Why Are the Effects of Cold Stroke in Winter season.
Cold stroke, also known as hypothermia, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature drops too low. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate it, causing the body’s core temperature to drop below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Cold stroke is more dangerous in the winter season, because different factors in this season increase the body heat and this damages.
In this article, we will explain in detail why cold stroke is more dangerous in winter, how its effects can be prevented, and what precautions must be taken to deal with it.
Cold Stroke: Causes and Symptoms.
Causes of Cold Stroke.
The average human body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). When the body is exposed to cold weather, it constricts blood vessels to conserve heat and forces the body to shiver to generate heat. However, if the body is exposed to cold for a long time, these mechanisms fail, and the risk of cold stroke increases.
The main causes of Cold Stroke are:
Prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Wet clothing or moisture on the body
which accelerates heat loss.
Wind chill, which makes you feel colder than the actual temperature.
Bathe with cold water.
Symptoms of Cold Stroke.
Cold stroke symptoms appear more quickly and can be more severe in winter. These symptoms include:
Mild hypothermia: shivering, lethargy, mental confusion, and dry skin.
Moderate hypothermia: slurred speech, difficulty breathing, loss of movement, and feeling sleepy.
Severe hypothermia: weak pulse, unconsciousness, and death in extreme cases.
Why is Cold Stroke more dangerous in winter?
1. Extreme winter temperatures.
Temperatures often reach sub-zero temperatures during the winter season, especially in areas with severe weather. In this environment, it becomes extremely difficult for the body to maintain its core temperature. During negative temperatures, the body loses heat faster, increasing the risk of cold stroke.
2. Wind chill
Wind chill is an important factor in winter that makes the air feel colder than the actual temperature. For example, if the temperature is 20°F (-6°C) but the wind speed is 20 mph, it will feel like 4°F (-15°C).
The wind removes the layer of warm air around the body, causing the body to lose heat faster and increasing the risk of cold stroke, even if you are wearing warm clothes.
3. Damp and wet conditions
- Factors such as rain, snow, and hail are common in winter. Wetting the body or clothing in these conditions accelerates heat loss. Wet clothes lose their insulation, causing the body to lose heat 25 times faster than when dry.
For example, cold stroke can occur within minutes if someone falls into icy water or gets drenched in a snowstorm.
4. Lack of sunlight
During winter, the days become shorter and the sunlight becomes less. Lack of sun can weaken the body’s immune system and slow metabolism, making it harder for the body to generate heat.
Also, winters can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which further weakens the body’s immune system.
5. Inadequate clothing
Many people underestimate the extreme cold and don’t dress appropriately. Thin clothes or those that cannot retain body heat, make the body cold during extreme weather.
If gloves, hats, and scarves are not worn, up to 50 percent of body heat can escape through the head and hands.
6. High risk individuals
Some people are more prone to the effects of cold stroke in winter:
Elderly: With aging, the body’s ability to regulate temperature decreases.
Children: A small child’s body size allows heat to dissipate quickly.
People with medical problems: People with diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid problems are at higher risk.
People working outdoors: Farmers, construction workers, and delivery persons are exposed to cold weather for longer periods of time.
7. Physical and mental stress
Physical and mental stress increases in winter. In cold weather, the body has to work harder to keep warm, which drains the body of energy. Also, seasonal depression (SAD) and winter exhaustion can debilitate the body.
8. Lack of heat sources
In some areas, especially rural or poor areas, people do not have access to adequate warm clothing in winter. This also exposes people to colder environments indoors for longer periods of time, increasing the risk of cold stroke.
Ways to prevent cold stroke
Adequate preparation and awareness are essential to avoid cold stroke. Here are some important precautions:
1. Dress appropriately
Wear several layers of loose and warm clothing to conserve body heat.
Use waterproof and windproof outerwear to protect against snow and rain.
Cover important body parts by wearing gloves, warm hats, and thick boots.
2. Stay dry
Avoid wearing wet clothes.
If clothes get wet, change immediately.
Use moisture wicking thermal wear.
3. Spend less time in the cold
Avoid staying outside for too long in extremely cold weather.
When working outside, take breaks and move to a warm place.
Always take wind chill into account.
4. Keep the house warm
Use a heater or stove to keep the interior warm.
Seal windows and use warm blankets.
Eat hot drinks and hot foods.
5. Be proactive
Light exercise or walking helps to generate heat in the body.
If you are in a cold place, do light physical activity.
6. Recognize the early signs
Try to recognize the early signs of cold stroke.
Seek shelter in a warm place immediately if symptoms appear.
What to do in an emergency?
If someone suffers a cold stroke, take immediate steps:
1. Move the victim to a warm place immediately.
2. Remove wet clothes and put on dry and warm clothes.
3. Warm the body gradually by wrapping in a blanket.
4. Do not use hot water or bottles directly, as it may shock the body.
5. If victim is conscious, give warm drinks.
6. Get medical attention immediately.
The result.
Cold stroke is a serious condition, and its effects are more severe in winter. Extreme temperatures, wind chills, wet conditions, and other factors increase the risk.
It is important to take precautions and recognize the early signs to face the challenges of winter. This way you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe during winter.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the winter
season.
