Hypothermia: A Winter Hazard
01/27/2010
Hypothermia is a real risk in cold weather, particularly for older people, according to the National Institute on Aging's Age Page. But diagnosing it can be tricky. Some older people don't like to complain. They may not even be aware of how cold they are.
When you think about being cold, you probably think of shivering. Shivering is one thing the body does to stay warm: it increases muscle cell activity, which in turn generates heat. But shivering alone does not mean you have hypothermia. So, how can you tell if someone has hypothermia?
Look for the "Umbles"
Look for the "umbles": stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles. These symptoms show that the muscles and nerves are affected. Specifically:
- Poor control over body movements or slow reactions
- Slowed, slurred speech
- Stiffness in the arms or legs
- Confusion
Other Things to Look For:
- Sleepiness
- Shallow breathing
- Weak pulse or low blood pressure
- A change in behavior or in the way a person looks
- A lot of shivering or no shivering
- Chilly rooms or other signs that a person has been in a cold place
What to Do
If you think someone has hypothermia, take their temperature with a thermometer. Make sure you shake the thermometer so it starts below its lowest point. If the temperature is 96° or under, call for emergency help.
While you are waiting for help to arrive, keep the person warm and dry. Move them to a warmer place, if possible. Wrap the person in blankets, towels, coats-whatever is handy. Your own body warmth will help. Lie close, but be gentle. You may be tempted to rub their arms and legs, but don't: an older person's skin may be thin and easily torn.
Risk Factors to Watch For
There are some things that put any older person at risk for hypothermia:
- Make sure they're eating enough food to keep up their weight. If they don't eat well, they might have less fat under their skin. Fat keeps heat in your body.
- Some illnesses or medical conditions can make it harder for them to stay warm. These include hormonal problems, such as hypothyroidism, or any health problem that keeps blood from flowing normally, such as diabetes. Some skin problems, such as psoriasis, may create heat loss. Severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or other illnesses make it harder to move around. Stroke, memory disorders, or dementia make it hard to recognize coldness.
- Some medicines often used by older people can increase the risk of hypothermia. These include drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, and nausea. Some over-the-counter cold remedies can also cause problems.
If you are like most people, you feel cold every now and then during the winter. But for older adults, losing body heat can more easily lead to hypothermia. Help protect the older adults you know by sharing this information.
