Related articles: Hypothermia
Definition
Hypothermia is a reduction in body temperature below 35 ° C. It occurs when the heat loss in the body is greater than its production.
Hypothermia is common in cold climates or diving in freezing water. Wet clothing and exposure to bad weather increase the risk. Hypothermia can be observed in exposure and in different pathological conditions in which the thermoregulation processes are altered (with reduced heat production and / or excessive dissipation); this is the case, for example, with Addison's disease, malnutrition, poisoning, drug intoxication or alcohol. Situations that cause loss of consciousness and / or immobility are common predisposing factors (eg trauma, hypoglycemia or stroke).
Hypothermia presents with intense chills and alterations in the state of consciousness (drowsiness, confusion, irritability, hallucinations and coma). Respiratory rate and heart rate slow down and eventually cease. Hypothermia actually compromises all physiological functions, including nerve conduction, neuromuscular reaction time and metabolic activity.
To resolve mild hypothermia (body temperature> 32 ° C) a warm environment and insulating blankets are sufficient; in the most serious cases, on the other hand, an active external or central heating should be used: infusion with heated fluids, warm washings of the body cavities or warming of the blood with extracorporeal methods (eg cardiopulmonary bypass, hemodialysis).
Possible Causes * of Hypothermia
- Nervous anorexia
- Freezing
- Wernicke's encephalopathy
- Addison's disease
- Sepsis
- Septic shock
- Burns
