QUESTION: Which of the following is not a sign of hypothermia?
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Numb hands and feet
- Feeling hyper or giddy
- Blue tinge to lips, eyelids and fingertips
ANSWER: Feeling hyper or giddy
| Aspect | Hypothermia | Hyperthermia |
| Introduction | · Very low body temperature due to prolonged exposure to cold temperature.
· Core body temperature drops below the normal body temperature upto 35°C in adults. |
· Very high body temperature due to prolonged exposure to heat.
· Core body temperature rises above normal body temperature, usually 38°C in adults. |
| Causes | Exposure to cold weather, water, or wind | · Exposure to high temperature
· Extreme physical activity · Dehydration · Certain medical conditions and medications. |
| Symptoms | · Uncontrollable shivering
· Numb hands and feet · Slow heart rate · Shallow breathing · Pale skin · Loss of coordination · Blue tinge to lips, eyelids and fingertips. |
· Sweating
· Rapid heartbeat · High body temperature · Nausea · Vomiting · Headache |
| Treatment | · Remove from the cold environment
· Warm clothing · Warm fluids · Gradual rewarming · Medical attention if severe. |
· Move to a cooler place
· Hydrate · Remove excess clothing · Medical attention if severe. |
| Preventive measures | · Dress warmly in cold conditions
· Stay dry · Avoid prolonged exposure to cold · Stay active to generate heat |
· Stay hydrated
· Avoid excessive sun exposure · Wear appropriate clothing · Use sunscreen |
| Complications | · Frostbite
· Tissue damage · Cardiac arrest leading to death if not treated immediately. |
· Heat exhaustion
· Heat stroke · Dehydration · Death if not treated on time. |