CT Helps Find Cause Of Puzzling Cough In World Trade Center Rescue Workers

[benburch]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041201000501.htm

CHICAGO - Radiologists are one step closer to solving a mysterious condition affecting World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers.

Air trapping, a manifestation of obstructed lung airways often seen in smokers and the elderly, was identified in 25 of 29 rescue and recovery workers suffering from "WTC cough," according to early research results presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"Our research further corroborates that people at the World Trade Center site on Sept. 11, 2001, and the days after were exposed to environmental toxins that initiated airway problems," said lead author David S. Mendelson, M.D., associate professor of radiology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

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[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Hmmmm

I have a friend who was down helping after the tragedy, and I've noticed he is having throat/voice problems now. Maybe this explains his problems.

[Ediacara]

2. Hmmmm

I'm not trying to sound crass at all, but I can't imagine why doctors view a chronic coughing problem as "puzzling." I mean, these people were basically breathing sand into their lungs for days or weeks. I don't even think that you need to invoke environmental toxins (which of course WERE there), the particles of crap would probably be enough to screw with someone's breathing....

That being said, I'm glad they're actually testing to see what the root cause is, and if possible, how it can be remedied.

[soothsayer]

3. Well, duh.