Hypothermia is a medical condition that happens when your body loses temperature too quickly and falls under the temperature of 35 Degrees Celsius. This is a very dangerous situation and if you stay in hypothermia for a long time, you can possibly die, if not sustain permanent damages to your different organs. It can cause your organs like your heart, lungs, nervous system and brain to fail. 1500 people die from hypothermia in the US every year with the mortality rate from 38% to 84%. The older you are, the more vulnerable you are from hypothermia because your systems are weaker than when you're younger.
How do you get into the state of hypothermia?
You get into hypothermia when your body temperature drops below 35 Degrees Celsius, which when normal, should be 37. It is usually caused by a person spending too much time in the cold, being trapped during winter sports and no one can see them or help them or falling into cold water.
Symptoms:
- Shivering (body trying to heat you up by tightening and relaxing your muscles)
- Confusion (brain not functioning properly)
- Slurring (nervous system not working properly)
- Weak pulse (heart slowing down)
- Weak breath (lungs not functioning properly)
- Shock (blood pressure drop suddenly)
- Unconscious (your organs shut down)
Risks:
- Elderly
- Young babies
- Taking medications
- Alcohol usage
- Sick people
Diagnosis:
- Symptoms
- Blood tests
What if left untreated:
You can die from the complications.
Treatment:
- Warm drinks
- Take some rest
- Keep warm (Don't directly be blown by heat)
Preventions:
- Keep clothes dry
- Wear more clothes
- Wear face coverings
- Don't over work yourself
- Don't stay out for long
- Get back to warmth when you feel too cold
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