Low Body Temperature

Before starting the article, let us get the basics right. The normal body temperature has been identified as 98.6 Fahrenheit or 37 Centigrade. But the matter of fact is that the temperature varies between 97.5 F to 98.8 F (36.4 C – 37.1 C). Further, the temperature of the body varies by as much as 1 F or 0.6 C in a day’s time depending on the activity that you are performing.

The medical term for low body temperature is hypothermia. An abnormally low body temperature can be very serious and in some cases even life threatening.

Low Body Temperature – Causes

When you body becomes cold, the blood vessels contract. This causes the flow of blood to the skin to reduce in an effort to conserve the body heat. As a result, the individual starts shivering which is actually a rapid involuntary contraction of the muscles. This additional muscle activity helps produce heat that helps the body keep in the safe range of body temperature.

The most common reason for the body temperature to drop is because of colder surroundings. However, there can be many underlying medical conditions that too can cause the temperature of the body to fall. Hypothermia is generally overlooked by most people who attribute the reason of feeling cold to the surrounding. However, if someone living in the same house as you does not feel cold and you feel cold all the time then you must visit the doctor for a diagnosis. Some of the most common medical causes are:

• Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid)
• Addison’s Disease (Adrenal Gland Insufficiency)
• Dysfunction of the Hypothalamus
• Diabetes
• Sepsis or wide spread infection
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Side effects of certain medications

Low Body Temperature – Symptoms

The symptoms of hypothermia apart from the very obvious abnormally low body temperature include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow breathing
• Shivering
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Purple fingers and toes

Diagnosing hypothermia can be rather difficult as the symptoms of hypothermia are also common with other medical conditions. Hence, if you have been diagnosed with mild case of hypothermia then you must take a second opinion preferably from a specialist.

In cases of acute hypothermia some of complications which are termed secondary symptoms that follows are loss of consciousness, coma and in some cases death. In many cases the distinction between the primary symptoms and secondary symptoms are arbitrary or unclear. Some of the complications that follows an acute case of acute hypothermia are:

• Cardiac arrest
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Atrial fibrillation
• Acute pancreatitis
• Electromechanical dissociation
• Raised plasma and serum levels

Low Body Temperature – Treatment

Once the patient has been diagnosed with a mild case of hypothermia, the doctor will have to determine the underlying medical cause and recommend a form of treatment accordingly.

However, if a patient is displaying an acute case of hypothermia usually because of being exposed to extreme cold conditions over an extended period of time then hospitalization is a must. The doctors will ensure that the patient is warmed adequately using blankets or any other medical devices to warm the blood. If hospitalization is not possible immediately then move the patient to warmth, cover with warm blankets and provide hot fluids like soup of milk.

In acute cases of hypothermia, the prognosis depends on how long the patient was exposed to the extreme cold conditions and the general health of the patient. If the temperature of the body did not fall below 90 F (32.2 C) then the possibility of a complete recovery is usually very good. If the temperature falls between 80 F and 90 F (26.6 C – 32.2 C) then the chances of recovery are good but there will probably be some permanent damages. However, if the temperature of the body falls below 80 F (26.6 F) then the patient usually does not survive.

If you stay in a cold place or are vacationing in a very cold place, then ensure that you and your family are warmly clothed. The risk is high especially if you are out skiing. Do not let your children wander about unattended for too long. Place a hand on their skin at regular intervals to ensure that their body has not become too cold. Take special care during the night times when the outside temperature drops further. Warm meals and hot soups are an absolute necessity.