Hypothermia is a medical condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The spelling of hypothermia is quite straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The phonetic transcription of this word is /haɪpəˈθɜː(r)mɪə/. The first syllable, "hyp," is pronounced as "haɪp," followed by the stressed syllable "o," pronounced as "əʊ." The second to the last syllable, "ther," is pronounced as "θɜː(r)", and the final syllable, "mia," is pronounced as "mɪə." Overall, the spelling of hypothermia is straightforward, but its pronunciation can be complex.
Hypothermia is a medical condition characterized by a significantly low body temperature, typically below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing the core temperature to drop abnormally low. This condition is commonly associated with exposure to cold temperatures for an extended period or immersion in cold water.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, numbness, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. As the condition worsens, an individual may experience muscle stiffness, a slow or weak pulse, shallow breathing, and even unconsciousness. Hypothermia affects multiple bodily functions, impacting the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Treatment for hypothermia involves rewarming the body gradually. Methods include removing wet clothing, moving to a warmer environment, insulating with blankets or other warm materials, and drinking warm fluids. In severe cases, medical interventions such as warm intravenous fluids or heated ventilation may be necessary.
Preventing hypothermia involves dressing appropriately for weather conditions, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, and staying dry. It is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms to detect and respond to hypothermia promptly, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for a favorable prognosis.
A subnormal temperature of the body, one below 98.6°F. (37°C).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The term "hypothermia" is derived from the Ancient Greek roots "hypo" meaning "under" or "below", and "thermos" meaning "hot" or "warm". Therefore, "hypothermia" literally translates to "under heat", reflecting the condition in which the body's core temperature drops significantly below its normal level.