Hypothermia occurs when a body loses heat rapidly and its core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. With severe hypothermia, a person’s body temperature falls below 82 degrees Fahrenheit, which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the brain. Immediate medical attention is required to treat severe cases of hypothermia.
With severe hypothermia, doctors can use many treatments to raise a person’s core body temperature back to its normal level. These rewarming treatments can include:
While these methods are effective and are essential when a person is experiencing severe hypothermia, they also carry a risk of shock. In this case, doctors can administer cardioactive inotropic drugs to treat shock and prevent more serious effects (such as life-threatening health effects caused by a decrease in a person’s blood pressure).
While anyone can experience hypothermia when exposed to cold conditions, some people have a higher chance of experiencing it than others. Common risk factors can include:
Regardless of your risk, you must protect yourself against hypothermia in cold conditions. Dress warmly in layers and remove clothing as needed if it becomes dampened by sweat. Avoid cold water and change into dry clothing should yours become wet outdoors. If you suspect hypothermia, call for help immediately to avoid more serious health problems.