Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia)

Low body temperature (hypothermia) is a condition that isn’t less serious than high fever, and it could lead to severe complications if not managed.

Low body temperature (hypothermia)

Low body temperature (hypothermia) is a condition that leads to a core body temperature less than 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The normal body core temperature is 37 C (98.6 F).

Causes and risk factors leading to low body temperature (hypothermia)

Hypothermia occurs mostly after being exposed to cold weather or water for a long time. In normal cases, the body usually produces more energy to keep the body’s temperature within the normal limit, but in case of prolonged exposure to cold, the body won’t be able to make more energy, and symptoms of low body temperature might start to manifest.

Some of the conditions that lead to hypothermia are:

• Staying in cold weather for a long time.
• Now wearing enough clothes that protect the body from cold.
• Staying in cold water or living in a cold place.
• The risk of low body temperature could increase due to the following factors:
• Children and older people.
• Exhaustion.
• Participating in sports that are held in cold weather.
• Some health conditions that reduce the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, such as hypothyroidism, malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, diabetes, hypoglycemia, stroke, sepsis, severe arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and spinal cord injury.
• Drug and alcohol use.
• Certain medications, like depression medicines, antipsychotics, and opioids.

Symptoms of low body temperature (hypothermia)

Hypothermia symptoms usually start gradually and include:

• Shivering.
• Slow breath.
• Weak heartbeat.
• Slurred talk.
• Extremely reduced energy.
• Imbalance and confusion.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Red and cold skin in infants.
• If low body temperature isn’t managed, it could lead to frostbite, cardiac arrest, gangrene, kidney and liver damage, coma, and even death.

Diagnosis of low body temperature (hypothermia)

• Checking the symptoms.
• Measuring the body temperature.

Treatment of low body temperature (hypothermia)

• Warming the patient with dry cloths and covers in addition to a heat source.
• In severe cases, the patient might need warm IV fluids, warm oxygen, or a specific machine that warms the blood and then returns it to the body.

Prevention of low body temperature (hypothermia)

• Dress properly in cold weather, and don’t stay for a long time without breaks.
• Avoid physical activities that make you sweat heavily.
• When feeling cold, move or do a certain physical activity.
• Don’t stay in wet clothes.