Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The normal body temperature average is 98.6 degrees but with hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower and if left untreated, hypothermia can lead to complete failure of the heart and respiratory system and eventually to death.
There are several symptoms of hypothermia such as shivering, which may stop as hypothermia progresses (shivering is actually a good sign that a person’s heat regulation systems are still active. ), Slow and shallow breathing, Confusion and memory loss, Drowsiness or exhaustion and so many more which comes from an article published by WebMd which was Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSakissian, MD, on 12th of May, 2021.
Major causes of hypothermia
Specific conditions leading to hypothermia include:
- Exposure to cold weather
- Wearing clothes that aren’t warm enough for weather conditions
- Staying out in the cold too long
- Being unable to get out of wet clothes or move to a warm, dry location
- Falling into the water, as in a boating accident
- Living in a house that’s too cold, either from poor heating or too much air conditioning
Risk Factors for Hypothermia
According to Articles by Mayo Clinic published on the 5th of March 2022 and an article by Healthline published on the 1st of November, 2019.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Alcohol or drug use can also impair your judgment about the cold. Alcohol is especially dangerous because it gives the false impression of warming the insides. In reality, it causes the blood vessels to expand and the skin to lose more heat. If a person is intoxicated and passes out in cold weather, he or she is likely to develop hypothermia.
Age: Age is a risk factor for hypothermia. Infants and older adults have the highest risk of developing hypothermia. This is due to a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature. People in these age groups must dress appropriately for cold weather. You should also regulate air conditioning to help prevent hypothermia at home. The body’s ability to regulate temperature and to sense cold may lessen with age. And some older adults may not be able to communicate when they are cold or to move to a warm location if they do feel cold.
Mental problems: People with a mental illness, dementia or other conditions that interfere with judgment may not dress appropriately for the weather or understand the risk of cold weather. People with dementia may wander from home or get lost easily, making them more likely to be stranded outside in cold or wet weather.
Medications: Some drugs can change the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Examples include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, narcotic pain medications and sedatives. Some antidepressants, sedatives, and antipsychotic medications can affect your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking these types of medications, especially if you frequently work outside in the cold or if you live somewhere that has cold weather.
