What Is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when the body temperature drops too low, usually below 95°F (35°C). It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can replace it. This condition is a medical emergency because extremely low body temperature can affect the brain, heart, and breathing. Quick treatment is important to help prevent serious complications.
Hypothermia is most often caused by exposure to cold temperatures, especially when clothing becomes wet from rain, snow, sweat, or cold water. Certain groups have a higher risk, including older adults, infants, people who spend long periods outdoors, and those with medical conditions that affect circulation or body temperature control.
Alcohol and drug use can also increase the risk by reducing the body’s ability to stay warm and recognize dangerous cold exposure.
Symptoms
Hypothermia symptoms can develop slowly and may become more serious over time. Some people may not realize how cold they have become.
Common symptoms include:
- Shivering
- Cold or pale skin
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Tiredness or unusual drowsiness
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Slow breathing or heartbeat
- Weak pulse
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases
Infants may appear unusually sleepy, weak, or have cold, reddish skin.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose hypothermia by checking symptoms, reviewing cold exposure history, and measuring core body temperature. A physical exam helps assess alertness, breathing, circulation, and heart function.
In moderate or severe cases, additional testing may include:
- Blood tests
- Heart monitoring with an ECG
- Imaging tests if complications are suspected
Because standard thermometers may not detect very low temperatures accurately, providers may use specialized equipment to measure core body temperature.
How Is It Treated?
Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention. Treatment focuses on safely warming the body and preventing further heat loss.
Early treatment may include:
- Moving the person to a warm, dry place
- Removing wet clothing
- Wrapping the body in warm blankets
- Using warming packs around the chest, neck, and groin
- Offering warm liquids if the person is fully awake
More severe cases may need hospital care, including:
- Heated IV fluids
- Warmed oxygen
- Specialized warming blankets or devices
- Breathing support
- Heart monitoring and emergency care if heart rhythm problems develop
Recovery depends on how long the body temperature remained low and how quickly treatment begins. Mild hypothermia often improves with prompt care, while severe cases may require intensive treatment and monitoring.
