Most common organ affected in
underwater blast ?
a) Intestine
b) Liver
c) Spleen
d) Heart
Correct Answer - A
Ans. is ‘a’ i.e., Intestine
The most common organ affected in underwater blast injury is
intestine.
Explosion injury
An explosion is a phenomenon resulting from sudden release of
energy which is then dissipated by a blast wave, by translocation of
objects, or by the generation of heat. Injuries in explosion occur due
to four factors :?
- Blast or shock wave
When an explosion occurs, the explosive material produces a large
volume of gas and releases a large amount of energy. It produces a
‘shock wave’ which spread concentrically from the site of explosion.
The injuries depend on the enviornment in which blast occurs :-
i. Air blast (most common) : Explosion occurs in air. There is
barotrauma to air filled hollow organs. Tympanic membrane (ear
drum) is most sensitive and most commonly injured. Lung is the
second organ to be injured and is the most commonly injured hollow
organ and most common cause of life threatening injury. Other parts
injured are middle ear, cochlea, eyes, bowels, mesentery, omentum
and brain. Homogenous solid organs like liver and muscles are
usually not affected.
Under water blast (explosion under water): Gastrointestinal tract is
injured most commonly. Lungs are also injured.
iii. Solid blast : Explosive is detonated near a rigid/solid structure and
wave of energy spreads through it. If people are in contact with that
rigid structure, injuries take place. The injuries are mostly skeletal;
fracture of legs and vertebral column are more common. GIT
damage is more common than lung. - Flame or hot gases
Burns or burning of body may occur. - Flying missiles (debris)
Flying pieces of explosive debris may be driven through air against
the skin causing bruises, abrasions, lacerations, and ragged
perforations. - Anoxia
Various gases liberated during explosion may cause anoxia, e.g.
carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, HCN and SO,