What causes a body temperature of 35.2°C?

A body temperature of 35.2°C (95.4°F) falls below the normal adult range of approximately 36.1–37.2°C (97.0–99.0°F) and is classified as mild hypothermia. While isolated, asymptomatic readings may occasionally reflect measurement error—especially with oral, axillary, or temporal thermometers—clinically significant causes warrant careful evaluation. Common contributors include prolonged exposure to cold environments, impaired thermoregulation due to aging, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, sepsis (particularly in older adults or immunocompromised individuals), severe malnutrition, central nervous system disorders (e.g., stroke or hypothalamic dysfunction), and certain medications such as sedatives, anesthetics, or beta-blockers. Alcohol intoxication is another important cause, as it induces peripheral vasodilation and impairs shivering thermogenesis. In hospitalized or critically ill patients, low temperature may signal decompensation or systemic infection. Evaluation should include a thorough history (e.g., environmental exposure, medication use, recent illness), physical examination (assessing mental status, skin perfusion, vital signs), and targeted investigations—such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol levels, complete blood count, and blood cultures—as clinically indicated. Immediate warming measures are appropriate if symptoms of hypothermia (e.g., confusion, lethargy, bradycardia, or hypotension) are present.