What causes low body temperature after surgery?

If you are one of those unfortunate people who have undergone surgery but cannot seem to get warm, you know the struggle! Being cold is uncomfortable and debilitating. Everyone thinks it’s because of the hospital gowns or bad insulation in hospitals, but the real reason for low body temperature post-surgery is much more complicated than that.

Let’s dive deeper into this mystery phenomenon and uncover what causes low body temperature post-operation as well as how to fight back against the chill!

What is a Normal Human Body Temperature?

Before we begin our investigation into why your body temp drops after surgery, let’s first set some context. We know that average human body temperature ranges between 36°C (96.8°F) and 37°C (98.6°F). Any slight variance from this normal range can indicate illness or other medical issues.

We all remember being forced to take our temperatures before school by concerned mothers – ah good times!

But here’s something new: during surgery, anesthesia makes your brain lower its thermostat setting temporarily – this usually leads to a reduced core temperature for days if not weeks following an operation… mind-blowing right?

How Do Hospital Staff Check Your Temperature?

When trying to diagnose whether you’re suffering from hypothermia due it would be important for healthcare practitioners monitor and track fluctuations in your internal bodily state regularly. For instance:

  • A patient’s oral temprature can easily vary by half a degree Fahrenheit depending on when they last had food or drink.
  • Using mercury thermometers takes too long; hence digital thermometers are always preferred by hospital staff
  • If monitoring a newborn baby intra-rectally, staff use tiny electronic sensors with built-in electrodes

More importantly though, doctors will check whether your drop-in temperature has led to any complications such as organ failure which could lead make matters worse…

What is Hypothermia?

In layman’s terms, hypothermia means you have an abnormally low body temperature. If we were getting scientifically technical – our bodies’ thermoregulation systems maintain and monitor our internal temperatures to ensure they don’t deviate too much from this norm.

When your body temp falls below 35°C (95°F), that’s when healthcare experts start throwing the term hypothermia around like a hot potato!

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Not sure whether you might be suffering from it? Let’s check out some symptoms of post-op hypothermia:

  • Goosebumps or shivering
  • Skin feels cold to touch
  • Slurred speech/ difficulty communicating clearly
  • Dizziness & disorientation
  • Sleepiness or fatigue

If these symptoms sound familiar, make sure that you let your doctor know immediately so they can help discover what could be causing them.

Why Does Your Body Temperature Drop After Surgery?

Postoperative hypothermia usually happens due to a combination of factors such as;

Anesthesia Usage

As previously stated, general anesthesia typically causes patients’ brain temperature thresholds drops for several days following surgery which leads over time results in lower core body temperatures than normal.

Environmental Factors

During operations, operating rooms are kept cool because computers and machinery produces substantial artificial heat; hence people working there need cooler ambient air conditions inside the operation theatrewhich tend makes things even more chilly than usual.

Medications

Some drugs given during surgeries may lead directly cause instances ‘post-anesthetic shivers’. These drugs effect part(s) of the brain which regulate(s) and modulate(s) thermoregulatory responses making maintaining optimal (normal!) tempratures difficult for our bodies..

You see… It’s not just as simple as being deprived warm blankets!

How Long Can Post-Surgery Low Temps Last?

Unfortunately for us…the frequency and duration of post-operative hypothermia can vary greatly from patient to patient. Depending on various factors, including medications taken, age health status/condition.

For some folks, it only lasts for a few days while others experience similar symptoms for weeks even after they’ve been released from the hospital!.

But THIS generation – this is a generation that thrives in diversity!

How Do I Recover From Post-Op Hypothermia?

If you have read this far and are worried about experiencing hypothermia post-op or ar e already battling with it, we gotchu honey! Here’s its guide over how to fight back against those perpetual cold spells:

Drink Warm Beverages

Tea or hot cocoa is great but also drinking lots of fluids replenish your body which helps restored internal temps more quickly…just avoid ice-cold water!!

Wrap Yourself in Layers Upon Layers

Socks? Check!
Fleece sweaters? Check!
A sporty thobe? ..if it provides warmth sure!

It’s important to wear layers when battling low body temperature especially if you need stay indoors frequently amd try dressing in snug comfortable clothing that use materials such as wool. These lock higher amounts of heat than synthetic fabrics.

Physical Exercise

Get moving Dat Body sista! Various studies indicate that moving muscles causes more heat production and thus helps maintain good body temprature. Just be careful not to overly exert yourself though as you may end up worsening existing injuries…

If snuggling under blankets seems limiting then consider moderate exercises like regular walking/stretching/yoga classes/exercises at home could help keep that inner flame crackling again.

Heat Therapy Treatment(s)

Doctors will prescribe warming devices such as electric heating pads (opps…did I just say “prescribe”?) along with other automatic equipment i.e heated fans etc. As these devices ensure consistent ‘thermal output’ – hence they make ideal options during the recovery process.

Alas, if things don’t seem to be getting better over time, rest assured that healthcare professionals have other interventions for these cold streaks.

Drugs

Massive advancements have been made within medicine making it possible to prescribe medications such as Clopidogrel and aspirin that help regulate thyroid functioning/temperature regulation in us humans. Pretty sweet huh?

But remember kids: self-medication is never a viable option

Conclusion

Hypothermia is definitely no laughing matter; however, contextualizing post-operative hypothermia as part of your healing journey can make you feel at ease…warm even! By utilizing one or several of the above-provided treatment options (and wearing cozy sweatpants), you should be steaming hot before you know it.

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