Why do we gasp for air when having a cold shower

Question

But we don’t have the same reaction when we step into a cold room?

In: 6

Answer 1

Air is a very poor conductor of heat, so stepping into a 5 degree room you won’t have nearly as quick or as dramatic a change in temperature as if you jumped into 5 degree water.

And the reason you do it is because you’ve gone into shock. Your body thinks it might be dying and is trying to conserve blood and oxygen into your torso so you live longer in what seems to be a dangerous environment.