Hypothermia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hypothermia?
An emergency medicine doctor, a doctor who treats sudden and serious illness or injury, treats hypothermia. Call 911 or the local emergency number anytime you suspect someone has hypothermia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C). A body temperature below 95°F (35°C) is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly. Hypothermia happens when the body loses more heat than it can make. Low body temperature affects the brain, so the person may be unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know it is happening.
Symptoms
As hypothermia develops, you slowly lose the ability to think and move. You may even be unaware that you need emergency treatment. The symptoms include:
- Confusion.
- Drowsiness.
- Pale and cold skin.
- Slowed breathing or heart rate.
- Shivering you cannot control, although shivering may stop at extremely low body temperatures.
- Weakness and loss of coordination.
The CDC also lists exhaustion, fumbling hands, memory loss, and slurred speech in adults. In infants, the signs are bright red, cold skin and very low energy. Hypothermia can be fatal.
Causes and who gets it
In most cases, hypothermia occurs after long periods in the cold. Common causes include:
- Being outside without enough protective clothing, especially in winter.
- Falling into cold water of a lake, river, or other body of water.
- Wearing wet clothing in windy or cold weather.
- Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather.
It can also happen above 40°F if a person is chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water. You are more likely to develop hypothermia if you are:
- Very old or very young.
- Chronically ill, especially if you have heart or blood flow problems.
- Malnourished or overly tired.
- Taking certain prescription medicines.
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Babies can get hypothermia from sleeping in a cold room. Older adults without enough food, clothing, or heat are often affected.
How doctors diagnose it
Hypothermia means a body temperature below 95°F (35°C). If you notice the warning signs, take the person's temperature. If it is below 95°F, get medical attention immediately.
Treatment
If you think someone has hypothermia, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. Then give first aid while you wait for help.
- Take the person inside to room temperature and cover them with warm blankets.
- If you cannot go indoors, get the person out of the wind.
- Cover the person's head and neck to help keep body heat in.
- Remove any wet or tight clothes and replace them with dry, loose clothing.
- Apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin.
- If the person is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened, nonalcoholic fluids.
- Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
Do not use direct heat, such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp, to warm the person. Do not give the person alcohol. Do not assume that someone found lying motionless in the cold is already dead. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious, with no sign of a pulse or breathing. In this case, handle the person gently and get emergency help immediately. Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or the local emergency number anytime you suspect someone has hypothermia. If the person has any symptoms, especially confusion or problems thinking, call 911 right away. Hypothermia is a medical emergency.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Because hypothermia is a medical emergency, call 911 first.
Common questions
Is hypothermia an emergency?
Yes, hypothermia is a medical emergency. It can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Can hypothermia happen when it is not freezing?
Yes, it can happen above 40°F if a person becomes chilled. Rain, sweat, or cold water can cause the chill.
Who is most at risk of hypothermia?
Babies and old people are especially at risk. People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs are also at risk.
Is it safe to warm someone with direct heat?
No, do not use direct heat, such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp. Do not give the person alcohol.
How can I prevent hypothermia?
Wear wind-proof, water-resistant clothing in many layers, and mittens, not gloves. Before you spend time outside in the cold, do not drink alcohol or smoke. Drink plenty of fluids and get enough food and rest.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hypothermia (Medical Encyclopedia)
- MedlinePlus - Hypothermia (Health Topic)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Preventing Hypothermia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
