By Liz Szabo
USA Today
SAN JOSE MINE, Chile — The 33 trapped Chilean miners could face a variety of health problems after their rescue — both because of the dark, humid conditions underground, as well as from their risky ascent in a narrow capsule.
Like deep-sea divers, the miners could develop decompression sickness, also known as the bends, even if they ascend relatively slowly, says Antonios Zikos, a critical care specialist who took care of Randal McCloy Jr., the sole survivor of the 2006 Sago Mine disaster in West Virginia. The bends — caused when gas bubbles form in tissue or blood — can cause pain, choking and even death.
Miners who suffer from such symptoms would likely be treated with high-pressure oxygen, says Zikos, medical director of neuro-intensive care at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
The twisty, 2,000-foot ride to the surface — in a capsule only about 2 feet wide — could cause other health problems: drops or spikes in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and even panic attacks, Zikos says. He says doctors could help prepare the men by giving them anti-nausea drugs.
Trapped since Aug. 5, the miners have experienced a variety of unhealthy conditions below ground, Zikos says.
*The additional force of gravity may have affected their circulatory system and immune function.
*Being confined in a small space, without the opportunity to exercise normally, could also cause blood clots and muscle loss.
*Exposure to underground gases, such as carbon monoxide, could also cause cognitive problems, such as memory loss or problems performing basic tasks.
Zikos says such symptoms could appear in six weeks or six months.
Chilean officials have said that many of the men have skin infections.
That’s not surprising, given that fungus can grow well on damp, unwashed skin, says Boni Elewski, a doctor and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin infections can be serious for people with diabetes. Chilean officials have said one of the miners is diabetic, while another has high blood pressure.
Both conditions can be managed with medications, Zikos says.
Being deprived of sunlight could also lead to vitamin D deficiency, although vitamins provided by Chilean health officials could prevent that problem, Zikos says.
Constant darkness can contribute to depression and isolation, especially if it confuses the normal sleeping-waking cycle, says Vanderbilt University’s Paul Ragan, a former Navy psychiatrist.
At least three or four of the miners may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, based on typical rates of the condition after very stressful experiences, Ragan says.
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