MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A

A Good place to start
Our Hypothermia Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Hypothermia

Definition of Hypothermia

Hypothermia: Abnormally low body temperature. The condition needs treatment at body temperatures of 35C (95 F) or below. And hypothermia becomes life threatening below body temperatures of 32.2 C (90 F).

The signs and symptoms of hypothermia depend upon the body temperature. The major initial sign of hypothermia is a decrease in mental function that leads to impaired ability to make decisions. Tiredness or lethargy, changes in speech, and disorientation are typical. The person will act as if they are "drunk".

The body gradually loses protective reflexes such as shivering which is an important heat-generating defense. Other muscle functions also disappear so that the person cannot walk or stand. Eventually consciousness is lost.

Recognizing hypothermia can be difficult for the symptoms at first resemble other causes of change in mental and motor functions such as diabetes, stroke, alcohol or drug use, etc. The most important thing is to think of the possibility and be prepared to treat it.

Treatment involves slow heating of the body using blankets or other ways of increasing body warmth. Body temperature should increase by NO MORE than a couple of degrees per hour. What is done for the hypothermic individual depends on the seriousness of the problem.

People with mild or moderate hypothermia (are alert and conscious, and have not lost the shivering reflex) will usually just require removal from the cold environment and providing additional insulation. The use of warm sleeping bags, lighting a fire, warm food and fluids are just some of the various methods. Persons who have a more severe degree of body heat loss (not alert, can't shiver or stand) should also be brought to a medical facility as quickly as possible; rewarming of the body should continue as well.

Hypothermia is intentionally induced in some types of surgery and other situations in order to slow the metabolism of the patient and decrease their need for oxygen during the procedure.


Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:25:00 PM

Search All of MedicineNet For:
  




Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Brain Tumor - Read about brain tumor symptoms such as headaches, nausea or vomiting, balance and walking problems, mood and personality changes, memory problems, and numbness or tingling in the legs.
  • Hypothyroidism - Learn about Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) including causes, symptoms (such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression), diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.

Latest Medical News


Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain






Definition of Hypothermia Related Articles

Webster's New World
Medical Dictionary
Learn more »

Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

MedTerms Medical Word
of the Day XML







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.