Hot peppers not for hypothermia

DEAR DR. GOTT: Will you please describe what happens to a person when he or she suffers from hypothermia? Then describe what happens to people when they eat hot peppers. I wonder why they don’t use hot peppers to rewarm a hypothermic person quickly.

DEAR READER: Well, your theory sounds logical, but the two processes are entirely different. One gives the sensation of warming the digestive tract (but doesn’t provide heat); the other chills the entire body. The main negative feature with your combination is that a hypothermic person cannot be rewarmed quickly; the shock would be too much for the heart to withstand. The process requires time and constant monitoring of vital signs.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. A normal body temperature is 98.6 F. Hypothermia occurs when that temperature drops to 95 F or below. The heart and nervous system are unable to perform adequately and can fail. The condition can be serious or even fatal if left untreated.

We ordinarily think of a person outdoors in the snow or rain or immersed in cold water as being at risk for developing the condition. In reality, mild cases can occur in older people and the very young who are dressed improperly, when in a home with air conditioning on or without proper heat in the cold weather. Further, specific medical conditions can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Children building snowmen or forts might lack judgment when it comes to removing hats and mittens while out of doors for lengthy periods. People using alcohol or recreational drugs may have an impaired mental status. Thus, anyone of any age can be overcome with hypothermia. Symptoms occur slowly, dulling the senses, and can include constant shivering, drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing and a weak pulse.

Contrary to previous thinking, a person should not be rubbed vigorously in an attempt to warm the skin. This process can further damage an already compromised system and cause more harm than good. However, there are steps that should be taken, such as removing any wet clothing, warming with blankets or clothing, providing shelter from the elements, and giving a warm alcohol-free beverage if the person is conscious.