PROCEDURES TO PREVENT COMPLICATIONS OF LONG-TERM LYING DOWN

Mnogobrojni su štetni učinci dugog mirovanja. Dugotrajno ležanje može uzrokovati komplikacije kod bolesnika te one mogu postati čak i veći problem od same primarne bolesti i usporiti ili spriječiti oporavak od iste. Pod komplikacije dugotrajnog ležanja ubrajaju se: dekubitus, respiratorne komplikacije, duboka venska tromboza, kontrakture zglobova i atrofije mišića. Kao posljedica dugotrajnog pritiska na kožu dolazi do nastanka dekubitusa, odnosno oštećenja kože i mekog tkiva. Respiratorne komplikacije pojavljuju se vrlo učestalo kod osoba koje su vezane za krevet duži vremenski period, tako da se dugotrajna vezanost za krevet smatra rizikom od plućnih infekcija. Duboka venska tromboza obilježena je pojavom ugruška, odnosno tromba u dubokim venama nogu te je tada značajno povećan rizik od pojave plućne embolije, odnosno venske tromboembolije. Uslijed fizičke neaktivnosti i mehaničkog rasterećenja dolazi do gubitka mišićne mase i snage, tj. do mišićne atrofije. S vremenom se pokretljivost zglobova smanjuje, što posljedično dovodi do kontraktura. Sve navedene komplikacije dugotrajnog ležanja mogu se predvidjeti i spriječiti. Postupak prevencije za svakoga je individualan. Najvažnije je kretanje bolesnika, a ukoliko to nije moguće provodi se promjena položaja, provođenje vježbi te održavanje higijene.There are many harmful effects of long rest. Prolonged lying down may cause complications for the patient, so they can become an even bigger problem than the primary disease itself, they can slow down or even prevent recovery. Complications of prolonged lying include decubitus, respiratory complications, deep vein thrombosis, joint contractures and muscle atrophy. Decubitus, damage to the skin and soft tissue, occurs as a result of longterm pressure on the skin. Respiratory complications occur very often in people who are in bed for a long period of time, so long-term bed rest is considered as a risk of lung infections. Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by the appearance of a clot, or thrombus in the deep veins of the legs, so the risk of pulmonary embolism, or venous thromboembolism, is significantly increased. As a result of physical inactivity and mechanical stress, there is a loss of muscle mass and strength, i.e. muscle atrophy. Over the period of time, the mobility of the joints decreases, which, consequently, leads to contractures. All the complications of longterm lying down listed above can be predicted and prevented. The prevention process differs between patients. Walking is the most important one. If that is not possible, patient should change his/her lying position, perform simple exercises and maintain hygiene