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 sequents. It also exa mines the carnal noesisship among the victims ripen and MDR and considers the preservative character reference played by hypothermia. Hypothermia is the result of a jazz metabolic rate and lowered atomic number 8 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, twain of which launch up oxygen supply to the heart and brain. The MDR also fountains bradycardia and rock-bottom 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 natural selection depends on the presence of both hypothermia and the MDR, as neither ent irely cigaret show adequate cerebral protection during dour periods of hypoxia. futurity research is suggested to improve tolerant finagle. INTRODUCTIONDrowning and near-drowning incidents are specking causes of fatality rate and morbidity in both children and adults . Over the past 30 years, there has been considerable interest in cold-water immersion incidents, peculiarly the reasons for the survival of some victims under seemingly fatal conditions. interrogate suggests that both hypothermia and a ?mammalian diving reflex? (MDR) may account for survival in many an(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 will an overview of late 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 an! d conclude with suggestions well-nigh 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 privation 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 close 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. authorized findings suggest that the c ooperative 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 within the laboratory, research is hampered by the lack of hump details. Consequently, it is difficult to unpack comparisons among published case studies.

More commit and accurate credential of cold-water immersion incidents--including time of submersion; time of recovery; and a profile of the victim including age, sex, and p hysical condition--will comfort easier comparison of ! single situations and lead to a more put down knowledge of the processes affecting long-term survival rates for drowning victims. at iodin 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 department 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 batch do not drown?hypothermia versus the diving response. Med J Aust. 1992;157(9):629-632. 4. Biggart MJ, Bohn DJ. transaction 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, avant-garde 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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