Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci, Head of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, drew attention to cold weather conditions and the potentially fatal consequences of hypothermia if not noticed in time.
What is Hypothermia?
Stating that hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci said, “Normal body temperature is generally between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, an range necessary for the body to maintain its optimal functions. When body temperature falls below 35°C, the body cannot perform its normal functions, and there may be a risk to life. Hypothermia is usually associated with extremely cold weather, prolonged immersion in water, insufficient clothing, fatigue, or hunger. Additionally, alcohol and some medications can accelerate heat loss from the body.”
As body temperature drops, a series of physiological changes occur in the body
Stating that a series of physiological changes occur in the body as body temperature drops, Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci said, “The effects of hypothermia can vary depending on how much the body temperature has dropped and for how long it has been under the influence of this low temperature.”
Prof. Dr. Demirci noted that as body temperature drops, many vital systems are negatively affected, and regarding the circulatory system, he stated the following:
“As body temperature decreases, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction). This helps divert blood from the body's surface to internal organs, thereby protecting vital organs. However, this condition can lead to pallor, coldness, and a bluish discoloration (cyanosis) of the skin. Prolonged hypothermia can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to insufficient blood supply to organs and impairing organ functions.”
As Body Temperature Drops, Brain Functions Slow Down
Stating that the effects on the nervous system are also vital, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “Hypothermia also has effects on the nervous system. As body temperature drops, brain functions slow down. Initially, symptoms such as shivering, slurred speech, and loss of coordination are observed. If the temperature drops further, the risk of loss of consciousness, coma, and ultimately death increases. The brain expends more energy to control body temperature, which can lead to impairments in mental functions. During hypothermia, muscles begin to shiver. Shivering results from muscle contractions to preserve heat in the body, and this is a response that helps warm the body. However, when body temperature drops significantly, shivering stops, and muscles weaken.”
Metabolism Slows Down with a Drop in Body Temperature
Drawing attention to the effects of hypothermia on metabolism, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “With a drop in body temperature, metabolism slows down. Hypothermia leads to negative effects on energy production and utilization. Organs like the liver and kidneys have to work harder to produce heat, but these processes become inefficient. Additionally, a drop in blood sugar and other metabolic imbalances may be observed.”
Severe Hypothermia Can Lead to Respiratory Arrest
Explaining the effects on the respiratory system, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “Respiratory rate decreases with a drop in body temperature, which makes it harder for oxygen to be transported efficiently throughout the body. Severe hypothermia can lead to respiratory arrest. Furthermore, breathing cold air can cause dryness and irritation in the respiratory tracts.”
Prof. Dr. Demirci also emphasized the effects on the cardiovascular system, stating, “Hypothermia can affect heartbeats. As body temperature drops, heart rate slows down and can become irregular. In severe hypothermia, there is a risk of cardiac arrest. Irregularities in heartbeats (arrhythmia) can be life-threatening.”
Appropriate Clothing Should Be Worn in Cold Weather Conditions
Noting that it is important to wear appropriate clothing in cold weather conditions, avoid prolonged stays in extremely cold environments, and take measures to prevent a drop in body temperature to protect against hypothermia, Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci said, “In the treatment of hypothermia, it is necessary to slowly increase the person's body temperature. This can be done by using warm beverages, warming blankets, or heating devices. However, treatment must be done quickly and carefully, as excessively rapid warming can negatively affect blood circulation in the body.”
What are the Differences Between Frostbite and Hypothermia?
Explaining that both frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous cold-related health conditions but create effects in the body through different mechanisms, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “Hypothermia is a condition where body temperature drops below 35°C. The body loses heat in a cold environment, and this can impair organ functions, creating a life-threatening situation. In hypothermia, the entire body is affected. Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues (typically extremities such as hands, feet, nose, ears) due to extreme cold. Frostbite results in tissue damage, especially due to blockages in blood vessels, after prolonged exposure to freezing cold. This is a localized condition and is generally observed in the body’s extremities.”
Tissue Necrosis Can Occur in Frostbite
Stating that in hypothermia, the body temperature generally drops, and this condition affects all organs, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “The heart, respiratory system, and central nervous system are among the most affected areas. In hypothermia, muscles shiver, respiration slows, heart rate drops, and thinking and coordination are impaired. Frostbite occurs only in certain parts of the body. Tissue is damaged by freezing due to extreme cold. Initially, the skin becomes pale and numb, then tissues can harden like ice. In severe cases, tissues can experience necrosis.”
Hypothermia Affects the Entire Body
Prof. Dr. Demirci stated that while hypothermia affects the entire body, frostbite only affects body parts directly exposed to cold (especially extremities: fingers, toes, nose, ears), adding, “Hypothermia typically results from prolonged exposure to very low temperatures, windy, and humid environments. Frostbite, on the other hand, develops more rapidly with direct exposure to cold, often in windy and humid environments, through contact of bare skin with cold.”
How to Distinguish Between Symptoms of Frostbite and Hypothermia?
Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci listed the symptoms of hypothermia as follows:
“Initially, there is shivering, fatigue, numbness, dizziness, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination. In moderate hypothermia, shivering stops, loss of consciousness, difficulty thinking and making decisions quickly, difficulty breathing, and slowed heart rate occur. In advanced hypothermia, there is loss of consciousness (entering a coma), body temperature dropping below 30°C, and a risk of cardiac arrest.”
Prof. Dr. Demirci also listed the symptoms of frostbite, continuing as follows:
“Initially, the skin becomes cold and turns white, with a sensation of numbness and tingling. In advanced stages, the skin hardens, bruising, an icy feeling, pain, or burning sensation occur. The affected body part may become immobile. In severe frostbite, the skin and tissue freeze completely, swelling and blistering occur, and tissue death (necrosis) may develop. If left untreated, the affected tissue may be lost.”
The Body Needs to Be Warmed Slowly
Stating that the body needs to be warmed slowly in the treatment of hypothermia, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “First, it is important to warm the person in a warm, dry environment, provide warm beverages, and use warming blankets. Oral warming can be done, but rapid warming should be avoided as it can lead to body shock. In the treatment of frostbite, the frozen area should be warmed with lukewarm water, and the frozen tissue should not be re-exposed to cold. Direct heat application to the frozen area should be avoided. In severe frostbite cases, surgical intervention may be required as necrosis of the affected tissue may develop.”
