Claúdio Ferreira Nurse Coordinator LUZ 24 Hypothermia happens when the body temperature is lower than normal and the body mechanisms that regulate it cannot recover it by themselves. There is hypothermia when the body temperature is equal to or below 35 o C; The body loses more heat than it can produce and, therefore, cannot bring its temperature back to normal; In extreme situations, hypothermia can be fatal. What causes hypothermia More often, hypothermia is due to prolonged exposure to low temperatures , air or water, as occurs, for example, when: People are outside for a long time and the air temperature is very low and/or are not dressed appropriately for that temperature; Taking long baths in cold water or, for any reason, the body is exposed to cold water, ice or snow for prolonged periods. Risk groups Anyone can develop hypothermia, but there are groups at higher risk such as: Babies, children and the elderly, which are the most sensitive age groups; People in a state of malnutrition or dehydration; Alcoholics. In these groups, preventive care in cold weather is particularly important. What are the symptoms of hypothermia? Hypothermia has not always the same severity. It develops progressively and its signs and symptoms get worse with body temperature decrease if there is no intervention and/or if the exposure to cold remains. In mild hypothermia, when the body temperature is around 32 o C-35 o C, there are chills (shivering), numbness of the hands and feet, bluish extremities, difficulty speaking clearly, tiredness, confusion, and memory problems. When the situation gets worse and the temperature is around 28 o C-32 o C the chills stop, there is drowsiness and hallucinations. In severe hypothermia, associated with body temperatures below 28 o C, there is unconsciousness, difficulty breathing and changes in heart rate, which can progress to coma and death. Prolonged exposure of the skin to low temperatures can also cause frostbite . What to do and what not to do when there is hypothermia If signs of mild hypothermia are identified, actions should be taken to promote rewarming and help the body temperature return to normal values: First, remove or move the affected person away from the source of cold to a protected and warm place; If the person have wet clothes on, remove it, dry the skin, put on dry clothes and/or cover with warm blankets, including head and neck; Give hot drinks to drink (if the person can drink). It can be sugary, but it should not be coffee or other caffeinated or alcoholic beverages; Watch over recovery and do not leave the person alone. In mild cases, this may be enough. If difficulty to recovery is experienced , you can also: Apply additional heat sources to the neck and chest, for example hot water bags or heating bags, never in direct contact, always protected with a cloth or towel. Rewarming should be progressive, so you should not : Immerse a hypothermic person in hot water; Give vigorous massages to the arms and legs. Seek for medical care Whenever recovery is not achieved or is very difficult in mild hypothermia; In any case of suspected hypothermia that has signs or symptoms that it is not a mild condition ; Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and requires immediate care as it can progress to coma and death. In Portugal, the 112 service must be activated and the instructions given must be followed. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
