2023-10-25 05:00:00
It is very easy to get poisoned by smoke, no matter how small the fire may have been, since they mix three components: hot air, suspended carbonaceous particles and toxic gases diverse depending on the material that has been combusted.
Las first reactions that cause irritating gases are of a physical nature: itching in the eyes and nose, tos y sneezes Continuous exposure to these gases also affects the lower respiratory tract, trachea and lungs, leading to hoarseness and fatigue due to lack of oxygen.
The concentrations of carbon monoxide They are very bad for health, even if the person has been far from the focus. It harms in a relative way, since it depends on factors such as the concentration of different particles in the air and on each person, specifically. The closer you are to the fire, the more likely you are to die from carbon monoxide asphyxiation, rather than from the fire itself. In fact, in a fire the first cause of death is smoke inhalation.
In the event that the person has survived the tragedy, they usually have traumatic consequences of what they have experienced, so it is recommended that they be evaluated by a mental health professional.
Psychological effects of experiencing a fire
Stress, anxiety, overwhelm, chaos, uncertainty… there are many sensations together in a short period in which there is hardly time to think or react. The brain works at full speed, so when the environment returns to calm, minds become restless. In this sense, the American Psychological Association (APA) gives some recommendations to try to help restore emotional well-being:
Take some time to readjust. It is a difficult time and you have to remove everything that hurts. If you are not able to do it with someone you trust, ask for professional help.
Try not to listen to the news. Being aware of what is published on social networks or on television will not help you move forward. It will have the opposite effect since it will stress you more.
Surround yourself with supportive groups of people It will be good for you. They are usually psychology professionals who know well how they should treat a person in these circumstances.
Start healthy habits. To combat excess stress, it is advisable to have physical activity or some relaxation technique that also helps you fall asleep. Avoid harmful practices such as taking refuge in alcohol and other types of drugs. It will only aggravate the situation and intensify the emotional pain.
It is essential to observe these symptoms day by day, especially if the person who has the trauma is a minor. Children do not know how to name situations unknown to them. They may feel overwhelmed by a host of emotions which they do not know how to express. If these symptoms are observed and they are still there following a month, or sooner if the person feels unable to do many things, psychiatric treatment would be needed as there are signs of post-traumatic stress, in addition to other pathologies such as depression, seizures. panic or adjustment disorders.
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