Our body is designed to maintain appropriate temperature irrespective of the temperature of external environment. Human body can generate heat when needed and similarly it can get rid of excess of heat. Blood vessels in the superficial area like skin expand during hot conditions forcing excess of heat on the skin allowing you to sweat. Sweating automatically cools down the body. If there is excess of cold outside, the blood vessels would contract thus reducing the quantity of blood flow to the skin. This in turn would conserve body heat thus increasing the body temperature making you feel warm.
The process of shivering can also warm your body since extra muscles are put into action which generates extra heat. Body temperature can be measured in the mouth, armpit, and ear and even on the rectum. Temperature is expressed in terms of Fahrenheit or Celsius depending on the location you live. Thermometer is the instrument used for measuring temperature.
Hypothermia :
Low body temperature indicates that something is very much wrong in the system requiring immediate medical attention. Low body temperature is called as “Hypothermia” in medical terms.
Normal Temperature :
Normal temperature of our body is 98.6 F or about 37 degree Celsius. But sometimes the temperature can drop down to serious level going below 95 F leading to hypothermia.
What Happens When The Temperature Becomes Too Low?
Optimal heat is required for the blood vessel and other vital organs to function normally. But when the body temperature goes below 95F the heart, kidney, and the nervous system may not be able to work properly. If this condition is not treated immediately it can cause potential failure of these organs ultimately leading to death. Low body temperature is often caused due to cold weather and it is necessary to warm the body quickly.
Symptoms :
Human body is tuned to produce various signs and symptoms to indicate that something is seriously wrong. The body would start shivering which is the first sign of low temperature. Body’s defense mechanism would spring into action forcing the muscle to contract making you to shiver for few seconds. This is done to generate heat so that body can warm up itself. Other symptoms of low body temperature include nausea, dizziness, rapid breathing, hunger and trouble in speaking.
The person may get slightly confused indicating poor brain function and lack of coordination. The heart may beat faster than before causing palpitation. These are the symptoms produced due to mild form of hypothermia. As the body temperature continues to drop it can cause more serious signs like slurred speech, confusion, low concentration, drowsiness, weak pulse rate and shallow breathing. The person may start losing concern unaware of his condition and may pass out. Progressively he/she may lose consciousness.