New Delhi: In a tragic incident, over 100 people, including children and women reportedly died in a stampede during a religious event or ‘satsang’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district on Tuesday. The incident took place when a local religious preacher was addressing his followers at a specially laid tent in Phulari village near Mandi of Shikandrarau. According to reports, over 10,000 people gathered for the event.
Accoridng to reports, the death toll is not yet confirmed and is expected to rise. The major reason behind the stampede at the Hathras ‘Satsang’ is said to be ‘suffocation’, which led to discomfort among the people who gathered for the occasion, confirmed the PRO at ADG Agra Zone office in Agra in a report. As per reports, the event took place in a closed tent and the area was suffocating which led to discomfort in people who started running here and there which led to a stampede. The tragic incident shows how dangerous a closed environment be for your body.
What happens when a closed environment leads to a claustrophobic situation, can people die of it? Explaining how dangerous a closed environment be when a crowd of 10,000 people gather without proper ventilation, Dr Nasiruddin G, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore told News9, “Closed environment can trigger claustrophobia, an anxiety disorder causing intense fear of confined spaces. The body reacts as if in danger, releasing adrenaline. This leads to a fight-or-flight response, with symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. While not directly life-threatening, it can feel like you’re suffocating.”
In a closed environment, a claustrophobic situation can indeed have serious consequences, potentially leading to life-threatening outcomes. Claustrophobia, the fear of confined spaces, can trigger a range of physiological and psychological reactions that can, in extreme cases, result in death.
How does the human body react in such a situation?
“The human body and mind are designed to operate in open, well-ventilated spaces. When a person is confined in a small, enclosed area, they may experience a range of symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and a sense of panic. These reactions are the result of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by the perception of danger or threat,” said Dr Aklesh Tandekar, Head consultant critical care, at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.
In a severe claustrophobic episode, the body’s stress response can become so intense that it can lead to a range of dangerous physiological effects. For instance, rapid breathing and increased heart rate can cause the body to lose oxygen, leading to hypoxia, a condition in which the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Prolonged hypoxia can result in organ damage, brain damage, and even death.
Does your heart stop working, or do the lungs start collapsing?
While the likelihood of death from a claustrophobic situation is relatively low, it is important to recognise the potential risks and take appropriate measures to prevent such outcomes. This may include providing access to open spaces, improving ventilation, and offering support and strategies for managing claustrophobic symptoms.
According to Dr Nasiruddin, “Claustrophobia doesn’t cause heart failure or lung collapse. However, rapid breathing (hyperventilation) can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness. The primary effects are from anxiety, not organ failure.”
A medical emergency needs immediate attention
In some cases, the person may even become so overwhelmed that they may engage in dangerous behaviours, such as trying to escape the confined space by any means necessary, even if it puts their life at risk. It can also cause avoidance behaviour, reduce their quality of life, impact social and occupational activities and affect physical health. “If you experience claustrophobia, focus on calming yourself. Try slow, deep breathing exercises. If possible, find a way to create a sense of more space, like sitting down or opening a window. If severe, seek help from a companion or call for assistance,” added Dr Nasiruddin.
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In a tragic incident over 100 people died in a stampede in ‘Satsang’ event held in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district. The major reason behind the stampede is said to be ‘suffocation’, which led to discomfort among the people who gathered for the occasion, As per reports, the event took place in a closed tent and the area was suffocating which led to discomfort in people who started running here and there which led to a stampede. The tragic incident shows how dangerous a closed environment be for your body. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
