Knowra Hypothermia Hypothermia Hypothermia is a condition in which core body temperature falls below the range needed for normal function. It can impair the brain, heart, and other organs as cooling progresses.
Thermoregulation : The physiological control of body temperature through heat production, heat loss, and behavioral responses. Hypothermia develops when heat loss exceeds the body's ability to maintain its core temperature.
Accidental hypothermia : Unintended cooling of the body in an environmental or medical setting. Most hypothermia arises from unplanned exposure or illness rather than deliberate cooling.
Accidental hypothermia in adults : Unintended low core temperature in adults, often associated with exposure, injury, or illness. Adult cases range from outdoor exposure to cooling during medical emergencies.
Hyperthermia : A rise in body temperature caused by heat gain or impaired heat dissipation, without a raised hypothalamic set point. It is the opposite thermal emergency: excess heat rather than inadequate core temperature.
Vasoconstriction : The narrowing of blood vessels caused by contraction of their muscular walls. Skin blood vessels constrict during cold exposure to reduce heat loss from the body.
Hypothermia staging : The classification of hypothermia severity using clinical signs and, when available, core temperature. Staging helps guide urgency and treatment when an accurate temperature reading is unavailable.
Neonatal hypothermia : Abnormally low body temperature in a newborn infant. Newborns lose heat readily and require specialized prevention and treatment.
Fever : A regulated increase in body temperature caused by an elevated hypothalamic set point, commonly during illness. Fever and hypothermia differ in direction and temperature regulation, even when both accompany infection.
Shivering : Involuntary, rapid muscle contractions that generate heat. Shivering is an early heat-producing response, but it becomes ineffective as cooling worsens.
Hypothermia first aid : Immediate measures to protect and warm someone with suspected hypothermia before or during medical care. Gentle handling, insulation, and emergency assistance reduce further cooling and complications.
Show all 22