When we are exposed to cold, our body loses heat faster than it produces it. Over time, we consume the energy the body has accumulated and body temperature begins to decrease. Prolonged exposure to cold, especially if your body temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius, can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and other health problems.
The body can lose heat in different ways. Approximately 60% of this is transferred by the body to the surrounding air. Heat loss can occur when touching cold objects, during sweating, or even during normal breathing in the cold.
When the air temperature drops, blood vessels constrict to prevent heat loss and keep more blood in the body. As a result, blood rushes to vital organs, so our fingers and toes become cold. However, it raises blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart attack, especially in people at high risk of heart disease. Extreme cold can also cause blood to thicken and become more prone to clotting. This increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
People with asthma, chronic lung disease, and other respiratory conditions are at higher risk when temperatures drop. Dr. This is because cold, dry air irritates the respiratory tract, says Haitham Kraishach.
Cold weather can also make people more susceptible to illnesses in general. D., a clinical professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and an emergency room physician at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. E. John Wipfler III said. In cold weather, we usually gather indoors, in more crowded places. Some viruses also survive better in the cold. Kreischach adds that cold, dry air can dry out the mucous membranes lining your nose, mouth, and throat. And if you’re exposed to viruses or bacteria, they can get stuck in these shells.
Constriction of blood vessels due to cold can impair cognitive functions. This becomes especially problematic when hypothermia occurs: This occurs when body temperature drops below 35 degrees. It is important to understand that hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Prolonged exposure to cold can also cause frostbite due to less blood flow to the extremities. People with poor circulation have a higher risk of developing this condition. If you experience frostbite, it is recommended that you immediately move to a warmer location and place the frozen areas in warm, not hot, water. If this is not possible, use heat from other parts of the body to warm up. Do not warm frozen parts of the body using heating pads or stoves, as the affected areas may burn.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
