What condition occurs when the body temperature drops dangerously low?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature. This condition can arise in cold weather or in water that is cold, which can happen even in temperatures that may seem mild, especially when wind or moisture is present.

When hypothermia sets in, the body's normal physiological mechanisms fail to maintain a stable internal temperature, which can lead to severe consequences, including loss of coordination, confusion, and even unconsciousness. Immediate action is required to warm the individual and prevent further complications.

In contrast, heat exhaustion results from excessive loss of body water and electrolytes due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, while hyperthermia refers to an elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation, typically in hot environments. Frostbite, on the other hand, is localized damage to body tissues due to extreme cold, commonly affecting extremities, but it does not encompass the overall body temperature drop as hypothermia does.