Hypothermia

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Low body temperature; Cold exposure; Exposure

Considerations

Other types of cold injuries that affect the limbs are called peripheral cold injuries. Of these, frostbite is the most common freezing injury. Nonfreezing injuries that occur from exposure to cold wet conditions include trench foot and immersion foot conditions. Chilblains (also known as pernio) are small, itchy or painful lumps on the skin that often occur on the fingers, ears, or toes. They are a type of nonfreezing injury that develops in cold, dry conditions.

You are more likely to develop hypothermia if you are:

Causes

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can make. In most cases, it occurs after long periods in the cold.

Common causes include:

Symptoms

As a person develops hypothermia, they slowly lose the ability to think and move. In fact, they may even be unaware that they need emergency treatment. Someone with hypothermia also is likely to have frostbite.

The symptoms include:

Lethargy (weakness and sleepiness), cardiac arrest, shock, and coma can set in without prompt treatment. Hypothermia can be fatal.

First Aid

Take the following steps if you think someone has hypothermia:

Do Not

Follow these precautions:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 or the local emergency number anytime you suspect someone has hypothermia. Give first aid while waiting for emergency help.

Prevention

Before you spend time outside in the cold, do not drink alcohol or smoke. Drink plenty of fluids and get enough food and rest.

Wear proper clothing in cold temperatures to protect your body. These include:

Avoid:

References

Prendergast HM, Erickson TB. Procedures pertaining to hypothermia and hyperthermia. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 65.

Sawka MN, O'Connor FG. Disorders due to heat and cold. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 95.

Zafren K, Danzl DF. Hypothermia, frostbite, and nonfreezing cold injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 128.



Review Date: 11/2/2023
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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