EXCLUSIVE: NASA Medical Expert Weighs In On Medical Emergencies, Short And Long-Term Effects Of Staying In Orbit On Astronauts

With the recent return of the four-person crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) a month ahead of schedule due to an unnamed crew member becoming "ill" in Orbit for the first time in history, Dr. Ronak Shah, the Director of the Division of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Texas who also closely works with NASA, talked to us about the medical effects on being in space on astronauts.Annual Medical Evaluations, Minor IssuesDr. Shah told us that astronauts undergo annual medical examinations at the NASA Johnson Space Center Flight Medicine Clinic and another examination after mission assignment.The examinations include a "full physical exam, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, dental clearance, hearing assessments, immunizations, and psychological screening," he said, adding that NASA also conducted mission-specific exams and fitness tests.However, there could still be some reports of minor issues during the early stages of the mission for astronauts. "Early in a mission, many crew members experience space adaptation sickness (SAS)," Dr. Shah said, outlining symptoms like "headache, fatigue and back discomfort."He added that issues such as skin irritations and musculoskeletal pain could happen over a six-month mission, but "serious medical events in orbit are uncommon."Are Astronauts Prepared For Emergencies In Orbit?Speaking about the medical care that could be administered onboard the ISS, Dr. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com