Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature drops below normal. This condition is brought on usually by staying in a cool place for an extended period of time. It is often a problem found in older people who may have other illnesses or be taking medications that interfere with their bodies ability to regulate temperature. Alcohol also has an effect on the body temperature. The usual temperature of the body is about 98.6 degrees F (37 C) in hypothermia cases the temperature drops below 96 degree F (35.5 C). it may not seem like a big difference but it can do severe damage to your body. Bad cases of hypothermia can cause an irregular heartbeat which in turn leads to heart failure and death.

What should you look for?

If someone claims they are unusually cold then take their temperature with a thermometer. Many oral thermometers will not record temperatures below what’s just about normal. If no temperature can be determined try using a rectal or internal thermometer to get a more exact temperature. If no temperature shows up or it is below 96 degrees F then call 911 for emergency help. You may have to keep a close eye on older people who may be reluctant to complain if they feel cold. If they do not state they are cold but you see some of the below signs you should take action.

Confusion or sleepiness
Slow, slurred speech
Shallow breathing
Excessive shivering or no shivering, stiffness in the arms or legs
Poor control over body movements or slow reactions
Weak pulse or low blood pressure
Cold rooms, or signs that the person has been in a cold place
A change in the way a person looks or behaves in cold weather

Treatment and recovery:

The first and most important step is to make the person warm and dry. Those suffering from hypothermia must get medical help, but it’ important to keep the person warm until help can be received. At the hospital the doctors will warm the body from the inside out, most likely by giving them warm fluids intravenously.

If help is not available, move the person to a warmer location, and if possible wrap them in a warm blanket to prevent further heat loss. Also try using your own body heat. Lie next to the victim but be gentle and do not handle them roughly. Rubbing the arms or legs to generate warmth may make the problem worse.

Recovery depends on the temperature your body drops to. If the temperature has not gone below 90 F (32.2 C) then the chance of total recovery is good. But if it falls n between 90 (32.2 C) and 80 F (26.6 C) then most people will recover but some permanent damage is likely. If the body temperature falls below 80 F then most victims will not recover.

Prevention:

If you are on body temperature affecting medications, or you get cold easily don’t let your home get too cool. If you are ill it is also important to keep the house warm enough that you don’t make it worse. If you keep the house cool because of the price of heat, don’t. Some states have programs to fund heating to protect against things like accidental hypothermia. If you have low income and don’t use lots of money on heat contact your local power companies to talk about getting help. You could also “weatherize” your home by heating only the rooms that are used the most.

As mentioned before the elderly are often vulnerable to hypothermia and even in nursing homes they may be at risk. If the temperature is lowered too much, those who are sick or on medication may find it difficult to keep warm.

Another thing that is important to consider that many people overlook is the wind chill. Wind chill is the brisk wind that makes people loose heat faster. On some days the temperature my be fairly warm, but the wind chill could be low enough to make you stay indoors or dress warmly.

Some illnesses also make people more susceptible to hypothermia such as memory disorders, slow thyroid, or other hormonal disorders, strokes or other disorders that cause paralysis and reduce awareness. Severe arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and others that limit activity and conditions that curb the normal blood flow can also cause problems. Medicines used to treat nausea, depression and anxiety, as well as some over the counter cold medicines also affect heat loss. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have any questions.