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. Hypothermia is the cause of at least 1,500 deaths a year in the United States. It is more common in older people and males. One of the lowest documented body temperatures from which someone with accidental hypothermia has survived is 13.0 °C (55.4 °F) in a near-drowning of a 7-year-old girl in Sweden. Let us know risk factors, management, prevention, various alternative therapies, and Siddha remedies of Swami Hardas Life System.
Hypothermia possible complications
People with mild hypothermia have an excellent prognosis. However, people with moderate to severe hypothermia can face serious complications and even death. Children are more likely to recover from severe hypothermia than adults. The mortality rate for hypothermia in the elderly is about 50%. There are many possible complications from hypothermia, including hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissues), gangrene in the hands and feet, inflammation of the pancreas, fluid in the lungs, pneumonia, kidney failure, and heart irregularities.
Hypothermia Classification
Hypothermia is often defined as anybody’s temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F). This method is divided into degrees of severity based on the core temperature.
Another classification system, the Swiss staging system, divides hypothermia based on the presenting symptoms which are preferred when it is not possible to determine an accurate core temperature.
Other cold-related injuries
Other cold-related injuries that can be present either alone or in combination with hypothermia include:
- Chilblains: a condition caused by repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing. The cold causes damage to small blood vessels in the skin. This damage is permanent and the redness and itching will return with additional exposure. The redness and itching typically occur on the cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes.
- Frostbite: the freezing and destruction of tissue.
- Frostnip: a superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction.
- Trench foot or immersion foot: a condition caused by repetitive exposure to water at non-freezing temperatures.
The normal human body temperature is often stated as 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). Hyperthermia and fever, are defined as a temperature of greater than 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F).
Risk Factors of Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is caused when the individual:
- Meets with accidents in the cold.
- They fall into freezing cold water.
- Wears clothes that are wet when the temperature is low.
- A mentally ill person is unable to discern cold weather conditions and take protective action.
- Homeless people are prone to exposure and the vagaries of nature.
- When an individual has certain medical conditions like lung infections, heart ailments, diabetes, or infections that make him more prone to hypothermia.
- The use of narcotics, tranquilizers, or alcohol makes people more prone to hypothermia.
- Elderly over 65 years of age and babies are more prone to exposure to cold and are more susceptible to hypothermia.
Hypothermia Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the degree of hypothermia and may be divided by the three stages of severity. Infants with hypothermia may feel cold when touched, with bright red skin and an unusual lack of energy.
Mild Hypothermia
Symptoms of mild hypothermia may be vague, with sympathetic nervous system excitation (shivering, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, fast respiratory rate, and contraction of blood vessels). These are all physiological responses to preserve heat. Increased urine production due to cold, mental confusion, and liver dysfunction may also be present.
Hyperglycemia may be present, as glucose consumption by cells and insulin secretion both decrease, and tissue sensitivity to insulin may be blunted. Sympathetic activation also releases glucose from the liver. In many cases, however, especially in people with alcoholic intoxication, hypoglycemia appears to be a more common cause.
Moderate Hypothermia
As hypothermia progresses, symptoms include mental status changes such as amnesia, confusion, slurred speech, decreased reflexes, and loss of fine motor skills.
Severe Hypothermia
As the temperature decreases, further physiological systems falter, and heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure all decrease. This results in an expected heart rate in the 30s at a temperature of 28 °C (82 °F).
There are often:
- Cold,
- Inflamed skin,
- Hallucinations,
- Lack of reflexes,
- Fixed dilated pupils,
- Low blood pressure,
- Pulmonary edema, and
- Shivering is often absent.
Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly, but fast heart rates can also occur. Atrial fibrillation is not typically a concern in and of itself.
Paradoxical undressing
Twenty to fifty percent of hypothermia deaths are associated with paradoxical undressing. This typically occurs during moderate and severe hypothermia, as the person becomes disoriented, confused, and combative. They may begin discarding their clothing, which, in turn, increases the rate of heat loss.
Rescuers who are trained in mountain survival techniques are taught to expect this; however, people who die from hypothermia in urban environments are sometimes incorrectly assumed to have been subjected to sexual assault.
Terminal burrowing
An apparent self-protective behaviour, known as “terminal burrowing”, or “hide-and-die syndrome”, occurs in the final stages of hypothermia. The afflicted will enter small, enclosed spaces, such as underneath beds or behind wardrobes. It is often associated with paradoxical undressing.
Researchers in Germany claim this is “obviously an autonomous process of the brain stem, which is triggered in the final state of hypothermia and produces a primitive and burrowing-like behavior of protection, as seen in hibernating animals”. This happens mostly in cases where the temperature drops slowly.
Hypothermia Causes
Exposure to low temperatures
Hypothermia usually occurs from exposure to low temperatures and is frequently complicated by alcohol consumption. Any condition that decreases heat production, increases heat loss, or impairs thermoregulation, however, may contribute.
Major trauma
Hypothermia occurs frequently in major trauma and is also observed in severe cases of anorexia nervosa. Hypothermia is also associated with worse outcomes in people with sepsis. While most people with sepsis develop fevers (elevated body temperature), some develop hypothermia.
Chronic cold exposure
In urban areas, hypothermia frequently occurs with chronic cold exposure, such as in cases of homelessness, as well as with immersion accidents involving:
- Drugs,
- Alcohol, or
- Mental illness.
In more rural environments, the incidence of hypothermia is higher among people with significant comorbidities and less able to move independently. With rising interest in wilderness exploration, and outdoor and water sports, the incidence of hypothermia secondary to accidental exposure may become more frequent in the general population.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of hypothermia in two ways: vasodilation and temperature controlling systems in the brain. Vasodilation increases blood flow to the skin, resulting in heat being lost to the environment. This produces the effect of feeling warm when one is actually losing heat.
The overall effects of alcohol lead to a decrease in body temperature and a decreased ability to generate body heat in response to cold environments. Alcohol is a common risk factor for death due to hypothermia. Between 33% and 73% of hypothermia, cases are complicated by alcohol.
Poverty
In the UK, 28,354 cases of hypothermia were treated in 2012–13 – an increase of 25% from the previous year. Some cases of hypothermia death, as well as other preventable deaths, happen because poor people cannot easily afford to keep warm.
Rising fuel bills have increased the numbers who have difficulty paying for adequate heating in the UK. Some pensioners and disabled people are at risk because they do not work and cannot easily leave their homes. Better heat insulation can help.
Water immersion
Hypothermia continues to be a major limitation of swimming or diving in cold water. The reduction in finger dexterity due to pain or numbness decreases general safety and work capacity, which consequently increases the risk of other injuries.
Other factors predisposing to immersion hypothermia include dehydration, inadequate rewarming between repetitive dives, starting a dive while wearing cold, wet drysuit undergarments, sweating with work, inadequate thermal insulation (for example, thin dry suit undergarments), and poor physical conditioning.
Heat is lost much more quickly in water than in air. Thus, water temperatures that would be quite reasonable as outdoor air temperatures can lead to hypothermia in survivors, although this is not usually the direct clinical cause of death for those who are not rescued. During the sinking of the Titanic, most people who entered the 28 °F water died in 15–30 minutes.
Hypothermia Diagnosis
Determination of core temperature
Accurate determination of core temperature often requires a special low-temperature thermometer, as most clinical thermometers do not measure accurately below 34.4 °C (93.9 °F). A low-temperature thermometer can be placed in the rectum, esophagus or bladder. Esophageal measurements are the most accurate and are recommended once a person is intubated. Other methods of measurement such as in the mouth, under the arm, or using an infrared ear thermometer are often not accurate.
Pulse monitoring
As a hypothermic person’s heart rate may be very slow, prolonged feeling for a pulse could be required before detecting. In 2005, the American Heart Association recommended at least 30–45 seconds to verify the absence of a pulse before initiating CPR. Others recommend a 60-second check.
Hypothermia Prevention
Clothing helps to Prevent Hypothermia
Appropriate clothing helps to prevent hypothermia. Synthetic and wool fabrics are superior to cotton as they provide better insulation when wet and dry. Some synthetic fabrics, such as polypropylene and polyester, are used in clothing designed to wick perspiration away from the body, such as liner socks and moisture-wicking undergarments.
Clothing should be loose-fitting, as tight clothing reduces the circulation of warm blood. In planning an outdoor activity, prepare appropriately for possible cold weather. Those who drink alcohol before or during outdoor activity should ensure at least one sober person is presently responsible for safety.
Head covering
Covering the head is effective, but no more effective than covering any other part of the body. While common folklore says that people lose most of their heat through their heads, heat loss from the head is no more significant than that from other uncovered parts of the body. However, heat loss from the head is significant in infants, whose head is larger relative to the rest of the body than in adults.
Shelter
Building a shelter can aid survival where there is a danger of death from exposure. Shelters can be of many different types, metal can conduct heat away from the occupants and is sometimes best avoided. The shelter should not be too big so body warmth stays near the occupants. Good ventilation is essential especially if a fire will be lit in the shelter. Fires should be put out before the occupants sleep to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. People caught in very cold, snowy conditions can build an igloo or snow cave to shelter.
Wearing a life jacket
The United States Coast Guard promotes using life vests to protect against hypothermia through the 50/50/50 rule: If someone is in 50 °F (10 °C) water for 50 minutes, he/she has a 50 percent better chance of survival if wearing a life jacket. A heat escape lessening position can be used to increase survival in cold water.
Babies should sleep at 16-20 °C (61-68 °F) and housebound people should be checked regularly to make sure the temperature of the home is at least 18 °C (64 °F).
First aid to a person suffering from Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition and immediate care is very important. The individual suffering from hypothermia should be taken to a hospital, but till the transfer to a hospital, it is important to provide immediate care.
The first aid to be provided depends on whether the individual is conscious or not. If the individual is conscious, then the following first aid measures should be carried out.
Move to a warm place
The individual suffering from hypothermia should be taken indoors or to a warm place. If the clothes are wet, then they should be removed immediately and the individual should be wiped dry. The person should be shielded from direct cold drafts of wind that can continue to induce hypothermia in the individual.
Provide warmth
Heating pads should be used for the neck, armpits, and groin so that the body regains some warmth. However, there have been instances of burn injuries due to excessive heating and so caution should be exerted.
If there are no warming pads, then the body temperature of the aid worker is the next best option. Placing the affected individual close or hugging them will help in passing on some warmth.
Provide a warm drink
The affected individual should be given a warm drink. No caffeine or alcohol-containing drinks should be offered as they lead to heat loss.
If the individual is unconscious, then no drink should be forced orally.
Hypothermia Management
Passive external warming
The aggressiveness of treatment is matched to the degree of hypothermia. Treatment ranges from noninvasive, passive external warming to active external rewarming, to active core rewarming.
In severe cases resuscitation begins with simultaneous removal from the cold environment and management of the airway, breathing, and circulation. Rapid rewarming is then commenced. Moving the person as little and as gently as possible is recommended as aggressive handling may increase the risks of dysrhythmia.
Intravenous thiamine and glucose
Hypoglycemia is a frequent complication and needs to be tested for and treated. Intravenous thiamine and glucose are often recommended, as many causes of hypothermia are complicated by Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Hot bath for Hypothermia
The UK National Health Service advises against putting a person in a hot bath, massaging their arms and legs, using a heating pad, or giving them alcohol. These measures can cause a rapid fall in blood pressure and potential cardiac arrest.
Rewarming
Rewarming can be done with a number of methods including passive external rewarming, active external rewarming, and active internal rewarming. Passive external rewarming involves the use of a person’s own ability to generate heat by providing properly insulated dry clothing and moving to a warm environment. Passive external rewarming is recommended for those with mild hypothermia.
Active external rewarming
Active external rewarming involves applying warming devices externally, such as a heating blanket. These may function by warmed forced air (Bair Hugger is a commonly used device), chemical reactions, or electricity. In wilderness environments, hypothermia may be helped by placing hot water bottles in both armpits and in the groin. Active external rewarming is recommended for moderate hypothermia.
Rewarming shock
Rewarming shock (or rewarming collapse) is a sudden drop in blood pressure in combination with a low cardiac output which may occur during the active treatment of a severely hypothermic person. There was a theoretical concern that external rewarming rather than internal rewarming may increase the risk.
These concerns were partly believed to be due to after drop, a situation detected during laboratory experiments where there is a continued decrease in core temperature after rewarming has been started. Recent studies have not supported these concerns, and problems are not found with active external rewarming.
Drinking fluids
For people who are alert and able to swallow, drinking warm sweetened liquids can help raise the temperature. Many recommend alcohol and caffeinated drinks be avoided. As most people are moderately dehydrated due to cold-induced diuresis, warmed intravenous fluids to a temperature of 38–45 °C (100–113 °F) are often recommended.
Cardiac arrest
In those without signs of life, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be continued during active rewarming. For ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, single defibrillation should be attempted. However, people with severe hypothermia may not respond to pacing or defibrillation.
It is not known if further defibrillation should be withheld until the core temperature reaches 30 °C (86 °F). In Europe, epinephrine is not recommended until the person’s core temperature reaches 30 °C (86 °F), while the American Heart Association recommends up to three doses of epinephrine before a core temperature of 30 °C (86 °F) is reached. Once a temperature of 30 °C (86 °F) has been reached, normal ACLS protocols should be followed.
Ayurveda and Home remedies for Hypothermia
Ayurveda says when the pitta dosha gets aggravated it increases the heat in the body which leads to an increase in body temperature. We all know that Ayurveda is a natural healing process, in it natural herbs are used for the treatment. In the case of hyperthermia than there are many pure and natural herbs that help to maintain the body temperature and reduce the heat which increases the body temperature. The natural herbs are:
- Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C. The various parts of this plant have been used for the treatment of hyperthermia. It has many properties like an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative, and is used for fever.
- Giloy is consumed as juices. It is a very good source for boosting your immunity and also improving digestion. It also helps to treat chronic fever and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Mung Beans: Have very good antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids in it which help to maintain your body temperature.
- Custard Apple: It is a very good source of Vitamin C. It is used to reduce the body heat and low down the temperature up to the normal range. Also, have an antioxidant property in it. It also contains Vitamin B6, which maintains the GABA, a neurotransmitter. This helps to cool down your body temperature.
- Fenugreek Seeds: this is a very good source of phytochemicals mostly phenols and alkaloids. Which maintains your body heat within a few hours. Mostly leaves and seeds of fenugreek are used for the treatment of hyperthermia.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Nutritional measures can help prevent hypothermia. Animal studies suggest that Western and Chinese herbal therapies influence body temperature and may help prevent hypothermia if used before, or just after, exposure to a cold. Depending on results from future scientific studies, they may also help treat hypothermia.
If you become hypothermic, avoid supplements and herbs, such as ginseng, hawthorn, rosemary, and possibly cocoa seed and yellow Jessamine root, that dilate your blood vessels and may worsen hypothermia. Similarly, stimulation of specific acupuncture points may cause hypothermia.
Nutrition for Hypothermia
Eating enough calories in the form of proteins and fats before and during exposure to cold weather may help prevent hypothermia, particularly in the elderly. If you expect to be exposed to the cold, carry high-calorie snacks, such as protein bars and nuts.
Regular intake of fluids—water, juices, and electrolyte replacement drinks—is important, too, and prevents dehydration. Being dehydrated increases your risk for hypothermia. Do not wait until you are hungry or thirsty to eat or drink fluids. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine, as these substances dilate your blood vessels and increase the blood flow away from your central core, causing it to cool down.
Herbs
Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng) has not been studied in relation to hypothermia; however, it is known as an adaptogen (a substance that helps to rebuild strength and regenerate the body after stress or fatigue). It is used to increase resistance to adverse conditions such as unusually cold climates. It may help prevent hypothermia in people who are regularly exposed to extremely cold weather, in the elderly, and in those who are weak or have a chronic disease.
Certain herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may cause hypothermia. For instance, rats were given Clerodenron fragrans (Ventenaceae) became hypothermic in moderate and cold temperatures because their bodies produced less heat. Also, rat studies show that TCM remedies used to treat fever, such as Huang chin (Chinese Skullcap; Scutellaria baicalensis George), may cause hypothermia.
Homeopathy treatment for Hypothermia
There have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. A professional homeopath, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for hypothermia based on his or her knowledge and clinical experience.
Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person’s constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person’s constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.
- Aconitum — very useful remedy when used just the following exposure to cold, including in cases of shock and when extremities are cold, tingling, or numb.
- Arnica — is an important homeopathic remedy for first aid, particularly in the case of shock and following trauma.
- Carbo vegetabilis — for icy cold, bluish skin, particularly when the person is weak, sluggish, close to fainting, and short of breath.
- Cuprum metallicum — for a bluish discoloration of the skin accompanied by muscle cramps.
Acupuncture for Hypothermia
Caution must be exercised when using acupuncture to treat fever. Stimulating certain acupuncture points with needles can produce hypothermia by decreasing the heat from metabolism (chemical processes in your body) and by dilating blood vessels in the skin.
Massage
It should not be used in the case of hypothermia. Massage may dilate the blood vessels on the surface of the body, drawing blood away from the core and vital organs such as the heart and the brain. Hypothermia may cause your circulatory system to collapse.
Siddha remedies for Hypothermia
1. Siddha preventive measures
Everybody must practice Siddha preventive measures, whether a person is affected by lymphedema or not, but preventive measures are the primary steps for switching on to any other Siddha remedies, and hence they are important. It helps in one’s capability, effectiveness, productivity, decision-making power, intellectuality, and removing minor health problems. There are three types of preventive measures:
- Earthing – performed for removing and earthing the negativity of our body
- Field cleaning – cleans the energy field (Aura) of our body
- Siddha brain exercise/Energizing – energizes our brain for proper functionality
Everybody’s tendency is to get attracted to the word ‘free, however, don’t neglect even these Siddha preventive measures are free. Avail of the benefits by practicing them sincerely, and regularly. For ease of understanding what Siddha preventive measures are, please watch a video for a live demonstration.
2. Siddha Shaktidata Yoga
This unique Siddha Shaktidata Yoga of Siddha Spirituality can solve the problems related to hypothermia with Siddha remedies. There is no compulsion of training in ‘Swami Hardas Life System’ methods. This not only gives benefits to self but also it can be used for other affected persons, whether a person is in the same house, distantly available in the same city, same nation, or might be in any corner of the world, however, both the procedures have been explained here.
3. Siddha Kalyan Sadhana
Recite this Sadhana with a Sankalp “My problems of hypothermia are solved as early as possible and I should gain health”, which should be repeated in mind 3 – 3 times after each stanza. Any person irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, sex, and age can recite this Sadhana for free, which should be repeated at least twice a day. To know more, please click on this link.
4. CCPE products
These products work on the concepts of ‘Conceptual CreativePositive Energy’ (CCPE) within the provisions of the ‘CCPE Life System’ and the theory of Quantum Technology to a certain extent. However, the products get activated only whenever touched by a human and then they become capable of solving the problem and achieving health. However, please use these products for hypothermia as mentioned below:
CCPE Extractor: The CCPE Extractor should be gently moved over the Agya Chakra in a circular motion at least for 30 to 60 seconds, thereafter, follow the same process on the head, chest, and naval which finishes within almost 2-4 minutes.
CCPE Booster: Keep one Booster over the Agya Chakra and another over the head, chest, and naval for 3 minutes. You may need to have 4 Boosters, which establishes positivity.
CCPE Booster Powder: Mix a pinch of CCPE booster powder with a few drops of coconut oil and make a paste. Apply it over the forehead, chest, and naval and leave it for about 30 minutes. Repeat the process every after 2 hours.
5. UAM or Touch Therapy for Hypothermia
For quick and effective results, it is advisable to learn the unique methods of the Swami Hardas Life System. A trained person can only apply the UAM method or Touch therapy himself/herself and become capable of healing others.
A daily routine
In general, a daily routine for hypothermia may look like this:
- Follow the instructions of your Doctor
- Consume Sattvic diet
- Perform breathing exercises regularly
- Perform Ashtanga Yoga regularly
- Apply free touch therapy (UAM) a minimum 3 times a day, as explained above
- Perform Swayamsiddha Agnihotra daily, either self or the caretaker can perform
- In case, if someone wishes to learn advanced methods of Swami Hardas Life System, undergo unique training
Ensure to sprinkle in some fun during the day: Don’t forget to relax and laugh in between. Laughing is a great way to boost your immune system and help you.
Along with all the above activities, apply above explained free Siddha remedies minimum 3 times a day, the more is good. Just try the methods of Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System. I am confident that you will surely find improvements within 3 days.
Training of Swami Hardas Life System
Any health, peace, and the progress-related problem can be solved independently by undergoing Swami Hardas Life System training. It needs no money and medicines. Any person irrespective of religion, caste, creed, faith, sex, and age can undergo this unique training.
Conclusion
Because of the above, I am confident that you have learned about hypothermia, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, prevention, first aid, management, treatment, Ayurveda, Home remedies, Alternative therapies, and Siddha remedies. Now, that you have become self-sufficient, hence it’s the right time to use your acquired knowledge for solving problems as per the provision available in Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System.
However, keep learning and practicing the free Siddha remedies, which would help guide how to solve various problems regarding health, peace, and progress, without money and medicines.
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Frequently asked questions
Before posting your query, kindly go through them:
| What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) in humans. |
| Which are the risk factors of hypothermia?
Hypothermia is caused when the individual: Meets with accidents in the cold, falls into freezing cold water, wears clothes that are wet when the temperature is low, a mentally ill person is unable to discern cold weather conditions and take protective action, homeless people are prone to exposure and the vagaries of nature, when an individual has certain medical conditions like lung infections, heart ailments, diabetes, or infections that make him more prone to hypothermia, the use of narcotics, tranquilizers, or alcohol makes people more prone to hypothermia, elderly over 65 years of age and babies are more prone to exposure to cold and are more susceptible to hypothermia. |
| Can massage help relieve hypothermia?
Massage should not be used in the case of hypothermia, which may dilate the blood vessels on the surface of the body, drawing blood away from the core and vital organs such as the heart and the brain. Hypothermia may cause your circulatory system to collapse. |
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