Emphasizing that the season in which the earthquake occurred, weather conditions, the care of the earthquake victim and the adequacy of the shelter conditions are the factors affecting the lung health after the earthquake, Chest Diseases Specialist from VM Medical Park Bursa Hospital. Serap Ket Alkan warned.
Stating that the risk of lung diseases may increase after the earthquake, Chest Diseases Specialist from VM Medical Park Bursa Hospital. Serap Ket Alkan said, “The danger of asbestos in the debris is an important risk that should not be ignored. Asbestos fibers can cause pleural diseases and pleural cancer after 15-20 years. In our country, the use of asbestos is prohibited in buildings constructed in 2010 and later. However, precautions should be taken considering that there may be asbestos content in older buildings.
There is a high probability of increase in lung diseases in earthquake victims
Pointing out that different lung problems can be encountered in the earthquake, Uzm. Dr. Serap Ket Alkan said, “In people who survived the earthquake, direct chest traumas due to being under debris, bronchial and lung damage due to inhalation of dust and particles after the collapse of buildings, smoke and toxic gas respiration as a result of fire and natural gas leakage, and airway damage may occur. . As a result of lung tissue damage, closure of alveolar sacs and deterioration in oxygenation, the risk of pneumonia increases. In addition, the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism increases due to being under debris and inactivity.
exp. Dr. Alkan underlined that post-earthquake lung problems can manifest clinically with cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, wheezing, bruising and loss of consciousness.
Precautions are necessary for infectious diseases!
Pointing out that post-earthquake infectious diseases also pose a significant danger, Uzm. Dr. Ket Alkan said:
“Adequate and accessible health services, easy access to water and hand disinfectants, arranging shelters in a way that is not overcrowded and providing ventilation, rapid administration of vaccines to other individuals, especially risky individuals, and isolation of symptomatic patients are important. In addition, 'Tsunami lung' may develop due to suffocation and suffocation due to tsunamis after the earthquake. In this case, an increase in the frequency of pneumonias with multiple microbes is expected.”
The frequency of attacks increases in patients with COPD and asthma
Adding that there may be an increase in the frequency of attacks in earthquake-affected COPD and asthma patients, Uzm. Dr. Ket Alkan made the following suggestions about things to consider:
“After the earthquake, asthma patients may experience more frequent attacks due to stress, intense dust exposure, cold weather, difficulty in accessing regular medication, increased risk of infection in crowded shelters, and increased use of painkillers. The risk of attack is especially high in the first month. Applications for acute attacks due to COPD 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.”
Asbestos in old building debris may trigger lung cancer
Stating that the danger of asbestos in the debris is an important risk that should not be ignored, Uzm. Dr. Ket Alkan, “Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer with pleural diseases after 15-20 years. In our country, the use of asbestos is prohibited in buildings constructed in 2010 and later. However, precautions should be taken considering that there may be asbestos content in old buildings. Asbestos detection specialists should take charge of the debris and take samples from the debris and 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.
Shelter areas should be away from debris fields!
Pointing out that it should not be forgotten that both earthquake victims and rescue teams are at risk after earthquakes, Uzm. Dr. Ket Alkan said, “Rescue and debris removal activities should be carried out carefully, the risk of dust and asbestos exposure should be reduced by wearing masks, goggles and special clothes. Good ventilation should be provided as much as possible, and shelter areas should be away from debris areas. Short and long-term follow-ups should be made for health problems," he concluded.