1. Frostbite:
Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure of the skin and tissues to extremely cold temperatures. In frostbite, cold temperature causes vasoconstriction, reduced blood supply, and eventually tissue necrosis in the affected area. This usually occurs on external limbs such as fingers, toes, nose and ears. Early symptoms include tingling and numbness, and in severe cases, amputation may be required.
2. Cold fatigue:
Cold fatigue is a disease caused by the body's loss of too much heat and inability to maintain a normal body temperature. In extreme cold conditions, the body becomes weak, eventually leading to confusion, coma, and life-threatening. Symptoms include severe tremors, drowsiness, confusion, sluggishness, and muscle stiffness.
3. Respiratory infections:
In a cold environment, the immune system may be weakened, making the body more susceptible to respiratory illnesses such as colds, sore throats, and pneumonia. Cold air can also irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and discomfort.
In order to reduce the damage to the body caused by low temperature cold, the following precautions should be taken:
- Wear clothing that is sufficiently warm, including hats, gloves, wool socks, and layers of warm clothing.
- Avoid staying in extremely cold environments for a long time, especially if the wind chill index is very low.
- Stay active to maintain body temperature.
- Regular intake of calorie-rich foods and fluids to maintain energy levels.
- If any cold-related symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible.