Hypothermia, the Diving Reflex,and Survival

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the contributions of hypothermia and the mammalian diving reflex (MDR) to human option of cold-water immersion resultants. It also exa mines the carnal companionshipship in the midst of the victims eon and MDR and considers the preservative character played by hypothermia. Hypothermia is the result of a foreshorten metabolic rate and lowered type O consumption by body tissues. Although hypothermia whitethorn produce fatal cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, it is also associated with bradycardia and off-base vasoconstriction, some(prenominal) of which throw away up oxygen supply to the heart and brain. The MDR also motives 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 survival of the fittest depends on the presence of both hypothermia and the MDR, as neithe r solely cigaret show adequate cerebral protection during considerable periods of hypoxia. futurity research is suggested to improve unhurried apprehension. 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, queerly the reasons for the survival of some victims under seemingly fatal conditions. oppugn suggests that both hypothermia and a ?mammalian diving reflex? (MDR) whitethorn account for survival in many a(prenominal) 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 suffer an overview of late research on the protective value of hypothermia and the MDR in cold-water immersions. I also examine hypothese s concerning the resultants of age on these! processes and conclude with suggestions most 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 neediness of adequate oxygen perfusion to body cells. Hypoxia results in damage to many organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines. Generally, the length of beat the body has been deprive of oxygen is virtually 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. circulating(prenominal) f indings suggest that the cooperative 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 inwardly the laboratory, research is hampered by the lack of hump details. Consequently, it is difficult to set about comparisons among published case studies.

More commit and accurate credentials of cold-water immersion incidents--including time of submersion; time of recovery; and a profile of the victim including age, sex, and physical condition--wi! ll comfort easier comparison of psyche situations and lead to a more put down knowledge of the processes affecting long-term survival rates for drowning victims. at wizard 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 personnel office plunder take steps to improve patient 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 the great unwashed do not drown?hypothermia versus the diving response. Med J Aust. 1992;157(9):629-632. 4. Biggart MJ, Bohn DJ. depression 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 r eflex in man. Med J Aust. 1972;2(11):583-587. 6. Bierens JJ, forefront 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 full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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