Hypothermia, the Diving Reflex,and Survival

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the contributions of hypothermia and the mammalian diving reflex (MDR) to human excerption of cold-water immersion ensuants. It also exa mines the carnal acquaintanceship surrounded by the victims date and MDR and considers the protective theatrical role played by hypothermia. Hypothermia is the result of a delete metabolic rate and lowered group O consumption by body tissues. Although hypothermia whitethorn produce fatal cardiac arrhythmias such(prenominal) as ventricular fibrillation, it is also associated with bradycardia and off-base vasoconstriction, both of which regurgitate up oxygen supply to the heart and brain. The MDR also perplexs bradycardia and decreased peripheral blood flow as well as laryngospasm, which protects victims against speedy inhalation of water. Studies of drowning and near drowning of children and adults suggest that victim choice depends on the presence of both hypothermia and the MDR, as neither merely ciga ret show adequate cerebral protection during pertinacious periods of hypoxia. futurity research is suggested to improve diligent solicitude. INTRODUCTIONDrowning and near-drowning incidents are specking causes of death rate and morbidity in both children and adults . Over the past 30 years, there has been considerable interest in cold-water immersion incidents, curiously the reasons for the survival of some victims under seemingly fatal conditions. question suggests that both hypothermia and a ?mammalian diving reflex? (MDR) whitethorn account for survival in legion(predicate) near-drowning episodes However, the extent to which these both processes interact is not widey understood. Controversy also exists regarding the centre of the victims age on the physiological responses to cold-water immersion. In this paper, I digest an overview of upstart research on the protective value of hypothermia and the MDR in cold-water immersions. I also examine hypotheses concerning the resultants of age on these processes a! nd conclude with suggestions nearly future lines of research that may lead to improved patient care. Hypoxia during drowning and near-drowning incidentsThe major physiological problem confront drowning victims is hypoxia, or pretermit of adequate oxygen perfusion to body cells. Hypoxia results in legal injury to many organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines. Generally, the length of beat the body has been deprive of oxygen is well related to patient prognosis. Only 6-7 s of hypoxia may cause unconsciousness; if hypoxia lasts longer than 5 min at comparatively warm temperatures, death or permanent brain damage may result. However, some victims of cold-water immersion maintain survived after periods of oxygen deprivation lasting up to 2 h. CONCLUSIONSRecent research on cold-water immersion incidents has provided a better judgement of the physiological processes occurring during drowning and near-drowning accidents. real findings suggest that the co operative effect of the MDR and hypothermia plays a critical role in patient survival during a cold-water immersion incident . However, the relationship between the two processes is mum unclear. Because it is impossible to provide an exact reproduction of a ill-tempered drowning incident deep down the laboratory, research is hampered by the lack of hump details. Consequently, it is difficult to tie beam comparisons among published case studies. More commit and accurate reinforcement of cold-water immersion incidents--including time of submersion; time of recovery; and a profile of the victim including age, sex, and physical condition--will comfort easier comparison of idiosyncratic situations and lead to a more put down knowledge of the processes affecting long-term survival rates for drowning victims. at ane time we have a clearer understanding of the relationship between hypothermia and the MDR--and of the effect of such factors as the age of the victim--physicians and rescue strength plunder take steps to improve patie! nt care at the scene and in the hospital. Cited References1. Kallas HJ, O?Rourke PP. Drowning and immersion injuries in children. Curr Opin Pediatr. 1993;5(3):295-302. 2. Keatinge WR. inadvertent immersion hypothermia and drowning. Practitioner 1997;219(1310):183-187. 3. Gooden BA. Why some large number do not drown?hypothermia versus the diving response. Med J Aust. 1992;157(9):629-632. 4. Biggart MJ, Bohn DJ. take of hypothermia and cardiac arrest on outcome of near-drowning accidents in children. J Pediatr. 1999;117(2 Pt 1):179-183. 5. Gooden BA. Drowning and the diving reflex in man. Med J Aust. 1972;2(11):583-587. 6. Bierens JJ, cutting edge der Velde EA. dousing in the Netherlands: prognostic indicators and the results of resuscitation. Ann Emerg Med. 1999;19(12):1390-1395. 7. Ramey CA, Ramey DN, Hayward JS. Dive response of children in relation to cold-water near drowning. J Appl Physiol. 1987;62(2):665-688. If you want to get a ful l essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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