Hypothermia Background
Hypothermia is defined as having a core body temperature below 35 °C (95 °F). It is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to low temperature and inadequate clothing in cold weather. It can also be caused by impaired thermoregulation mechanism of the body.
Moderate Hypothermia (28-32°C /82.4-89.6°F) - Vigorous shivering - Cold, pale skin - Slurred speech Severe Hypothermia (<28°C /<82.4°F) - Shallow and slow breathing - Weak and slow pulse - Confusion - Shivering may stop - Unconsciousness
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Severe
Symptoms and signs
Mild Hypothermia (33-35°C /91.4-95°F ) - Shivering - Hypertension - Fast pulse - Rapid breathing
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Hypothermia
The risk factors for hypothermia in elderly include chronic illnesses (such as diabetes and hypothyroidism), reduced mobility (for example, due to stroke or Alzheimer’s disease), starvation, malnutrition, alcohol or drug abuse (such as sleeping pills, opioids).
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Moderate
Every year there are 10-20 cases of severe hypothermia among the elderly in Hong Kong.
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Mild
Elderly are vulnerable to hypothermia since they are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions and receiving medications that can change normal body responses to change of temperature. Hypothermia can develop in elderly after relatively short exposure to cold weather or even a small drop in temperature.
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Extreme Temperature - Below Normal
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