What are the symptoms of cold-induced heatstroke?

Cold heatstroke often occurs due to excessive sweating in hot and humid environments, followed by sudden exposure to cold temperatures. Its main feature is thermoregulatory dysfunction, with symptoms primarily including abnormal elevation of body temperature, cold and clammy skin, circulatory system disturbances, neurological abnormalities, and gastrointestinal discomfort. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Abnormal elevation of body temperature: The body's heat cannot dissipate normally, causing core temperature to gradually rise—often exceeding 38.5°C. However, the skin surface does not feel significantly hot. Some individuals may experience chills or shivering, which differs from typical heatstroke where the skin feels scorching. This can be easily mistaken for fever caused by infection.

2. Cold and clammy skin: After heavy sweating, pores remain open; sudden cold exposure prevents sweat evaporation, leaving the skin persistently wet and cold. This is most noticeable on the forehead, neck, and extremities. The skin may appear pale or cyanotic (bluish), and instead of feeling dry and hot, it feels cool and sticky to the touch.

3. Circulatory system symptoms: Blood vessels undergo disordered constriction due to alternating hot and cold stimuli, leading to rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest tightness. Blood pressure may temporarily drop, resulting in dizziness, blurred vision, or blacking out—symptoms that worsen when standing. Some people may also experience numbness in hands and feet or purple fingertips, indicating inadequate blood circulation.

4. Neurological abnormalities: Dysfunction of the thermoregulatory center affects nerve function. Early signs include headache and fatigue, typically a throbbing pain in the forehead area, accompanied by difficulty concentrating and slowed reactions. As symptoms progress, individuals may become restless, experience blurred vision, and in severe cases, suffer brief loss of consciousness.

5. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Sudden temperature changes cause spasms in gastrointestinal smooth muscles, leading to nausea and vomiting—often of stomach contents or undigested food—along with intermittent abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diarrhea is usually watery without obvious mucus or pus-blood.

To prevent cold heatstroke, avoid sudden cooling after being in high-temperature environments. Wipe off sweat before turning on air conditioning, set room temperature no lower than 26°C, and avoid consuming large amounts of icy drinks directly. After outdoor work, gradually cool down, promptly replenish light salt water, maintain normal pore function for heat dissipation, and reduce the risk of developing this condition.