Hypothermia
Cold weather can be risky for anyone, but especially for older people. The winter chill can lead to a temperature drop inside the body that can be deadly if not detected quickly and treated properly. This lowered body temperature is called hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature is lowered due to exposure to cold. It can occur even at mild temperatures if exposure is prolonged.
The body’s natural defenses against the cold consist of restricting the flow of blood to the skin to help prevent heat loss, shivering and releasing hormones to generate heat. These measures are limited and are usually inadequate to maintain body temperature in cold environments.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of hypothermia are likely to include drowsiness, irritability, mental confusion, and pallor. Speech becomes slurred. Comas can eventually occur, with slow, weak breathing and decreased heart rate. Treating hypothermia requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment
Until medical attention can be sought, begin warming the body by removing any wet clothing. Wrap the victim in blankets or dress him/her in dry clothing. Also, move the victim to a warm environment.
The key to treating hypothermia is a gentle, gradual re-warming of the chilled body. It’s best done in a medical facility.
Frostbite
Frostbite, another potentially serious cold-weather condition may be associated with hypothermia or occur independently. It’s the freezing of the skin and underlying body tissues. Any part of the body may be affected, but hands, feet, nose and ears are most at-risk.
Symptoms
Frostbitten skin initially tingles then becomes very painful and absolutely numb. The exposed area first appears blanched with slight swelling and then proceeds to become hard, waxy and cold. Further exposure causes blistering of the skin.
Treatment
Like hypothermia, treatment for frostbite requires immediate medical attention. If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas by covering them and gently soaking them in warm water.
When the frostbitten part appears red and feels warm, bandage the area with a dry, sterile dressing. Put cotton or gauze between frostbitten fingers and toes. Never rub an affected area-rubbing causes further damage.
Prevention
The best way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to be prepared for all conditions. Being knowledgeable about the weather can help reduce your risk.
For example, wind chill factors are more relevant than uncorrected temperatures because wind has a marked effect on heat loss. At wind chill factors of –25 degrees F, exposed flesh can freeze in less than a minute. So even when the temperature itself is not very low, the wind chill factor may be low enough to warrant staying inside.
Proper clothing is important in preventing frostbite because it insulates the body.
1. Wear loose-fitting, warm, light weight clothing in
several layers rather than one bulky sweater or
jacket. Trapped air insulates, and layers can be
removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
2. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water
repellent, and hooded.
3. Wear a hat – half of all body heat loss comes from
the head.
4. Mittens are better for warmth than gloves.
5. Cover vulnerable areas such as cheeks, nose and
mouth.
6. Protect your feet with two pairs of socks. Use light
cotton or polypropylene socks next to the skin and
woolen or synthetic socks over them.
Some illnesses and medications place a person at risk because they affect the way the body handles cold temperatures. Ask your doctor if you need to be concerned about either of these factors.
Alcoholic beverages shouldn’t be consumed before you go out in the cold. Alcohol dilates blood vessels-which makes your face red and gives you that warm feeling when you drink. However, the feeling is deceptive. Dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin actually promote rapid loss of body heat.
In addition, don’t smoke when out in the extreme cold. Along with drinking alcohol, it encourages hypothermia and frostbite.
