Frostbite, Dehydration, and Heart Risks: What to Know for Extreme Cold Weather
Doctors recommend staying inside – if possible – as wind-chills across the Chicago area dip well below zero for the next few days. The extreme cold can cause a multitude of health problems from frostbite to dehydration.
Frostbite
"Frostbite is more likely to occur in areas that are furthest from our heart, furthest from our core," said Dr. Santina Wheat, a doctor at Northwestern Medicine. "Those are the areas that will get cold the fastest." It’s essential to protect areas like your ears, fingers, nose, and toes. "Those are the areas we have to pay attention to the quickest," she said. "If you’re worried that you have frostbite… please reach out to your physician, please go to urgent care or emergency rooms if you think you have frostbite."
Dehydration
Dehydration in extreme cold temperatures might take people by surprise, the doctor said. "We usually associate dehydration with hot weather, but cold weather we are often able to get it too because you feel less thirsty and we tend to drink less fluids during that time." Additionally, when it’s cold outside, we are inside with indoor heating, which can increase the water loss through evaporation. Wheat recommends drinking fluids throughout the day and keeping a clean humidifier nearby. If you don’t have a humidifier, she suggests putting a bowl of water near your heat source in your home. Signs of dehydration in the intense cold can be dry mouth and skin, dizziness, headaches, and nosebleeds.
Heart Risks
"The cold weather acts as a vasoconstrictor, so that means your blood isn’t moving in the same way as it usually does," Wheat said. "It’s not just shoveling snow, it’s really any activity for someone who has heart concerns." Cold temperatures can narrow blood vessels, slowing down blood flow. "It can increase the risks of heart attacks, and so really be careful in times when it’s so cold. Stay as warm as possible if you are outside and doing any activities."
Asthma and Lung Risks
"Our lungs are our most sensitive organ, and they hate these huge extremes of temperature," said Dr. Juanita Mora, the national medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association. "Any extreme cold weather like we’re having in Chicago is going to have a huge effect on anyone with underlying pulmonary diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD." Mora said the cold can make people more susceptible to wheezing, coughing, and developing acute bronchitis. "The most important thing for people with underlying pulmonary diseases or any chronic conditions is making sure that if you don’t have to go outside, you stay home." She recommends staying on top of any medications, inhalers, or layering up properly if you do need to go outside.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the extreme cold weather. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize your health.
FAQs
- What are the signs of frostbite?
- Dry, pale, or waxy skin
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Redness or swelling
- What are the signs of dehydration in the cold?
- Dry mouth and skin
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- How can I protect myself from heart risks in the cold?
- Stay warm, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions
- Avoid strenuous activities in the cold
- Consider taking frequent breaks to warm up
- How can I protect myself from asthma and lung risks in the cold?
- Stay informed about your medications and inhalers
- Layer up properly if you need to go outside
- Stay indoors if possible and monitor your symptoms closely
