Hypothermia | Let's know exactly about this

Have you ever been caught in the rain on a cold day, or after a trip to a place like Nuwara Eliya, and been shivering? We’ve all experienced this. But did you know that this condition, where your body temperature drops below normal, called hypothermia, can be very dangerous at times? It’s much more than just feeling cold. Today, we’ll talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is hypothermia?

Simply put, hypothermia is when our body temperature drops to a dangerous level. Our normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit). However, in a state of hypothermia, this temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).

Think of our bodies as little heaters. This heater needs energy to work. When we are exposed to cold environments, this heater has to work harder than usual to maintain body heat. If we are exposed to cold for a long time, the body's energy runs out and the heater's work slows down. That's when our body temperature starts to drop. If this condition is not treated properly, it can lead to cardiac arrest and even death.

What are the symptoms of this?

The symptoms of hypothermia vary depending on its severity. It can be divided into three main stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Let's take a look at the symptoms that can be seen in each of these stages.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold, damp, or windy conditions. It can occur not only in extreme cold, but also in normal cool weather when you are wet from sweat or rain.

Simply put, this problem occurs when the amount of heat emitted from our body exceeds the amount of heat produced inside the body.

Who is most at risk for this condition?

Although anyone can develop hypothermia, some people are at higher risk. Let's take a look at who they are.

• Elderly people: As they age, their ability to regulate their body temperature decreases. Also, their body produces less heat because they have less body fat and are less active.
• Toddlers and babies: Toddlers run out of energy quickly when they are playing, but they don't realize they are cold. Babies lose heat very quickly. Even sleeping in a cold room can cause hypothermia. You should be concerned if your baby's skin is cold, red, and clammy.
• Inexperienced travelers traveling to cold areas: When traveling to areas like Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, this risk is greater if you do not have clothing suitable for the weather.
• People who use alcohol and drugs: When we drink alcohol, our blood vessels dilate. This causes heat to escape from our skin more quickly. Also, when we are drunk, we do not feel the cold and do not feel the need to wear appropriate clothing, which increases the risk.
• People without a fixed home: They are at higher risk because they do not have a warm place to stay or suitable clothing.
• People with mental health problems: People with conditions like dementia may not be able to understand the weather properly. They may not be dressed appropriately for the cold.
• People with certain chronic diseases: People with diseases such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia in diabetes, stroke, and Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk.
• People taking certain medications: Sleeping pills, painkillers, and some medications for mental illnesses can also affect body temperature control.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

Hypothermia can lead to very dangerous complications if not treated promptly.

• Cardiac arrest
• Liver damage
• Kidney failure
• Going into a coma
• Death

What do we do for someone with hypothermia?

If someone in your area is showing signs of hypothermia, it's an emergency. The first and most important thing to do is seek medical help immediately . In the meantime, there are a few things you can do.

Things we need to do first (first aid)

1. Move to a warm, dry place: As soon as possible, remove the person from the cold and dampness and move them to a warm place, such as a room.

2. Remove wet clothes: Take off all wet clothes and put on dry clothes.

3. Wrap up well: Keep warm by wrapping yourself well with dry blankets, jackets, hats, and socks.

4. Give warm drinks: If conscious, give something like hot tea or coffee with sugar. Never give alcohol.

Treatment given in the hospital

Once taken to a hospital, doctors use various treatment methods depending on the patient's condition.

• Giving warm saline intravenously.
• Giving warm oxygen through a mask.
• Special treatments can even be used, such as taking blood out of the body using a special machine, warming it, and then re-injecting it into the body.

How to protect yourself from this situation?

Hypothermia is a preventable condition. Be aware of these things, especially in cold weather.

• Dress in layers: Wearing several layers of clothing can help you retain heat better than wearing one thick layer.
• Keep your home warm: Keep the temperature in your home above 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit), especially if you have elderly people and small children.
• Be active when you feel cold: Increase your body temperature by doing something like walking around a bit.
• Have warm food and drinks.
• If you're going outside, wear appropriate clothing: a hat, gloves, good shoes, and a jacket. The head is where most of the heat is lost, so wearing a hat is very important.
• Avoid alcohol consumption: Avoid drinking alcohol in cold weather.

When should you see a doctor?

This is something that needs to be reiterated. Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or someone you know has these symptoms, do not waste time and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the less likely you are to develop complications.