Etymologically, the term hypothermia comes from the Greek "hiccup" which means below and "therme" which means heat. Hypothermia occurs when there is an unconscious decrease in body heat. When the person is exposed to low temperatures, body heat can drop abruptly, which causes the individual to have difficulties in speaking and would generate drowsiness. A normal person has a body temperature of 37 ° C, so a decrease in it would lead to the presence of hypothermia.
The hypothermia can be caused by exposure to the intense cold, the excessive intake of alcohol or other drugs or as a result of the condition of a condition called hipotiroidismo.Cuando hypothermia is at step 1 it is considered mild, body heat is between 33 ° C and 35 ° C, in this case the person may have chills, the hands become numb, the person begins to have clumsiness in their movements, their breathing begins to accelerate, with an increase in heart rate, in this case it is recommended It is to cover the person with blankets or blankets and to put dry clothes on him.
When hypothermia enters stage 2 it is considered moderate, in this stage the body heat is between 30 ° C and 33 ° C, and the person in addition to presenting the above symptoms is also added Disorientation, movements become more abrupt, the person's face begins to pale, the lips and hands begin to take a bluish color, the heart rate begins to decrease, in this case it is recommended to place hot water bottles, always taking care not to burn person.
When hypothermia enters stage 3 it is considered serious or profound, in this stage body heat is below 30 ° C in this case the person may become unconscious, speech becomes difficult, does not have the ability to walking or moving your arms, your heart rate is so weak you can hardly feel it. The Stage 3 is the most serious and risky, the patient should be treated urgently as it may die, in this case it is recommended that the affected person breathes hot air and will apply ultrasound to help warm the tissues.
