Hypothermia is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body’s temperature falls below normal. In this state, the body's organs receive an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen. If left untreated, hypothermia can result in long-term organ damage or even be fatal.

In this article, you will learn about the different factors that can cause hypothermia. Keep reading for more details!

Normal Body Temperature vs. Hypothermic Body Temperature

The human body functions like a small furnace, continuously generating heat to maintain optimal performance.

Each person's normal body temperature varies slightly. According to research, most adults have a normal temperature ranging between 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius, while children typically range from 36.6 to 37.2 degrees Celsius.

However, body temperature is not constant throughout the day and can be influenced by several factors, including time of day, age, gender, food and drink intake, activity levels, and menstrual cycles.

During hypothermia, body temperature falls into three categories:

• Mild hypothermia: 32.2 to 35 degrees Celsius
• Moderate hypothermia: 27.7 to 32.2 degrees Celsius
• Severe hypothermia: Below 27.7 degrees Celsius

Causes of Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate warmth. The causes of hypothermia vary, with one of the most common being prolonged exposure to cold environments or cold water.

Some of the main causes of hypothermia include:

• Wearing clothing that is insufficient for cold weather
• Spending too much time outdoors in freezing conditions
• Being unable to change out of wet clothing or move to a warmer, dry location
• Falling into cold water for an extended period
• Living in an environment with excessively low temperatures

How to Prevent Hypothermia in Cold Conditions

There are times when you may find yourself in an environment with extremely low temperatures, whether due to weather changes or activities like mountain climbing. During such situations, remember COLD (Cover, Overexertion, Layers, Dry).

Here are some essential ways to prevent hypothermia in cold conditions:

• Cover: Wear a hat or wrap a cloth around your head, face, and neck to prevent heat loss. Additionally, use thick gloves to keep your hands warm.
• Overexertion: Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating. Wet clothing combined with cold weather accelerates heat loss.
• Layers: Dress in loose, lightweight, and layered clothing. The outermost layer should be waterproof for better protection, while inner layers made of wool, silk, or polypropylene help retain heat more effectively than cotton.
• Dry: Keep your body dry at all times. If your clothes become wet, change them immediately. Also, ensure your hands and feet remain dry.

If you notice your body temperature dropping below 35 degrees Celsius or start experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or health facility.

For additional health consultations, you can use the Ai Care application, available for download on the Play Store and App Store.

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