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Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure

Topic Overview

What is hypothermia?


A rectal temperature is considered the most accurate body temperature. A normal rectal body temperature ranges from 97.5 A?F (36.4 A?C) to 99.6 A?F (37.6 A?C), and for most people it is 98.6 A?F (37 A?C). For information on how to take an accurate temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.

Sometimes a normal, healthy adult has a low body temperature, such as 96 A?F (36 A?C). If the person with the low body temperature is not ill, does not have any other problems, and is not an infant or an older adult, then evaluation usually is not needed.

What can cause hypothermia?


Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50 A?F (10 A?C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60 A?F (16 A?C) to 70 A?F (21 A?C) water. If you have mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring your body temperature back up to normal.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms include:

  • Shivering.
  • Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin.
  • Lack of interest or concern (apathy).
  • Poor judgment.
  • Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Numb hands and fingers and problems performing tasks.

Late symptoms include:

  • The trunk of the body is cold to the touch.
  • Muscles becoming stiff.
  • Slow pulse.
  • Breathing that is shallow and slower.
  • Weakness or sleepiness.
  • Confusion.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Shivering, which may stop if body temperature drops below 90 A?F (32 A?C).

What can happen from hypothermia?


Who is at risk for hypothermia?

Anyone can get hypothermia.


How is it treated?




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