Hypothermia - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Hypothermia describes a state in which the body''s mechanism for temperature regulation is overwhelmed in the face of a cold stressor. Hypothermia is classified as accidental or intentional, primary or secondary, and by the degree of hypothermia

Hypothermia describes a state in which the body''s mechanism for temperature regulation is overwhelmed in the face of a cold stressor. Hypothermia is classified as accidental or intentional, primary or secondary, and by the degree of hypothermia. Accidental hypothermia generally results from unanticipated exposure in an inadequately prepared person; examples include inadequate shelter for a homeless person, someone caught in a winter storm or motor vehicle accident, or an outdoor sport enthusiast caught off guard by the elements.

Hypothermia is usually caused by being in a cold environment. It can also be triggered by prolonged exposure (staying outdoors in cold conditions for a long time), rain, wind, sweat or being under cold water.

Causes

Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain. Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50 F or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60 F to 70 F water. If you have mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring your body temperature back up to normal.

Symptoms

Hypothermia usually occurs gradually. Often, people aren''t aware that they need help, much less medical attention.

Common signs to look for are shivering, which is your body''s attempt to generate heat through muscle activity, and the "-umbles":

* Stumbles
* Mumbles
* Fumbles
* Grumbles

The effects on the body

The first warning sign is uncontrollable shivering. The person stops shivering as they progress into severe hypothermia. Coma occurs when the body''s temperature falls below 32°C. Once the brain cools to around 30°C, the structure that regulates body temperature (hypothalamus) stops working. The person''s breathing then slows, and the lack of oxygen to the heart causes it to quiver instead of beat. This is known as ventricular fibrillation. The heart can no longer pump blood and the body is starved of oxygen. This is fatal without prompt treatment.

Hypothermia Treatment

If the person is unconscious, having severe breathing difficulty, or is pulseless, call 911 for an ambulance. Because the victim''s heartbeat may be very weak and slow, the pulse check should ideally be continued for at least 1 minute before beginning CPR. Rough handling of these victims may cause deadly heart rhythms.

Treatment for hypothermia consists of drying, sheltering, and gradually warming (making sure to not rub the patient''s body, to warm with blankets and, if possible, to transfer your own body heat). While blankets help a person retain body heat, they are not sufficient to treat hypothermia. It is vital that you warm the core of the body first or the cold blood will be forced towards the heart and may cause death. In the field, a mildly hypothermic person can be effectively rewarmed through close body contact from a companion and by drinking warm, sweet liquids.

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