Causes of Hypothermia in Children
Hypothermia, defined as a drop in body temperature below 35 degrees Celsius, is a serious concern, especially among newborns. According to the World Health Organization, this condition in newborns occurs when their body temperature falls below 36.5 degrees Celsius. To understand the reasons behind hypothermia in children, it’s essential to grasp how heat loss occurs in the body. When exposed to cold for an extended period, the rate of heat loss can exceed the body’s ability to generate heat, leading to a decrease in overall body temperature. Prolonged exposure to cold also results in the depletion of the body’s stored energy, further contributing to hypothermia. Notably, cold winds significantly accelerate heat loss by dispersing the thin layer of warm air that surrounds the body. Direct contact with cold water, cold objects, or cold surfaces facilitates the transfer of heat from the body to these cooler elements. It is worth noting that the body loses heat more rapidly when submerged in cold water compared to exposure to cold air, and similarly, wet clothing enhances heat loss significantly. Additionally, heat can escape through uncovered skin, as the body releases warmth into the environment.
Common Causes of Hypothermia in Children
Younger children are more susceptible to hypothermia compared to adults, primarily because they expend more energy. During play, children may drain their energy reserves while remaining unaware of their body temperature dropping. Some prevalent causes of hypothermia in children include:
- Inadequate clothing when venturing outdoors in winter.
- Falling into a cold river or pool, or any other source of cold water.
- Wearing wet clothes in windy or chilly conditions.
- Experiencing extreme exhaustion or failing to consume adequate food and fluids in cold weather.
- Medical conditions that require prolonged immobility, preventing the individual from keeping warm, such as those suffering from a stroke or individuals with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemic episodes.
Factors Contributing to Hypothermia in Infants
Infants are particularly vulnerable to heat loss compared to adults. They can easily develop hypothermia if they sleep in a cold room. Due to their lack of energy reserves, infants are unable to shiver to generate heat. Additionally, infants do not have the same temperature regulation abilities as older children and adults, making them more sensitive to even minor drops in temperature. Common causes of hypothermia in infants include:
- Exposure to cold weather.
- Remaining in water for extended periods.
- Failing to dry the infant after birth.
- Severe infections like sepsis, which can result in abnormally low body temperatures.
Advice for Regulating Body Temperature in Children
To manage body temperature and reduce the risk of hypothermia in children, the following recommendations should be considered:
- Dress children in multiple layers, keeping warm clothing nearby, while ensuring that the garments remain comfortable during play.
- Maintain a home temperature above 20 degrees Celsius.
- Encourage movement when feeling cold to help raise body temperature.
- Provide warm foods and beverages regularly.
- Ensure appropriate outdoor attire such as hats, gloves, coats, and waterproof shoes to keep the body dry.
- Take breaks every 30 minutes to an hour to warm up indoors while playing outside.
- Avoid placing infants in cold rooms during sleep; using extra blankets is not advisable due to the risk of suffocation.