« Heart Disease and Air Pollution | Main | Wound »
What is Hypothermia
What is hypothermia? It's the condition of your core body temperature being below normal. You can suffer from hypothermia anywhere, anytime so you need to be aware of the symptoms and care so the situation doesn't go from inconvenient to dangerous.
Hypothermia is often associated with winter and high altitude, but that's a misnomer that can get you into trouble. So, what is hypothermia? Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops below what is necessary for normal body function. This occurs due to extreme cold and exposure to the elements. Hypothermia can be divided into three different stages - each with its own set of symptoms and health impacts. Avoiding hypothermia is key to your safety.
First, the different stages of hypothermia. The first stage is just below normal body temperature.
Normal body temperature for humans is 98.6 degrees. This is the optimum temperature for your body to work efficiently. When the temperature dips below this, even by as little as 1.8-3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the body exhibits mild symptoms of hypothermia. These symptoms include mild to strong shivering and the hands may become numb, which makes it difficult to perform certain tasks. Goose bumps form and breathing becomes quick and shallow to help prevent heat loss. The second stage of hypothermia then follows if the body is not warmed up.
The second stage of hypothermia is when body temperature drops 3.6-7.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that your body temperature is anywhere from 91.4-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The symptoms that occur during Stage Two hypothermia include violent, vigorous shivering and uncoordinated muscle movements. Mild confusion and paleness are very common during this stage of hypothermia. Ears, fingers, toes, and lips may become blue during this stage of hypothermia as well, due to the fact that the body concentrates all heat to the body organs to help keep the body working efficiently.
Stage Three hypothermia is when the body temperature drops below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This stage of hypothermia is characterized by decreased shivering, difficulty talking, slowed mental function, and not being able to use your hands. Below 86 degrees, body processes begin shutting down with the skin becoming puffy and blue looking, being almost unable to walk, and having very little muscle coordination. Breathing becomes very shallow and major organs begin to fail. The body begins to shut down, but brain death will not occur for a while, due to the decreased rate of cellular activity.
Prevention of hypothermia is the best way to protect yourself and your family from it. This means that you should wear proper, protective clothing to keep yourself warm, whether you are outside on land or in the water. Water that is 50 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to death in as little as one hour and if the water is at or below freezing, then death could occur in as little as 15 minutes. By protecting yourself with the proper clothing for your activity, you can help prevent hypothermia from occurring. Another thing that you need to do if you are going to be exposed to cold is to refrain from alcohol, caffeine and tobacco consumption. These chemicals make the body more susceptible to hypothermia.
Treatment for hypothermia is needed as soon as possible. Finding shelter, drying off if wet, and gradually warming the body through covering with a blanket or another warm body is necessary to stave off the effects of hypothermia. Drinking warm, sweet liquids can help to warm the body from the inside out as well. Gradually warming the body is necessary to allow the core of the body to warm up. The key is to warm the body gradually and gently.
What is hypothermia? It is when your body becomes colder than it should for optimal function, which causes health symptoms and possibly even death. By knowing how to prevent hypothermia and how to treat it, you can better take care of yourself and your family.
