How Extreme Cold Temperatures Affect Your Body and Health

How Extreme Cold Temperatures Affect Your Body and Health

Exposure to freezing temperatures can have serious effects on the body. While brief periods in the cold are generally tolerable for most healthy individuals, prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

-8F Equals -22C

-8F is an extremely cold temperature on the Fahrenheit scale. To put this into perspective, water freezes at 32F. So -8F is well below the freezing point.

When converted to the Celsius scale, -8F is equal to -22C. The Celsius or centigrade scale is based on the freezing point of water at 0C and the boiling point at 100C.

Wind Chill Factor

In addition to the actual air temperature, wind speed also affects how cold the body feels. Wind removes the insulating layer of warm air closest to your skin. This drives down the body's temperature faster.

At -8F with a wind speed of 5 mph, the wind chill temperature feels like -18F. At 15 mph wind, the wind chill is -30F. Wind chill is important to monitor to prevent dangerous cold exposure.

How Freezing Cold Affects the Body

Let's look at how the body responds to freezing temperatures and the potential health risks.

Constricted Blood Vessels

In cold conditions, blood vessels near the skin constrict to preserve core body heat. This diversion of blood flow can lead to reduced oxygen supply in the extremities.

Increased Blood Pressure

Exposure to cold causes blood pressure to rise temporarily. This places extra strain on the heart. Those with hypertension or heart disease are at higher risk.

Weakened Immune System

Research shows that cold environments suppress the body's immune response. This makes you more prone to viral infections like colds and flu when exposed to freezing temps.

Muscle Tension and Loss of Dexterity

The body tenses muscles to generate heat through shivering. This muscle tightness leads to loss of dexterity and mobility, increasing risk of injuries.

Mental Impairment

Low body temperature impairs brain function. Thinking and judgement become sluggish. This can cloud decision making and make it harder to recognize signs of cold exposure.

Medical Conditions Worsened by Freezing Cold

Certain chronic medical conditions can become aggravated by exposure to bitterly cold temperatures.

Arthritis

The cold causes stiffening of joints for those with arthritis. Sudden temperature changes also increase pain. Wearing warm layers can help provide relief.

Asthma

Cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger. It can cause airway spasms and wheezing. Covering nose and mouth with a scarf helps warm inhaled air.

Diabetes

For diabetics, cold hinders blood flow and can make management of blood sugar levels more difficult. Stay active indoors to generate warmth when possible.

Raynaud's Disease

This condition causes extreme cold sensitivity in fingers and toes. Exposure can cause numbness, pain and skin discoloration. Keep hands and feet covered and warm.

COPD

The cold thickens lung secretions in those with COPD or emphysema. Warming and humidifying indoor air makes breathing easier. Use a scarf to warm inhaled air.

Serious Cold-Related Health Risks

Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening, health consequences.

Hypothermia

This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Core temperature drops below 95F. Left untreated, it can lead to lethal heart failure.

Frostbite

Extreme cold causes freezing of skin and underlying tissue. Toes, fingers, nose, ears, and cheeks are most vulnerable. Severe frostbite requires hospitalization.

Trench Foot

Prolonged exposure of feet to cold and moisture causes nerve damage and tissue death. This painful condition requires medical treatment.

Exacerbation of Heart Disease

Heart failure, angina, and irregular heart rhythms can be aggravated by the effects of cold weather. Chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness may occur.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Freezing temperatures hinder mobility, impair judgment, and make roads and sidewalks slippery. Together this increases the chances of accidents and injuries.

Tips to Safely Manage Cold Weather Conditions

To protect your health during periods of extreme cold, keep these safety tips in mind:

Layer Clothing

Wear multiple light layers for insulation. Inner layers wick away moisture while outer layers provide wind protection. Cover head, neck and hands.

Stay Active Indoors

Exercise gently to stimulate circulation. Regular movement generates warmth. But avoid strenuous activity outside in the cold.

Eat More Calories

Consume hot, energy-dense foods and warm drinks. The body burns more calories when exposed to the cold to generate heat.

Hydrate Well

Drink plenty of warm fluids like tea to counter fluid loss from increased respiration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which amplify heat loss.

Use Caution Outdoors

If you must go outside in bitter cold, limit time outdoors, cover skin and watch for warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Freezing temperatures place significant strain on the body. But with proper preparation, awareness of health risks, and sensible precautions, you can stay safer in extremely cold conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.