With the recent return of the four-man crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) a month ahead of schedule because an unnamed crew member became “sick” for the first time in history in Orbit, Dr. Ronak Shahthe director of the Department of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Texas, who also works closely with NASA, spoke to us about the medical effects on astronauts of staying in space.
Annual medical evaluations, minor problems
Dr. Shah told us that astronauts undergo annual medical exams at the NASA Johnson Space Center Flight Medicine Clinic and another exam after their mission.
The examinations included a “complete physical examination, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, dental exams, hearing assessments, immunizations and psychological screening,” he said, adding that NASA also conducted mission-specific exams and fitness tests.
However, there may still be some reports of minor problems during the early stages of the mission for astronauts. “Early in a mission, many crew members experience space adaptation sickness (SAS),” said Dr. Shah, outlining symptoms such as “headaches, fatigue and back pain.”
He added that problems such as skin irritations and musculoskeletal pain can occur during a six-month mission, but that “serious medical events are uncommon in space.”
Are astronauts prepared for emergencies in orbit?
Speaking about the medical care that could be provided on board the ISS, Dr. Shah that the space station has a medical kit, the contents of which are publicly available.
As for the extent of treatment, he shared that the ISS has the ability “to administer over-the-counter and prescription oral, topical, and IV medications,” as well as oxygen and airway support.
He also said the ISS has diagnostic test kits, kits to help close wounds and treat injuries, and ultrasound capabilities. Members can also ‘use an AED if necessary’. An AED or antiepileptic drug is a type of medication that helps prevent seizures and epileptic episodes.
The presence of a doctor on board
However, when asked if there was a medical professional on board the ISS during missions, Dr. Shah that this was not a requirement. “Each ISS crew has a designated Crew Medical Officer,” who receives additional medical training before the flight, but added that this will not always be a doctor. “Ground-based surgeons provide continuous medical support,” he said.
He also shared that while crew physicians are feasible and have precedent, this ultimately “may not change the outcome if the issue requires additional investigation,” due to the limited capabilities aboard the space station.
The short- and long-term effects of orbit
Staying in orbit aboard the ISS can be an experience of a lifetime; however, it can also have short- and long-term consequences for astronauts depending on the time they spend in orbit.
“Short-term consequences such as space adaptation sickness, including space travel sickness, are common and do not have lasting consequences,” said Dr. Shah, while emphasizing that sleep disruption was also common.
Shedding light on any long-term effects, he said extended orbital stays could cause the crew to experience “effects on bone density and muscle mass, changes in vision, altered immune function” and more. However, he said most effects “can be mitigated by in-flight countermeasures,” but that research would provide better prevention over time.
Life-threatening problems can lead to premature return
Dr. Outlining the reasons why a crew returned to Earth early, Shah said, “An early return would be considered in conditions that are potentially life-threatening or perhaps difficult to manage,” with the resources available on board the ISS.
He added that cases requiring additional investigation on Earth could also require the crew to return to Earth earlier than the scheduled arrival. “Any decision to return home early would be made jointly by the crew on board the ISS and the ground teams,” he said.
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