Hypothermia, also called abnormally low body temperature, occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your body temperature to drop to a dangerously low level. This condition is a medical emergency and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Commonly associated with cold weather exposure, hypothermia can also occur in milder conditions and even indoors.

How Does Hypothermia Happen?

So, you’re probably wondering how someone actually gets hypothermia. Your body works hard to maintain an internal temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C). When you’re exposed to cold temperatures, your body loses heat through the skin and via breathing. Normally, your body has ways to generate more heat, like shivering. But in certain circumstances, the body loses this battle, and your internal temperature starts to plummet.

Factors Contributing to Hypothermia

Several factors can increase your risk of developing hypothermia. For example, old age, very young age, and certain medical conditions can make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature. Similarly, alcohol and drug use can impair your body’s ability to respond to cold.

What are the Symptoms?

Knowing the symptoms is crucial for early intervention. Initially, you might feel cold and start to shiver uncontrollably. As hypothermia progresses, you may become confused, start slurring your speech, and even feel a sense of warmth, which is misleading. In severe cases, unconsciousness and a weak pulse can occur.

Mild Symptoms

Cold skin and shivering
Fast breathing
Fatigue
Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin
Numb hands and fingers
Exhaustion or feeling very tired

Moderate to Severe Symptoms

Confusion or memory loss
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Loss of consciousness

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you suspect hypothermia, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Medical professionals will use a special low-reading thermometer to accurately measure your core body temperature. Additional tests like blood tests and imaging may also be used to assess the severity and rule out other conditions.

Treatment and Prevention

Once hypothermia is confirmed, the primary goal is to warm you up and get your body temperature back to normal. This often involves using warm fluids, heated blankets, and sometimes warm air circulation. In extreme cases, intravenous fluids or other more invasive treatments may be required.

Ways to Prevent Hypothermia

Dress warmly in layers
Stay dry, as wet clothing loses its insulating properties
Limit time spent in cold environments
Avoid alcohol and drug use in cold conditions

Complications and Risks

Without timely treatment, hypothermia can cause severe health problems. For instance, in people with heart conditions, low body temperature can trigger heart failure. Frostbite is another common complication, affecting exposed skin like fingers, toes, and the face.

Hypothermia in Children and the Elderly

Kids and older adults are more susceptible to hypothermia. Their bodies are not as efficient at heat regulation. In children, hypothermia symptoms might be less obvious, like appearing sluggish or irritable. Older adults may already have medical conditions that make it harder for their bodies to regulate temperature, making them more vulnerable.