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UER Forum > UE Main > Experience with respiratory issues (Viewed 5922 times)
Rot 


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Experience with respiratory issues
< on 7/26/2017 4:40 AM >
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What has your experience been with respiratory issues relating to urbex in the past? Has any location ever put you in the ER? Or ever caused some form of infection or minor problem?

If so, how was it? And did it ever make you more cautious?

One problem for me that I dread, is that I can still smell the location in the back of my airways hours after leaving the location (I actually enjoy the smell of urban decay, but it can get obnoxious after awhile)



[last edit 7/26/2017 4:44 AM by Rot - edited 1 times]

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DarkAngel 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 1 on 7/26/2017 10:13 AM >
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Posted by Rotting
What has your experience been with respiratory issues relating to urbex in the past? Has any location ever put you in the ER? Or ever caused some form of infection or minor problem?

If so, how was it? And did it ever make you more cautious?

One problem for me that I dread, is that I can still smell the location in the back of my airways hours after leaving the location (I actually enjoy the smell of urban decay, but it can get obnoxious after awhile)


People that already have respiratory or autoimmune issues should be super careful in places that could have a variety of molds. They are at a moderate to severe (depending on a lot of factors) increased risk for toxic or allergic reactions, but could also show up as pneumonia, pneumonitis which can be super bad, etc. Hell, we had one patient (I was ER admin) show up with fungal sinusitis, which is seriously bad juju. Dude, ew. Literally mold growing in their sinus cavities, until you have partially calcified mucins and polyps choking you to death. If you are really unlucky, you get the strains that put out mycotoxins, which can seriously fuck you up.

So protection is good. Might not need it all the time, but having it on hand can save your ass. Funny thing is, one of the medications I'm on is a derivative of a highly toxic mycotoxin. (Ergot Alkaloids) Medicine is a wonderful thing.

Personally, I haven't gotten any issues from it, but I am incredibly proactive on taking measures to stay healthy. Considering the amount of horrible stuff you can inhale in some places, if I have the slightest concern about it, I mask up. Asbestos, mold, etc can fuck you up in the right conditions. Not worth the risk IMO.

Knowing how to properly fit a respirator, what filters to use, etc, is important. It doesn't matter if you have the best setup in the world if you can't get a proper face seal. So understanding the how/why is vitally important. (I've done hazmat and biological contamination training for work)

So if I have any concerns about a location, I get my full face out unit out. Mind you, a P95-P100 filter is usually good, but not always. If you can't get a good seal, there is always a PAPR unit which works great but are bulky as hell.



[last edit 7/26/2017 10:16 AM by DarkAngel - edited 1 times]

DarkAngel 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 2 on 7/26/2017 10:18 AM >
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Point is, understanding the risks is important. Especially for people that are at higher risks than normal.

Yeah, it might seem silly to have to put on a mask because the air smells funny or something, but it's still a lot better than at least a week in the hospital after surgery.

Hell, I'll admit that fungal sinusitis scares the shit out of me. That's something that the extreme majority of folks don't ever fully recover from and are on meds and (likely) have several surgeries for it.



[last edit 7/26/2017 10:22 AM by DarkAngel - edited 1 times]

Steed 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 3 on 7/26/2017 11:02 AM >
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I know a guy who went on a trip to a resort island with lots of interesting abandonments, and right after the first one he had to be hospitalised. He had gone into an enclosed building and exposure to bird crap gave him a serious infection. Ruined the rest of his trip and now he only seems to do street photography.




Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 4 on 7/26/2017 12:39 PM >
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Posted by DarkAngel


People that already have respiratory or autoimmune issues should be super careful in places that could have a variety of molds. They are at a moderate to severe (depending on a lot of factors) increased risk for toxic or allergic reactions, but could also show up as pneumonia, pneumonitis which can be super bad, etc. Hell, we had one patient (I was ER admin) show up with fungal sinusitis, which is seriously bad juju. Dude, ew. Literally mold growing in their sinus cavities, until you have partially calcified mucins and polyps choking you to death. If you are really unlucky, you get the strains that put out mycotoxins, which can seriously fuck you up.

So protection is good. Might not need it all the time, but having it on hand can save your ass. Funny thing is, one of the medications I'm on is a derivative of a highly toxic mycotoxin. (Ergot Alkaloids) Medicine is a wonderful thing.

Personally, I haven't gotten any issues from it, but I am incredibly proactive on taking measures to stay healthy. Considering the amount of horrible stuff you can inhale in some places, if I have the slightest concern about it, I mask up. Asbestos, mold, etc can fuck you up in the right conditions. Not worth the risk IMO.

Knowing how to properly fit a respirator, what filters to use, etc, is important. It doesn't matter if you have the best setup in the world if you can't get a proper face seal. So understanding the how/why is vitally important. (I've done hazmat and biological contamination training for work)

So if I have any concerns about a location, I get my full face out unit out. Mind you, a P95-P100 filter is usually good, but not always. If you can't get a good seal, there is always a PAPR unit which works great but are bulky as hell.

A quick google search of fungal sinusitis and clicking photos is not really recommended, I wish I could unsee that...

To some extent this makes me want to wear more protection, because this is no joke. That's actually pretty cool on how you worked as a ER admin and have biological contamination training for work. Working in some form of the medical field always fascinated me, maybe I will get there one day


Hopefully I will be able to invest in a decent respirator soon. Never been the one to use one too much, but after some of the places I have been, and what I have breathed in, it's getting needed...

Some of the biggest risks are unseen




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Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 5 on 7/26/2017 12:42 PM >
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Posted by Steed
I know a guy who went on a trip to a resort island with lots of interesting abandonments, and right after the first one he had to be hospitalised. He had gone into an enclosed building and exposure to bird crap gave him a serious infection. Ruined the rest of his trip and now he only seems to do street photography.


I guess that's one way to learn

That's kinda sad actually, I hope he tries to get back out there and not let one bad experience ruin everything




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WarBird69 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 6 on 7/26/2017 12:51 PM >
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You should read this archived thread thoroughly.

http://www.uer.ca/...sp?threadid=104366




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Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 7 on 7/26/2017 4:25 PM >
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Posted by WarBird69
You should read this archived thread thoroughly.

http://www.uer.ca/...sp?threadid=104366


It's horrifying to think of all the dangers you can breath in while at a location

Thanks for sharing...I think everyone who if affiliated with this website should read this to some extent. You always think it's never gonna happen to you until it does




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Steed 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 8 on 7/26/2017 5:10 PM >
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Posted by Rotting


I guess that's one way to learn

That's kinda sad actually, I hope he tries to get back out there and not let one bad experience ruin everything


Meh, one of his street shots got recognised by NatGeo, and he is publishing a photo magazine with me as the UE contributor next week.




blackhawk 

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 9 on 7/26/2017 5:37 PM >
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Posted by Rotting


It's horrifying to think of all the dangers you can breath in while at a location

Thanks for sharing...I think everyone who if affiliated with this website should read this to some extent. You always think it's never gonna happen to you until it does


Meh, this maybe the wrong hobby if that really worries you.
Falls and structural collapses are your biggest dangers.
Instantly they can forever alter your life.
Rodent and pigeon infestations deserve vigilance due to dangerous infectious diseases.
Lastly ticks pose a very real threat if not mitigated properly.

Sometimes a funny smell is just that...
had a girlfriend... meh never mind.




Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 10 on 7/26/2017 11:23 PM >
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Posted by Steed


Meh, one of his street shots got recognised by NatGeo, and he is publishing a photo magazine with me as the UE contributor next week.


That's amazing, I'm happy for you two




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DarkAngel 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 11 on 7/27/2017 2:24 AM >
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Posted by Rotting

A quick google search of fungal sinusitis and clicking photos is not really recommended, I wish I could unsee that...

To some extent this makes me want to wear more protection, because this is no joke. That's actually pretty cool on how you worked as a ER admin and have biological contamination training for work. Working in some form of the medical field always fascinated me, maybe I will get there one day


Hopefully I will be able to invest in a decent respirator soon. Never been the one to use one too much, but after some of the places I have been, and what I have breathed in, it's getting needed...

Some of the biggest risks are unseen



Well, it was required as part of my job was patient ID. So even if they were contaminated or infectious, the docs couldn't work on them until they were ID'd. Where I worked had 3 negative pressure isolation rooms with airlocks and decon units, plus a hazmat/decon separate entrance and airlock with showers.

Only had to do it twice, even though it should have been three times. All I can say is thank god for the fuckton of vaccines I was required to get. Someone missed flagging a pod (putting hazmat signage outside the room) so I ended up in a enclosed space with a TB+ and infectious patient. That wasn't fun. Some days I miss the chaos and occasional hilarious stuff, then I remember that crap and getting reamed by my supervisor over it. (apparently I was supposed to know they were + without signage or looking at their medical records somehow or another.)

Personally if you want to go clinical, take phlebotomy classes. It'll get your foot in the door, and most big hospital companies will cover schooling after a year or two, so long as you sign on with them for X amount of time and it is a clinical license they need.

A good respirator isn't too horrible money wise. $200 with a couple sets of filters is pretty easy. That said, the super important part is making sure it is fit properly for you. Best place I can think of would be to call your OSHA office and see if they recommend any places where you live to do fitment testing. Pretty much they try a couple different mask sizes and hook the unit up to a vacuum pump. If air gets into the mask around the seal, it's a no go, and they try a different one. If it doesn't, you know what type fits. Facial hair is also a bastard for fitting btw.




DarkAngel 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 12 on 7/27/2017 2:29 AM >
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Posted by blackhawk


Meh, this maybe the wrong hobby if that really worries you.
Falls and structural collapses are your biggest dangers.
Instantly they can forever alter your life.
Rodent and pigeon infestations deserve vigilance due to dangerous infectious diseases.
Lastly ticks pose a very real threat if not mitigated properly.

Sometimes a funny smell is just that...
had a girlfriend... meh never mind.



Absolutely. I was just pointing it out since this is a respiratory thread. I'd venture the vast majority of dangers are from soft floors, sagging walls, etc. But it doesn't hurt to know that other shit out there can mess you up.

For example, you'll never see me anywhere where bats are found without a mask on. Most people just smell the ammonia from the guano and don't realize that histoplasmosis (pretty shitty respiratory infection)is caused by a fungus that lives in bat poop. Takes ~7-10 days to kick in, but coughing, fever, rashes, etc are common, but coughing up blood and other things are known to happen.

That said, medically I'm fucked already, so I just go overkill on safety. I'd rather look paranoid than get fucked up worse than I am now.




blackhawk 

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 13 on 7/27/2017 3:25 AM >
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Posted by DarkAngel



Absolutely. I was just pointing it out since this is a respiratory thread. I'd venture the vast majority of dangers are from soft floors, sagging walls, etc. But it doesn't hurt to know that other shit out there can mess you up.

For example, you'll never see me anywhere where bats are found without a mask on. Most people just smell the ammonia from the guano and don't realize that histoplasmosis (pretty shitty respiratory infection)is caused by a fungus that lives in bat poop. Takes ~7-10 days to kick in, but coughing, fever, rashes, etc are common, but coughing up blood and other things are known to happen.

That said, medically I'm fucked already, so I just go overkill on safety. I'd rather look paranoid than get fucked up worse than I am now.


Normally if it's bad enough that I need a respirator I don't go in or bug out.
In your case, it is wise to wear one.

I've had that fungal infection when I was 21 or so.
Was sick as dog for 5 weeks; it's a fuck even when you're young and healthy. If it goes systemic it can kill you even with treatment.
It's a little nightmare, worse than lyme, and trickier to treat. Sore throat, cough, mucus (thankfully no blood) swollen lymph nodes all over my upper body, fever, malaise, and weak as hell. After the 4 week mark and still no improvement I was getting nervous. My doctor was just about to admit me to the hospital; he called it right though.
Almost to the day at 5 weeks I woke up feeling much better... wasn't sure that would ever happen by that point, and death smiled a crooked grin.
My immune system finally kicked it with no treatment other than rest, lucky-lucky.

Playing in bird/bat/rodent shit with no mask* is a fast ticket to the hurt locker.
Always room for one more.

n00bies you have been warned...




*A simple 3M paper mask can provide enough protection against these biological agents for most people providing the air not saturated with them and you avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth until you thoroughly wash your hands. Wash clothes and gear.
Don't forget to clean your boots as well.
&
No open cuts on hands, but gloves are a better route.



[last edit 7/27/2017 3:33 AM by blackhawk - edited 1 times]

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bandi 

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 14 on 7/27/2017 10:37 PM >
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My lungs are absolutely fucked, and I'm sure this hobby has contributed in a big way. I started needed an inhaler about ten years ago (when I actually explored on a regular basis) for a chronic cough that only happened during winter, now the cough and wheezing/rattle is year round. I get pneumonia every winter, I have absolutely zero sense of smell, and get sinus infections monthly.

YAY!

Use a respirator, kiddies!




hi i like cars
Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 15 on 7/27/2017 10:53 PM >
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Posted by bandi
My lungs are absolutely fucked, and I'm sure this hobby has contributed in a big way. I started needed an inhaler about ten years ago (when I actually explored on a regular basis) for a chronic cough that only happened during winter, now the cough and wheezing/rattle is year round. I get pneumonia every winter, I have absolutely zero sense of smell, and get sinus infections monthly.

YAY!

Use a respirator, kiddies!



I don't know what to say

I'm sorry it got to this point, Did you use a respirator at all back in the day?




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blackhawk 

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 16 on 7/27/2017 11:00 PM >
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Posted by bandi
My lungs are absolutely fucked, and I'm sure this hobby has contributed in a big way. I started needed an inhaler about ten years ago (when I actually explored on a regular basis) for a chronic cough that only happened during winter, now the cough and wheezing/rattle is year round. I get pneumonia every winter, I have absolutely zero sense of smell, and get sinus infections monthly.

YAY!

Use a respirator, kiddies!


Sudafed. Avoid antibiotics whenever possible.
Garlic, lots of it.
You must bring the sinusitis under control.
If you haven't already, have it scoped.
Fungus balls are rare but real.
If required and applicable have the sinus drainage problems surgically corrected.
&
If you want to start witch hunting, look at where you live and work. Any mold is suspect.
It can be hidden behind walls that have water damage. Chronic exposure ie living in high concentrations of mycotoxins can destroy your health.

Any time you get a peppery burning sensation in the back of your throat suspect mold spores. Vacuum cleaners; make sure the filters are clean. Never be a room where someone is vacuuming especially in gyms and public places; within a day or two it can cause sinusitis.
No joke, been there, done that.




Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
DarkAngel 


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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 17 on 7/28/2017 1:12 AM >
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A wild someone similar thread appears:

http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=126459




Rot 


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Cya

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 18 on 7/28/2017 1:35 AM >
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Posted by DarkAngel
A wild someone similar thread appears:

http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=126459


A wild thread appeared!




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DarkAngel 


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His operating system is unstable.

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Re: Experience with respiratory issues
< Reply # 19 on 7/28/2017 1:51 AM >
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Posted by Rotting


A wild thread appeared!


Man, I shouldn't try to be funny when I get back from PT. I didn't even realize I meant to type one thing and did another lol

You got what I meant though.




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