|
At high altitudes less oxygen reaches the tissues, and the warming effect of oxygen is reduced, thereby predisposing the tissue to frostbite. Undernutrition, physical exhaustion, general illness, especially heart trouble, diabetes, and diseases of the blood vessels in the arms and legs—these are other recognized predisposing causes. Previous attacks increase the susceptibility. The general condition of the individual as well as his protection at the time of exposure also determines the degree of tissue damage. As the circulating blood is the primary heating system in the body, any decrease in this volume which might occur at high altitude, where severe dehydration exists, would accentuate the process. It is sometimes difficult to tell how much tissue is affected. Dead tissue may merely appear slightly discolored and have a feeling of warmth imparted to it from the adjacent normal tissue. This is misleading, as one is sometimes overly optimistic about the damage only to observe later that the gangrene has extended. |
|||
|
