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Frostbite
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Causes and prevention
Reports from well-known scientists in Antarctica and in arctic regions tell, of course, about glacial colds, but contrary to reports from mountain expeditions, they seldom talk about serious frostbite or even loss of extremities. The reason, as it often happens, is altitude and the loss of fluids that this causes. In addition, dry air in high altitudes irritates and even damages mucous membranes, since mucose is normally moistened by the air we breathe. Concerning oxygen, its low content in the body at high altitudes is compensated, as already mentioned, by hyperventilation. An increase in respiratory frequency because of this, naturally leads to less fluid loss. Besides, the absolute humidity of air is, anyways, very low due to low temperatures. Additionally, the efforts made during the climb also carry fluid loss through sweating. Last, but not least, the body feels less thirst at higher altitudes. All these are hostile factors that lead to an increase in blood viscosity, via the loss of fluids. The ratio of solid particles to fluids (plasma) in blood is called hematocrit and it is represented in percentages. Under normal conditions, this ratio raises to approximately 45%. At high altitudes this ratio goes up to 70% due to the already mentioned liquids or fluids loss. Now then, under these circumstances the smallest capillaries are not supplied with enough oxygen and heat because of the viscosity of the blood. In addition, at low temperatures the body concentrates in supplying oxygen and heat to the vital organs without wasting energy irrigating the other parts. For this reason, the most affected parts are fingers and toes, as well as the nose.
Preventing frostbite
Adequate equipment and drinking a lot of liquids are the most important measures, especially at high altitudes. Avoid using wet socks and shoes.
Degrees of frostbite
Frostbite is classified in three degrees. In the first degree, extremities numb and turn pale. After warming them, blood irrigation quickly resume and an ardor not unlike nettles is felt. After a few days, the discomfort diminishes. In the second degree of frostbite, blisters often form after warming the extremities, and there could even be tissue death, with their consequent blackening (necrosis). The inconveniences continue for several months, but in most cases they disappear entirely. In the third degree of frostbite, after a few days there is a serious loss of tissue, and blood blisters and a black coloration appear in the affected area. In most cases, the loss of the extremities is inevitable.
Treatment for frostbite
In cases of slight frostbite it helps to drink hot beverages, take off wet clothes and keep warm. You can also put your fingers under your armpits. The affected areas should never be rubbed with snow, nor warmed artificially. In case of serious frostbite, the person must be transported immediately (eventually, with the administration of analgesic medication) to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Artificial warming of body areas that are seriously frozen provokes extreme pain that can be controlled only with preparations of morphine, and can also generate dangerous swelling. Only in extreme situations and administering the strongest tranquilizers can an affected extremity be warmed in a water bath going form 10º C to 37º C in half an hour. Then, let dry in open air, bandaged it with sterilized material and pad it well with cotton. |
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