Most common organ involved in air blast
injury is ?
a) Ear drum
b) Stomach
c) Eye
d) Lung
Correct Answer - A
Ans. is ‘a’ i.e., Ear drum
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 environment in which blast occurs :-
- 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. - 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