Hypothermia
Alternate Names : COLD Exposure, Low Body Temperature
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:
are very old or very young
are very thin
have heart disease or
circulatory
problems
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.
|
