Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in core body temperature, caused by prolonged exposure to cold conditions. Normal core body temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit. Hypothermia is when the core temperature drops below 95° Fahrenheit. In severe hypothermia, the body temperature can drop to 82° or lower.1

 

Impact of coffee on hypothermia

  • Caffeine is a stimulant
  • Stimulants can cause the heart to beat faster
  • This will speed up the effect the cold has on the body

 

It is advised never to give an individual with hypothermia any drinks with caffeine in, such as tea or coffee, as caffeine is a stimulant and will speed up the heartbeat. This will cause the cold to work faster on the body.2

 

Sources

                1 WebMD - Hypothermia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

               2 What Happens Now - Hypothermia and Frostbite