Hypothermia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
In hypothermia, the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F) because of exposure to cold or wet environments. Unless treated promptly, hypothermia can cause serious complications or death. It affects the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs. There are three stages of hypothermia, depending on how severe it is:
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Mild hypothermia, in which the body temperature is between 32°C and 35°C (90°F and 95°F)
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Moderate hypothermia, in which the body temperature is between 28°C and 32°C (82°F and 90°F)
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Severe hypothermia, in which the body temperature is below 28°C (82°F)
Causes of Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be caused by various factors that reduce the body’s ability to generate or retain heat, such as:
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Exposure to cold or wet weather, water, or wind
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Wearing inadequate or wet clothing or footwear
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Lack of shelter or insulation
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Inadequate food or fluid intake
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Alcohol or drug use
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Medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or sepsis
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Medications, such as beta-blockers, sedatives, or antipsychotics
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Age, as infants and elderly people are more prone to heat loss
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Hypothermia may cause various signs and symptoms, depending on the stage and duration of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
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Shivering, which is the body’s attempt to generate heat
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Slurred speech, confusion, or drowsiness, which indicate impaired brain function
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Slow or irregular heartbeat, breathing, or blood pressure, which indicate reduced blood circulation
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Pale, cold, or numb skin, which indicate reduced blood flow to the extremities
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Loss of coordination, reflexes, or consciousness, which indicate severe brain damage
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Paradoxical undressing, which is a phenomenon in which the person removes clothing due to a false sensation of warmth
Diagnosis of Hypothermia
By measuring core body temperature with a thermometer that detects low temperatures, such as a rectal, esophageal, or bladder thermometer, hypothermia can be diagnosed. The doctor may also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history, symptoms, and exposure to cold or wet environments. Other tests may also be ordered by the doctor to check the function of the vital organs, such as:
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Blood tests, which measure the levels of glucose, electrolytes, and hormones in the blood and detect any signs of infection, inflammation, or metabolic disorder
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Electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the electrical activity of the heart and detects any arrhythmias or abnormal rhythms
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Chest X-ray, which uses radiation to create images of the chest and lungs and detect any fluid accumulation or pneumonia
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Urine tests, which analyze the chemical composition of the urine and detect any signs of kidney dysfunction or dehydration
Treatment of Hypothermia
The treatment of hypothermia depends on the stage, symptoms, and complications of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to raise the body temperature and restore the normal function of the vital organs. The treatment may include:
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Removing the person from the cold or wet environment and providing shelter, insulation, and dry clothing
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Providing warm fluids or food, if the person is conscious and able to swallow
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Applying external heat sources, such as blankets, heaters, or hot water bottles, to the trunk and extremities
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Applying internal heat sources, such as warm intravenous fluids, oxygen, or air, to the core and blood vessels
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Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if the person has no pulse or breathing
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Administering medications, such as vasopressors, antiarrhythmics, or antibiotics, to treat low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or infections
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Performing surgery, such as thoracotomy, peritoneal lavage, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), to remove cold blood or fluid from the chest or abdomen, or to circulate warm blood or oxygen through a machine
Prevention of Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be prevented by taking precautions to avoid or minimize heat loss, such as:
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Wearing appropriate and layered clothing and footwear that are warm, dry, and windproof
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Covering the head, neck, hands, and feet, as they are more prone to heat loss
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Seeking shelter or insulation from cold or wet weather, water, or wind
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Consuming adequate food and fluids that provide energy and hydration
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Avoiding alcohol or drug use, as they impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and judgment
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Seeking medical attention for any condition that may increase the risk of hypothermia, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or sepsis
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Checking on infants and elderly people regularly, as they are more vulnerable to hypothermia
In order to recover from the effects and complications of hypothermia, you must follow the doctor's advice and treatment plan, and seek support from family, friends, and health care professionals.
