EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Earthquake is a reality of our country due to its geographical location. Our people and administrators should be prepared and organized with this awareness. The season in which the earthquake occurred, weather conditions, the care of the earthquake victim and the adequacy of the shelter conditions are among the factors that affect the lung health after the earthquake. Lung problems that developed in the earthquake; It is direct chest trauma due to being under debris, bronchial and lung damage due to inhalation of dust and particles after the collapse of buildings, airway damage due to smoke and toxic gas inhalation as a result of fire and natural gas leakage. Oxygenation with closure of alveolar vesicles with lung tissue damage
As a result of deterioration, the risk of pneumonia increases. In addition, the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (occlusion in the leg vein and pulmonary veins) increases due to being under debris and inactivity. In addition, ‘tsunami lung’ may develop in tsunamis that occur after an earthquake by drowning – writing to drown. In this case, the frequency of pneumonia in which multiple microbes are effective increases. Lung problems may present clinically with cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, wheezing, loss of consciousness. Post-earthquake infectious diseases also pose a significant danger. Adequacy and accessibility of health services, easy access to water and hand disinfectants, order and ventilation of shelters without overcrowding, rapid vaccination of all individuals with priority in risky individuals, isolation of symptomatic individuals are important in infection control. There is an increase in the frequency of attacks in earthquake victims with COPD and asthma. After the earthquake, asthma patients may experience more frequent attacks due to excessive stress, intense dust exposure, cold weather, difficulty in accessing regular medication, and increased risk of infection in crowded shelters. The risk of attack is especially high in the first month. Attack applications due to COPD may also increase. Earthquake survivors with COPD have a high risk of developing serious psychological trauma. Therefore, patients with COPD should be provided with a good lifestyle and psychotherapy support. Epidemics of viral agents such as influenza may increase in COPD patients followed in nursing homes. Vaccination and hygiene are therefore important.
The danger of asbestos in debris is an important risk that should not be ignored. Astbestos fibers with pulmonary diseases of the lungs after 15-20 years
can cause cancer. In our country, the use of asbestos is prohibited in buildings constructed in 2010 and later. However, asbestos content in old buildings
precautionary measures should be taken. Asbestos detection experts should take charge of the debris and take samples from the debris and determine the type of asbestos.
should be determined. Asbestos wastes are in the “hazardous waste” class and should be transported and disposed of under appropriate conditions. It should not be forgotten that both earthquake victims and rescue teams are at risk in the region. Rescue and debris removal activities should be carried out carefully in the earthquake area, and the risk of exposure to dust and asbestos should be reduced by wearing masks, goggles, and special clothing. Good ventilation should be provided as much as possible, shelter areas should be away from debris areas, short and long term follow-ups should be made for health problems.
WE WISH YOU HEALTHY DAYS.
EXPERT DR .SERAP KET ALKAN
CHEST DISEASES SPECIALIST
