See also: Hypothermia in the athlete
Definition
With the term hypothermia s "means the decrease in body temperature below 35 ° C. This condition, which is absolutely reversible and recoverable, can precipitate to" frostbite, which occurs when the body temperature drops below 24-26 ° C; in this case the functionality of the respiratory center is irreversibly compromised and there is no possibility of recovery.
Causes
Body temperature can drop below normal values for the most varied causes:
- stay in a cold environment with insufficient protection of clothing (high ground, bad weather and prolonged immersion in cold water);
- malnutrition, cachexia;
- hypothyroidism;
- acute alcohol or drug intoxication (for example, sedatives);
- hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus;
- cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and pulmonary diseases;
- severe burns and other trauma.
The body defends itself from hypothermia through vasoconstriction, a mechanism aimed at reducing the amount of blood flowing in the surface layers of the body, to limit the transfer of heat to the external environment and at the same time ensure greater support for vital organs. As a consequence of this immediate reaction to cooling, there is the appearance of diffuse pallor of the skin, which is cold to the touch. In an attempt to generate heat, the muscles contract and release quickly and involuntarily giving rise to the characteristic chills.
The worsening or persistence of hypothermia, which occurs more easily in the elderly, children and particularly debilitated subjects, is associated with the appearance of muscle incoordination, rigidity and speech difficulties. The psychosensory activity is altered, the tremors occur in irregular waves until the interruption, the blood pressure drops drastically, the pulse and breathing slow down until the loss of consciousness.
Prevention and first aid
- The human body's ability to react against cold is less for the elderly and children and is diminished by alcohol, drugs, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. For this reason, alcohol, but also tobacco and coffee should be avoided; only if the patient is conscious, it will eventually be possible to administer sugary drinks in small quantities.
- As a preventive measure, a diet rich in energetic and easily digestible foods (such as the classic bars based on cereals, honey and dried fruit) is useful.
- In choosing the appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia, consider that in humid environments or when the body is immersed in water, the removal of heat is more rapid and marked.
In the presence of hypothermia, the injured person must lie down and check the vital parameters (state of consciousness, breathing, heartbeat and signs of circulation). After having alerted the health emergency number, the wet clothes will be removed and wrapped around the body. the head and neck, but without covering the face, with blankets and dry clothing. If possible, the subject should be transported to a heated but not too much, away from the wind: do not rub or massage the victim; hot baths are also prohibited and direct exposure to heat sources (too rapid body warming can cause sudden cardiac arrhythmias, especially in people who already suffer from cardiovascular disorders). It is also possible to transmit heat to the subject suffering from hypothermia by sharing one's body warmth with it, for example by lying down together in a bed or in a warm sleeping bag.
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