Understanding Normal vs. Abnormally Low Temperature
Normal body temperature can vary slightly from person to person and throughout the day. A reading that is slightly below the 98.6°F average may not be cause for alarm, especially if you feel otherwise well. Factors such as time of day, age, and natural metabolic rate can influence a person's baseline temperature. However, when the body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, hypothermia sets in, which is a serious medical condition.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 95°F (35°C). It can progress from mild to moderate and then to severe stages, with symptoms worsening as the temperature drops. Unlike simply feeling cold, hypothermia impairs the body's vital functions, affecting the brain and heart.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
It is essential to know the specific signs that signal a need for immediate medical intervention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you observe any of the following symptoms in yourself or another person:
- A body temperature reading below 95°F (35°C).
- Severe confusion or memory loss.
- Slurred speech or mumbling.
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.
- Shallow or slow breathing.
- Weak, slow, or absent pulse.
- Fumbling hands, clumsiness, or lack of coordination.
- In infants, bright red, cold skin and very low energy levels.
- Cessation of shivering, which can indicate that the hypothermia has become severe.
First Aid Measures While Waiting for Help
If you suspect hypothermia and have called for emergency medical services, there are immediate steps you can take to help the person while waiting for assistance.
- Be Gentle: Handle the person gently and avoid vigorous or jarring movements, which could trigger cardiac arrest.
- Move to Safety: Get the person to a warm, dry area or shelter, if possible. If not, shield them from the wind and cold.
- Remove Wet Clothing: Immediately and carefully remove any wet clothing, as wetness accelerates heat loss.
- Insulate: Cover the person with layers of dry blankets, coats, or sleeping bags. Insulate their body from the cold ground.
- Warm the Core: Focus on warming the center of the body—the chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket if available, or skin-to-skin contact under dry blankets.
- Provide Warm Drinks: If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offer warm, non-alcoholic, and non-caffeinated drinks. Never give fluids to an unconscious person.
- Monitor Breathing: If breathing stops or is dangerously shallow, begin CPR immediately if you are trained.
Understanding the Stages of Hypothermia
| Feature | Mild Hypothermia | Moderate to Severe Hypothermia |
|---|---|---|
| Body Temperature | 90°F to 95°F (32°C to 35°C) | Below 90°F (32°C) |
| Key Symptoms | Uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, feeling tired, goose bumps, bluish skin | Shivering stops, intense confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, shallow breathing, weak pulse, unconsciousness |
| Action Required | Remove from cold, remove wet clothing, cover with blankets, provide warm drinks, seek prompt medical advice | Call 911 immediately. Handle gently, keep warm, remove wet clothing. Initiate CPR if no breathing/pulse |
| Prognosis | Good prognosis with timely rewarming. | Higher mortality rate, requires intensive hospital care. |
Factors that Increase Hypothermia Risk
Certain individuals are more susceptible to developing hypothermia due to a reduced ability to regulate body temperature or an increased risk of cold exposure. These include:
- Older Adults: The body's ability to maintain a stable temperature decreases with age, and many older people have other medical conditions or take medications that affect temperature regulation.
- Infants and Young Children: Children lose body heat more easily and may not recognize when they are too cold.
- People with Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and heart or circulation problems can compromise the body's ability to stay warm.
- Individuals under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Alcohol and certain medications can impair judgment and increase heat loss by dilating blood vessels.
- Those with Mental Health Conditions: People with conditions like dementia may wander from home or fail to dress appropriately for cold weather.
- Malnourished or Fatigued Individuals: Insufficient energy stores and exhaustion can hinder the body's ability to generate heat.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety
Understanding when a low body temperature is a minor inconvenience versus a major health crisis is vital for making the right decisions. While normal temperature fluctuations are harmless, a reading below 95°F is always an emergency that warrants immediate medical attention, particularly when accompanied by severe symptoms. Prompt action and proper first aid can be life-saving. Remember, when in doubt, seek professional medical help. The immediate goal is to prevent further heat loss and begin the rewarming process safely until emergency medical services arrive. For additional information on preventing cold-related illness, consult resources like the CDC's guide on Winter Weather Safety.
