What is hypothermia characterized by?

Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a significant drop in core body temperature. It is typically characterized by an abnormally low body temperature, which is usually below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). The body’s normal functioning begins to decline as temperatures drop, affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems. Symptoms can include shivering, confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Understanding that hypothermia specifically involves a dangerous decrease in body temperature helps differentiate it from other conditions associated with elevated temperature or normal body function.