Hypothermia: Causes, symptoms and treatment
[5 MIN READ]
In this article:
-
You can get hypothermia from being out in the cold for too long. But you are especially at risk if you are older, have a chronic illness or take certain medications.
-
The main symptoms of hypothermia include slurred speech, severe shivering, slowed speech and cognition, and confusion.
-
No matter how severe the hypothermia, the best first step is to get the person’s body into a warm place.
Hypothermia: Causes, symptoms and treatments
You know you’re supposed to bundle up when it’s cold, keeping your fingers and toes covered to prevent conditions like frostbite and hypothermia.
But what, exactly, is hypothermia, and who is at risk for it? We talked to Robert Lichfield, D.O., a family medicine doctor for Providence in Spokane Valley, Washington, about the condition and how to prevent it.
What is hypothermia?
A normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia is when your core body temperature drops below 95 F — in other words, your body is losing heat faster than it can produce it. “It typically happens when you are exposed to exterior cold temperature conditions,” says Dr. Lichfield.
Hypothermia is considered a medical emergency, and if not treated right away, it can lead to heart and respiratory system failure and even death.
Causes and risk factors of hypothermia
Of course, the main risk factor for hypothermia is simply being out in the cold for long periods of time. But there are other factors that can increase your risk for this very serious condition:
- Age – Older adults and young children are more likely to suffer from hypothermia than others.
- Fatigue – If you are very tired while simultaneously being out in the cold, you are at greater risk for hypothermia.
- Illness – Chronic illnesses can affect your susceptibility to this condition.
- Wind chill – Even if the outside temperature is not terribly low, a high wind chill can lead to hypothermia.
- Lack of food and fluids – This can put you at even greater risk.
- Skin conditions – Medical conditions such as psoriasis can make you more susceptible to hypothermia.
- Medications – Certain medications, like antipsychotics and beta-blockers, can increase your risk.
Additionally, says Dr. Lichfield, you can be at risk for hypothermia if you are exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are in wet or inadequate clothing. “It’s surprising how ‘warm’ it can be, but still put us at risk of hypothermia,” he says. “You also can be in danger of hypothermia if you get lost while you are out and about, and are unprepared.”
Symptoms of hypothermia
The main symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Slurred speech
- Severe shivering (although this decreases in advanced stages of hypothermia)
- Pale/bluish/purplish skin of the face, hands or feet
- Slowed speech and cognition
- Mood changes
- Confusion
People who are suffering from hypothermia aren’t usually aware of how serious their condition is, because the symptoms can often appear gradually. Additionally, hypothermia can lead to confusion, which in turn makes it difficult for them to realize they might have hypothermia. That’s why it’s so important to have a “buddy” when spending time in the cold weather — you and your buddy can watch out for each other.
Treatment for hypothermia
If you notice that you or someone else is showing some of the signs of hypothermia and has a low body temperature, Dr. Lichfield says, you should get and stay dry by seeking shelter with a heat source as soon as possible. If the victim has been in cold water and their clothes are wet, you should gently replace the wet clothing with dry clothes.
For mild hypothermia (body temperature between 95 F and 89.6 F):
- Add layers of moisture wicking/resistant clothing if other clothing is not wet.
- Get inside and dry as soon as possible.
- Increase activity to raise your body heat if shelter is readily accessible.
For moderate hypothermia (body temperature between 89.6 F and 82.4 F):
- Dry and warm the victim as soon as possible.
For severe hypothermia (body temperature below 82.4 F):
- Call 911, as this is a life-threatening situation.
- Engage in immediate and assertive interventions, such as sharing skin body heat.
Be careful not to rewarm the person too quickly, such as with a heating lamp or a hot water bottle. You should also avoid giving the person cigarettes or alcohol, as those substances can interfere with the rewarming process.
Tips for preventing hypothermia
Even mild hypothermia can be damaging, so it’s best to prevent it altogether. The following are some of Dr. Lichfield’s tips for preventing hypothermia:
- “Don’t get lost!” says Dr. Lichfield. Make sure you always have a fully charged cell phone and/or a paper map of the area in which you are traveling.
- Avoid drinking excessive alcohol when you are spending time outside in the cold.
- Don’t go out alone in the cold air. “If you have to be alone,” says Dr. Lichfield, “always tell someone where you are.”
- Have a plan in case you become too cold.
- Dress in layers of appropriate fabrics when you know you will be outside most of the day. This will decrease the heat loss from your body.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold — especially in wet weather or humid climates.
Always assume that the weather will be colder than you anticipated and plan accordingly. The worst-case scenario is being alone in the cold and having no way to call for help, which can lead to major injury or even death.
Dr. Lichfield emphasizes making a plan whenever you go out. “When you plan ahead, you can equip yourself to respond to a medical emergency,” he says.
Contributing caregiver
Robert Lichfield, D.O., is a family medicine doctor for Providence in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Find a doctor
If you are looking for a Providence provider, search for one in our provider directory.
Through Providence ExpressCare Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services from the comfort of your own home. For same day care, check out Providence ExpressCare locations.
Download the Providence app
It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.
Related resources
Stay active but safe in winter
Comprehensive guide to winter illness
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
