The coldest day since 2010 has been recorded in the UK, with weather warnings in place across much of the country, but what impact do these temperatures have on our bodies?
Doctors have explained what some of the reactions we have to weather mean, and why we do them, from shivering to a runny nose. Some are nothing to worry about, but others can be more severe, like frostbite and hypothermia.
It's always important to wrap up warm if you're planning to leave the house in sub-zero temperatures. Wearing items like gloves and extra thick socks to protect your extremities can make a huge difference.
READ MORE: Why it's barely snowed in Liverpool but parts of UK have been covered in snow
Here, doctors talk through how extreme cold affects our bodies:
Shivering
The normal core temperature Is 36.5 to 37.5C, which is why your muscles react when you’re in a significantly cooler environment. Dr Paul Ettlinger, GP at The London General Practice, said: “In extreme cold, when the temperature drops, the body diverts blood flow from the surface, to allow the body’s core to stay warmer longer."
Dr Sarah Brewer, medical nutritionist and author, said: “Muscles throughout your body start to contract to cause shivering, which generates warmth by creating energy. This shivering response may be greatly reduced with age, and may be absent in the elderly.”
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Flushed skin
More and more of us will be sporting the Rudolph nose as temperatures are dropping. Dr Ettlinger said: "When it’s cold and windy outside, our cheeks will experience windburn and may have a flushed appearance as blood vessels dilate.
“The skin may also feel dehydrated and dry, as the skin’s protective layer has been compromised and becomes more vulnerable to damage.” Your extremities can be particularly susceptible to the cold, he adds: “The skin, especially the tips of our fingers and toes, feels numb and may change to a greyish colour.”
Runny nose
Ever wondered why your nose starts run when you're out in low temperatures, even when you don't have a cold? “The nose’s job is to warm and humidify the air we breathe in, to prepare it for the lungs,” says Dr Ettlinger.
“When it’s cold, the blood flow in the nose increases, which in turn increases the fluid in the nose, and some of that fluid will run out of the nose.”
Respiratory problems
Dr Brewer said: “Breathing cold air causes inflamed airways to constrict, so you cough, wheeze and become short of breath, with tightness in the chest. Exposure to cold air can worsen respiratory conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."
This is why things like balaclavas or big scarfs to cover part of your face can make a huge difference in winter. “Even cooling the face can trigger this response, so it’s worth wearing protective clothing over your face in cold weather, as well as using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed.” Dr Brewer added.
Frostbite
This is one of the most severe things that can happen in sub-zero temperatures. Dr Ettlinger said: "This can usually affect the extremities, such as hands, feet, nose, lips and ears.
“It is the body’s response to the cold, where blood flow to the vital organs increases, but in turn, blood vessels narrow and blood flow slows down to the extremities.” Symptoms usually start with the affected parts feeling cold and painful, or a ‘pins and needles’ sensation. If you think you may be suffering with frostbite, call your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Hypothermia
If your core body temperature drops below 35C, you could be at risk of hypothermia. Dr Brewer explained: “Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can be generated, and it is sometimes called a ‘silent killer’ as many victims are unaware they are at risk."
Along with symptoms of shivering, pale or blue skin or lips, and slurred speech, Ettlinger warns: “Hypothermia can also affect your cognitive performance, making you feel drowsy and confused. It can also cause feelings of weakness and extreme tiredness.” Again, the elderly may be more susceptible, Brewer adds: “Older people, in particular, are more sensitive to the effects of falling temperature and are less likely to register they are cold.”
This is a medical emergency that needs to be treated in hospital, so if you think someone has hypothermia, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
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