This morning as I waited dutifully on the cold, dark platform waiting for the delayed 7:12 my teeth began chattering, my fingers became numb and my breath formed a fog around me. I couldn’t help wondering whether I had succumbed to hypothermia. Some quick research helped me to discover the top ten symptoms of this condition and know whether a trip to A&E was on the cards or not.
[image1]
- Shivering: This is one of the first symptoms of mild hypothermia when the body temperature has dropped to 32–35˚C (90–95˚F). This is a physiological response to conserve heat; as the muscles shake they create warmth by expending energy. As the temperature drops further the shivering will become more violent.
- Drop in energy: As the temperature decreases so too will a person’s energy levels which, when progressing into moderate or severe hypothermia can affect movement and speech.
- Hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia: Hypothermia is sometimes associated with high blood sugar levels although it is more typically associated with low blood sugar levels and can be the cause of hypothermia. Hypoglycaemia is common in diabetics and results in a lack of glucose reaching the brain.
- Confusion/loss of reasoning: As hypothermia moves into a moderate stage it becomes harder to think properly. At this stage the body temperature is at only 28–32˚C (82–90˚F) and although one may appear alert their speech and actions are confused and accompanied with memory loss.
- Memory loss: Vague memory loss is associated with moderate hypothermia but in the case of severe hypothermia this can progress to amnesia and is an important symptom to look out for.
- Loss of coordination: As the muscles lose more warmth, movements can become slow and laboured and the victim may have difficulties in moving around due to muscle weakness. As the hypothermia progresses this can lead to total loss of control of hands, feet and limbs.
- Blue complexion: In severe hypothermia and a body temperature of less than 28˚C (82˚F) exposed skin will become blue in colour. This is due to the surface blood contracting and moving inwards to keep the internal organs warm.
- Weak pulse: The heart rate, and pulse, can become weak or irregular during severe hypothermia and can even stop altogether. As the heart rate falls so does blood pressure and breathing.
- Shallow breathing: From moderate hypothermia onwards breathing may become shallow and may slow. In severe hypothermia the breath will be incredibly shallow and the victim can even stop breathing.
- Unconsciousness: One of the last stages of hypothermia can lead to the victim entering a stupor whereby they are unresponsive to most stimuli, will turn rigid and will lose consciousness.
Every year in the UK between 25–30,000 deaths are linked to cold weather. Keeping warm is a real concern for the elderly at this time of year and a number of steps can be taken to prevent hypothermia. The NHS can offer ‘hypothermia alarms’ which will monitor the ambient temperature; when the temperature falls below a designated level the alarm will sound alerting any carers in another room (similarly to a baby monitor).
Tips for keeping warm include movement (even while seated moving the arms, legs and feet often will help circulation); eating hot food that is high in energy such as potatoes, beans, eggs and meat; dressing in several layers of thin clothes, especially thermal clothing as well as insulating, draft-proofing and heating the home.