HYPOTHERMIA

General Information

DEFINITION--A fall in body temperature to below 95F (35C). It can affect all ages; however most victims are elderly people who are unable to keep warm in winter. Sometimes body temperature is deliberately reduced during some surgical procedures.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--All major organ systems, including decreased blood flow through the kidneys and brain.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults over 60.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms:

• Poor muscle coordination.
• Mental confusion.
• Shivering and low body temperature (95F to 98F or 35C to 36.7C) rectally.
• Slow pulse.
• Weakness, drowsiness.

Late symptoms:

• Rigid muscles.
• Temperature drop to 77F to 84F (25C to 28.9C).
• Purple fingers, toes and nail beds.
• Loss of consciousness.

CAUSES--Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially outdoors with a high wind-chill factor; cold-water near drowning; also can occur with exposure to near normal temperatures if person is ill or debilitated.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60 or infants.
• Thin or wet clothing.
• Slender body size. Slender persons lose heat more rapidly than obese persons.
• Smoking, which decreases circulation.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Mental impairment.
• Chronic disease, such as heart failure, pulmonary disorders.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Obtain warm housing and adequate clothing before winter.
• In cold weather, wear windproof clothing in many layers, including a scarf, hat and mittens.
• In rain, change to dry clothing quickly.
• Keep moving to generate body heat.
• Don't leave your home during a severe winter storm.
• Don't skate or fish on ice unless you have determined the ice is safe. Supervise children.
• If camping, walking or hiking in cold climate, carry emergency provisions for use if stranded.
• Persons who are unable to care for themselves fully, such as the elderly, mentally impaired or alcoholic, should be visited or supervised during cold weather.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as kidney-function studies.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Hospitalization. Arrange transportation to the nearest emergency center immediately.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Shock.
• Pneumonia.
• Kidney failure.
• Frostbite; gangrene.
• Death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Sometimes fatal, depending on the length and amount of temperature loss. Chances of survival are excellent if the patient is conscious on arrival at the emergency center. Some children have been successfully revived despite immersion in ice water for an hour or more.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----The following may be helpful while waiting for emergency help:

• Note: Victim may be confused and resist helpful measures.
• Place the person in bed and cover with a blanket or electric blanket at normal body temperature.
• A warm (not hot) bath may be helpful--but call the nearest emergency center for advice.
• If the person is outdoors, cover with blankets or shield from the wind.
• If possible, warm victim with direct body heat (skin to skin contact).

MEDICATION--The doctor may prescribe medicine to support blood pressure if the person's condition is critical.

ACTIVITY--After treatment, normal activity should be resumed gradually.

DIET--Don't give alcohol to a person with hypothermia. It is of no help and may be harmful. Warm fluids may be given if patient is able to swallow.

Call Your Doctor If

You observe symptoms of hypothermia in someone.