What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, common symptoms of hypothermia include decreased body temperature, altered consciousness, muscle stiffness, circulatory problems, and changes in breathing. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Additionally, hypothermia may also present with symptoms such as shivering and slurred speech. In daily life, attention should be paid to bodily changes in cold environments, especially among susceptible populations such as the elderly and children.
Generally, common symptoms of hypothermia include decreased body temperature, altered consciousness, muscle stiffness, circulatory disturbances, and changes in respiration. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Decreased Body Temperature
A drop in body temperature is the core feature of hypothermia, with core body temperature often falling below 35°C. When heat production is insufficient or heat loss is excessive, the body's thermoregulatory center fails to maintain balance, leading to progressive heat loss and declining body temperature. In the early stages, only the hands and feet may feel cold; as the condition progresses, overall body temperature drops, the skin feels icy to the touch, and some individuals may develop pale or bluish skin.
2. Altered Consciousness
Altered consciousness manifests as lethargy and slowed reactions, progressing to confusion or even coma in severe cases. Under hypothermic conditions, brain cell metabolism slows down and nerve conduction velocity decreases, impairing cognitive function and responsiveness. Early signs may include poor concentration and drowsiness; as body temperature continues to fall, consciousness disturbances worsen, affecting judgment and the ability to perform normal activities.
3. Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness typically presents as tight muscles, restricted movement, and clumsy, uncoordinated actions. Low temperatures reduce enzyme activity within muscle tissues, impairing muscle contraction. At the same time, increased viscosity of joint fluids hinders joint mobility. Initially, this may appear as inflexible fingers or toes, gradually spreading to the entire body. In severe cases, individuals may be unable to perform even simple voluntary movements.
4. Circulatory Disturbances
Circulatory problems include weak pulse, slow heart rate, and cool, bluish extremities. To preserve blood flow to vital organs, the body constricts peripheral blood vessels and reduces blood flow to outer areas, resulting in poor peripheral circulation. Additionally, low temperatures suppress cardiac function, slowing heart rate and weakening myocardial contractility, leading to a faint pulse. Severe cases may result in arrhythmias.
5. Respiratory Changes
Early respiratory changes may include rapid breathing, which later shifts to shallow and slow respiration as the condition progresses. Initially, the body’s stress response increases breathing rate to obtain more oxygen. Later, the respiratory center becomes suppressed, causing slower and shallower breaths, reduced gas exchange efficiency, potential hypoxia, and worsening tissue damage.
In addition, hypothermia may also present with shivering, slurred speech, and other symptoms. It is important to monitor physical changes in cold environments, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Adequate warming measures should be taken, and if symptoms occur, prompt warming and medical attention are essential.
