Hypothermia signs

Q: You have told us about heat stroke. But what about excessive cold? 

Krishna:

Hypothermia. You usually don't hear about it in India unless you are in the Himalayan region or high in the mountains. Two things that can cause hypothermia are cold and moisture.

People who are dying of cold usually don't realize it. Especially if they are drunk.

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It is a medical emergency. Body is losing more heat than it can take in. It is a medical emergency that means you're dangerously cold.

When body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system and other organs can't work as well as they usually do. Left untreated, hypothermia can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail and eventually can lead to death.

The first signs are when someone is uncontrollably shivering and breathing fast and feeling numbness. But those people can just be warmed up. What's really concerning is when they've stopped shivering, are breathing slowly, and just feel cold and are confused or have lost consciousness.

To fight hypothermia in the stage when someone is just shivering and conscious, they can be brought inside and given dry warm clothes. If they're losing consciousness or unconscious, that's an emergency call.

Alcohol can be a factor because not only does it numb the mind, but it opens blood vessels wider so they have a harder time keeping the body warm.

People with hypothermia usually aren't aware of their condition. The symptoms often begin gradually. Also, the confused thinking associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness. The confused thinking also can lead to risk-taking behaviour.

Those especially at risk include the elderly and babies.

The body needs to stay warm for the nervous system, including the brain, and other systems to function right.

One of the things that makes people lose heat very quickly is having cold clothing or wet clothing

People going into hypothermia may find themselves with these symptoms: Shivering; Slurred speech or mumbling; Slow, shallow breathing; A weak pulse; Clumsiness or lack of coordination; Drowsiness or very low energy; Confusion or memory loss; Loss of consciousness; In infants, bright red, cold skin.

If you notice any of these signs call emergency services immediately.