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Suggest Treatment For Mild Hypothermia In An Elderly Person
Posted on
Sun, 22 Nov 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 22 Nov 2015
Answered on
Wed, 16 Dec 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : What does it mean when a 93 year old male has a temperature of 94.6F?
Brief Answer:
It is only mild hypothermia. Common in elderly
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It appears to be a phase of mild hypothermia.
2. In the elderly, due to loss of subcutaneous fat, it is known to occur.
3. Look for any infections or injuries. If none are present, maybe due to cold atmosphere externally.
4. Keeping him warm with dry clothes and warm blankets, if possible hot air blankets will help. You can give him warm soup, warm food to improve temperature.
5. The temperature should increase in the range of 0.5 to 1 degree celsius per hour with adequate warming.
If it is still falling, then hospitalization will be necessary to improve temperature. Look for signs like confusion, speech disturbances, reduced heart or breathing rate or any neurological deficits. If present, should shift him to emergency. Fall below 91 degree Fahrenheit is another indicator to shift him to hospital.
If improving, not to worry.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
It is only mild hypothermia. Common in elderly
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It appears to be a phase of mild hypothermia.
2. In the elderly, due to loss of subcutaneous fat, it is known to occur.
3. Look for any infections or injuries. If none are present, maybe due to cold atmosphere externally.
4. Keeping him warm with dry clothes and warm blankets, if possible hot air blankets will help. You can give him warm soup, warm food to improve temperature.
5. The temperature should increase in the range of 0.5 to 1 degree celsius per hour with adequate warming.
If it is still falling, then hospitalization will be necessary to improve temperature. Look for signs like confusion, speech disturbances, reduced heart or breathing rate or any neurological deficits. If present, should shift him to emergency. Fall below 91 degree Fahrenheit is another indicator to shift him to hospital.
If improving, not to worry.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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