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Hypothermia

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.
Heartbeat
Heart EKG
In hypothermia, the heartbeat slows to dangerous left. If left untreated, the heart will stop beating.
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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.

RESOURCES

Hypothermia Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment http://www.hypothermia.org/

National Prevention Information Network http://www.cdcnpin.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Red Cross http://www.redcross.ca/

Health Canada http://chp-pcs.gc.ca/

References

Hypothermia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Published October 4, 2011. Accessed July 27, 2012.

Hypothermia. Mayo Clinic website. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothermia/DS00333 . Updated May 24, 2012. Accessed July 27, 2012.

Hypothermia: a cold weather hazard. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hypothermia-cold-weather-hazard . Updated April 25, 2012. Accessed July 27, 2012.

Winter weather FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/faq.asp . Updated December 3, 2004. Accessed July 27, 2012.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Brian Randall
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 09/27/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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