Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a topic covered in the Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics.

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General Principles

Definition

Hypothermia is defined as a core temperature of <35°C (95°F).

Classification

Classification of severity by temperature is not universal. One scheme defines hypothermia as mild at 34–35°C (93.2–95°F), moderate at 30–34°C (86–93.2°F), and severe at <30°C (86°F).

Etiology

  • The most common cause of hypothermia in the United States is cold exposure due to alcohol intoxication.
  • Another common cause is cold water immersion.

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