"Drinking makes me feel warm" Carelessness leads to limb amputation... 21% of cold-related illnesses are caused by alcohol

The weather has been really cold lately, hasn't it?

In such cases, you should be especially careful of cold-related illnesses.

One of the major risk factors for cold-related illnesses is excessive alcohol consumption.

Winter drinking may temporarily make you feel warm and hot, but in reality, it accelerates heat loss and significantly increases the risk of hypothermia.

Be especially careful during December to January, when there are many gatherings for year-end and New Year celebrations, as there are many drinking parties.

Be sure to check the weather forecast, and on cold days, pay special attention to staying warm and be careful of cold-related illnesses~

 

 

Starting with the 11th snowfall in 117 years, the cold weather below freezing has continued. As winter cold intensifies, our bodies also need to prepare for the harsh cold. One of the most significant threats to health during winter is cold-related illnesses. According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, last year alone, 400 people visited the emergency room due to cold-related illnesses, and there were 12 deaths. This means we should not dismiss it as just a common winter phenomenon.

The most representative cold-related illness is hypothermia. It refers to a condition where core body temperature drops below 35°C. It occurs when the body is exposed to cold for an extended period. Symptoms such as shivering, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, confusion, and slurred speech should raise suspicion. As the body temperature drops further, shivering ceases, muscles become rigid, and consciousness diminishes. If the core temperature falls below 28°C, the heart may stop functioning properly, posing a life-threatening risk.

When hypothermia is suspected, body temperature loss should be minimized by wrapping the body with a dry blanket or similar measures. If the patient is conscious, there is a risk of dehydration, so warm and sweet drinks should be given to warm the body. If the patient is unconscious, immediately call 119 and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation while waiting for the emergency team to arrive if cardiac arrest is suspected, and then transport the patient to the hospital. At the hospital, depending on the patient's condition, treatment is provided through symptomatic therapy or rewarming therapy to restore body temperature.

Frostbite and chilblains are also common cold-related illnesses that occur frequently during winter. Frostbite is a condition where the skin and tissues are extremely cooled, blood circulation is blocked, and tissues are damaged, mainly occurring in exposed areas such as the hands, feet, ears, and nose. Initially, it causes numbness and the skin turns white, but if left untreated and the skin tissue necroses, amputation may be necessary in severe cases. Chilblains refer to inflammation of the blood vessels caused by repeated exposure to cold, accompanied by itching and pain. Especially when walking on icy roads and shoes get wet, the feet can become cold, increasing the likelihood of frostbite or chilblains. When frostbite is suspected, move to a warm place, remove wet clothes, and change into dry clothes to prevent further heat loss. At this time, do not apply direct heat to the affected area; instead, soak it in warm water (37-42°C) for 20-40 minutes to gradually raise the body temperature. If skin color or sensation does not return, visit a hospital immediately.

Elderly individuals with weakened temperature regulation ability are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses and require special caution. As people age, muscle mass decreases and metabolic functions weaken, reducing the ability to generate heat. Additionally, chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes further complicate temperature regulation. For example, diabetes impairs blood circulation, making hands and feet more prone to cold, while cardiovascular diseases can limit blood supply necessary for maintaining body temperature. Medications like antihypertensives or diuretics can also affect fluid balance and vascular responses, negatively impacting temperature maintenance. Conversely, when temperatures drop sharply, blood pressure can rise and symptoms may worsen, so it is advisable to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors for cold-related illnesses during the winter season. According to the "2023-2024 Cold Wave Season Cold-Related Illness Report" by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 21.3% of cold-related illness patients visited the hospital while intoxicated. Winter drinking may give a false impression of warming the body temporarily, but in reality, it accelerates heat loss and significantly increases the risk of hypothermia. Especially during this season, when gatherings for year-end and New Year celebrations are frequent, extra caution should be taken regarding the risk of cold-related illnesses caused by alcohol consumption. Overdrinking should be avoided, and after drinking, one should rest in a warm place to reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses.

To prevent cold-related illnesses, thorough preparation is necessary. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing to retain body heat, and wear windproof outerwear, gloves, hats, and scarves to minimize heat loss. Maintaining indoor temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, engaging in regular exercise, and drinking enough fluids to promote blood circulation are also important. After going outside, warm up exposed areas such as the feet and hands. On days when a cold wave warning is issued, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary outings.

Cold-related illnesses are preventable diseases. However, prompt action is necessary when symptoms appear. Hypothermia, frostbite, and chilblains can lead to serious sequelae or threaten life if treatment is delayed, so if abnormal symptoms occur, you should immediately visit the emergency room and seek professional help.

 

<Source: Money Today>