Hypothermia in winter: symptoms, prevention, and treatment

With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, the Ministry of Health renewed its warnings to citizens and residents about the dangers of “hypothermia,” a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerous drop in body temperature to below 35 degrees Celsius, while the normal rate is around 37 degrees Celsius.

Medical context and the effect of cold on the body

Physiologically, the human body operates within a precise thermoregulatory system that ensures the efficient functioning of vital organs. Prolonged exposure to cold weather challenges this system; when the body is unable to generate enough energy to compensate for lost heat, it begins to consume its stored energy reserves. This depletion directly affects the nervous system and brain, explaining the inability of the affected individual to think clearly or move properly—a characteristic that makes this condition extremely dangerous because the person may not realize they are in a health crisis until it is too late.

The importance of awareness and its societal impact

These warnings are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, especially with the cold waves that various regions may experience. Awareness of the symptoms of hypothermia not only protects individuals but also reduces the pressure on hospital emergency departments during the winter. Furthermore, the social responsibility towards vulnerable groups is paramount; families and communities must check on the elderly and children to ensure they have adequate warmth, thus enhancing public safety and reducing cold-related deaths.

Most vulnerable groups

The ministry explained that there are specific groups that require extra care during cold waves, namely:

• The elderly: especially those suffering from malnutrition or inadequate home heating.
• Children and infants: They lose heat faster than adults, especially while sleeping in cold rooms.
• Outdoor workers: or people who spend long periods of time outdoors.
• Users of harmful substances: such as alcohol and drugs that affect the sense of cold.

Warning signs of hypothermia

Symptoms vary depending on the age group, and it is essential to monitor them closely:

In adults:

• Continuous tremors (may stop in severe cases).
• Feeling extremely tired and drowsy.
• Confusion and memory loss.
• Stuttering and difficulty in pronunciation.
• Rapid breathing and increased urination rate.

For children and infants:

• The skin became noticeably cold and red.
• Lethargy and decreased activity.

Effective prevention methods

To protect against these risks, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:

• Avoid staying in cold places for long periods.
• Wear warm, multi-layered winter clothing to retain body heat.
• Replace wet clothes immediately with dry clothes.
• Ensuring safe heating methods in homes, especially for elderly people's rooms.

First aid to save the injured

If hypothermia is suspected in a person, immediate action must be taken to save their life by:

• The injured person was immediately moved to a warm, dry place.
• Remove any wet clothing and gently dry the body.
• Warm the core of the body (chest, neck, head) using warm blankets.
• Offer warm drinks if the victim is conscious and able to swallow.
• Stay with the injured person and talk to them to keep them awake until medical help arrives.
• In cases of unconsciousness or cessation of breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately and an ambulance called.