Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. In some regions, extreme weather events and rainfall are becoming more common while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts. We need climate action now, or these impacts will only intensify. Show
Climate change is a very serious threat, and its consequences impact many different aspects of our lives. Below, you can find a list of climate change’s main consequences. Click on the + signs for more information. Natural consequencesWhat are the consequences of climate change for the natural world? Social threatsWhat social threats does climate change bring upon us? Threats to businessHow does climate change represent a threat to business? Territorial threatsHow are different areas affected by climate change? Hypothermia is a dangerous condition involving low body temperature. Symptoms such as shivering, pale skin, and fast heart rate indicate a person’s core body temperature has dropped below normal. The stages of hypothermia range from mild to severe. Even the mild stage is an emergency, and a bystander should call 911 if they notice its signs. While waiting on help to arrive, first aid treatment entails getting the individual to a warm, dry place and removing any wet clothing. The underlying cause of hypothermia is prolonged exposure to cold. That said, other factors and conditions can increase the risk, including extremes in age and certain health conditions, such as malnutrition. Keep reading to learn more about the treatment, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and causes of hypothermia. Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature of below 95°F (35°C). This happens when a person experiences cold temperatures for a prolonged period. While normal metabolic processes in the body generate heat, wintry weather can cause the body to lose more heat than it generates. When this occurs, the core temperature drops. A structure in the brain called the hypothalamus regulates body temperature. Findings show that when someone is exposed to cold, the hypothalamus raises body temperature through measures such as increasing muscle tone and shivering. However, if exposure to cold continues, it will eventually overwhelm the body, and shivering will stop. At this point, multiple organs may stop functioning, which ultimately leads to death. This is why hypothermia is an extremely dangerous condition. Symptoms in babies differ from symptoms in adults, note the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Babies may have very low energy and bright red, cold skin. As hypothermia progresses through the stages, symptoms become more severe and dangerous. A 2021 review article describes the symptoms in adults as follows: Mild hypothermiaShare on PinterestInfographic by Yaja Mulcare.Symptoms in this stage include:
Moderate hypothermiaShare on PinterestInfographic by Yaja MulcareTypically, shivering stops between 86–90°F (30–32°C). Other symptoms of moderate hypothermia include:
Severe hypothermiaShare on PinterestInfographic by Yaja MulcareSymptoms of this stage include:
Treatment depends on the degree of hypothermia, but the aim is to make the person warmer. It involves first aid and clinical treatment. First aidAnyone with symptoms of hypothermia needs immediate medical attention. Until help arrives, the CDC recommends:
If someone has severe hypothermia, they may be unconscious. They may also appear not to have a pulse or be breathing. If this occurs, a bystander should perform CPR and continue it until help arrives. Sometimes people with hypothermia who appear to be dead can resuscitate. Clinical treatmentResearch states that clinical treatment may include the following options:
A 2018 study provides the following prevention recommendations:
In winter, unexpected events can occur that pose a danger of hypothermia, such as home power outages and running out of gas while driving. To offset the risk of these events, experts recommend keeping winter survival kits at home and in the car. Certain medications, specifically psychiatric medications, may increase a person’s risk of hypothermia. An individual may consider asking their doctor or pharmacist whether their medication could increase their risk of hypothermia. Home survival kits may include:
Car survival kits may include:
When doctors examine a person, the key symptoms and signs below indicate a diagnosis of hypothermia:
Other telltale symptoms inlude:
Evidence shows that the diagnostic process should also include blood tests to measure:
Doctors may order an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function. They may also use imaging tests, such as X-rays, to assess the effects of a stroke or trauma that led to prolonged exposure to cold. Additionally, a doctor may use other lab studies and tests to detect potential complications and underlying causes of hypothermia. Exposure to cold temperatures or falling into cold water can cause hypothermia. The CDC notes that temperatures do not have to be excessively cold for hypothermia to develop. If the air temperature is 40°F (4.4°C) and someone is wet, they can develop hypothermia. Certain factors or conditions can make an individual more susceptible to hypothermia. These include:
Doctors diagnose hypothermia if a person’s body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). Shivering, impaired thinking ability, and frostbite are also key indications of the condition. When spending time in cold environments, someone may not have access to a thermometer to take their temperature. With this in mind, it helps to be familiar with the symptoms of hypothermia. Even mild symptoms indicate the need for immediate medical attention. Employing prevention measures, such as checking the weather forecast before going out, can reduce the likelihood of hypothermia. Keeping a winter survival kit in the home and the car could enable people to survive prolonged exposure to cold. What do you call to the excessive low body temperature characterized by uncontrolled shivering?Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) in humans. Symptoms depend on the temperature. In mild hypothermia, there is shivering and mental confusion.
What do you call to the excessive low body temperature characterized by?Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C).
What condition is characterized by the excessive rise in body temperature Brainly?Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature — or overheating. It's the opposite of hypothermia, when your body is too cold.
What does mean hypothermia?What is hypothermia? Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it's produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body's stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.
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