India
A 47-year-old male asked:

My 4 year old son was in a pool of cold water. he has been shivering for 1 hour. his lips have gone blue and his entire body has turned bluish. he has no chd. what is the diagnosis and prevention/treatment? should i get an echodone?

3 doctor answers10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Alves
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Unlikely anything: If your son is growing healthy, meeting his milestones for height/weight/learning, then it is likely because kids will often completely ignore physiologic warning signals (like freezing) to continue play--as long as color returned to normal with rewarming (over 20-30 minutes), then this is likely all it is. If color changes at other (non-cold-exposure) times, definitely see pediatrician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Joseph Accurso
Radiology 31 years experience
Hypothermia: Anyone can become hypothermic in a pool. Our body temperature is 98.6 deg f, so any water (or air) below that cools the body. It is worse in water, because it is a good conductor of heat. You describe in the expected reaction the body does to increase core body temperature - decrease blood to the limbs (turn blue) and shiver (to make heat) less pool time, inc pool temp. If repeat, see doc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Sarosh Batlivala
Pediatric Cardiology 18 years experience
Acrocyanosis: A 4 year old will not typically present with heart disease after being in a pool. Acrocyanosis is when a patient appears blue in the extremities, often after being in cold environments. If it resolves and the child is otherwise fine, i would bring it up with the pediatrician, but otherwise not necessarily do anything else. If other problems occur, then please discuss with the pediatrician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Mar 8, 2019

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.