• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.34.1-34.8
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• 2023

Background: Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic substance that humans can be exposed to occupationally, and cases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning of workers in industrial sites are commonly reported. However, there have been no cases of poisoning of the public due to an unauthorized discharge of wastewater, so it is important to describe this incident. Case presentation: In a small village in Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea, accounts of a terrible stench had been reported. A 26-year-old man who lived and worked in a foul-smelling area was taken to the emergency room with a headache, dizziness, nausea, and repeated syncope. A subsequent police and Ministry of Environment investigation determined that the cause of the stench was the unauthorized discharge of 9 tons of wastewater containing hydrogen sulfide through a stormwater pipe while the villagers were sleeping. The patient had no previous medical history or experience of symptoms. Leukocytes and cardiac markers were elevated, an electrocardiogram indicated biatrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, and corrected QT interval prolongation. Myocardial hypertrophy was detected on a chest computed tomography scan, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was confirmed on echocardiography. After hospitalization, cardiac marker concentrations declined, symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged after 7 days of hospitalization. There was no recurrence of symptoms after discharge. Conclusions: We suspect that previously unrecognized heart disease manifested or was aggravated in this patient due to exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Attention should be paid to the possibility of unauthorized discharge of hydrogen sulfide, etc., in occasional local incidents and damage to public health. In the event of such an accident, it is necessary to have government guidelines in place to investigate health impact and follow-up clinical management of exposed residents.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.166-173
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• 2010

Objectives: On December 7, 2007, the Hebei Spirit oil tanker spilled out 12,547 kl of crude oil on the Yellow Sea 10 km away from the cost of Taean Province, Korea. As the coastline has been contaminated, local residents have been exposed to crude oil. Because the residents were showing many symptoms, we investigated the acute health effects of this oil spill on them. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of the heavy and moderately oil soaked area in Taean and the lightly oil soaked area in Seocheon. Ten seashore villages were selected from each area, and 10 male and female adults were selected from each village. We interviewed the subjects using a structured questionnaire on the characteristics of residents, the cleanup activities, the perception of oil hazard, depression and anxiety, and the physical symptoms. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression model was adjusted for age, gender, education, smoking, the perception of oil hazard and anxiousness. Results: The more highly contaminated the area, the more likely it was for residents to be engaged in cleanup activities and have a greater chance of exposure to oil. The indexes of anxiety and depression were higher in the heavy and moderately oil soaked areas. The increased risks of headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, tingling of limb, hot flushing, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, itchy skin, rash, and sore eyes were significant. Conclusions: The results suggest that exposure to crude oil is associated with various acute physical symptoms. Long-term investigation is required to monitor the residents' health.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.121-128
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• 2022

Purpose: Abdominal migraine (AM) is a very common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children. This study reports the clinical features and response of AM to prophylactic treatment in children. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2010 and December 2019 at the Royal Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman. This study included children aged ≤ 13 years with a diagnosis of AM based on the Rome IV criteria for functional diagnoses. Clinical, demographic, and treatment data were collected. Results: Seventy-four children were identified, of which 43 were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median age at the onset of symptoms was 7 years (range, 2-12 years). The most frequent symptoms were headache (81.4%), nausea (79.1%), and vomiting (72.1%). Of the total cohort, 46.5%, 23.3%, and 6.9% received riboflavin, pizotifen, and propranolol monotherapy, respectively. Combination therapy was also used; 16.3% of children received pizotifen and propranolol, 4.7% received riboflavin and pizotifen, and 2.3% received riboflavin and propranolol. Patients treated with propranolol monotherapy showed 100% clinical improvement and those treated with riboflavin or pizotifen monotherapy showed 90% clinical improvement. Response to combination therapy with pizotifen and propranolol was 71.4%, and with riboflavin and pizotifen was 100%. In addition, treatment response was significantly associated with the presence of vomiting (p=0.039). Conclusion: We found a favorable response to various modalities and combination treatments with riboflavin, pizotifen, and propranolol in children with AM. In addition, the presence of vomiting may predict treatment response.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2004

Objectives : This study was carried out to understand the prevalence and risk factors of green tobacco sickness (GTS) among Korean tobacco harvesters. Methods : The authors conducted a questionnaire among the tobacco harvesters (1,064 persons from 555 out of 723 tobacco harvesting households) in Cheongsong-gun for 4 days from May 7 to 10, 2002. Results : The study subjects were 550 males and 514 females. The recognition and experience of GTS up until 2001 were 96.4% and 61.9%, respectively. The prevalence of GTS in 2001 was 42.5%, and was significantly higher in females than in males (59.0% vs. 26.6%, p<0.01). The incidence density of GTS according to the number of workdays in 2001 was 12.3 spells/100 person..days. The GTS symptoms reported by the tobacco harvesters in 2001 were dizziness in 441 cases (97.6%), nausea in 414 (91.6%), headache in 349 (77.2%) and vomiting in 343 (75.9%). The use of gloves, hat and wristlets, sweating at work and the number of working hours significantly increased the prevalence of GTS (p<0.05). Multiple logistic re- gression analysis was used to determine the factors significantly associated with GTS. Odds ratios for smoking, working over 10 hours and sweating at work were 0.26 (95% CI:0.19-0.35), 1.64 (95% CI:1.26-2.14) and 1.60 (95% CI:1.14-2.25), respectively. Of those who reported GTS in 2001, 311 cases (68.8%) underwent treatment from their local medical facilities. Conclusions : In Korea, there are many tobacco-harvesting households, and most may be stricken with GTS. More extensive epidemiological studies, including the incidence and associated risk factors, are expected and a surveillance system including measurements of cotinine in urine should be conducted.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.666-677
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to identify the needs which were perceived by patients who were received spinal anesthesia for surgery. The subjects consisted of 50 adult patients who were admitted to 2 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals in Pusan city and 1 general hospital in Koje City for surgery under spinal anesthesia. Thirty eight percent of subjects received information about anesthesia before the operation. The instrument for this study was developed by the researcher based on literature and a pretest. Data were collected from December 10, 1999 to February 10, 2000 and were analyzed by content analysis. The results were that there were 533 meaningful statements in the needs of spinal anesthesia patients. The needs of spinal anesthesia patients had 51 items (preoperation (6), induction of anesthesia(5), intraoperation (27), postoperation(13)) and 6 categories (information, emotional welfare, physical welfare, post anesthetic management, control of physical environment, humane treatment). From the results, it can be concluded that: 1. In the pre-operation period, we have to explain anesthesia procedures, adequate position of anesthesia, duration before anesthesia wears off and sensation of paralysis. We have to supply emotional support to relieve anxiety because of anesthesia. 2. In induction of anesthesia, we have to support patient's position for anesthesia, and relieve anxiety so that patients participate in induction of anesthesia well. 3. In intra-operative period, we have to check the level of anesthesia, and keep up a comfortable position for operation and care for physical discomfort such as thirst, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea and to maintain body temperature of the patient. Since the patient is conscious, we have to communicate with the patient to relieve anxiety, maintain privacy, inform the patient of the process of the operation and encourage the surgeon to explain the outcome of the operation. The operating team needs the careful about what they say and to place the instrument well. We have to ventilate the room air and reduce noise. 4. In the post-operative period, we have to explain the purpose and duration of bed rest, complications of anesthesia and care for physical discomfort such as pain, dysuria, headache, backache. Also we have to maintain body temperature of the patient and maintain privacy.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2010.05b
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• pp.910-914
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• 2010

A collision between a barge and an oil tanker of Hebei Spirit caused the release of an estimated 12,547 tons of light crude oil into the Yellow Sea off the west coast of Taean-gun, Korea on December 7, 2007. This study was aimed to evaluate exposure conditions and acute health effects in soldiers participating in the Hebei Spirit oil spill cleanup activities and the association between these and the nature of the work and use of protection devices. The sample comprised 2,624 soldiers stratified by working area and number of working days. We divided working area into the coast of Taean-gun(highly polluted area) and other areas affected by Hebei Spirit oil spill. And we divided number of working days into 1-7 days, 8-14 days, 15-21 days and above 22 days. Data were obtained via a structured, self-administered questionnaire and included information on working area, type of working, number of working days, use of protective materials, and acute health effects. Acute health effects were classified into 5 groups: neurological, respiratory, dermatologic, ophthalmic and other symptoms. Data analysis was performed using unconditional logistic regression used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. On logistic regression analysis, working on the coast of Taean-gun was significantly associated with increased risk of acute health problems: headache, dizziness, nausea, general fatigue, insomnia, flushed face, sore throat, dry throat, runny nose, cough, sputum, skin irritation, sore eyes, injection of conjunctiva, tear, and low back pain. Furthermore soldiers working more than 21 days were significantly associated with increased risk of acute health problems: insomnia, flushed face, sore throat, runny nose, cough, sputum, tear, low back pain and fever. Accordingly, the exposure to the oil and the subsequent cleanup efforts were suggested to inflict acute health problems on soldiers participating in the Hebei Spirit oil spill cleanup activities.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.428-434
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• 2001

Few topics in operative and perioperative patient management generate more controversy than that of appropriate fluid and electrolyte therapy. especially, controversy has swirled around colloid vs crystalloid therapy and the composition of administered fluids, agreement among clinicians as to what fluid therapy is appropriate, and in what amount, is rare. This controversy likely will be enhanced by Arieff' s provocative article. He described 11 adults and 2 pediatric patients. All developed fatal postoperative pulmonary edema, seemingly caused solely by excessive postoperative fluid administration. From January 1999 to December 1999, we investigated 24 patients, which were operated by orthognathic surgery, about the intraoperative fluid therapy and the associated effect in orthognathic surgery, which is regarded as one of the major surgery of oral and maxillofacial surgery. First, They were devided into two groups, that is one-jaw surgery and two-jaw surgery, and each groups were devided by intraoperative fluid volume of 8ml/kg/hr. Subjective assesment was collected through use of a series of 3 questionnaries. In each questionnaire, a 5-point Liekert scale was used far assessment of following parameters of recovery from anesthesia: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea/vomiting, thirst. The patient completed questionnaire 1 at 4 hour after surgery, questionnaire 2 was completed at 24 hours after surgery, and questionnaire 3 was completed at 48 hours after surgery. This study demonstrated that appropriated perioperative rehydration decreases postoperative adverse outcomes and improved the patient's perception of the postoperative period.

• Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.173-197
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• 2009

1. The concept about Jeok-chwiui(積聚) has been around since before "Hwangje-Naegyeong". Since "Hwangje-Naegyeong(黃帝內經)", Sik-jeok(食積) was made mention of specifically. In "Yu-gyeong(類經)", it is said that Sik-jeok is a combination of our body fluid and blood by bad eating and sleeping habits. 2. In the narrow sense Sik-jeok is indigestion and broadly it is inappropriately stagnant fluids in our body. 3. If studying on Sik-jeok in Dong-ui-bo-gam 1) It is located on the right side, in the epigastric region and between the skin and fascia. 2) The cause of Sik-jeok is indigestion, inappropriate temperature and weak stomach. 3) Symptoms of Sik-jeok are very diverse such as sick ascension, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, etc. The right pulse is big and stressful. 4) Various symptoms related to digestive, respiratory, circulatory and reproductive system are represented by Sik-jeok. - Contemporarily women uterine or ovarian disease and back pain are mostly caused by Sik-jeok 5) Pediatric disease are mostly caused by Sik-jeok. 6) Treatment of Sik-jeok is light eating and if it is serious, you have to induce vomiting or diarrhea. Commonly used drugs are digestive medicine and invigorative medicine 7) To prevent Sik-jeok, you should forbid to eat until you are satisfied and wear warm clothes and continue to do spleen and genital do-in-beop.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.488-493
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• 2006

To make a objective diagnosis of Dam Hun(痰暈), we investigated the 63 patients with Dam Hun(痰暈) and 34 normal people as control group. we compared the thermal difference between Chon-jung(CV17 ) and Chung-wan(CV12 中脘), Chon-jung(CV17 ) and Gwan-won(CV4 關元) and we compared the thermal difference of Yang-mun(ST21 梁門), Chun_chu(ST25 天樞), Su-do(ST28 水道), too. All 63 patients had dizziness and GI trouble. They had the symptom - fatigue, nausea vomitting, head heaviness, indigestion, cold limbs, headache, heart burn, constipation, diarrhea, anorexia. And some had edema, numbness, insomnia, palpitation, facial flushing, dysuria, ringing. Considering the average temparature of Chon-jung(CV17 ), Chung-wan(CV12 中脘), Gwan-won(CV4 關元), Yang-mun(ST21 梁門), Chun-chu(ST25 天樞), Su-do(ST28 水道) between the patients group and the control group, the patients group were lower than the control group except for Chon-jung(CV17 ), Gwan-won(CV4 關元), but the statistical significance was not. Considering the thermal difference of Chon-jung(CV17 ) and Chung-wan(CV12 中脘), Gwan-won(CV4 關元), Yang-mun(ST21 梁門), Chun-chu(ST25 天樞), Su-do(ST28 氷道) between the patients group and the control group, the temparature deviation of Chon-jung(CV17 ) and Chung-wan(CV12 中脘), Chon-jung(CV17 ) and Yang-mun(ST21 梁門) was significant. We suggest that coldness of upper abdomen is significant in diagnosis of Dam Hun(痰暈).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.253-261
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• 2020

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate adverse outcome associated with acupotomy and compare it with that of acupuncture. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the chart records of 71 patients who received acupotomy at Daemyung Korean medical clinic from January 7, 2020 to March 6, 2020. We divided the acupotomy treatment area into 10, including the head, hand, chest, knees, shoulders, low back, neck, upper extremities, thighs, and feet. Furthermore, we investigated the adverse effect of acupotomy on those areas after treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and frequency analysis. Results : 'Bruise of specific region' accounted for the largest portion with 29 cases, followed by 24 cases of 'feeling tired and sleepy' and 17 cases of 'itch'. There were 16 cases of 'sustained pain' at the area of treatment, 11 cases of 'fatigue', 5 cases of 'swelling', 5 cases of 'dizziness', 4 cases of 'hematoma'. There were 3 cases of 'vertigo' and 2 cases of 'parathesia' and 'wide bruises', 'headache', 'gastric discomfort', 'bleeding', and 'skin rash' each. There was one case each that experienced 'unclear pronunciation', 'nausea', 'abnormal sweating', 'vomiting' and 'emotional/psychological reactions'. Conclusions : Adverse outcomes associated with acupotomy were mostly 'bruise of specific region', 'feeling tired and sleepy', 'itch', 'sustatained pain', and 'fatigue'. However, no adverse outcome or irreversible damage that have a serious effect on the body were observed.