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Recommended textbook solutionsEssential Cell Biology4th EditionBruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Karen Hopkin 359 solutions Essentials Of Human Anatomy Physiology12th EditionElaine Nicpon Marieb, Suzanne M. Keller 642 solutions Biology (Foundations Series)1st EditionLevine, Miller 1,756 solutions Biology: The Dynamics of Life, California Edition1st EditionBiggs, Hagins 1,671 solutions OverviewHypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and eventually to death. Hypothermia is often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water. Primary treatments for hypothermia are methods to warm the body back to a normal temperature. SymptomsShivering is likely the first thing you'll notice as the temperature starts to drop because it's your body's automatic defense against cold temperature — an attempt to warm itself. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:
Someone with hypothermia usually isn't aware of his or her condition because the symptoms often begin gradually. Also, the confused thinking associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness. The confused thinking can also lead to risk-taking behavior. When to see a doctorCall 911 or your local emergency number if you suspect someone has hypothermia. While you wait for emergency help to arrive, gently move the person inside if possible. Jarring movements can trigger dangerous irregular heartbeats. Carefully remove his or her wet clothing, replacing it with warm, dry coats or blankets. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage
information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesHypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it produces it. The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold-weather conditions or cold water. But prolonged exposure to any environment colder than your body can lead to hypothermia if you aren't dressed appropriately or can't control the conditions. Specific conditions leading to hypothermia include:
How your body loses heatThe mechanisms of heat loss from your body include the following:
Risk factorsRisk factors for hypothermia include:
Mayo Clinic Minute: Why the risk of frostbite is greater than you thinkAs winter drags on and temperatures drop way down, your risk of cold-related injury like frostbite can go way up. "Literally think of it as freezing of the tissues," Dr. Sanj Kakar Mayo Clinic Orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon says frostbite is more common than many people think. "We tend to see frostbite, for example, when the temperature is 5 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal windchill," Dr. Kakar explains. If the windchill drops below negative 15 degrees Fahrenheit, not unheard of in the northern half of the U.S., frostbite can set in within half an hour. The most vulnerable areas of frostbite are your nose, ears, fingers and toes. "Initially [with] the milder forms, you can get some pain and some numbness of the tips, but the skin can change its color," Dr. Kakar says. "It can be red. It can be white. Or it can be blue. And you can get these blisters on your hands. And it can be a very serious injury." The worst cases, the tissue can die, and you may need surgery to remove it. So who's most at risk? "[Those most at risk are] certain patients with diabetes, patients who have previous history of frostbite are prone to it, the elderly or your very young children, and also, for example, if you're dehydrated," he says. ComplicationsPeople who develop hypothermia because of exposure to cold weather or cold water are also vulnerable to other cold-related injuries, including:
PreventionStaying warm in cold weatherBefore you or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice that follows with the simple acronym COLD — cover, overexertion, layers, dry:
Keeping children safe from the coldTo help prevent hypothermia when children are outside in the winter:
Winter car safetyWhenever you're traveling during bad weather, be sure someone knows where you're headed and at what time you're expected to arrive. That way, if you get into trouble on your way, emergency responders will know where to look for your car. It's also a good idea to keep emergency supplies in your car in case you get stranded. Supplies may include several blankets, matches, candles, a clean can where you can melt snow into drinking water, a first-aid kit, dry or canned food, a can opener, tow rope, booster cables, compass, and a bag of sand or kitty litter to spread for traction if you're stuck in the snow. If possible, travel with a cellphone. If you're stranded, put everything you need in the car with you, huddle together and stay covered. Run the car for 10 minutes each hour to warm it up. Make sure a window is slightly open and the exhaust pipe isn't covered with snow while the engine is running. AlcoholTo avoid alcohol-related risks of hypothermia, don't drink alcohol:
Cold-water safetyWater doesn't have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia. Any water that's colder than normal body temperature causes heat loss. The following tips may increase your survival time in cold water if you accidentally fall in:
Help for people most at riskFor people most at risk of hypothermia — infants, older adults, people who have mental or physical problems, and people who are homeless — community outreach programs and social support services can be of great help. If you are at risk or know someone at risk, contact your local public health office for available services, such as the following:
What causes drop in body temperature?The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold-weather conditions or cold water. But prolonged exposure to any environment colder than your body can lead to hypothermia if you aren't dressed appropriately or can't control the conditions.
How do I lower my body temperature?Tips to reduce body temperature. Drink cool liquids. ... . Go somewhere with cooler air. ... . Get in cool water. ... . Apply cold to key points on the body. ... . Move less. ... . Wear lighter, more breathable clothing. ... . Take heat regulating supplements. ... . Talk to a doctor about thyroid health.. How does the body increase temperature?Thermogenesis:Your body's muscles, organs, and brain produce heat in a variety of ways. For example, muscles can produce heat by shivering. Hormonal thermogenesis: Your thyroid gland releases hormones to increase your metabolism. This increases the energy your body creates and the amount of heat it produces.
What happens when the body temperature drops quizlet?muscles of dermal blood vessels constrict which decreases the flow of blood through the skin. When body temperature falls, sweat glands become inactive. When body temperature continues to fall, small groups of muscles contract rhythmically to produce shivering.
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