|  | Conditions & Treatments | Alzheimer's Disease

Hypothermia: Recognizing Dangerous Low Body Temperature & Symptoms

Definition

Hypothermia is a core body temperature below 95°F (35°C). Normal is ~98.6°F (37°C). It is a medical emergency—organ failure and death can occur without prompt rewarming.

Stages & Symptoms

Stage Core Temp Key Signs
Mild 90–95°F (32–35°C) Shivering, cold extremities, numbness, confusion, slurred speech, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, fatigue
Moderate 82–90°F (28–32°C) Violent shivering stops, muscle stiffness, severe confusion/drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, weak pulse, low blood pressure, paradoxical undressing
Severe <82°F (<28°C) Unconscious, no shivering, rigid muscles, fixed/dilated pupils, barely detectable pulse/breathing, high risk of cardiac arrest (VF/VT)

High-Risk Groups

  • Elderly (impaired thermoregulation, medications, isolation)
  • Infants (large surface area, limited shivering)
  • Homeless / outdoor workers
  • Alcohol/drug use (vasodilation, impaired judgment)
  • Medical conditions: hypothyroidism, sepsis, stroke, malnutrition

Immediate First Aid

  1. Call 911.
  2. Move to warm, dry place. Remove wet clothing.
  3. Insulate: Blankets, sleeping bags, body-to-body contact.
  4. Warm center first: Chest, neck, head, groin. Warm compresses (not hot) to these areas.
  5. Warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks if alert and able to swallow.
  6. Do NOT: Rub extremities, use hot water bottles/baths, give alcohol, massage limbs (causes cold blood return to core → "afterdrop").

Hospital Treatment

  • Warmed IV fluids, humidified oxygen
  • Peritoneal/pleural lavage, extracorporeal rewarming (ECMO) for severe cases
  • Cardiac monitoring—hypothermic hearts are irritable; handle gently

Prevention

  • Layer clothing (wicking base, insulating mid, wind/waterproof shell)
  • Stay dry; change wet clothes immediately
  • Eat enough calories; stay hydrated
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors in cold snaps

Key Takeaway

Hypothermia kills silently. Recognize early signs (shivering, "umbles": stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, grumbles). Act fast—gentle rewarming and EMS save lives.

Alzheimer's Disease - Related Articles