Low temperatures can cause shivering, reddened skin, a runny nose, and other related symptoms.
If you need to go outside in cold weather, it’s essential to equip yourself with a warm coat, scarf, hat, and thick gloves to protect yourself from the chill, according to Independent.
Here are the symptoms and signs your body may exhibit when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius.
Shivering
Dr. Paul Ettlinger, a general practitioner at The London General Practice Hospital in the UK, explains that in extreme cold conditions, as temperatures drop, the body redirects blood flow away from the surface to keep the core areas—such as the abdomen, hips, and lower back—warm for a longer time.
Dr. Sarah Brewer, a medical nutrition expert, states that when circulation is insufficient to warm the body, the hypothalamus signals the muscles to contract. One effect of this muscle contraction is hypothermia, leading to shivering. To generate heat, the body allows the muscles and internal organs to shake internally.
“Except for the elderly, this shivering response can significantly decrease with age and may not occur in older adults,” the expert adds.
One effect of muscle contraction is hypothermia, leading to shivering. (Image: Readersdigest).
Reddened Skin
Dr. Ettlinger explains that when outside in cold, windy weather, skin can often become excessively dry, losing its top layer of oil and turning red due to dilated blood vessels.
“The skin can also feel dehydrated and dry because its protective layer is weakened and becomes more susceptible to damage,” he says.
Runny Nose
One of the most uncomfortable things that can happen when you step out into the cold is a runny nose.
Dr. Ettlinger explains that the air entering the nose is warmed, humidified, and sterilized. In cold weather, blood flow in the nose increases, which in turn raises fluid levels in the nasal passages, causing some of that fluid to drip out.
Respiratory Issues
Ms. Brewer notes that exposure to cold air can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is why going outside can be particularly uncomfortable in frigid conditions.
“Breathing in cold air causes the airways to become inflamed and constricted. As a result, you may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness,” Ms. Brewer explains.
Exposure to cold air can exacerbate respiratory conditions. (Image: Everydayhealth).
Frostbite
When exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, you may experience frostbite, which often affects extremities such as fingers, toes, nose, lips, and ears.
“This is the body’s response to the cold, where blood flow to vital organs increases, but conversely, blood vessels constrict and blood flow to the extremities slows down,” Dr. Ettlinger says.
With frostbite, the affected areas feel cold and painful, with toes and fingers turning pale and stiff, and the body may feel cold overall.
Hypothermia
This is a serious condition when body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. At this point, the body will start to shiver, limbs become numb, and functioning becomes impaired. It is important to wear extra warm clothing and move around indoors to gradually warm up the body.
Ms. Brewer states that hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. It is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because many individuals may not realize they are in danger.
Along with symptoms of shivering, pale or bluish lips, slurred speech, hypothermia can also affect cognitive abilities, making you feel drowsy and confused. It can also cause feelings of weakness and fatigue.
“Older adults are often more sensitive to the effects of decreasing temperatures and may be less likely to recognize that they are cold,” Ms. Brewer adds.
