By Joyce Krekels
Who does not like an alcoholic drink after a cold, intense dayof skiing and being outdoors on a winter sport vacation? Well, consuming alcohol might not be the best method if you want to warm up on a cold day.
Last February, two teenagers who were celebrating Carnaval in Etten-Leur were found severely hypothermic with a body temperature of 34°C after consuming numerous alcoholic beverages[1]. While alcohol can make you feel warmer, you actually have an increased risk of hypothermia, which is defined as a body core temperature beneath 35°C and can be fatal when temperatures below 29°C are reached[2]. Alcohol leads to dilation of the blood vessels in the skin, causing the characteristic blush on the cheeks, whereas normally blood vessels constrict in a cold environment to protect vital organs[3]. Also, relaxation of the muscles due to alcohol intake can inhibit shivering, which is the body’s natural way to regain warmth. Additionally, it can lead to heat loss by depressing the central nervous system which causes sweating[3].
In the Reinier de Graaf Hospital in Delft, researchers have investigated acute medical complications of alcohol intoxication. During a period from 2000 to 2010[4], they found reduced consciousness (45%) and hypothermia (43.1%) to be the most common complications among 207 adolescents between 11 and 17 years old. However, literature is conflictive. Other studies state that only minor effects on core body temperature are observed after consuming a moderate dose of alcohol in cold weather and that only more extreme weather conditions or a higher dose of alcohol can lead to major effects[5],[6]. Interestingly enough, moderate doses of alcohol are even prophylactic and are recommended for people who are often outdoors for protection against frostbite, to reduce discomfort and to improve sleep during cold weather[6].
It seems plausible that together with the behavioural component after alcohol intoxication – making wrong decisions because of altered awareness and perception of cold – the combination of cold temperatures and alcohol could potentially lead to a dangerous situation. So next time you end up in a ski lodge in the Alpes for some après-ski-drinks, you should reconsider before drinking another beer.[4]
[1] NOS. Nederlandse Omroep Stichting. Brabantse wijkagent vindt onderkoelde carnavalsvierders op straat. Section Binnenland. 10 Feb. 2018.
[2] Bright, F.M., Winskog, C., Walker, M. & Byard, R.W. A comparison of hypothermic deaths in South Australia and Sweden. J Forensic Sci 59, 983-985 (2014).
[3] Teresiński, G., Buszewicz, G. & Ma¸dro, R. Biochemical background of ethanol-induced cold susceptibility. Legal Medicine 7, 15-23 (2005).
[4] Bouthoorn, S.H., van der Ploeg, T., van Erkel, N.E. & van der Lely, N. Alcohol intoxication among Dutch adolescents: acute medical complications in the years 2000-2010. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 50, 244-251 (2011).
[5] Yoda, T., et al. Effects of alcohol on autonomic responses and thermal sensation during cold exposure in humans. Alcohol 42, 207-212 (2008).
[6] Freund, B.J., O’Brien, C. & Young, A.J. Alcohol ingestion and temperature regulation during cold exposure. Journal of Wilderness Medicine 5, 88-98 (1994).
