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Hypothermia
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Diseases & Conditions
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Unlike warmblooded animals that have a
layer of hair or blubber to keep them warm, you need an extra layer of
clothing to keep you warm when it's cold outside. Without that extra
layer of clothing, more heat escapes from your body than your body can
produce. If too much heat escapes, the result is hypothermia. Exposure
to cold water and certain medical conditions also can cause hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when your body's
control mechanisms fail to maintain a normal body temperature. Your
normal core body temperature is usually right around 36.8 C. An internal
body temperature of 36 C or lower signals hypothermia.
- 34 - 36 C (mild hypothermia)
- 30 - 33.9 C (moderate hypothermia)
- < 30 C (severe hypothermia)
Signs and symptoms that may develop
include gradual loss of mental and physical abilities. Severe
hypothermia can lead to death. Hypothermia isn't a
serious risk.
Those at greatest risk are older adults, children, people who are
mentally ill or have Alzheimer's disease and lose their judgment about
when to seek shelter, and people who are intoxicated, homeless or caught
in cold weather because their vehicle has broken down.
Wearing protective clothing and taking
other precautions can ensure that your body temperature doesn't drop to
deadly levels. Paying attention to what may be early signs and symptoms
of hypothermia also is important.
Prevention
For
people most at risk of hypothermia — such as those who are older, have
mental or physical impairments or who are homeless — community outreach
programs and medical and social support services can be of great help.
Identifying and checking in on vulnerable individuals and groups,
preventing prolonged exposure to the cold and ensuring adequate heating
are ways to help reduce the number of hypothermia deaths. Monitoring
bracelets may provide assistance for those who have problems with
wandering from home. In addition, public health prevention strategies
can help educate people about the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold.
Staying healthy in cold weather
Before you or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice
that follows with the simple acronym COLD:
-
C
for 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. Mittens are more effective than gloves
are because mittens keep your fingers in closer contact with one
another.
-
O
for Overexertion.
Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The
combination of wet clothing and cold weather can give you chills.
-
L
for Layers.
Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing
made of tightly woven, water repellent material is best for wind
protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold more body
heat than cotton does.
-
D
for Dry.
Stay as dry as possible. In the winter, pay special attention to
places where snow can enter, such as in loose mittens or snow boots.
During
cold-weather months, keep emergency supplies in your car in case you get
stranded. Supplies may include several blankets, matches, candles and
some foodstuffs, such as granola bars or crackers. A cell phone also can
come in handy. If your car is stuck in a snowbank, be careful about
leaving the engine running, as infiltration of carbon monoxide inside
the car may pose a silent danger.
Cold-water cautions
Water
doesn't have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia. Any water that's
colder than body temperature causes heat loss. The following tips may
increase your survival time in cold water, if you accidentally fall in:
-
Wear a life
jacket.
If you plan to ride in a watercraft, wear a life jacket. A life
jacket can help you stay alive longer in cold water by allowing you
to float without using energy and providing some insulation.
-
Don't
panic.
If you're unable to swim to safety, stay calm. Unnecessary movements
require you to exert extra energy and lose body heat.
-
Position
your body to minimize heat loss.
Use a body position known as HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position)
to reduce heat loss while you wait for help. Hold your knees to your
chest to protect the trunk of your body. If you're wearing a life
jacket that turns your face down in this position, bring your legs
tightly together, your arms to your sides and your head back.
-
Huddle with
others.
If you've fallen into cold water with other people, keep warm by
facing each other in a tight circle.
-
Don't
remove your clothing.
Buckle, button and zip up your clothes. Cover your head if you have
a hood. The layer of water between your clothing and your body will
be warmed and help insulate you.
-
Don't
attempt to swim unless you're close to safety.
Unless a boat, another person or a life jacket is close by, stay
put. Swimming expends extra energy, lowers body temperature and can
shorten survival time by more than 50 percent.
Hypothermia >
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Disclaimer
This information is
provided for general medical education purposes only and
is not meant to substitute for the independent medical
judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and
treatment options of a specific patient's medical
condition.
In no event will The DrEddyClinic.com be liable for any
decision made or action taken in reliance upon the
information provided through this web site.
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