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Ency. home > Injury > H > Hypothermia

Hypothermia   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Low body temperature; Cold exposure

Definition:

An abnormal and dangerous condition in which the temperature of the body is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Centigrade).

Considerations

The people most likely to experience hypothermia are:

  • Those who are very old, very young, or chronically ill.
  • Those who have heart or circulation problems.
  • Those who are malnourished, overly tired, or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Causes

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

Common causes include:

  • Falling overboard from a boat into cold water.
  • Being outside without enough covering in winter.
  • Wearing wet clothing for an extended period of time in windy or very cold weather.
  • Heavy exertion, or poor fluid or food intake in cold weather, even in above-freezing temperatures.

Ency. home > Injury > H > Hypothermia

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