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What is severe hypothermia?
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What is hypothermia & how does it affect your body?
Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) in humans. Symptoms depend on the temperature. In mild hypothermia, there is shivering and mental confusion. In moderate hypothermia, shivering stops and confusion increases.
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications
- Prevention
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system a...
Shivering is likely the first thing you'll notice as the temperature starts to drop because it's your body's automatic defense against cold temperature — an attempt to warm itself. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: 1. Shivering 2. Slurred speech or mumbling 3. Slow, shallow breathing 4. Weak pulse 5. Clumsiness or lack of coordination 6. D...
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it produces it. The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold-weather conditions or cold water. But prolonged exposure to any environment colder than your body can lead to hypothermia if you aren't dressed appropriately or can't control the conditions. Specific conditions leading...
Risk factors for hypothermia include: 1. Exhaustion.Your tolerance for cold diminishes when you are fatigued. 2. Older age.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. 3. Very young age.Chi...
People who develop hypothermia because of exposure to cold weather or cold water are also vulnerable to other cold-related injuries, including: 1. Freezing of body tissues (frostbite) 2. Decay and death of tissue resulting from an interruption in blood flow (gangrene)
Staying warm in cold weather
Before you or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice that follows with the simple acronym COLD — cover, overexertion, layers, dry: 1. Cover.Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves. 2. Overexertion.Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly. 3. Layers.Wear loo...
Keeping children safe from the cold
To help prevent hypothermia when children are outside in the winter: 1. Dress infants and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. 2. Bring children indoors if they start shivering — that's the first sign that hypothermia is starting. 3. Have children come inside frequently to warm themselves when they're playing outside. 4. Don't let babies sleep in a cold room.
Winter car safety
Whenever you're traveling during bad weather, be sure someone knows where you're headed and at what time you're expected to arrive. That way, if you get into trouble on your way, emergency responders will know where to look for your car. It's also a good idea to keep emergency supplies in your car in case you get stranded. Supplies may include several blankets, matches, candles, a clean can where you can melt snow into drinking water, a first-aid kit, dry or canned food, a can opener, tow rop...
Aug 17, 2023 · Overview. What is hypothermia? Hypothermia, or low body temperature, is a condition that occurs when your body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). The average normal body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Apr 24, 2023 · Hypothermia is a condition of low body temperature below 95°F (35°C) caused by exposure to cold. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Learn about the symptoms, stages, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypothermia from this comprehensive article.
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Oct 22, 2023 · 9 min read. What Is Hypothermia? Hypothermia is a possibly dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by long exposure to cold temperatures. This is more...
Home Health Conditions and Diseases. Hypothermia. Aging Well Avoiding Injuries as You Age Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions Preparing for an Emergency. What is hypothermia? Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature brought on by staying in cold temperatures for a long period of time.
