For The Kerala Story, Adah Sharma says she was dehydrated for 40 hours in -16 degrees; experts tell us how that can affect the body

While Adah’s commitment to her craft is appreciated, her experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of dehydration and cold weather. We sought the opinion of experts to understand how staying dehydrated for over 40 hours in minus 16-degree conditions can affect the body, and what to keep in mind.

 

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What happens when the body is dehydrated for long?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can happen due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake.

“When the body is dehydrated, its proper functioning is compromised. Manifestations of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, headache, confusion, seizures, and even shock. In severe cases, dehydration can be life-threatening,” said Dr J Harikishan, senior general physician, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad.

The cold weather exacerbates the effects of dehydration. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it is produced, explained Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital, Noida. “Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature where the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening,” noted Dr Srivastav.

The combination of dehydration and cold weather poses a significant threat.

Blood flow is reduced when the body is exposed to cold (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Simply put, low temperatures necessitate increased efforts from the body to maintain its core temperature, leading to excessive sweating and fluid loss. Hypothermia manifests through symptoms such as confusion, seizures, heart problems, and in extreme cases, death, added Dr Harikishan.

What is frostbite?

Signs and symptoms of frostbite include cold skin and a prickling feeling, numbness, skin that looks red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown, or ashen, depending on the severity of the condition and usual skin colour, hard or waxy-looking skin, said Dr Srivastav.

According to him, prolonged exposure to the cold causes the body to slow blood circulation to the hands and feet in an effort to preserve the body’s core temperature. “The reduced blood flow can intensify neuropathy symptoms and potentially cause further damage to already affected peripheral nerves,” said Dr Srivastav, warning against such attempts.

While Adah’s was for a role, Dr Srivastav said that it is necessary to stay hydrated and follow other cold-related precautions:
*Limit time outdoors in cold, wet, or windy weather.
*Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing.
*Watch for signs of frostbite.
*Don’t drink alcohol if you plan to be outdoors in cold weather. Alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat faster.
*Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.
*Consult doctors if you have symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

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