NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have just returned from a nine-month space mission. When they return, they may face some health challenges.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after an incredible 286 days in space. As they return to Earth’s gravity, there is a lot of talk about the health challenges they may face while recalibrating. In space, Sunita experienced loss of bone density and muscle mass due to lack of gravity. But it’s not just about what happened there. Earth’s gravity poses its own unique challenge. After months of being in a completely different environment than Earth, factors such as microgravity, small quarter confinement, separation, radiation exposure, and other factors can all affect health. Know the general health issues that Sunita Williams may face.
10 Health Issues Sunita Williams May Face
Some of the most common health issues that Sunita Williams may face on the planet include:
1. Cardiovascular problems
Microgravity in the universe can have a negative impact on the heart by reducing workload. This will shrink and weaken the heart. “It is common to see astronauts struggling with hypotension and low blood circulation, which can lead to more dizziness, fatigue and hypotension levels,” says Dr. Anup Katri, PhD, orthopedic Surgery. For this reason, Sunita Williams may need to pay the utmost attention to her physical well-being, especially her cardiovascular system.
2. Loss of weak muscles and bones
Without gravity, muscles and bones become weaker over time. Despite the strict training routine, astronauts can experience significant losses in bone density. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that astronauts can reduce 10% of their bone mass by 10% after just six months in space. This is 10 times the loss seen in postmenopausal women. Sunita Williams may find it difficult to walk or perform daily tasks until your body regains strength. Long-term bone loss can increase the risk of fractures.
3. lower back pain
Astronauts often suffer from lower back pain due to spinal changes caused by lower back muscles loss and weightlessness. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research revealed that 77% of astronauts reported pain during the mission, and 47% experienced acute pain after returning. Sunita Williams could face continuous back pain, even chronic issues, after a nine-month mission.
4. Weak immunity
Space travel can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of infection, allergies and skin rashes. Research published in NPJ Microgravity suggests that astronauts may be facing changes in autoimmune and are more susceptible to these conditions upon return. Autoimmunity is a condition in which the body’s immune system accidentally attacks its own healthy tissue.
5. Baby’s feet
In space, there may be less excess pressure on an astronaut’s feet. This may make walking uncomfortable and Sunita Williams find it difficult to walk first due to the effects of this “baby foot.”
6. Balance and adjustment issues
It is very common for astronauts to balance and maintain adjustments. “After astronauts return to Earth, they feel confused, unstable, or dizzy,” suggests Dr. Katri. Sunita Williams can struggle with adjustments, making it difficult to make even the slightest movement. In this case, she may need rehabilitation exercises to regain her strength.
7. Swelling of the face and crowded nose
Astronauts return with swelling and nasal traffic jams in their face due to liquid shifts that occur in space. Sunita Williams may experience these symptoms as her body adapts to gravity again.
8. Sleep problems
Astronauts often disrupt their sleep patterns during missions due to the lack of normal nighttime cycles in space. Research published in Military Medical Research suggests that this problem persists after returning to Earth and can affect circadian rhythms and sleep quality.
9. Cognitive decline
Isolation and confinement in space travel can be a blow to mental health. “A prolonged mission can impair cognitive functions such as decision-making, reaction times, and emotional stability. Sunita William may experience cognitive challenges such as depression and anxiety due to the stress of long-term spaceflight and limited stress of social interaction,” explains Dr. Khatri.
10. Cancer risk
Long-term exposure to cosmic radiation can increase your risk of developing cancer. Life research highlights that this radiation exposure can also lead to central nervous system problems, tissue damage, and radiation diseases, poses a serious health risk for astronauts like Sunita Williams.
