Hypothermia (low body temperature) refers to both a medical condition and a symptom of cold exposure.
It comes up whenever the body falls below a certain temperature and cannot warm itself.
Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 degrees.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Hypothermia is considered anything below 95 degrees.
Left untreated, hypothermia can become a medical emergency.
The integumentary system (skin) helps to regulate body temperature by controlling heat loss.
If we lose more than we make, we suffer from hypothermia.
To actually define and recognize hypothermia, a thermometer small enough to be used regularly on humans was required.
It was invented in 1866 and not widely available for medical use until decades later.
A lot of people had to have their temperatures taken and recorded to find out what normal was.
Most of the temperatures were taken under the arm (midaxillary), a notoriously inaccurate method.
It wasn’t clearly defined as doctors know it today until the 20th century.
The idea that hypothermia could occur during surgery is a relatively modern realization.
Hypothermia Symptoms
Thesigns and symptoms of hypothermiadepend on the severity of the condition.
At first, there is only shivering and a generally uncomfortable feeling.
The patient might have fumbling fingers.
Causes
Hypothermia is brought on by losing more heat than the body can generate.
The most commoncause of hypothermiais exposure to a cold environment.
For babies, sleeping in cold bedrooms can be a risk factor.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of hypothermia requires taking an accurate temperature that is below a certain threshold.
It means that hypothermia is still in the mild stage and can be easily reversed.
Cold and dry is better than cold and wet.
If a patient is soaked, they are losing heat 25 times faster than if they are dry.
Peel off the wet clothes.
Infographic: Avoid Spot Treat: Frostbite & Hypothermia.
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