The doctor warned about the danger of hypothermia in severe frosts

Hypothermia, or hypothermia, occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees due to prolonged exposure to cold, especially in conditions of wind and high humidity. Elena Kiseleva, internist and endocrinologist at INVITRO, told Izvestia on February 6 how to recognize a dangerous condition and help the victim.

"The body first tries to keep warm by shivering and vasoconstriction, but with prolonged cooling, these mechanisms stop working. The work of organs slows down, the metabolism is disrupted, which can lead to the threat of cardiac arrest in severe cases," she explained.

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The peak of cold weather in the capital will be in the middle of the week.

The doctor noted that children and the elderly are at particular risk, as well as those who go out into the cold hungry, in wet or unsuitable clothes, or drink alcohol. Alcohol creates a false feeling of warmth, but in fact it disrupts thermoregulation and increases heat transfer, the specialist emphasized.

The endocrinologist described three degrees of hypothermia: mild (32-35 degrees, chills, pallor), moderate (28-32 degrees, slowing pulse, drowsiness) and severe (below 28 degrees, loss of consciousness, risk of cardiac arrest). Any form requires medical attention, and severe requires emergency intervention.

For prevention, the doctor recommends dressing in layers, using thermal underwear and synthetic materials that wick moisture, and be sure to wear warm shoes and a hat.

"Cotton gets wet quickly and increases cooling, so it is not suitable for active pastime in the cold," Kiselyova added.

If a person is still overcooled, they should be moved to a warm place, covered and given a warm sweet drink if they are conscious. Alcohol, sudden warming by the fire, or rubbing with snow are strictly prohibited.

Earlier it was reported that an allergy to cold — the so—called cold dermatitis - can manifest itself as redness of the skin, itchy spots and cracks. This was announced on February 3 by allergist and therapist Lyudmila Lapa. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to infection and deterioration of the skin, so it is important to wear gloves and use greasy moisturizers during the cold season.

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