A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Hypothermia
Medical Questions » Hypothermia
| Name: Hypothermia |
| Also known as: Exposure |
| An abnormally low body temperature below 35 degrees Celsius. |
Causes of Hypothermia
Exposure to cold conditions without adequate protection. Cold air alone can cause hypothermia, but if combined with wind, hypothermia occurs more rapidly. Cold water is the most serious cause, and death may occur in as little as a few minutes in icy water. An inadequately clad person may suffer hypothermia after only half a day in a climate where the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius. Even in tropical waters shipwreck, victims may die from hypothermia. Alcoholics may neglect themselves and even in relatively mild conditions suffer from hypothermia due to inadequate clothing, shelter and nutrition. |
Symptoms of Hypothermia
The blood vessels to the skin contract so that victims feel far colder to the touch than expected. Other symptoms are weakness, drowsiness, irritability, irrational behavior and poor coordination. As the temperature drops further, delirium, coma and death from an irregular heartbeat occur. |
Tests for Hypothermia
Measuring the temperature using a rectal (through the anus) thermometer. The skin temperature and mouth temperature are often inaccurate. |
Treatment for Hypothermia
Depends on the severity of the hypothermia. Mild cases respond well to good warm clothing, warm bed and rest. Shared body heat may be appropriate. Moderate to severe cases will require hospitalization for warmed air or oxygen, warm drinks, and warm fluids through a drip into a vein to heat the core of the body. This may be followed by immersion in a lukewarm bath that may have its temperature increased slowly over several hours. Heated blankets may also be used. Patients who appear to have died because of hypothermia must be given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external heart massage for several hours while continuing to warm the body. Recovery7 may not occur until the body temperature rises to 32 degrees Celsius or more. Patients (particularly children) have been known to recover fully after prolonged periods of immersion or apparent death, with appropriate resuscitation, as the low temperature protects the brain and body from damage.
|
Complications of Hypothermia of its treatment
Rapid warming, and warming the surface of the body only (which may cause premature dilation of the arteries in the skin), can cause heart irregularities and death. |
Likely Outcome of Hypothermia
Depends upon the severity7, prior health and age. Children recover far better than the elderly. |
|
|
