What causes hypothermia?

Possible causes of hypothermia include:

 exposure to cold. Hypothermia can occur if the balance between heat production and heat loss from the tip of the body is in the direction of heat loss over a long period. Accidental hypothermia usually occurs after exposure to cold without adequate warm and dry clothing for protection. Everest climbers avoid hypothermia by wearing special high-tech clothing designed for this windy and cold environment.

 But even much milder environments can cause hypothermia, depending on age, weight, body fat, general health, and length of exposure to low temperatures. Weak old people in a 60-degree house may develop mild hypothermia after an overnight power outage. Babies who sleep in cold bedrooms are also at risk.

 Other reasons. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease, certain medications, severe trauma, or the use of drugs or alcohol increase the risk of hypothermia.

 What are the risk factors for hypothermia?

The following people are at high risk for hypothermia:

• The elderly, infants, and children without adequate heating, clothing, or food
• People with mental illness
• People who are outdoors for extended periods
•  People with the poor judgment due to alcohol or narcotics in cold weather

How Is Hypothermia Diagnosed?

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in diagnosing hypothermia. Special thermometers, available in most hospital emergency departments, can detect very low body temperature and confirm the diagnosis. 

Mild, moderate, and severe hypothermia temperatures usually range from:

 Mild hypothermia: 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit

 Moderate hypothermia: 82-90 degrees Fahrenheit

 Severe hypothermia: Less than 82 degrees Fahrenheit Different, temperatures can vary.

 What is the treatment for hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical care.

 If you can't see a doctor right away:

1.  Take off your wet clothes, hat, gloves, shoes, and socks. Warm and dry clothing and blankets protect individuals from wind, ventilation, and additional heat loss. Carefully move to a warm, dry shelter as soon as possible. Put on additional clothing and start re-arming the person.
2. Use a warm blanket. Other useful warming items include electric blankets for the upper body, heat packs, heating pads for the upper body, underarms, necks, and groin. However, they can cause skin burns. If nothing else, use your heat. If a thermometer is available, measure the person's temperature.
3. Provides warm moisture but avoids alcohol and caffeine, which accelerate heat loss. Do not try to moisten an unconscious person.