Suggest Treatment For Mild Hypothermia In Infants

Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Have a 9 month old with low temperture of 94

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This is mild hypothermia and rewarming is the treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello

The temperature between 90 to 95 F is mild hypothermia. The infants are more prone to hypothermia due to immaturity of the thermoregulatory system.
The common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold environment and overdosing of antipyratic. Some uncommon causes are thyroid hormone deficiency and consumption of few medicines.

The symptoms may be mild to severe depending on the patient's individual response and degree of hypothermia.The first symptom of hypothermia in infant is shivering(to increase the heat production).There may be shallow breathing,decreased activity,poor cry,nausea vomiting or slow pulse.
As he is suffering from croup, I would like to know whether you have given him extra dose of paracetamol(antipyratic)

If there is only shivering and there are no other symptoms.You can try rewarming at home,by shifting the baby to warmer area,proper clothing(most of the heat loss is from head,so head covering is must) and putting blanket to cover the body.Meticulous monitoring of temperature is must.

If there is progressive fall in temperature or there are other symptoms with decreased activity I would suggest you to consult your physician immediately.

I would be glad to answer if there is any further query.
Wish your son good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

They gave him a one time does of steroids through his iv for croup. Before they found the parainfluenza in his blood they gave him a few different anti biotics for bacteria or virus and kept him on fluids.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid and epinephrine nebulisation is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Croup is caused by virus mainly para influenza.
Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate clinically that whether infection is bacterial or viral. So presumptive antibiotic treatment may be given initially.Once the investigation comes the management should be change accordingly.
The main treatment of croup is nebulisation with epinephrine, iv steroid and iv fluid to maintain hydration.
Sometimes during acute illness the temperature may drop.
If he is hospitalised you need not to worry.Be careful and monitor the temperature.
The croup illness usually improve within a week if not complicated.

I hope this answers your query.
I will be glad to answer if you have any further query.
Wish your child good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta