Dangerously Cold? Protect Your Health

A forecast of negative temperatures might just make you want to stay under the covers. Extreme cold weather health risks go well beyond the discomfort of stepping outside. The bitter cold can genuinely affect your health, especially if you have an existing condition.

“The bitter air that accompanies these conditions poses serious health issues of its own,” said Mary Raymond, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician at Franciscan Physician Network St. John Health Center in northwest Indiana. “Patients with respiratory problems, such as COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and asthma, can find this extreme cold can exacerbate their breathing and worsen their conditions. Patients with arthritis often find this weather to worsen their joint pains and make simple chores more challenging. Patients with peripheral arterial disease can find the bitter cold aggravates their extremity pains, particularly in their hands and feet.” 

Key Takeaways: Staying Safe In Extreme Cold

• Extreme cold can worsen COPD, asthma, arthritis and peripheral arterial disease, and it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Both young children and older adults face a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
• If you’re stranded in a vehicle, stay inside, signal for help and periodically restart the car.
• Keep thermostats at 68°F or higher, and never run generators or grills indoors.

Risk For Hypothermia And Frostbite

Hypothermia (the lowering of your body temperature) and frostbite (a cold injury to your skin) are both caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The very young and older adults are at increased risk of  hypothermia. Poor blood circulation and not dressing appropriately for cold temperatures can also increase your chances of developing frostbite.

Before frostbite or hypothermia sets in, your body experiences something called frostnip. That’s the numb, tingling feeling that can set in after just a few minutes outside. 

“This could set in anywhere from 10 plus minutes in the wind chill and then the cold,” explained Franciscan Health Indianapolis emergency physician Ryan King, DO. “And this could lead to serious issues like digit amputations or gangrene. It really could be life-threatening if it’s more advanced. It’s a serious situation that we want to take all actions to avoid.” 

If you experience a numbness, tingling or burning sensation that doesn’t go away when you warm back up, or if you notice color changes to your skin, seek medical care.

Heat Your Home Safely

At home, set the thermostat to at least 68°F in colder months.

Even homes set to 65 degrees can trigger hypothermia in older adults, who often have slower circulation. Keep layers on, including long underwear, socks and a hat, or use a blanket to keep your body warm.

Have a plan for possible power outages, too. Charge cell phones and check the flashlight batteries. Check in on seniors periodically if they live alone.

Low temperatures can tax your heating system so safe home heating matters. The CDC offers these tips for safely heating your home:

• Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they’re properly vented to the outside.
• Ensure adequate ventilation if you use a kerosene heater, and use only the fuel type it’s designed for.
• Never run an electric generator indoors, in the basement, in the garage or near windows because of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector, and never use generators, grills or camp stoves indoors.

“Avoid bad exposures from trying to heat your home with things like your stove or with gasoline powered space heaters,” said Franciscan Health Indianapolis emergency physician Chris Hartman, MD. “We’re seeing lots and lots every year: house fires and carbon monoxide exposure.”

Bundle Babies And Small Children

Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms are at an increased risk of hypothermia. Try to maintain a warm indoor temperature and realize that your young child may need more clothing than you to stay comfortable.

Generally, infants need one more layer than adults. If you have a hat and a coat on, your infant will probably need a hat, coat and blanket. Start with close-fitting layers on the bottom, like tights, leggings and long-sleeved bodysuits. Add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. Avoid puffer coats or other bulky materials that can compress and let your child slip out of a car seat.

Get more tips on bundling your baby or toddler.

Chronic Conditions And Cold Temperatures

Cold and lung conditions

Extreme temperatures can make breathing difficult, whether your lungs are healthy or if you have a lung disease. Cold, dry air can irritate airways, especially for people with asthma, COPD or bronchitis, and even a cozy wood-burning fireplace can add irritation from smoke.

“The colder the temperature, the more rapidly bronchospasms flare up,” said Faisal Khan, MD, medical director of endoscopy, respiratory and pulmonary rehabilitation services at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

“With mild bronchospasms, you might come inside and get better, or if you’re more sensitive, you may need a puff or two on a rescue inhaler,” he said. “The key is if you’re sensing that something’s building up compared to normal weather, don’t tough it out based on past experiences. If it’s -20 out there, you might not be able to shake it off. If it’s not better after an inhaler, seek help soon.”

Dr. Khan recommends a few extra precautions for people with chronic lung conditions:

• Avoid using a fireplace if possible
• Take medications and inhalers as prescribed
• Cover your nose, mouth and neck outside to retain the moisture in your airways
• Stay hydrated; even warm soup counts
• Keep a supply of medications on hand in case roads become impassable
• Have an emergency action plan ready

Learn more about indoor air quality in the winter months.

Cold temperatures and your heart

Cold weather makes your heart work harder to keep your body warm, which can spell trouble if you have underlying cardiovascular disease. Winter months are associated with an increase in blood pressure.

“In extreme cold weather, blood vessels constrict as a response to maintaining core body temperature,” explained Mark Booth, cardiac rehabilitation manager for Franciscan Health Dyer and Hammond. “As the blood vessels constrict, the blood pressure raises, the heart rate increases, and it forces the heart to work substantially harder than in times of normal weather.”

Cold winter temperatures may also raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.

“Extreme cold weather can put stress on patients with heart disease,” said cardiologist Ryan Daly, MD, of Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians. “Try to stay inside. Walk in the mall to get your exercise, and avoid falls. Falls may be dangerous for patients on blood thinners, so take extra precautions.”

Dramatic temperature swings create their own stress on the body, too, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology.

If You Must Go Outside

If you have to go outside, layer up. Wear a hat, scarf and gloves. Stay dry to keep your body warmer longer. If you have small children, keep the infant carrier inside your home until you need it, and give yourself extra time to warm up the car and dress your baby or toddler.

Before you leave home, ask yourself whether the trip is truly necessary.

“I advise our patients to exercise extreme caution when choosing whether or not to venture out in these conditions,” Dr. Raymond said. “Ask yourself if your plans can be postponed until the weather conditions are more amicable to leaving home. If you chose to leave home, please allow extra time for travel, wear appropriate winter clothing and take your time.”