Hypothermia Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Hypothermia describes a condition in which the body's mechanism for regulating the temperature is overwhelmed in the face of a cold stressful. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia can include gradual loss of mental and physical abilities. Serious Hypothermia can kill. Hypothermia is classified as accidental or intentional, primary or secondary, and by the degree of hypothermia. Hypothermia is usually the result of accidental exposure to someone unexpected poorly prepared, for example: inadequate housing for a homeless person. Intentional Hypothermia is a condition usually induced neuroprotection as a result of a risky situation.
Principal of hypothermia due to exposure to the environment, without any medical condition underlying that disrupts temperature. Hypothermia secondary is weak due to the temperature of the disease medical lowering the temperature set-point. Systemic Hypothermia can also be accompanied by cold injury localized. Many variables contribute to the development of hypothermia. Age, health, nutrition, body size, exhaustion, exposure, exposure duration, wind, temperature, humidity, drugs and intoxicating substances may decrease heat production, increasing the heat loss, or interfere with thermostability.
Each year nearly 700 people in the United States die of hypothermia. Treatment for hypothermia consists of drying, sheltering, and gradually warming the patient. Cover the person’s body with blankets and aluminum-coated foils, and place the victim in a sleeping bag. Avoid actively heating the victim with outside sources of heat such as radiators or hot water baths. Apply mild heat, with the aim of stopping temperature drop, not rewarming. Don't apply direct heat. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person. Instead, apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall and groin. Don't attempt to warm the arms and legs.
Hypothermia Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Don't apply direct heat.
2. Replace wet things with a warm, dry covering.
3. Gentle handling, insulation, no alcohol, coffee or tea.
4. Don't try to rewarm a patient in a hurry.
5. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Sty Treatment. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.