Hospital Virtual Tour

Hypothermia - Overview

Alternative Names

Low body temperature; Cold exposure

Definition of Hypothermia:

Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C).

Considerations:

People most likely to experience hypothermia include:

Very old or very young
Chronically ill, especially with heart or circulation problems
Malnourished
Overly tired
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Causes:

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate. It is usually caused by extended exposure to the cold.

Common causes include:

Being outside without enough protective clothing in winter.
Falling overboard from a boat into cold water.
Wearing wet clothing in windy or cold weather.
Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather.

Exercise - dress appropriately

Skin layers

Reviewed last on: 6/9/2008
John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Danzl DF. Accidental hypothermia. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: London: Mosby; 2006: chap. 138.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)