Hypothermia

Description

Normal body temperature is between 97.2° F (36.2° C) and 99.5° F (37.5° C). When the body temperature falls to less than 95° F (35° C), hypothermia results. This causes the body’s metabolism to slow down and may be fatal if left untreated. Body temperature increases during exercise, but more energy reserves are used to produce body heat; once these reserves are depleted, the athlete is at higher risk for hypothermia. In water at a temperature of 50° F (10° C), the average person may be able to swim only 1 kilometer, about 1000 yards, before experiencing hypothermia.

Common signs and symptoms

Symptoms may last 3 to 12 hours.

• Usually starts with cold fingers and toes

• Shivering (may not be present in the elderly)

• Heart pounds, then slows

• Breathing is fast and then may slow

• Need to urinate urgently

• Fatigue

• Poor coordination

• Confusion

• Shock

• Irregular heartbeat

Factors that increase risk

• Any altitude, as long as the ambient environment is colder than your core body temperature

• Extremes of age (small children, the elderly)

• Drug use

• Alcohol abuse

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