Hypothermia Symptoms that You Should Know About
Learn the Signs of This Possible Life-Threatening Disorder
As the weather gets cold, body temperature drops as well. The body can react to this by making the person shiver. Shivering makes the muscles work, which can generate heat to keep the body warm. In older adults, however, their body may not react immediately to cold temperature as they used to be.
Older people are vulnerable to having hypothermia because their body's reaction to cold temperature may be lessened because of an underlying condition, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Some medications used by older people, such as drugs used to treat anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of having hypothermia as well.
Older people may have decreased activity, thereby, generating less heat. A short exposure in cold weather can cause them to have lower than normal body temperature leading to hypothermia.
The temperature of the body is normally maintained at 98.6o F. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 96° F. While this drop may seem like it's just a couple of degrees below your normal body temperature, it can potentially be life-threatening. It can cause irregularities in heartbeat, which can lead to heart problems and even death if not treated immediately.
Having a very low body temperature can affect the brain activity. This can make the person unable to think clearly or even move properly. This can be dangerous because the person may not know that he or she is having hypothermia and may not be able to react immediately.
It is important to know the signs or symptoms that a person is having hypothermia. It may include continuous shivering; stiffness in the arms and legs ; slowed or slurred speech; weak pulse; shallow breathing; body movements that seem too clumsy; confusion;. In addition, the person may be unusually drowsy or sleepy. When blood pressure is taken, a person having hypothermia has low blood pressure. Severe cases of hypothermia can also cause unconsciousness.
A person with temperature of lower than 96 degrees Fahrenheit, when taken with a thermometer, should be treated immediately for hypothermia. This is a medical emergency and should be given prompt treatment.
Sources:
Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard. National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Winter Weather FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Published by David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
I'm a licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines and an instructor of Anatomy and Physiology and Health Economics. View profile
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