Reduced Temperature
June 25th, 2019
Reduced Body Temperature
Hypothermia is a reduction in human body temperature. This tends to occur due to heat loss from exposure to cold, vasodilation or burns; hypothermia can also occur in the context of reduced heat production, or due to central temperature dysregulation.
Classification
- Mild hypothermia - 34 - 35.9°C
- Moderate hypothermia - 32 - 33.9°C
- Severe hypothermia - 30.3 - 31.9°C
- Profound hypothermia - <30°C
Causes of Hypothermia
Heat Loss
- Exposure to cold - low ambient temperature, inadequate clothing, water immersion
- Vasodilation - alcohol ingestion, sepsis, vasodilators
- Skin loss - burns, dermatitis
- Treatment for hyperthermia
Reduced Heat Production
- Decreased metabolic rate - hypothyroidism
- Decreased muscular activity - sedatives, opioids, muscle relaxants
CNS Temperature Dysregulation
- Hypoadrenalism, hypopituitarism, head trauma, stroke
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