Low Body Temperature Symptoms

Having a normal body temperature is a sign of being healthy, free from any disease or illness. So if you are wondering what is the normal body temperature range, then note that, ideally, the body temperature of human beings should be 98.6°F or 37.0°C. Slight changes or fluctuations in this temperature are possible and does not mean any abnormality. However, if the temperature rises or falls drastically (or even a couple of degrees over or under), it is a sign of some abnormal condition or disorder. Similar to high body temperature, low body temperature (hypothermia) should also not be ignored.

Causes of Low Body Temperature

A fall in the body temperature can be caused due to numerous reasons like being exposed to cold weather or wearing soaked or wet clothes for a long time. On the other hand, abnormally low body temperature can also be a symptom of several other diseases and disorders. They include:

• Addison's Disease
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Kidney failure
• Sepsis
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Liver failure
• Side effects of medications

Low body temperature in children can be caused due to a state of shock, infection, etc. One should note that extremely less body temperature can be a life-threatening condition and can lead to organ damage or even death. Therefore, it is essential to look for the identifying signs and symptoms of this condition.

Symptoms and Treatment of Low Body Temperature

Shivering is one of the most obvious and easily recognizable symptoms of less body temperature. A person shivers a lot which can lead to goose bumps, chattering of teeth, etc. Apart from these, the following are other identifying low body temperature symptoms:

• Slow heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Purple finger and toes
• Lack of coordination
• Lack of decision-making capacity
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Drowsiness

If hypothermia symptoms are caused due to being in the cold weather or room for a long time, it can be treated by wearing warm clothes. It is advisable to keep oneself as warm as possible until heat is generated back in the body. Secondly, one can rub one's palms and feet together to increase the body temperature. Having hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot soups immediately, sitting by the fire side can help in bringing the temperature back to normal. Babies should also be kept in rooms that are sufficiently heated and parents should keep a careful watch on the rise and fall of body temperature.

On the other hand, in case low body temperature occurs as a result of some disease or illness, other related symptoms are also experienced. In this case, one should note that it is essential to identify the symptoms and consult the doctor immediately. The doctor will undertake tests to diagnose the disease, and advise medications and treatment methods according to the symptoms. Airway rewarming, cavity lavage, etc. are some of the treatment methods to cure low body temperature. Lastly, one should note that a person suffering from this condition should never be exposed to direct heat, as it can lead to complications due to the sudden and severe temperature change in the body.

One should note that all the above mentioned causes can be treated properly if timely treatment is undertaken. Hence, one should not overlook the symptoms. This article is meant only to provide information; it is advisable to consult the doctor for proper treatment.