Hypothermia

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Hypothermia

Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95F (35C).

Low body temperature; Cold exposure

People most likely to experience hypothermia include:

• Very old or very young
• Chronically ill, especially with heart or circulation problems
• Malnourished
• Overly tired
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate. It is usually caused by extended exposure to the cold.

Common causes include:

• Being outside without enough protective clothing in winter.
• Falling overboard from a boat into cold water.
• Wearing wet clothing in windy or cold weather.
• Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, Mo.: London: Mosby; 2002:1979-1996.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001.

Ford, MD, ed. Clinical Toxicology. 1^st Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2001:244-247.

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