What is Crush syndrome?
Crush syndrome is a potentially life -threatening complication of traumatic damage in which part of the body is exposed to compression force for a long time. Building collapse, natural disasters, serious car accidents and other scenarios can leave a person trapped under heavy debris. When part of the body is crushed, the muscles are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. Damaged cells release toxic chemicals into the bloodstream that can cause shock, cardiac arrest and irreversible kidney damage. Crush syndrome must be immediately recognized and treated after rescue to provide the best possible chances of recovery.
The person is most likely to experience crush syndrome if a large part of the body, such as the arm or leg, is captured for more than an hour. Muscle fibers with oxygen depressed are broken and leaks potassium, myoglobin and other substances into nearby blood vessels. When the overwhelming force is removed, these chemicals enter circulation and travel all over the body. Suddenly rising potassium levels in the blood may nrSew heart rhythm and eventually cause cardiac arrest. Myoglobin is toxic to the kidneys and can lead to complete kidney failure.
The symptoms of crush syndrome may vary depending on the nature of the traumatic event and the extent of the injury. Many patients are helpful, though a lot of pain when they are originally rescued. As toxic chemicals enter into circulation in minutes and hours after rescue, their conditions can decrease rapidly. Extreme weakness, rapid breathing and mental confusion are common. The person can slip in and out of consciousness and show signs of very low blood pressure. Emergency medical care and constant monitoring of vital features are essential whenever the crush is suspected.
The treatment of crush syndrome usually begins as soon as the patient is saved. Emergency respondents are trained to provide oxygen rescue life, cardiopulmonary resuscitationand other therapeutic measures as long as the patient arrives at the hospital. After adopted, doctors test blood and urine samples to unusual amounts of myoglobin and potassium and shift the patient's general condition. Intravenous fluids and diuretics are usually provided to flush toxins from the kidneys and reduce chances of kidney failure. If necessary, the defibrillator is used to restart the heart or return to the normal rhythm.
Most patients who have crush syndrome must stay in the hospital for several days so that doctors can monitor their conditions. Bone, muscle and other structures injury are adequately treated with drugs or surgery. In case of severe damage, it may be necessary to amputate part of the body to prevent further complications. With continuing care and physical therapy, many people can fully recover from their injuries.