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Hypothermia Symptoms
Whether you are a hiker or a couch potato, there may come a time when it is essential that you know about hypothermia symptoms. Even if the sun is shining, it is possible to get hypothermia if the weather changes suddenly. That is why preparation and prevention is so important. By learning about the ways to prevent hypothermia symptoms and what to watch for, you can protect yourself from the health impacts of this condition.
Hypothermia is almost more dangerous during the summer than the winter because you aren't expecting it then. Learning what hypothermia symptoms are and what causes hypothermia will go a long way in preserving the health and well being of yourself and those around you.
Hypothermia symptoms normally come on gradually, which can make it difficult for you to determine that you are suffering from it. The hypothermia symptoms cause your thinking to become confused and blurry, which often causes the patient to not even know that they are suffering from hypothermia. Hypothermia symptoms occur when the core body temperature drops below 95 degrees from the normal of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending upon the decrease in temperature, different hypothermia symptoms can occur.
Mild hypothermia symptoms include shivering, tingling, blueness to the skin, numbness, and skin that looks blotchy. When the core temperature drops below 92 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia symptoms can include slowed breathing, a decrease in coordination, rigidity in the muscles, and a slowed or irregular pulse. If the core temperature continues to drop until it is below 90 degrees, then the heartbeat may slow, and at 87 degrees, the function of the heart decreases by half. If the body temperature drops below 77 degrees Fahrenheit, fixed and dilated pupils may occur, as well as cardiac arrest and death.
Prevention is the key to not having to deal with hypothermia symptoms. Wearing the right clothing for the weather conditions is one great first step, as well as being prepared for any fluctuations in weather conditions. In fighting against hypothermia, you are fighting against the cold, the wind, and the wet conditions. By preparing yourself for any of these contingencies, you can prevent hypothermia. What are some other things that you should do to help prevent hypothermia symptoms?
- Wear appropriate clothing. Clothing that is made of non-cotton fibers can help keep your body temperature more stable -- wool was considered the champion of body temperature maintenance, but the new fibers designed for temperature control may be better.
- Keep moving. Moving around keeps the blood flowing and the core temperature up.
- Refuel the body. Have snacks that can keep the body fueled and full of energy.
- Carry an emergency shelter. If you are a hiker, then this is a necessity. You want to be prepared in case of bad weather.
- Make camp early. If the weather begins to change, then make camp as soon as possible. This can give you the shelter that you need to keep yourself from hypothermia symptoms.
You don't have to be caught in a blizzard or rainstorm to get hypothermia. People who are in poor physical shape and do not dress appropriately in non-cotton clothing can get hypothermia even when it is summertime, after a shower or during a nap. In fact, more people die of hypothermia during the warm, summer months than during the cold, winter months. That is why you want to dress appropriately and take care of yourself.
Hypothermia symptoms may be too subtle to catch at first, but vigilance helps. If you are outdoors you may be more attuned to these symptoms than when indoors. But it's as vital to watch for hypothermia in the elderly and frail as in active, healthy outdoors people.
