Hypothalamic dysfunction is also known to cause a reduction in body temperature. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid glands produce less than normal amounts of thyroid hormones, is implicated in the development of this symptom. When the normal amount of hormones is not produced, it leads to a drop in body temperature. These glands produce hormones that regulate body functions. The thyroid glands, pituitary glands, and adrenal glands are the three major glands involved in the regulation of temperature in the body. It is important for people in this age group to dress appropriately for cold weather to keep warm.Įndocrine conditions are known to cause low body temperature in many people. Infants and elderly people have a high risk of hypothermia, as they have a reduced ability to control body temperature. Spending time in cold while drinking alcohol is equally risky, as alcohol causes the blood vessels to expand, which in turn leads to a greater loss of heat from the body.Īge is a risk factor for developing hypothermia. Not wearing warm clothes, staying out for a long time, accidental falls in cold water, and inadequate heating at home all may lead to low body temperature. Exposure to a climate that is colder than one’s body temperature may also cause a drop if the person is not dressed appropriately. Losing body heat faster than it is produced is the actual cause of low body temperature.Įxposure to cold conditions is one of the most common causes of hypothermia. Medications to control endocrine abnormalities and neurologic conditions are helpful in controlling the symptom. If the reduction in body temperature is due to other medical conditions, specific treatment methods are followed. Warm intravenous fluids, blood rewarming, airway rewarming, and irrigation are possible medical treatments for hypothermia. Hypothermia treatment guidelines suggest immediate first aid care for the affected person and includes removing any wet clothing, moving the person to a warm place, covering the person with blankets, insulating the person’s body, monitoring breathing, providing warm beverages, and applying warm compresses. Treatment of low body temperature depends on the severity of the condition. If the low body temperature is a chronic condition, sepsis and exposure to a cold environment are ruled out. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests are suggested to check for adrenal insufficiency. Rectal temperature is considered to be a better indicator, particularly when the patient is breathing through the mouth in this case, oral temperature may give spurious results.Īlcohol and medication history is noted to rule out further possible causes. Signs and symptoms of the condition are the best indicators for a diagnosis of hypothermia.īased on the severity of the drop, other tests and investigations may be recommended. Low body temperature, particularly hypothermia, leads to complications including an increased risk of cold-related injuries like frostbite and gangrene. Major risk factors for low body temperature are age, mental problems, alcohol and drug abuse, and certain medical conditions and medications. This includes medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and pain.ĭeclining kidney function is also a cause of this. Certain medications are implicated in low body temperature as well. Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ruptured brain aneurysm, and brain trauma may impact the balance between heat production and heat loss, leading to reduced body temperature.ĭisorders of the hypothalamus may also cause the body temperature to be lower than normal. Some neurological conditions are also implicated in a drop in body temperature. Abnormal production of hormones by the thyroid glands, adrenal glands, and pituitary glands, for example, leads to low body temperature. When exposed to low outdoor temperatures, the body temperature also drops considerably.Ĭertain endocrine conditions are known to cause a reduction in body temperature. The most common symptoms of low body temperature are:īody temperature may be low in a person who has severe fatigue, low pulse, and periods of unconsciousness.Įxposure to cold weather is one of the most common causes of low body temperature, particularly hypothermia. If left untreated, it may lead to heart and respiratory failure.
As the body temperature decreases, it affects the functioning of many internal organs.
In severe cases of hypothermia, one’s temperature may drop even further to below 82˚F. Such a drop in body temperature may lead to serious complications and requires medical attention. Body temperature that is slightly higher or lower than normal is not worrisome, but too low of one (in the range of < 95˚F) is referred to as hypothermia. Many people have a lower-than-normal body temperature (less than 98.6˚F).
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