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Babies and Older Adults Have an Increased Risk of Cold Injury
Babies and Older Adults Have an Increased Risk of Cold Injury
Overview
Babies
Babies, especially newborns, are more likely to suffer injury from cold temperature exposure.
- They have a large body surface area compared with their weight. Their body heat is lost more rapidly when exposed to cold weather conditions.
- Their ability to regulate body temperatures is not well-developed. They are not able to shiver (which warms a person up).
- They don't have much fat under their skin (which keeps them warm).
Older adults
Older adults are more likely to have a cold injury, especially hypothermia, because:
- Their normal body temperature may decrease with age.
- They can't regulate their body temperature as well. They do not produce as much heat energy. They also have less body fat.
- Their blood vessels do not narrow (constrict) and conserve body heat as easily.
- They do not shiver as much. Shivering warms the body.
- Their mental awareness of changes in temperatures may change.
- They have medical conditions that increase their risk for hypothermia. Some of these conditions include:
- Arthritis.
- Thyroid disease.
- History of a stroke.
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Poor nutrition.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Body infection (sepsis).
- Skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
- They are more likely to be using medicines that may affect their response to cold.
- They may live alone and have fewer resources to keep them safe from cold injury. They are more likely to have poorly heated homes.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Enlaces relacionados
Cold Exposure: What Increases Your Risk of Injury?
Cold Exposure: Emergency Equipment
Cold Exposure: Ways the Body Loses Heat
Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure
Wear Proper Clothing to Prevent Cold Injury
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