7 Signs of Hypothermia without realizing it
Most people
don’t know they have Hypothermia until it’s too late. If left untreated,
hypothermia can cause a heart attack, liver damage, kidney failure, or death.
It is Known
that Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than
it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored
energy, which leads to lower body temperature. It is an unusually low body
temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
What are
the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
- Shivering,
fumbling hands, and/or decreased movement.
- Exhaustion
or feeling very tired
- Unclear
speech.
- Sudden
confusion (unable to think clearly)
- Cold, red,
and/or raw skin (skin may turn blue in later stage)
- Drowsiness.
- Slowed,
irregular heartbeat.
A person
with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or
to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance
immediately.
Read more: 7 Signs of weak immune system
Prevention:
- Dressing
warmly
- Keep
emergency supplies in your car when traveling.
- Avoid
overexertion
- Warm
drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks.
Treatment
- For mild
hypothermia, warming up may be enough. Get out of the cold and remove wet
clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothing and blankets. Give the person
something warm to drink, but DO NOT give alcohol. Other techniques include
using hot water bottles filled with warm water, warm (not hot) baths, or heat
packs placed under the arms and on the chest, neck, and groin.
- Severe or
complicated cases of hypothermia may need IV drug therapy.
Keeping your
body healthy may help ward off hypothermia. Some people may benefit from taking
a multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the
B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, folic acid, zinc,
and selenium.
Don’t forget
to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and especially tobacco.
Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and may increase risk of hypothermia.