Symptoms and Treatment of Sudden Hypothermia: What is Hypothermia?

Are you prepared to deal with sudden hypothermia? Learn more about this condition and how to manage it with Dien May XANH! Hypothermia is a condition caused by the body losing heat faster than it can produce heat.

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1. Some Information About Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is characterized by an abnormal drop in body temperature. The normal body temperature is around 37°C, but in cases of hypothermia, the body temperature falls below 35°C and requires immediate medical attention. Hypothermia can lead to malfunctioning of the heart, nervous system, and other organs, making it a life-threatening condition.

Below 35 degrees Celsius there is a risk of hypothermia

When hypothermia occurs, the body temperature will be below 35 degrees Celsius

Causes of Hypothermia

Hypothermia can be caused by exposure to cold weather or cold water without protection. Wet clothing, strong winds, and prolonged exposure to cold water can all lead to hypothermia. Consuming excessive alcohol and operating in low room temperatures are also risk factors for hypothermia.

Soaking in water for too long is one of the causes of sudden hypothermia

Prolonged exposure to water will increase the risk of hypothermia

Subjects Prone to Hypothermia

The elderly, children (especially those under 5 years old), individuals regularly exposed to alcohol and stimulants, and people using sedatives, narcotic drugs, and antidepressants are more susceptible to hypothermia. Additionally, individuals who have drowned or stayed in cold environments for extended periods are at risk.

Elderly people are more susceptible to sudden hypothermia

The elderly and young children are two subjects prone to hypothermia

Manifestations of Hypothermia

The manifestations and severity of hypothermia depend on the specific drop in body temperature:

  • From 35 – 34 degrees Celsius: Mild hypothermia;
  • From 34 – 32 degrees Celsius: Moderate hypothermia;
  • From 32 – 25 degrees Celsius: Severe hypothermia;
  • Below 25 degrees Celsius: Critical hypothermia.

The outward manifestations of hypothermia usually develop slowly and include tremors, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.

Typical symptoms of hypothermia are tremors and convulsions

External manifestations of people with hypothermia develop very slowly

2. How to Deal with Hypothermia

In Case the Victim is Unconscious

If you encounter an unconscious individual with hypothermia, wrap them in a warm blanket and call for assistance to take them to the nearest medical facility for emergency treatment.

In Case the Victim is Awake

If the victim is outdoors, bring them into a home or shelter quickly. If they are indoors, warm the room, change their wet clothes, cover them with a warm blanket, and provide them with energy-rich foods and warm water. If there is no improvement or their mental status worsens, seek medical assistance promptly.

First aid measures for hypothermia

Basic first aid measures should be taken immediately in case of hypothermia

Notes When Giving First Aid to People with Hypothermia

When giving first aid to individuals with hypothermia, it is important to avoid accelerating their hyperthermia, carry out the aid gently, avoid massaging their extremities, refrain from using stimulants or vasopressors, and focus on the safety and well-being of the person.

3. Some Notes to Avoid Hypothermia

To prevent hypothermia, it is advised to dress warmly, take care of young children and the elderly, stay hydrated and consume enough calories, be aware of weather changes, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold water.

Dressing warmly is the best way to avoid sudden hypothermia

Note to improve living habits in the cold season

In addition to improving living habits, it is recommended to equip heating devices such as heaters and electric blankets to ensure comfort and to reduce the risk of hypothermia.

Using a warming device reduces the risk of hypothermia

Heating devices can reduce the risk of hypothermia

With this information, we hope to provide knowledge and help in preventing and treating hypothermia before it becomes a serious issue.