Causes of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature below 95-degrees Fahrenheit. When the internal body temperature drops, this can cause health concerns and symptoms, some of which can be severe. By learning about the causes of hypothermia, you can better protect yourself from hypothermia and its accompanying symptoms. What are some of the causes of hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition, partially because you are often unprepared for it. But even those who are prepared can be caught off guard. One of the worst things about hypothermia is that it sneaks up on you and has you down before you know you are in trouble. Knowing the causes of hypothermia is the first step in preventing it. Be careful, it can kill you.
The most common cause of hypothermia is getting wet on warm days, though cold weather is often considered the most common cause. When you do not wear proper clothing for the outside conditions, it is possible to become hypothermic. This is especially true for people that spend a lot of time outside, such as skiers, workers, and even children playing outside. Not wearing a proper coat, shoes, gloves, and head covering can cause you to start exhibiting signs of hypothermia. Cold weather is not the only time that you can get hypothermia, however.
It is possible to get hypothermia during warmer weather. And because that's not the expected time people aren't prepared for it. If the day is cool and windy and you get rained on, this can cause you to begin exhibiting signs of hypothermia. Or if you are out hiking and get over heated or rained on, hypothermia can set in. The water on your body and the wind in the air can cause your body temperature to decrease. By drying off and getting out of the wind, you can help to keep yourself free of these symptoms.
A fall into cold water is a another common cause of hypothermia. Hypothermia can develop within just minutes of a fall into cold water like a frozen lake or pond, so it is essential to get the patient warm and dry as soon as possible if this occurs. The body loses heat much more quickly in the water than in the air, so watch children around these bodies of water to ensure that the do not accidentally fall in.
I remember swimming out to a rock in a high mountain lake and barely making it. I did my best to soak up lots of solar energy for the swim back. My tent was where I recovered from my frosty swim -- I suffered from mild hypothermia.
Drug combinations can cause your body temperature to drop as well. In most cases, this temperature drop is mild, but depending upon the age and condition of the patient, this can be something to worry about. That is why you want to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including prescription, over the counter, and herbal, to ensure that there will be no side effects like hypothermia. Some very common anti-depressant medications, as well as tranquilizers and other medications, are included in this list if they are combined with other medications.
The causes of hypothermia range from being out in cold weather not properly covered to medication issues when certain medications are combined, so it is important that you know the symptoms of hypothermia. Some common symptoms include:
- Shivering
- Mumbling
- Loss of motor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Cold, pale skin
By paying attention to your body and the symptoms of your family around you, you can better determine when it is necessary to get dry or out of the cold or wind. As far as the medication contraindications, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about the medications that you are taking. Learning about the causes of hypothermia will make you a more informed patient and caretaker.
