Cases of cold-induced injuries on the rise

102 cases of hypothermia and frostbite reported at PIMS, Polyclinic

Islamabad

The number of cases of cold-induced injuries including hypothermia and frostbite is on the rise after the severe cold wave hit this region of the country including upper parts in mountainous ranges.

Data collected by ‘The News’ on Monday reveals that as many as 102 cases of cold-induced injury have so far been reported at two public sector hospitals in the federal capital including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Federal Government Services Polyclinic.

Of 102 patients brought to PIMS and Polyclinic with cold induced injury, hypothermia or frostbite, majority were from hilly areas of Margalla, Murree and Azad Kashmir while some 14 poor victims of hypothermia were brought to PIMS who had spent longer period of time in extreme cold in open due to lack of home and heating facilities, said ICU Medical Specialist at PIMS Dr. Muhammad Haroon while talking to ‘The News’ on Monday.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces heat in extreme cold weather conditions or immersion in to cold water. It results in a dangerously low body temperature. 

Dr. Haroon said hypothermia is common in males and the elderly. Three of hypothermia's main causes are alcohol consumption that makes one feel warmer while increasing heat loss, poverty due to an inability to afford adequate heating and water immersion from swimming or diving in cold water, he said.

He added that hypothermia causes not less than 100 deaths per year in Pakistan though many of them remain unreported. Majority of victims are found to be homeless who freeze to death in the freezing or subzero winter cold and snow, said Dr. Haroon.

To a query, he explained that rapid drop in the body’s temperature does not allow heart, nervous system, and other organs to function normally. It can also cause effects such as confusion and strange behaviors like clumsiness and fatigue. Death generally occurs due to complete failure of your heart and nervous system, he said.

He added that first aid for victim of hypothermia begins by moving them out of the cold and removing any wet clothing they may be wearing. Cover them with blankets and extra clothes while serving them warm, sweet beverages to avoid hypoglycemia. Avoid excessive massaging or rubbing when sharing body heat as well as alcohol or caffeinated drinks, he advised.

He explained that vigorous, jarring movements may trigger cardiac arrest while alcohol or caffeine speeds up heat loss. Those suffering from unconsciousness or other symptoms of severe hypothermia should be taken to the nearest hospital where they can receive more supportive care, he said.

Dr. Haroon said hypothermia is a life threatening emergency and should be promptly recognized and treated. “Patients of hypothyroidism, diabetes, age less than eight or more than 65 are at high risk for hypothermia and they should not stay outside in extreme cold for longer period of time.”

Frostbite is a condition where excess heat loss and ice cold temperature impair blood circulation in extremities like hands, feet etc. Blood is frozen in severe cases and minutes are vital to save limbs from amputation, said Dr. Haroon.