Hello! Extreme cold<br>temperatures are affecting many parts of the USA. Below is some basic<br>information on Hypothermia and Frostbite. <br>Hypothermia- <br>• Cold, dry air can trigger bronchospasm, coughing, chest<br>tightness, and shortness of breath  • Inflamed or damaged airways lose heat and moisture faster <br>• Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing oxygen<br>delivery <br>• People with already-limited lung function may feel sudden<br>fatigue, dizziness, and worsening breathlessness. <br>• Cold exposure can weaken immune defenses in the airways <br>• Thickened mucus becomes harder to clear → higher risk of<br>exacerbations or infections<br><br>❄ Hypothermia early symptoms: <br>• Shivering (may stop as it worsens) <br>• Slurred speech, confusion, or brain fog <br>• Rapid breathing at first → slow, shallow breathing later <br>• Blue or pale lips/fingertips <br>Frostbite most often affects:<br><br>• Fingers, toes, nose, and ears.  Respiratory patients are at<br>higher risk because: <br>• Reduced circulation from chronic illness or medications <br>• Fatigue may delay noticing symptoms <br>Early frostbite signs<br><br>• Numbness or tingling<br><br>• Skin turning pale, white, or waxy<br><br>• Loss of fine motor control. <br>Cold-weather protection that actually helps: <br>Cover your airways-wear a<br>scarf, gaiter, or mask over nose & mouth→ warms and humidifies inhaled air. <br>Protect extremities<br><br>• Mittens > gloves<br><br>• Insulated socks (change if damp)<br><br>• Cover ears fully and layer your clothing wisely.<br><br>Please keep warm and safe throughout this cold spell. For more information, please<br>review the link below- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15439-frostbite ">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15439-frostbite </a>