who take certain medications like 
• beta-blockers, antipsychotics
• Poor nutrition
• People with existing health conditions like diabetes

3. What is the normal body temperature range before hypothermia sets in?

Your normal body temperature stays between 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F). Your core temperature dropping below 35°C (95°F) signals the onset of hypothermia.

4. How long does it take to fully recover from hypothermia?

Recovery depends on how severe the hypothermia is. Mild cases usually get better within 1-3 hours. Moderate cases need 2-8 hours to recover. Severe hypothermia might take 24-48 hours or longer.

5. What is the recovery process after hypothermia treatment?

Your body needs gradual rewarming, rest, and proper hydration to recover. You should drink plenty of fluids and stay warm. Avoid alcohol during recovery. Regular check-ups with your doctor help monitor any possible complications.

CARE Medical Team