Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure

Condition Basics

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia (low body temperature) occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it.

For most people, a normal body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). A body temperature below 95° F (35°C) can be a sign of hypothermia.

What causes it?

Hypothermia usually occurs when a person is exposed to very cold weather. But it can also happen in milder weather, especially if a person is exposed to wind or water.

Hypothermia can sometimes occur indoors. This is most likely to happen to babies and older adults who are not dressed warmly enough.

What are the symptoms?

Early mild symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Shivering.
• Lack of interest or concern (apathy).
• Poor judgment.
• Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking.
• Slurred speech.
• Numb hands and fingers and problems performing tasks.

Moderate to severe symptoms can develop quickly if body temperature keeps dropping.

These include:

• The trunk of the body feeling cold to the touch.
• Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin.
• Muscles becoming stiff.
• Slow pulse.
• Breathing that is shallow and slower.
• Weakness or sleepiness.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Shivering stops. This can occur if body temperature drops very low.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If it's not treated, it can lead to death.

How is hypothermia treated?

In cold weather, a person's body temperature may drop very low before they notice that something is wrong. So it's important to know the symptoms and get treatment quickly.

If a person starts to shiver violently, stumble, or have slurred speech, act fast.

• Get the person to a warm, dry place.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Apply heat to the chest, back, and armpits.
• Wrap the person in blankets.
• Offer high-calorie food and warm drinks.
• Don't let the person stand or walk for at least 30 minutes.

If hypothermia is mild, these steps may be enough to bring the body temperature back up to normal.

Emergency medical help is needed if a person has moderate to severe symptoms, such as confusion, trouble breathing, or passing out. The person may need to be treated in the hospital. Doctors can use special treatments to raise the core body temperature.

What increases your risk?

Anyone can get hypothermia, but some people are at higher risk. These people include:

• Babies, very young children, and older people. Their bodies may not be able to control temperature very well.
• People who have medical conditions or take medicines that increase their risk.
• People who spend lots of time outdoors. Hypothermia may happen if they're not dressed warmly enough and aren't prepared for colder temperatures.