After rescue operators are eventually able to reach the victims of the Nepal earthquake and address their damages, health care workers will be attending carefully for two diseases that crop up later: "crush syndrome" and "compartment syndrome."
The related difficulties, which are life- and limb-threatening, result from hours of compression of arm and leg tissues by rubble in earthquakes and building collapses. But doctors also see them in drug users and others who pass out with their heads on their arms, and surgical patients who aren't placed properly.
Crush Syndrome
"Crush syndrome" is the more critical of the two; it can result in death. When earthquake victims with arm or leg injuries are removed from the rubble, releasing the weight on crushed muscles, blood begins to flow through the area again.
As it circulates, it brings the byproducts of that damaged tissue to other parts of the body, which aren't prepared to handle the toxins, according to Mark Pearlmutter, vice president of emergency medicine for the Steward Health System near Boston.
Compartment Syndrome
In "compartment syndrome," the infection of a crushed muscle causes so much puffiness that the blood supply is cut off in the area around that muscle. Within hours, that muscle can expire, if doctors don't release the pressure by cutting open the fascia, the thick lining that surrounds the muscle.
Victims also may go into shock in the first few hours after they're pulled from rubble, often because of reduced blood capacity as a result of their wounds and dryness.
University of Atlanta urges everyone out there to step up and help the people of Nepal. Your Contribution may just save an innocent life. To get more details and learn how to help. Follow UofA on Facebook , Google plus , Pinterest and Twitter
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