Hypothermia is a condition in which an organism's temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions. In warm-blooded animals, core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through biologic homeostasis. But when the body is exposed to cold its internal mechanisms may be unable to replenish the heat that is being lost to the organism's surroundings.
Normal body temperature in humans is 37°C. Hypothermia can be divided in three stages of severity.
In stage 1, body temperature drops by 1-2°C below normal temperature (35-36°C). Mild to strong shivering occurs. The victim is unable to perform complex tasks with the hands; the hands become numb. Blood vessels in the outer extremities constrict, lessening heat loss to the outside air. Breathing becomes quick and shallow. Goose bumps form, raising body hair on end in an attempt to create an insulating layer of air around the body (which is of limited use in humans due to lack of sufficient hair, but useful in other species).

INFORMATION SOURCE SITE :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Hypothermia

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 9:47 PM on September 09, 2008

LOW BODY TEMPERATURE

Answered by Moksha G , an ibibo Master, at 10:06 PM on September 08, 2008

hello rinku

Hypothermia is defined as a core, or internal, body temperature of less than 95°F (35°C). The tragic tales of people falling into icy lakes are poignant examples of hypothermia. Anyone exposed to cold temperatures, whether for work or recreation, may be at risk of becoming too cold.

Hypothermia has been a military problem ever since Hannibal lost nearly half of his troops while crossing the Pyrenees Alps in 218 B.C. and has continued to plague military campaigns through both world wars and the Korean War.

for more detail refer
http://www.emedicinehealth.c om/hypothermia/article_em.htm

Answered by Saq , an ibibo Master, at 11:53 AM on September 03, 2008

HypothermiaHypothermiaHypothermia is caused by a reduction in body temperature, usually through exposure to cold water or cold weather. It is defined in stages. Untreated hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia, especially in the later stages is extremely serious. It can result in organ death, heart arrhythmias, or extreme disorientation that results in remaining outdoors and shedding clothing because one doesn’t feel the cold. If the person is not found and quickly treated, death is likely.

The first stage of hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia has been experienced by many people at one time or another. It is defined as a drop in body temperature of one to three degrees. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). Stage one hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia drops the body's temperature from 96.5-95 F (35.83-35 C). One may feel the hands get numb, goose bumps, mild shivering. One may also note that the lips appear blue. Kids who get into a cold body of water can quickly show evidence of stage one hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia. The best thing to do is get them out of the water, and cover them with a warm towel.

The second stage of hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia drops body temperature to between 95 and 91.4 F (35-33 C). HypothermiaHypothermiaHypothermia in this stage is dangerous. People may not be able to use their muscles properly, they may be confused, and their extremities may feel completely numb. One can see pallor of the skin, and the lips and extremities may be blue in color. Shivering is usually extreme, since shivering is an attempt to keep the body warm.

Third stage hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia is defined by body temperature at or below 90 F (32.22 C). Though people may not shiver in this stage, they still have difficulty moving. The heart beats faster, confusion is significant and organs begin to fail. Without treatment, hypothermiahypothermiahypothermia at this stage is fatal.

visit www.wisegeek.co

Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 1:16 PM on September 02, 2008

well,

Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature. There are
two types of hypothermia, acute and chronic. Acute hypothermia is the
rapid lowering of the body's core temp. Chronic hypothermia is the
slow lowering of the body's core temp. If the temperature drop occurs
in less than 4 hours it is acute, otherwise it is chronic. Acute
hypothermia is also called immersion hypothermia and typically occurs
when a person is in cold water. It is important to note the difference
between the two since treatment will be different. Hypothermia is
considered severe when the body's core temperature drops below 90
degrees F and mild from normal body temperature to 90 degrees F.

A difference between acute and chronic hypothermia is the severity of
something called afterdrop. This is the continued dropping of the
body's core temperature after the person has been brought to a warm
place. Afterdrop complicates treating severe hypothermia.

Hypothermia is the biggest killer of sea kayakers. Many of its victims
are unprepared for the cold water exposure that induces it. Water
conducts heat away at 20-25 times the rate that air removes heat. This
is one reason why an exposure to cold water at a certain temperature
is more traumatic than exposure to air at the same temperature.

Sometimes a person will not know they are hypothermic since people
typically do not notice it in themselves. It is important for people
in a group to keep an eye on their companions for signs of hypothermia
(this includes group leaders and guides). Sometimes a person will
appear physically and mentally okay and will refuse treatment because
they claim they are okay.

Exposure to cold does not automatically induce hypothermia, it
typically will take time to develop unless there is exposure to very
cold water or there is no protection (wetsuit/drysuit) against the
cold.


An excellent source of information on hypothermia is:
http://www.princeton.edu/ ~oa/hypocold.html

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 5:37 PM on September 01, 2008

Hypothermia is caused by a reduction in body temperature, usually through exposure to cold water or cold weather. It is defined in stages. Untreated hypothermia, especially in the later stages is extremely serious. It can result in organ death, heart arrhythmias, or extreme disorientation that results in remaining outdoors and shedding clothing because one doesn’t feel the cold. If the person is not found and quickly treated, death is likely.

The first stage of hypothermia has been experienced by many people at one time or another. It is defined as a drop in body temperature of one to three degrees. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). Stage one hypothermia drops the body's temperature from 96.5-95 F (35.83-35 C). One may feel the hands get numb, goose bumps, mild shivering. One may also note that the lips appear blue. Kids who get into a cold body of water can quickly show evidence of stage one hypothermia. The best thing to do is get them out of the water, and cover them with a warm towel.

The second stage of hypothermia drops body temperature to between 95 and 91.4 F (35-33 C). Hypothermia in this stage is dangerous. People may not be able to use their muscles properly, they may be confused, and their extremities may feel completely numb. One can see pallor of the skin, and the lips and extremities may be blue in color. Shivering is usually extreme, since shivering is an attempt to keep the body warm.

Third stage hypothermia is defined by body temperature at or below 90 F (32.22 C). Though people may not shiver in this stage, they still have difficulty moving. The heart beats faster, confusion is significant and organs begin to fail. Without treatment, hypothermia at this stage is fatal.

Hospitals treat hypothermia by using warming blankets. They may also use intravenous warm fluid to help warm up the organs and improve circulation. They also carefully monitor the heart for any sign of irregular heart rhythms that could stop the heart.

When one cannot get to a hospital, getting the person inside best treats hypothermia. People may also need to use CPR if the person is not breathing. The best treatment is attempting to warm the person, and performing CPR as necessary until help comes. If you can’t find an indoor environment, use blankets, jackets, or whatever you may have to keep the person from lying directly on the ground. Never use heating pads or give a person with suspected hypothermia alcohol as this can worsen the condition.

However, in conditions that might induce hypothermia, you should not give up your own sources of warmth if you do not have access to an indoor environment. In this case it may be best to lie on the person to help confer some of your body warmth to them.

What causes these dramatic drops in body temperature are actually the body’s way of attempting to help itself. As the body is exposed to cold, the capillaries and veins supplying the extremity start to constrict. This constriction continues as cold exposure continues. The end result of course stops blood flow to the organs resulting in tissue death.

The best ways to prevent hypothermia are to dress warmly, covering all extremities in cold weather. Do not swim in lakes or pools that are very cold. Be certain to keep the head covered in cold weather, as most heat is lost through the head. Avoid hiking in areas with rapid weather changes without a full supply of extreme weather gear, and a cellphone or mobile radio in case of emergencies.

Answered by Reeta K , an ibibo Master, at 5:28 PM on September 01, 2008

wel rinku !Hypothermia is a condition in which an organism's temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions. In warm-blooded animals, core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through biologic homeostasis. But when the body is exposed to cold its internal mechanisms may be unable to replenish the heat that is being lost to the organism's surroundings.

Hypothermia is the opposite of hyperthermia, the condition which causes heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms
Normal body temperature in humans is 37°C. Hypothermia can be divided in three stages of severity.

In stage 1, body temperature drops by 1-2°C below normal temperature (35-36°C). Mild to strong shivering occurs.[1][2] The victim is unable to perform complex tasks with the hands; the hands become numb. Blood vessels in the outer extremities constrict, lessening heat loss to the outside air. Breathing becomes quick and shallow. Goose bumps form, raising body hair on end in an attempt to create an insulating layer of air around the body (which is of limited use in humans due to lack of sufficient hair, but useful in other species). Often, a person will experience a warm sensation, as if they have recovered, but they are in fact heading into Stage 2. Another test to see if the person is entering stage 2 is if they are unable to touch their thumb with their little finger; this is the first stage of muscles not working.

In stage 2, body temperature drops by 2-4°C. Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent.[1][2][3] Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert. Surface blood vessels contract further as the body focuses its remaining resources on keeping the vital organs warm. The victim becomes pale. Lips, ears, fingers and toes may become blue.

In stage 3, body temperature drops below approximately 32 °C (89.6 °F). Shivering usually stops.[1][2] Difficulty speaking, sluggish thinking, and amnesia start to appear; inability to use hands and stumbling is also usually present. Cellular metabolic processes shut down. Below 30 °C (86.0 °F), the exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, muscle coordination becomes very poor, walking becomes almost impossible, and the victim exhibits incoherent/irrational behavior including terminal burrowing or even a stupor. Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly but fast heart rates (ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) can occur. Major organs fail. Clinical death occurs. Because of decreased cellular activity in stage 3 hypothermia, the body will actually take longer to undergo brain death
for more inf check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoth ermia

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 3:16 PM on August 31, 2008

Well rinku,
Hypothermia is caused by a reduction in body temperature, usually through exposure to cold water or cold weather. It is defined in stages. Untreated hypothermia, especially in the later stages is extremely serious. It can result in organ death, heart arrhythmias, or extreme disorientation that results in remaining outdoors and shedding clothing because one doesn’t feel the cold. If the person is not found and quickly treated, death is likely.

The first stage of hypothermia has been experienced by many people at one time or another. It is defined as a drop in body temperature of one to three degrees. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). Stage one hypothermia drops the body's temperature from 96.5-95 F (35.83-35 C). One may feel the hands get numb, goose bumps, mild shivering. One may also note that the lips appear blue. Kids who get into a cold body of water can quickly show evidence of stage one hypothermia. The best thing to do is get them out of the water, and cover them with a warm towel.

The second stage of hypothermia drops body temperature to between 95 and 91.4 F (35-33 C). Hypothermia in this stage is dangerous. People may not be able to use their muscles properly, they may be confused, and their extremities may feel completely numb. One can see pallor of the skin, and the lips and extremities may be blue in color. Shivering is usually extreme, since shivering is an attempt to keep the body warm.

Third stage hypothermia is defined by body temperature at or below 90 F (32.22 C). Though people may not shiver in this stage, they still have difficulty moving. The heart beats faster, confusion is significant and organs begin to fail. Without treatment, hypothermia at this stage is fatal.

Hospitals treat hypothermia by using warming blankets. They may also use intravenous warm fluid to help warm up the organs and improve circulation. They also carefully monitor the heart for any sign of irregular heart rhythms that could stop the heart.

When one cannot get to a hospital, getting the person inside best treats hypothermia. People may also need to use CPR if the person is not breathing. The best treatment is attempting to warm the person, and performing CPR as necessary until help comes. If you can’t find an indoor environment, use blankets, jackets, or whatever you may have to keep the person from lying directly on the ground. Never use heating pads or give a person with suspected hypothermia alcohol as this can worsen the condition.

However, in conditions that might induce hypothermia, you should not give up your own sources of warmth if you do not have access to an indoor environment. In this case it may be best to lie on the person to help confer some of your body warmth to them.

What causes these dramatic drops in body temperature are actually the body’s way of attempting to help itself. As the body is exposed to cold, the capillaries and veins supplying the extremity start to constrict. This constriction continues as cold exposure continues. The end result of course stops blood flow to the organs resulting in tissue death.

The best ways to prevent hypothermia are to dress warmly, covering all extremities in cold weather. Do not swim in lakes or pools that are very cold. Be certain to keep the head covered in cold weather, as most heat is lost through the head. Avoid hiking in areas with rapid weather changes without a full supply of extreme weather gear, and a cellphone or mobile radio in case of emergencies.

http://www.wisegeek .com/what-is-hypothermia.htm

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 10:49 PM on August 30, 2008

well,Hypothermia is caused by a reduction in body temperature, usually through exposure to cold water or cold weather. It is defined in stages. Untreated hypothermia, especially in the later stages is extremely serious. It can result in organ death, heart arrhythmias, or extreme disorientation that results in remaining outdoors and shedding clothing because one doesn’t feel the cold. If the person is not found and quickly treated, death is likely.

The first stage of hypothermia has been experienced by many people at one time or another. It is defined as a drop in body temperature of one to three degrees. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). Stage one hypothermia drops the body's temperature from 96.5-95 F (35.83-35 C). One may feel the hands get numb, goose bumps, mild shivering. One may also note that the lips appear blue. Kids who get into a cold body of water can quickly show evidence of stage one hypothermia. The best thing to do is get them out of the water, and cover them with a warm towel.

The second stage of hypothermia drops body temperature to between 95 and 91.4 F (35-33 C). Hypothermia in this stage is dangerous. People may not be able to use their muscles properly, they may be confused, and their extremities may feel completely numb. One can see pallor of the skin, and the lips and extremities may be blue in color. Shivering is usually extreme, since shivering is an attempt to keep the body warm.

Third stage hypothermia is defined by body temperature at or below 90 F (32.22 C). Though people may not shiver in this stage, they still have difficulty moving. The heart beats faster, confusion is significant and organs begin to fail. Without treatment, hypothermia at this stage is fatal.

Hospitals treat hypothermia by using warming blankets. They may also use intravenous warm fluid to help warm up the organs and improve circulation. They also carefully monitor the heart for any sign of irregular heart rhythms that could stop the heart.

When one cannot get to a hospital, getting the person inside best treats hypothermia. People may also need to use CPR if the person is not breathing. The best treatment is attempting to warm the person, and performing CPR as necessary until help comes. If you can’t find an indoor environment, use blankets, jackets, or whatever you may have to keep the person from lying directly on the ground. Never use heating pads or give a person with suspected hypothermia alcohol as this can worsen the condition.

However, in conditions that might induce hypothermia, you should not give up your own sources of warmth if you do not have access to an indoor environment. In this case it may be best to lie on the person to help confer some of your body warmth to them.

What causes these dramatic drops in body temperature are actually the body’s way of attempting to help itself. As the body is exposed to cold, the capillaries and veins supplying the extremity start to constrict. This constriction continues as cold exposure continues. The end result of course stops blood flow to the organs resulting in tissue death.

The best ways to prevent hypothermia are to dress warmly, covering all extremities in cold weather. Do not swim in lakes or pools that are very cold. Be certain to keep the head covered in cold weather, as most heat is lost through the head. Avoid hiking in areas with rapid weather changes without a full supply of extreme weather gear, and a cellphone or mobile radio in case of emergencies.

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 5:56 PM on August 30, 2008

Hypothermia occurs when too much heat escapes from the body and body temperature drops lower than its normal 98.6° F to 95° F or lower. While severe hypothermia can cause internal organ damage or lead to death, it is generally not something to be concerned about unless a person is trapped outdoors or in cold water for an extended period of time without proper protection.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
• Shivering
• Numbness
• M uscle weakness
• Drowsiness
• Inco herence
• Lowered body temperature
• Slow pulse
What to do
• Bring your child to a warm place
• Wrap your child in blankets to retain body heat
• Don't expose your child to any direct heat sources like hot water bottles, heating pads, radiators or fireplaces

Answered by alok , an ibibo Master, at 5:44 PM on August 30, 2008