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Body Freezes: A Complete Guide to Hypothermia

Jan 14 , 2025 | 13 min read

When exposed to extreme cold, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, which can result in “hypothermia” - a life-threatening condition that affects the body's ability to maintain temperature. While shivering may seem like a natural response to low temperatures, hypothermia goes far beyond that. It can affect vital organs, slow down bodily functions, and, if left untreated, can result in serious health complications. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hypothermia, from its causes to treatment, to help you stay safe and be prepared in cold environments.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 95°F or 35°C. The body normally works to maintain a stable internal temperature, but exposure to extreme cold can cause it to lose heat faster than it can generate. This drop in temperature affects vital organs such as the brain, heart, and muscles, slowing down bodily functions. While the condition typically develops in extremely low temperatures, it can also happen in indoors spaces with inadequate heating, especially to infants and older adults.

Types of Hypothermia and Temperature Range

Hypothermia is classified based on the body’s core temperature and the severity of its effects on bodily functions. Medical professionals use these classifications to assess the seriousness of the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the types and corresponding temperature ranges:

Mild Hypothermia (32°C/89.6°F to 35°C/95°F)

At this stage, the body's defence mechanisms, such as shivering, are still active as it tries to generate heat. Symptoms include shivering, numbness, cold extremities, fatigue, and mild confusion. The person remains conscious but may experience difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.

Moderate Hypothermia (28°C/82.4°F to 32°C/89.6°F)

As body temperature drops further, shivering stops, and muscle coordination weakens. Speech becomes slurred, and the person may appear drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Motor skills are impaired, and there is an increased risk of falling unconscious.

Severe Hypothermia (Below 28°C/82.4°F)

This stage is critical, as the body’s vital functions, such as breathing and heart rate, slow down significantly. The person may lose consciousness, breathing becomes shallow, and the risk of cardiac arrest increases. Without prompt medical intervention, severe hypothermia can be fatal.

What are the Symptoms of Hypothermia?

Recognising the symptoms of hypothermia early is crucial for preventing the condition from worsening. The signs vary depending on the severity of the condition, but here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

Shivering: Shivering is the body’s natural response to generate heat, but it may stop as hypothermia worsens.
Cold and Pale Skin: Skin may feel cold to the touch and appear pale or bluish.
Slurred Speech: Speech may become slow, mumbled, or difficult to understand as the brain’s cognitive functions slow down.
Loss of Coordination: Movements may become clumsy or unsteady, and simple tasks such as buttoning a coat may become difficult.
Drowsiness or Fatigue: The person may feel unusually tired, drowsy, or lethargic, which can lead to unconsciousness.
Slow Breathing and Heart Rate: As hypothermia worsens, breathing becomes shallow, and the heart rate slows.
Confusion or Memory Loss: The brain's reduced oxygen supply can cause disorientation, confusion, or even amnesia.
Blue or Purple Lips and Fingertips (Cyanosis): Reduced oxygen in the blood causes the skin, especially lips and nails, to turn blue or purple.

What are the Causes of Hypothermia?

There are several factors that can trigger hypothermia. Here are the primary causes of hypothermia:

Prolonged Exposure to Cold Weather: Spending extended periods outdoors in extremely low temperatures without adequate warm clothing or shelter is the leading cause of hypothermia.
Falling into Cold Water: Immersion in cold water can cause the body to lose heat 25 times faster (compared to exposure to cold air), increasing the risk of hypothermia.
Inadequate Clothing in Cold Conditions: Wearing light or wet clothing in cold weather can make the body lose more heat than it can produce, resulting in hypothermia.
Exposure to Wind (Wind Chill): Cold winds can take away body heat, especially in exposed areas such as the face, making the body cool down faster.
Living in Unheated or Poorly Heated Homes: Older adults, infants, or those with limited access to heating may develop hypothermia indoors during cold weather.
Medical Conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Hypothyroidism): Certain health conditions affect the body's ability to regulate heat, increasing susceptibility to hypothermia.
Alcohol or Drug Intoxication: Alcohol expands blood vessels, causing heat loss, while certain drugs affect the brain’s ability to sense cold.
Exhaustion or Physical Fatigue: When the body is overworked or fatigued, it becomes less efficient at generating heat, raising the risk of hypothermia.
Accidental Exposure in Disasters or Emergencies: Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or being stranded in a remote area can lead to unexpected exposure to cold conditions.

What are the Risk Factors for Hypothermia?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypothermia. While some of these factors are related to the environment, others are linked to personal health and lifestyle. Here are the key risk factors for hypothermia:

Age (Infants and Older Adults): Infants have a higher surface area-to-body mass ratio, while older adults may have slower metabolism and poor circulation, both of which increase the risk of hypothermia.
Exposure to Cold Environments: People who work outdoors, hikers, climbers, or those stranded in cold weather are at greater risk.
Wet or Inadequate Clothing: Wearing damp clothes or insufficient layers in cold weather increases heat loss, leading to hypothermia.
Living in Poorly Heated Homes: Those who cannot afford proper heating, especially older adults and infants, are at higher risk of developing hypothermia indoors.
Chronic Medical Conditions: Health issues such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.
Substance Use (Alcohol or Drugs): Alcohol expands blood vessels, causing rapid heat loss, while sedative drugs affect the brain's ability to sense cold.
Exhaustion or Fatigue: Fatigue reduces the body’s ability to produce heat, especially in cold weather or after intense physical activity.
Mental Health Conditions: People with mental health issues, such as dementia or confusion, may not recognise the need to stay warm or dress appropriately in cold weather.
Lack of Shelter or Homelessness: Individuals who do not have access to warm, secure housing are at high risk, especially during winter months.

How is Hypothermia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hypothermia requires a combination of physical observation, body temperature measurement, and medical evaluation. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications. Here’s how medical professionals diagnose hypothermia:

Physical Examination: The doctor checks for visible signs such as shivering, pale or bluish skin, slow breathing, slurred speech, confusion, and drowsiness.
Body Temperature Measurement: A low-reading thermometer is used to measure core body temperature, as standard thermometers may not detect extremely low body temperatures.
Heart Rate and Breathing Check: The doctor checks for a slow heart rate, shallow breathing, or irregular heart rhythms, all of which are signs of severe hypothermia.
Neurological Assessment: Confusion, memory loss, or unresponsiveness are signs of brain function being affected by low body temperature.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood sugar levels, which can be affected by hypothermia.
ECG (Electrocardiogram): Since severe hypothermia can affect heart rhythms, an ECG may be done to detect abnormal heart activity.

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the severity of hypothermia and guide treatment decisions. If hypothermia is suspected, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

How is Hypothermia Treated?

The treatment for hypothermia depends on its severity, ranging from simple rewarming techniques to advanced medical procedures in critical cases. The goal is to restore the body’s core temperature to a safe level as quickly and safely as possible. Here are the most effective treatment methods:

Move to a Warm Environment: Get the affected person out of the cold and into a warm, dry place to reduce further heat loss.
Remove Wet Clothing: Wet clothing accelerates heat loss, so it should be replaced with warm, dry clothes or blankets.
Passive Rewarming: Cover the person with blankets, warm towels, or sleeping bags to help the body generate its own heat.
Active External Rewarming: Apply warm water bottles, heating pads, or warm compresses to the armpits, neck, chest, and groin — areas with large blood vessels.
Warm Drinks (If Conscious): Providing warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks can help raise body temperature from within.
CPR (If Required): If the person is unconscious and has no pulse, CPR may be required to revive them until medical help arrives.
Medical Rewarming (for Severe Cases): Hospitals may use advanced methods such as warm intravenous (IV) fluids, heated oxygen, or blood rewarming through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with severe hypothermia.
Monitoring and Treatment of Complications: In severe cases, heart rhythms, breathing, and blood pressure are monitored closely to manage any complications such as cardiac arrest or organ failure.

Early intervention is key to preventing the condition from worsening. For severe hypothermia, professional medical treatment is essential to avoid life-threatening complications.

What are the Complications of Hypothermia?

If hypothermia is not treated immediately, it can lead to severe health issues and, in extreme cases, become life-threatening. Here are the potential complications of hypothermia:

Frostbite: Prolonged exposure to cold can cause body tissues (especially fingers, toes, nose, and ears) to freeze, leading to permanent tissue damage.
Heart Rhythm Problems (Arrhythmias): Severe hypothermia can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity, leading to irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest: As the body temperature drops significantly, the heart may stop functioning, resulting in cardiac arrest if treatment is not immediate.
Organ Failure (Brain, Kidneys, Liver): Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply can lead to failure of vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver.
Nervous System Damage: Prolonged exposure to cold affects the brain, causing long-term cognitive issues such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
Infection (Pneumonia or Sepsis): People with hypothermia may develop lung infections, such as pneumonia, especially if they require ventilator support.
Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar): Prolonged cold exposure depletes the body's energy reserves, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels, which can cause fainting or unconsciousness.
Permanent Tissue Damage: In severe cases, frostbite or prolonged exposure can result in the need for amputation of affected limbs or body parts.
Death: Without timely treatment, severe hypothermia can lead to multi-organ failure, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure, ultimately causing death.

Home Remedies for Hypothermia

If medical help is not immediately available, certain home remedies can provide initial support in warming the body and preventing the condition from worsening. However, these remedies should only be used as first aid before professional medical care is received. Here are some effective home remedies for hypothermia:

Move to a Warm, Dry Place: Take the affected person indoors or to a sheltered area away from cold, wind, and moisture.
Remove Wet Clothing: Wet clothes increase heat loss, so replace them with dry, warm clothing or wrap the person in blankets.
Use Blankets and Warm Layers: Wrap the person in multiple layers of blankets, coats, or sleeping bags to trap body heat.
Apply Warm Compresses: Place warm (not hot) water bottles or heating pads on areas with large blood vessels, such as the armpits, chest, and groin.
Body-to-Body Rewarming: If necessary, use your own body heat by hugging or holding the person closely under a blanket to transfer warmth.
Offer Warm, Non-Alcoholic Drinks: If the person is fully conscious, provide warm fluids such as soup, tea, or water (without caffeine or alcohol) to help raise the internal temperature.
Avoid Direct Heat: Do not use hot water, heating pads, or electric blankets on bare skin, as they can cause burns or shock the body, leading to dangerous heart rhythms.
Do Not Rub or Massage the Skin: Rubbing frostbitten or cold skin can damage tissues and worsen the condition.

These remedies are useful in managing mild hypothermia, but for moderate to severe cases, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately to prevent complications such as cardiac arrest or organ failure.

How Can Hypothermia Be Prevented?

Preventing hypothermia is easier than treating it. By taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of extreme cold. Here are some effective prevention tips:

Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, and moisture-wicking clothing. Use a waterproof outer layer to stay dry in wet or snowy weather.
Wear Proper Gear: Cover exposed areas such as hands, feet, ears, and head with gloves, thermal socks, hats, and scarves to prevent heat loss.
Stay Dry: Wet clothes draw heat away from the body, so avoid getting wet. If you do, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Limit Time Outdoors in Cold Weather: Avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Carry emergency supplies such as extra clothing, blankets, and hand warmers when hiking, camping, or travelling in cold areas.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and sedatives impair your body’s ability to sense the cold and can increase heat loss.
Keep Infants and Older Adults Warm: Babies and older adults are more vulnerable to cold, so ensure their living areas are warm, especially in winter.
Use Heating Sources Indoors: Make sure homes are properly heated during winter, and avoid using faulty heaters or appliances that could break down unexpectedly.
Check the Weather: Plan outdoor activities around the weather forecast to avoid being exposed to sudden cold snaps or storms.
Stay Active: Physical activity generates body heat, so light exercise such as walking or stretching can help maintain warmth when exposed to the cold.

When Should You See a Doctor for Hypothermia?

While mild hypothermia can sometimes be managed with at-home remedies, certain signs indicate the need for immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can result in serious complications or even death. Here’s when you should see a doctor for hypothermia:

Core Body Temperature Below 35°C: If the person’s body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F) and does not rise despite warming efforts, seek medical help immediately.
Shivering Stops: If shivering stops despite ongoing exposure to cold, it’s a sign that the body’s heat-regulating mechanism is failing, which requires urgent medical attention.
Confusion or Memory Loss: Disorientation, inability to remember recent events, or slurred speech signals that the brain is affected, requiring prompt medical assistance.
Loss of Consciousness or Unresponsiveness: If the person becomes drowsy, unconscious, or is difficult to wake, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Slow, Shallow, or Irregular Breathing: If breathing becomes unusually slow, shallow, or irregular, it indicates severe hypothermia, and emergency help is needed.
Weak or Irregular Pulse: A slow or irregular pulse could be a sign of heart rhythm disturbances, which may progress to cardiac arrest if untreated.
Severe Frostbite: If fingers, toes, ears, or nose become hard, numb, or discoloured (black, white, or blue), it could be frostbite, often linked with hypothermia.

If any of these signs are present, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications such as nerve damage, organ failure, or cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

With timely intervention, most people with hypothermia recover fully, especially if treatment begins in the early stages. Mild cases typically resolve with warming techniques, while severe cases may require advanced medical support to prevent long-term complications. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of hypothermia, seek immediate medical attention. Visit Max Hospitals for expert care and advanced treatment for hypothermia. Our experienced medical team is equipped with life-saving techniques to ensure prompt recovery and avoid long-term complications.