Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cold Injury

Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of injury from cold exposure. Alcohol: Changes your body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Changes your judgment. For example, a person may not put on more clothing when it is needed if his or her judgment is changed by alcohol. Can cause blood vessels in the skin to get…

Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cold Injury

Topic Overview

Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of injury from cold exposure. Alcohol:

  • Changes your body’s ability to regulate body temperature.
  • Changes your judgment. For example, a person may not put on more clothing when it is needed if his or her judgment is changed by alcohol.
  • Can cause blood vessels in the skin to get bigger (dilate). This increases heat loss.

Related Information

Credits

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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