Doctors Warn of Hypothermia Risks Amid Israel's Cold Snap
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Doctors are warning about the dangers of hypothermia in Israel as a cold snap brings rain and lower temperatures. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, has mild, moderate, and severe stages, affecting vital functions and potentially leading to coma or death. The Israeli Ministry of Health recommends preventative measures including maintaining warm indoor temperatures, dressing warmly, staying hydrated, and remaining active, with special attention to the elderly.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature to 35 C or below, poses risks during Israel's cold weather.
- Mild hypothermia involves shivering and impaired thinking, while moderate stages affect the nervous system and heart.
- Severe hypothermia below 28 C can lead to cardiac arrest, brain death, and coma.
- Emergency treatment includes warming, resuscitation, and hospital interventions like IV fluids and ECMO.
- Preventative measures from the Ministry of Health include staying warm indoors and hydrated.
- The elderly are particularly at risk due to reduced sensation and potential malnutrition or dehydration.
A cold snap accompanied by rain has hit Israel, raising concerns among medical professionals about the dangers of hypothermia, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or below, a condition categorized into mild, moderate, and severe stages.
Normal body temperature typically ranges from 36.5 to 37.6 degrees Celsius (97.7 to 99.7 F). Mild hypothermia, with body temperatures between 32-35 C (89.6-95 F), is characterized by shivering, impaired thinking, and increased respiration. As temperature drops further, movement becomes difficult, and apathy sets in. Circulation remains stable, but pulse and breathing quicken, and urination decreases as the body attempts to conserve heat.
Moderate hypothermia, occurring at 28-32 C (82.4-89.6 F), severely affects the nervous system, reducing reflexes and almost stopping urination. Sensation dulls, and at 31 C (87.8 F) and below, cardiac arrhythmias develop. Pulse slows, and at 28-30 C (82.4-86 F), pupils dilate significantly, indicating severe brain damage and a risk of brain death.
Severe hypothermia, below 28 C (82.4 F), can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, fluid accumulation, unmeasurable blood pressure, and lack of brain activity. At temperatures below 27 C (80.6 F), 83% of patients fall into a coma.
First aid for hypothermia involves calling emergency services, moving the victim to a warm place, removing wet clothing, and covering them with dry blankets. Partial warming with available means is recommended. For unconscious individuals, resuscitation, including chest compressions at 100 per minute and defibrillation if necessary, should be initiated. Hospital treatment may include warm IV fluids, abdominal cavity lavage, medications, electrical cardioversion, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and hemodialysis for kidney failure.
The Israeli Ministry of Health advises maintaining indoor temperatures of 24 C (75.2 F), sealing drafts, dressing warmly, staying hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water daily, and staying physically active. They also recommend consulting a doctor about medications that increase cold sensitivity. For the elderly, especially those living alone, maintaining contact and arranging visits is crucial, as they may feel the cold less acutely and are more vulnerable if malnourished or dehydrated.
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