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. |
