koudestress

Koudestress refers to the physiological and environmental stress experienced when exposed to cold conditions. It encompasses the body's responses to low ambient temperatures, wind, and dampness, which increase metabolic heat production and can lead to cold injuries if exposure is prolonged. The central mechanism is thermoregulation: cutaneous vasoconstriction preserves core temperature, while shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis raise heat production. Prolonged cold exposure can result in hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains, and it may worsen cardiovascular strain and cognitive performance.

Vulnerable groups include the elderly, infants, people with certain medical conditions, those with insufficient insulation or wet clothing, and individuals under the influence of alcohol or sedatives. Occupational cold stress is a concern in outdoor work, fishing, transport, and cold-storage settings, prompting risk assessments, job rotation, warm shelters, and appropriate clothing.

Prevention focuses on clothing and behavior: multiple layers, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating and windproof outer layers, dry clothing, proper footwear, and head/hand protection. Activity, nutrition, hydration, and acclimatization can help, while avoiding prolonged exposure in extreme conditions. In medical care, signs of hypothermia or frostbite require rapid rewarming and professional evaluation.

Etymology: the term koudestress derives from Dutch, combining koud (cold) with stress, and is used in Dutch-language physiology and occupational health literature to describe cold-related strain. Related topics include frostbite, hypothermia, wind chill, and cold-induced vasoconstriction.