Cold Wave Grips North India; Why It Can Be More Fatal Than a Heatwave

Amid the New Year celebrations, Delhi-NCR and other northern states have found themselves engulfed in dense to very dense fog. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for the National Capital, warning of poor visibility and a cold wave that is expected to continue for two to three days. With the onset of winter, cold waves become a daily part of headlines.

While many believe that only heatwaves are deadly, cold waves also claim the lives of hundreds of people, particularly in states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, and the number is only rising with the shift in the global climate cycle.

Speaking with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says, “A cold wave can prove more dangerous than a heatwave because it can slowly exacerbate conditions related not only to the heart and lungs but to the joints and bones as well.” To gain more insight into cold waves and how these can be more dangerous than heatwaves, we also spoke to Dr Basavaraj S. Kumbar, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital. Read on to know what both experts shared with us.

What is a Cold Wave and How is it Measured?

According to the IMD, "Qualitatively, a cold wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed. It is defined based on temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal."

The IMD measurement criteria for a cold wave are as follows:

• When the minimum temperature drops to 10°C or lower in a plain region.
• When the minimum temperature drops to 0°C or lower in the hilly region.

A cold wave is also declared when the temperature drops 4.5°C to 6.4°C below the normal temperature of the region.

Dr Basavaraj Kumbar adds, “A cold wave is defined as a situation of abnormally low temperatures that occur for a long duration and are sufficient to affect everyday activities.” Unlike a standard seasonal drop in temperature, cold waves persist and can cause serious health problems as the body struggles to maintain its core temperature.

Also Read: Why Are Cardiologists Warning Against Early Winter Outings?

Cold Wave vs Heatwave

Health Risks of a Cold Wave

Dr Kumbar states that cold waves challenge the human body’s ability to maintain its internal temperature. “When the body senses low temperatures, it reacts by constricting blood vessels in the hands, feet, and skin. This makes it difficult to keep the body warm, leading to shivering, reduced reflexes, and fatigue.”He further notes that the respiratory system is heavily affected.

“Inhaling cold air can lead to bronchospasms or the exacerbation of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The body’s metabolism increases in an attempt to generate heat, which can lead to physical deterioration if proper protection is not used,” he adds.

Primary Cold-Wave-Related Disorders

Hypothermia: A condition where the core body temperature drops to critically low levels, confusing, a decreased heart rate, and potential loss of consciousness.

Frostbite: The actual freezing of body tissues, commonly affecting fingers, toes, the nose, and ears. If untreated, it can even cause permanent damage to body tissues.

Chilblains: Itchy, painful swellings of the small blood vessels in the skin caused by repeated exposure to cold, non-freezing temperatures.

Dehydration: This occurs as the body loses moisture through rapid breathing in cold, dry air, despite a lack of visible sweating.

Trench Foot: Caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, leading to nerve and tissue damage in the feet.

Preventive Measures

Here are a few common and most important preventive measures suggested by both experts:

• Wearing multiple layers is more effective at retaining warmth than wearing a single thick garment.
• Ensure the head, hands, and feet are well-covered, as these areas lose heat most rapidly.
• Never start in wet clothes. Immediately change into dry clothes if you get wet.
• Drink plenty of water and eat energy-rich food to help the body produce heat.
• During extreme peaks of a cold wave, vulnerable individuals should stay in heated indoor environments.

Also Read: Do You Poop Right After Eating? Your Gut Health Might Be in Danger, Says This Doctor

First Aid Treatments

Even after taking precautions, there are times when we are caught by cold wave disorders. When conditions turn severe, first aid treatments can be effective in improving the disorder or preventing it from getting worse.

Hypothermia: Move the person to a warm area and remove wet clothing. Use blankets and warm fluids to gradually raise their temperature. Do not use hot baths, as rapid re-warming can induce shock.

Frostbite: Gently warm the area using lukewarm water. Do not massage or rub the skin, as friction can damage the fragile frozen tissues.

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Chilblains: Warm the affected area slowly and naturally and apply soothing creams to relieve swelling and irritation.

Dehydration: Sip warm fluids such as soup or warm water consistently throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Trench Foot: Remove wet footwear and socks immediately. Allow the feet to air-dry and keep them elevated. Seek medical care if numbness or blisters appear.

Bottomline

Cold Waves can lead to a variety of conditions due to extreme cold, including hypothermia, strokes, or heart attacks, joint pain, increased pain and symptoms of any pre-existing medical conditions. As both doctors suggest, people should be more careful when a cold wave engulfs their regions, particularly those already dealing with cardiovascular diseases or other chronic conditions.