Environmental exposure (cold, hypothermia)

About Environmental exposure (cold, hypothermia)

Exposure to cold can cause a dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia). The very old, very young, those with chronic illnesses, and the intoxicated are most susceptible. Becoming wet causes a particularly rapid drop in body temperature. Death can result from cardiovascular collapse.

Symptoms

Shivering, confusion, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, weakness.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to determine damage from the hypothermia. An EKG may be performed to look for cardiac abnormalities resulting from hypothermia.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Rewarming and removing the wet clothes are essential. The method of warming depends on how low the temperature is and what symptoms are present. Treatment may include: passive warming with external warming devices, or active warming by the injection of pre-warmed fluids, providing warmed oxygen or by warming the blood directly (using a procedure called `arteriovenous heated countercurrent exchange.`

Medical specialties

Emergency Medicine

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Environmental exposure (cold, hypothermia).