Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Low Body Temperature - Hypothermia
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees centigrade.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Hypothermia is most likely in those who:
Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost from the body than the body can produce. Although it usually happens at extremely cold temperatures, it can occur even at moderate temperatures. It does not have to be freezing outside for a person to become hypothermic. For example, falling into cold water or wearing wet clothing in cold weather can bring on hypothermia. Failing to wear a hat in cold weather can also lead to hypothermia, since a large amount of body heat escapes through the head.
Extreme fatigue, hunger, or lack of fluids can also lead to hypothermia. Excessive wind can increase the amount of heat lost and cause hypothermia as well.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The most obvious sign of hypothermia is a low core temperature, that is, a low internal temperature. The person with hypothermia may not realize that his or her prolonged exposure to cold requires emergency medical care. Other signs and symptoms include:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Hypothermia is diagnosed by taking a person's temperature. The condition can also be identified by observing the person's symptoms and taking a medical history.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
The key to preventing hypothermia is to avoid extremely cold temperatures. If this is not possible, a person should try to stay away from windy areas where the windchill factor will be higher. Poor circulation can also worsen the condition, so very tight clothing and boots should be avoided.
Several medications and drugs can worsen the effects of hypothermia. Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco can also aggravate the condition. When in a cold area, a person must get adequate amounts of food and liquid to maintain a healthy temperature.
Proper cold weather garments are also important. Windproof, water-resistant, layered clothing should be worn. All body parts should be protected, especially the hands and feet. A hat should always be worn in cold temperatures, since much heat is lost through the scalp.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
If a person is suspected of having hypothermia, the following steps should be taken:
What are the side effects of the treatments?
A person can be warmed too quickly. This may cause overheating, or hyperthermia. Changes in heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, can often occur during warming. Whenever possible, medical advice should be sought before a person is warmed.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
The person usually recovers well after treatment. It is important for the individual to avoid exposure in the future.
Attribution
Author:James Broomfield, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:12/31/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/12/01