How to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. That insidious carbon monoxide

Poisoning by combustion products - the main cause (80% of all cases) of deaths in fires. Over 60% of them are due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Let's try to understand and remember the knowledge of physics and chemistry.

What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, chemical formula CO) is a gaseous compound formed during combustion of any kind. What happens when this substance enters the body?

After entering the respiratory tract, carbon monoxide molecules immediately appear in the blood and bind to hemoglobin molecules. A completely new substance is formed - carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents the transport of oxygen. For this reason, oxygen deficiency develops very quickly.

The biggest danger- carbon monoxide is invisible and in no way noticeable, it has neither smell nor color, that is, the cause of the ailment is not obvious, it is not always possible to detect it immediately. Carbon monoxide cannot be felt in any way, which is why its second name is the silent killer. Feeling fatigue, loss of strength and dizziness, a person makes a fatal mistake - he decides to lie down. And, even if he then understands the reason and the need to go out into the air, as a rule, he is not able to do anything. Knowledge could save many symptoms of CO poisoning- knowing them, it is possible to suspect the cause of the ailment in time and take the necessary measures to save.

Symptoms and signs

The severity of the injury depends on several factors:

• the state of health and physiological characteristics of a person. Weakened, with chronic diseases, especially those accompanied by anemia, the elderly, pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the effects of CO;
• the duration of the effect of the CO compound on the body;
• the concentration of carbon monoxide in the inhaled air;
• physical activity during poisoning. The higher the activity, the faster the poisoning occurs.

Severity

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Light degree severity is characterized by the following symptoms:

• general weakness;
• headaches, mainly in the frontal and temporal regions;
• knocking in the temples;
• noise in ears;
• dizziness;

• blurred vision - flickering, dots before the eyes;
• unproductive, i.e. dry cough;
• rapid breathing;
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
• lacrimation;
• nausea;
• hyperemia (redness) of the skin and mucous membranes;
• tachycardia;
• increase in blood pressure.

Symptoms medium degree severity is the preservation of all the symptoms of the previous stage and their more severe form:

• blurred consciousness, possible loss of consciousness for a short time;
• vomit;
• hallucinations, both visual and auditory;
• violation of the vestibular apparatus, uncoordinated movements;
• pressing chest pains.

Severe degree poisoning is characterized by the following symptoms:

• paralysis;
• long-term loss of consciousness, coma;
• convulsions;
• pupil dilation;
• involuntary emptying of the bladder and intestines;
• increased heart rate up to 130 beats per minute, but at the same time it is weakly palpable;
• cyanosis (blue) of the skin and mucous membranes;
• breathing disorders - it becomes superficial and intermittent.

Atypical forms

There are two of them - fainting and euphoric.

Syncope symptoms:

• pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
• lowering blood pressure;
• loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of the euphoric form:

• psychomotor agitation;
• violation of mental functions: delirium, hallucinations, laughter, oddities in behavior;
• loss of consciousness;
• respiratory and heart failure.

First aid for the injured

It is very important to act promptly, as irreversible consequences occur very quickly.

First, it is necessary to take the victim to fresh air as soon as possible. In cases where this is difficult, then the victim should be put on a gas mask with a hopcalite cartridge as soon as possible, and given an oxygen cushion.

Secondly, it is necessary to facilitate breathing - to clear the airways, if necessary, unbutton the clothes, lay the victim on his side in order to prevent a possible sinking of the tongue.

Thirdly, stimulate breathing. Bring ammonia, rub the chest, warm the limbs.

And most importantly - you need to call an ambulance. Even if a person at first glance is in a satisfactory condition, it is necessary that he be examined by a doctor, since it is not always possible to determine the true degree of poisoning only by symptoms. In addition, timely initiated therapeutic measures will reduce the risk of complications and mortality from carbon monoxide poisoning.

If the victim is in a serious condition, it is necessary to carry out resuscitation measures before the arrival of doctors.

Sources of danger

In our time, cases of poisoning happen a little less often than in those days when residential heating was predominantly stove, but there are still enough sources of increased risk now.

Potential hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• houses with stove heating, fireplaces. Improper operation increases the risk of carbon monoxide penetration into the room, thus fading away in houses with entire families;
• baths, saunas, especially those that heat “on black”;
• garages;
• in industries using carbon monoxide;
• long stay near major roads;
• fire in a closed room (elevator, shaft, and other rooms that cannot be left without outside help).

Only numbers

• A mild degree of poisoning occurs already at a concentration of carbon monoxide of 0.08% - there is a headache, dizziness, suffocation, general weakness.
• An increase in CO concentration to 0.32% causes motor paralysis and fainting. Death occurs in about half an hour.
• At a CO concentration of 1.2% or more, a lightning-fast form of poisoning develops - in a couple of breaths a person receives a lethal dose, a lethal outcome occurs after a maximum of 3 minutes.
• Car exhaust contains 1.5 to 3% carbon monoxide. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get poisoned while the engine is running not only indoors, but also outdoors.
• About two and a half thousand people in Russia are annually hospitalized with varying degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) // Harmful substances in industry. Handbook for chemists, engineers and doctors / Ed. N. V. Lazareva and I. D. Gadaskina. - 7th ed. - L .: Chemistry, 1977. - T. 3. - S. 240-253. - 608 p.

Carbon monoxide concentration and symptoms of poisoning

Prevention measures

In order to minimize the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is enough to observe the following rules:

• operate stoves and fireplaces in accordance with the rules, regularly check the operation of the ventilation system and in a timely manner, and trust the laying of stoves and fireplaces only to professionals;
• do not stay near busy roads for a long time;
• always turn off the engine of the car in a closed garage. In order for the concentration of carbon monoxide to become lethal, only five minutes of engine operation is enough - remember this;
• when staying in the car for a long time, and even more so when sleeping in the car, always turn off the engine;
• make it a rule - if you experience symptoms that can be suspected of carbon monoxide poisoning, provide fresh air as soon as possible by opening the windows, or rather leave the room. Do not lie down if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak.

Remember - carbon monoxide is insidious, it acts quickly and imperceptibly, so life and health depend on the speed of the measures taken. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Gas poisoning is a very negative condition for a person. In the absence of qualified assistance, there is a high risk of death. Unfortunately, no one is immune from such a phenomenon. In view of what it is important to know what will help determine the poisoning, as well as which ones will save a person's life.

First, let's consider what a gaseous substance is. Gas is a state of aggregation of a component in which a high mobility of substances is observed. According to the composition, the mixture under consideration can be inactive or, conversely, highly active, and therefore explosive.

As a rule, methane gas is used in everyday life, due to its ability to burn. This hydrocarbon of natural origin does not pose a danger to humans. However, when it is burned, monoxide is released, which is characterized by increased toxicity. Accordingly, it can cause severe intoxication of the body.

Carbon monoxide, like methane, has no color and no smell. In view of which special substances are added to this gas if methane is planned to be used in everyday life. This allows you to warn a person about a leak when it occurs.

If methane is in the respiratory section along with oxygen, it is completely safe. But under limited circulation conditions, it is converted into an explosive mixture. As a result, with prolonged inhalation of the gas, its high concentration is reached, which provokes poisoning.

Characteristics of methane

Methane is transparent and odorless. In view of which, if this gas is planned to be used for domestic needs, an additive is added in a low concentration. Moreover, if a person has a weak sense of smell, even with the addition of gas, the gas is not felt.

Despite the fact that methane has a relatively low toxicity, it is very dangerous:

• a gaseous substance easily overcomes the blood-brain barrier and affects the brain;
• this substance can inhibit the functioning of the respiratory system;
• affects the central nervous system;
• contributes to oxygen deficiency.

Safe in the open air, the gas becomes a real bomb in closed rooms, because there it can easily accumulate and cause poisoning, which, if not promptly treated, leads to death.

Methane is dangerous because it is able to penetrate the so-called barrier separating the central nervous and circulatory systems, which allows it to affect the brain. In action, this gas can be compared with a weak opiate, which has the following effect:

• if a person constantly inhales a gaseous substance in a closed room, the respiratory system is depressed;
• impulses of the vagus trigeminal nerves are blocked;
• there is a failure of the normal operation of the vegetative NS;
• after entering the body, toxic components combine with hemoglobin, as a result of which carboxyhemoglobin of increased strength is formed, which blocks the transport of oxygen and thereby disrupts cellular respiration;
• biochemical processes are disturbed, which causes inhibition of psychomotor reactions;
• the cardiovascular system is affected;
• the central nervous system and respiratory department are blocked;
• a negative reaction is formed, which manifests itself on the skin and mucous membranes.

The danger of a gaseous compound is that if this component enters the human body and prompt assistance is not provided for poisoning, there is a high probability of death of a person.

How can you get poisoned

Many people are interested in how you can get poisoned by methane. Violation of the full functioning of the body can occur due to the ingress of toxic compounds when inhaling air containing methane. Symptoms of acute poisoning do not develop immediately and are practically invisible. Especially if in the process of poisoning a person was sleeping or was intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. In such conditions, a person has no reaction to stimuli.

As for the risk group, it includes the following situations:

• methane and carbon dioxide poisoning due to breakdown of gas-powered appliances. These include a valve, plate or cylinder;
• fire. A similar phenomenon occurs due to safety violations during the use of devices. Such situations include partial shutdown of the valve that regulates the gas supply, a long stay in a room in which there is no normal ventilation;
• deliberate organization of the leakage of a gaseous substance;
• staying for a long time in places with a large accumulation of working vehicles;
• regular inhalation of gaseous substances. Often this phenomenon is observed in mines;
• partial closing of dampers in furnaces;
• smoking from a hookah in the absence of the normal functioning of oxygen.

In addition, carbon dioxide poisoning can also be obtained in production, where the substance in question is used to perform the synthesis of organic elements.

Forms and signs of poisoning

It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of poisoning. At the moment, 4 types of intoxication are distinguished, taking into account the severity of the patient's condition. At the same time, the symptoms of the consequences are distinctive for each of the stages. Let's take a closer look at this point.

First degree: mild

In the mild stage, the following symptoms are observed:

• there are pain in the head;
• pain in the heart muscle;
• dizziness and drowsiness.

Sometimes a person is overcome by nausea.

Second stage: middle degree

At this stage, phenomena such as:

• inhibition of the normal functioning of the central nervous system;
• coordination of movements is broken;
• increased heart rate.

In addition, collapse may occur.

Third stage: severe form of poisoning

With the onset of a severe degree, the following symptoms will appear:

• dangerous damage to the heart and brain;
• swelling of the lung tissue;
• loss of consciousness.

In this state, the struggle for the life of the victim goes on for minutes.

Fourth stage: instant poisoning

Instant intoxication is considered the most dangerous condition. Unfortunately, this form is overwhelmingly fatal. The symptoms of instant poisoning are as follows:

• a few breaths provoke memory loss;
• asphyxia occurs;
• after 5 minutes, the work of the heart muscle completely stops.

Unfortunately, the prognosis for this type of intoxication is negative. Often, professional help arrives late and resuscitation manipulations do not give a positive effect.

Symptoms to look out for first

Knowing what the first harbingers of carbon monoxide poisoning are, it is easier for people to navigate the issue of providing assistance. As a rule, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the appearance of headaches. Discomfort is dull and aching in nature, while there is no point localization. Unfortunately, such a symptom is not always regarded as a symptom of poisoning. More often, people tend to attribute the pain that has arisen to another cause, for example, overwork or a common cold.

In addition to headaches, there are a number of specific signs that help identify poisoning. These include:

• pain in the chest, which is often confused with ischemia and osteochondrosis;
• the appearance of dizziness, loss of ability to control their actions and loss of orientation. A similar response of the body is expressed in the inability to walk and hold small objects in the hands;
• if the poisoning intensifies, there is confusion, expressed in the inability to answer simple questions;
• Nausea and severe vomiting can often be observed.

If you find one of the signs, you need to seek help. It is important to remember that with such a phenomenon, every minute is precious. Since when exposed to the body of gaseous toxic components, dangerous irreversible phenomena develop.

The death of the victim can occur not only at the instant stage of intoxication, but also at less mild degrees. Therefore, in order to prevent such a sad development, it is required to provide emergency assistance.

In case of methane poisoning, the first thing to do is to bring the poisoned person into the air, while simultaneously dialing the ambulance number. You should also urgently shut off the gas supply, open all shutters and doors for ventilation.

Then perform actions in the following sequence:

• the patient is laid on the ground and the upper part of the body is freed from clothing;
• do;
• ice is placed on the forehead area, previously wrapped in cloth;
• a roller is placed under the knee joint of the victim, so that the limbs are located above the body;
• a swab is moistened with ammonia and allowed to smell to a person;
• the chest area, legs and arms are rubbed with massage movements;
• when vomiting has opened, a person is laid on his side so that he does not choke on vomit;
• if rare and intermittent breaths are observed, artificial respiration must be repeated.

As soon as the emergency responder determines that the life of the victim is out of danger, the person should be well drunk and given any sorbent at hand.

Treatment of poisoning

Elimination of the consequences caused by gas is carried out with extreme care. In general, therapeutic treatment is divided into three stages:

• a thorough diagnosis of the patient's body is performed. If the examination showed that some organs need urgent help, the patient is placed in intensive care;
• at the second degree, a treatment protocol is established based on the obtained diagnostic data;
• the next stage of therapy is used to restore the functioning of organs and systems. The most useful will be physiotherapy procedures.

In general, the treatment protocol looks like this:

• first perform intubation;
• then enter anticonvulsant medicines;
• the complex is supplemented with glycosides, a large dose of sorbents and antihypoxants.

If the human body responds positively to the therapy, it is transferred to the hospital for further symptomatic treatment.

As a rule, the process of treatment and recovery of the consequences of gas poisoning takes a long time. And even at the end of therapy, preventive monitoring of the patient is required.

What drugs to take

To block the effects of intoxication caused by household gas, the doctor prescribes drugs that will help to quickly remove toxic substances. The treatment complex consists of the following medicinal forms:

• to block the spread of toxic substances throughout the body, the victim is given an antidote. Acizol is considered the most effective;
• the next stage is the connection of droppers with antihypoxants and medicines that normalize the functioning of the heart muscle;
• Ambu bag helps to provide oxygen or intubation is performed;
• if the patient is not breathing, he is urgently sent to the intensive care unit, where they carry out resuscitation manipulations aimed at stabilizing the condition.

As soon as it is possible to stabilize the patient's condition, an examination is performed to determine violations in the functioning of the organs. This allows you to proceed to the second stage of therapy. This is a medical complex that provides for the complete elimination of the consequences of gas poisoning and includes the appointment of the following drugs:

• to prevent the development of inflammation in the respiratory system, Pulmicort is prescribed;
• Levopod helps to block convulsions, as well as reduce muscle tone;
• to eliminate the pain syndrome, as well as to alleviate the condition of the victim, Novigan is prescribed;
• to strengthen the body's defenses and to destroy the formed carboxyhemoglobin, Carboxylase is indicated.

In addition, therapy is supplemented with sorbents, with the help of which it is possible to neutralize toxic substances and cleanse the body. Polysorb is considered the most effective medicine for these purposes.

What can be done

In case of gas poisoning, a person is given artificial respiration. But it should be remembered that this manipulation is performed through a wet tissue, which covers the patient's oral cavity. It is important to comply with this condition so that the assisting person does not get poisoned by the gaseous components in the lungs of the victim.

And one more important point: people who have been poisoned by methane products are strictly prohibited from injecting morphine and adrenaline.

Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning

• if there is a high concentration of the substance in question in the room, you can not use any electrical appliances or light a fire;
• if a person has received methane poisoning, it is forbidden to stay in the same room with him. It is better to get out into fresh air as soon as possible;
• if a person is unconscious, he needs to give ammonia.

The best prevention of poisoning by gaseous components is careful handling of household appliances and control of leakage.

Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning

Even the smallest concentration of toxic substances can cause irreparable damage to the body. Especially dangerous is the effect of methane on the brain. If you rely on statistics, over 40% of carbon monoxide victims eventually complain of memory loss and frequent headaches.

Negative consequences do not always appear immediately after poisoning. Sometimes, they begin to bother a person after a few weeks, or even months. These include:

• hearing loss;
• amnesia;
• swelling of the lung tissue;
• blindness;
• asthma.

Less commonly, psychiatric disorders may occur as a result of poisoning.

Methane poisoning is very dangerous. Therefore, even if there is a slight degree of intoxication, self-medication is not worth it. Such a negative state is fraught with a number of dangerous consequences that will definitely make themselves felt. That is why it is so important to seek help as soon as possible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning- This is a pathological process that has a severe form of intoxication syndrome. Without proper medical care, death can occur. An increased concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) blocks the delivery of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the whole body as a whole and especially the brain suffers. Unfortunately, brain hypoxia is irreversible.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is almost imperceptible when inhaled, does not have a pronounced unpleasant odor, color. In order to help a person with carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to know the symptoms, methods of first aid and treatment. After all, intoxication occurs quickly and has serious consequences: all organs of a person are affected, often this ends with his death.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning of people who accidentally happened to be nearby will be able to restore life to those in trouble, and save them from serious consequences. Such intoxication is classified by ICD-10 code T58 and requires the introduction of an antidote.

What happens in carbon monoxide poisoning?

After entering the blood, carbon monoxide blocks hemoglobin, forming a complex with it - carboxyhemoglobin, which is deprived of the ability to carry oxygen to tissues. This leads to oxygen starvation of every cell of the human body, but first of all, under such conditions, the brain suffers from hypoxia. In addition, carbon monoxide is actively involved in various oxidative reactions, which also negatively affects tissues and organs.

The severity of the clinical picture of carbon monoxide intoxication directly depends on how much a dangerous substance a person inhaled, how much carboxyhemoglobin was formed in his blood, and, accordingly, how much hemoglobin cannot perform its function. So, the first symptoms of poisoning appear if 10-20% of hemoglobin is blocked, but if 50% or more, the person simply falls into a coma and dies with untimely first aid.

When does carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that fills the air space during combustion processes and interacts intensively with hemoglobin, preventing the penetration of oxygen into body tissues, which stimulates the occurrence of hypoxia. When CO enters the human body, it begins to take part in oxidation reactions, thereby changing the biochemical balance.

The big danger with carbon monoxide poisoning is that it is almost impossible to recognize them: the effect of carbon monoxide is practically not felt. Therefore, the only way to protect your health from carbon monoxide poisoning is to understand when such a threat occurs, and then prevent these incidents.

Precedents when first aid is urgently required for carbon monoxide poisoning happen in ordinary life:

• Close proximity to highways, closed parking spaces. Vehicle exhaust contains approximately 1-3% carbon monoxide, and 0.1% CO in the air is sufficient to produce severe carbon monoxide poisoning.
• When working in a garage with closed doors for a long time, for example, when the vehicle engine is warming up for a long time.
• In case of poor ventilation of heating columns or if such equipment is located in cramped rooms, i.e. in those conditions when the level of oxygen content decreases, therefore, the content of carbon monoxide increases after the combustion of oxygen and the likelihood of poisoning increases.
• In case of violation of the rules for the use of stove installations in bath rooms, country cottages with stove heating systems. If a person closes the stove damper before the set time, then there is a high probability of becoming a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• In case of fire.
• When working in hazardous industries.

What is the danger of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a product of combustion of various substances, it is very toxic and poisonous. When inhaled, it spreads rapidly and enters the bloodstream. If a little more than 1% of this gas accumulates in the air, a person will not live even 5 minutes. It happens that people "burn out" due to improper use of stove heating.

The disease under the ICD-10 code T58 is a mortal danger for the following reasons:

1. Its presence in the room is imperceptible; when inhaled, it is not felt.
2. It is able to seep through thick layers of any substances - through the ground, wooden partitions and doors.
3. Not retained by porous gas mask filters.

How does gas enter the body?

The main reason for the rapid death of the victim from CO2 is due to the fact that the gas completely blocks the flow of O2 to the cells of vital organs. At the same time, red blood cells (erythrocytes) die. Hypoxia sets in.

The first lack of air experience the cells of the brain and nervous system. There is a severe headache, vomiting, loss of balance. Toxic gas penetrates the protein of skeletal muscles and heart muscle. The rhythm of contractions gets off, the blood flows unevenly, the person begins to suffocate. The heart beats very weakly and often. Movements are hindered.

Symptoms of the cause of poisoning and treatment

The first signs of intoxication appear the sooner, the higher the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and the longer a person inhales poisoned air. Based on these conditions, the degree of intoxication is determined.

At 1.2 degrees of poisoning, the following symptoms appear:

• the whole head hurts, with pockets of unbearable pain in the temples and frontal part;
• noise in ears;
• loss of coordination and balance;
• vomit;
• blurred vision, blurred vision;
• lethargy of consciousness;
• temporary weakening of hearing and vision;
• short faint.

Severe carbon monoxide damage will be accompanied by obvious painful symptoms:

• the person is unconscious;
• convulsions;
• coma;
• uncontrolled urination.

Heart rhythms with mild poisoning become more frequent, aching pains appear in the region of the heart. With the third degree of damage, the pulse reaches 140 beats per minute, but very weak. Often, a real threat of myocardial infarction follows later.

In the process of carbon monoxide poisoning, the respiratory organs are affected first. If the dose of intoxication is insignificant, then shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing is observed. In severe cases, the respiratory function is severely impaired, a person inhales air intermittently and in small portions.

Changes in the skin and mucous membranes with CO2 intoxication are not noticeable. Sometimes the face and upper body turns red. With significant poisoning, the skin turns pale, the mucous membranes lose their normal appearance. The blood supply of the epidermis, as well as the whole body, is disturbed.

The condition of a person who has been poisoned by fumes is different depending on the time of his stay in the room, poisoned by a toxic substance, and its amount in the air. There are light, medium, severe harm to health, pathological or chronic poisoning. At the initial stage, a person may feel nauseating urges, weakness in the muscles, decreased hearing sensitivity, trembling in the body, pulsations in the head, before fainting.

Remember that professional medical assistance must be called at the first sign of feeling unwell. Do not wait until the person loses consciousness. With an average degree of poisoning, weakness of the body, a sharp decrease in physical and mental activity, intolerance to harsh light, sound or smells, memory lapses, tremors in the body, or impaired muscle coordination can be observed.

With prolonged or concentrated exposure, a serious condition of the patient is observed. Its signs are a coma, accompanied by loss of consciousness, involuntary bowel movements, convulsions, a significant increase in body temperature, problems with breathing and pulse. If a person is not brought to his senses in a short period of time, death may occur due to paralysis of the respiratory system.

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

The following causes of carbon monoxide poisoning can be distinguished:

• being in a closed garage where workers carry out work with a running car;
• inhalation of car exhaust gases when near busy highways;
• improper use of home stoves, boilers: if you close the damper early, then there is a high probability of getting burned from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• in case of fires in apartments and houses;
• in chemical industries.

The considered causes of intoxication are the most common. As you can see, carbon monoxide poisoning very often occurs due to our carelessness.

In medical practice, cases of atypical manifestations of CO2 poisoning are known:

• a sharp decrease in blood pressure, anemia of the upper layers of the skin, fainting;
• a state of euphoria - the patient behaves animatedly, excitedly, inadequately reacts to real events. Then the activity abruptly disappears, there is a loss of consciousness, which leads to cardiac arrest and cessation of breathing.

What are the consequences of gas poisoning?

The most unpleasant consequence of carbon monoxide poisoning is the appearance of neuropsychic symptoms after a latent period of poisoning, which can last from 1 to 6 weeks. In 10-30% of people after severe carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms occur in the form of memory impairment, personality changes, euphoria, lack of self-criticism and the ability to abstract thinking, inability to nitrate. Carbon monoxide poisoning in pregnant women poses a serious threat to the life and neuropsychic development of the child.

After CO poisoning, inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract often appear, and in severe cases, even pulmonary edema and pulmonary hemorrhage. In acute poisoning, toxic acute liver failure, skin-trophic disorders, renal failure, myoglobinuria, which occurs for no apparent reason, can occur. Sensory disturbances, especially hearing and vision, are possible.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning depend on the amount of carbon monoxide released into the air and the general health of the person. There are a number of symptoms of the general group characteristic of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• pain in the head, tapping in the temporal region;
• urge to nausea;
• decreased alertness;
• decline in concentration;
• craving for sleep;
• red rashes on the skin;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• tearing;
• cutting pains in the eyes;
• pulse failures;
• sensation of pain in the chest;
• dyspnea,
• the appearance of a cough;
• dryness in the throat;
• high blood pressure;
• possible hallucinations.

With a mild degree of carbon monoxide intoxication, the baby may experience the following symptoms: headache in the forehead and temples, "pulsation in the temples", tinnitus, dizziness, vomiting, muscle weakness. There may be an increase in heart rate and respiration, as well as fainting. The earliest symptom is a violation of color perception and a decrease in the speed of reactions.

With moderate intoxication, loss of consciousness occurs for several hours or large memory lapses. The child may experience trembling, impaired coordination of movements. A severe form of intoxication is characterized by a protracted coma, stiffness of the muscles of the limbs, brain damage, clonic and tonic convulsions, intermittent breathing, temperature 39-40 ° C. This is a very dangerous condition, as death is possible from respiratory paralysis.

In severe intoxication, visual impairment, skin and hair damage, changes in the respiratory and circulatory system, and blood changes can occur.

How to help with carbon monoxide poisoning in a child?

First you need to take the sick baby in a supine position to fresh air. Then immediately call an ambulance! Experts will be able to accurately determine the degree of intoxication. If doctors recommended home treatment, then the main “medicine” for the child will be complete rest. Spend at home warming the limbs of the baby (heaters, warm mustard plasters to the legs will help).

After intoxication, procedures for prolonged inhalation of oxygen are also good. More often carry out airing of the room and wet cleaning. Aromatherapy sessions are also good. With severe carbon monoxide intoxication, the child needs urgent hyperbaric special oxygen therapy.

How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?

It must be remembered that carbon monoxide is present everywhere in the environment and is a "silent killer", has neither smell nor color, i.e. cannot be detected. Smoking is also a source of carbon monoxide. What can not be done in everyday life to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?

1. Stay in the bathroom for a long time with the gas water heater turned on, if it is there, for example, fill the bath with water while in it, read, smoke, fall asleep in the bath.
2. Allow the use of hot water in the kitchen if someone is in the bathroom, and a common column is also placed in the bathroom.
3. Heat the apartment with a gas stove (oven or all burners included).
4. Boil, fry and bake with the simultaneous operation of all 4-5 burners of the gas stove.
5. Heat the room with a stove that has slots.
6. Close the oven damper while the combustion process is still in progress.
7. Melt the oven overnight (without control).
8. Repairing a car in a garage with the engine running and windows and doors closed.
9. Smoking while lying in bed (you can fall asleep without extinguishing the cigarette, which will cause a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning).
10. Take a bath, do laundry, cook while intoxicated (boiling water, burning food, carbon monoxide poisoning).
11. Get distracted by other things while cooking.
12. To engage independently (without involving professional help) in the repair of gas and ventilation devices.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning? Action algorithm:

• In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the victim must first of all call for emergency assistance, no matter what state the person is in. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may not appear immediately, and the lost time will seriously affect the patient's condition. Only a medical professional can reliably assess his state of health. How deeply the poisons have penetrated into the blood, no one can say. Providing first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning and the correct actions of others will reduce the possibility of serious consequences. Time cannot be missed.
• Helping the patient before the arrival of doctors is to isolate him from a burning building with a high concentration of CO2. Immediately it is necessary to close the source of distribution of poisonous gas, open windows, doors, transport a person outside the room with fumes. If possible, try to increase the supply of oxygen to the patient's lungs. You can use an oxygen bag, an oxygen concentrator, a special gas mask.
• These actions are possible if the devices are nearby. Usually, they don't exist. You need to know how to provide first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning. The victim should be laid on his side horizontally, slightly raising his head. Then it is necessary to relax the upper clothing that restricts the breath, the buttons on the collar and chest, remove heavy, dense things from it.
• It is necessary to bring the patient to his senses as soon as possible. Then the blood rushes intensely to the brain. For this procedure, you need to use ammonia, which should be in any car first-aid kit. Cotton wool soaked in it should be brought to the nostrils. To improve blood flow, mustard plasters can be placed on the chest and back. This cannot be done on the projection of the heart. If the person has regained consciousness, he should be given hot sweet tea or coffee to increase blood pressure.
• In case of cardiac arrest, before the doctor arrives, you can try to “start the engine” with a manual massage. They do it like this - put the palms on the heart area and make quick strong pressure on the sternum (30 times). Before and after 2 times artificial respiration is done mouth-to-mouth. If a person is conscious, he breathes on his own, he must be covered with a warm blanket and ensure peace. Body temperature should be controlled. In this position, the victim must wait for the arrival of the doctor. He diagnoses according to the ICD-10 code T58.

First aid

The doctor, providing medical assistance on the spot, must immediately introduce an antidote to the patient. If a person feels normal, then hospitalization is not required. The victim is advised to see a doctor the next day to rule out the possibility of complications.

Definitely, the following categories of those poisoned with CO2 should go to the hospital for treatment after PMP:

1. Women in an "interesting" position.
2. People who are registered with a cardiologist or have experienced loss of consciousness.
3. Victims who have noticeable symptoms - hallucinations, delusions, disorientation.
4. If the body temperature is below normal.

Often poisoning ends in the death of the victim. But people nearby can help to avoid this.

To undergo full rehabilitation, the victim must be under the supervision of a doctor on sick leave for some time according to the ICD-10 T58 code.

In order not to be poisoned by carbon monoxide, helping in case of fire, it is necessary to protect the respiratory tract with a mask made of wet fabric, and not to be in the smoke for a long time.

Treatment after carbon monoxide poisoning according to the ICD-10 T58 code is to remove the effects of damage by toxic toxins. This is the cleansing of organs and the restoration of their functions.

The main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

All types of appliances that operate on the basis of combustible fuel emit carbon monoxide during operation. And if these mechanisms are out of order or damaged, health problems cannot be avoided.

The main danger is:

• A car if left running indoors. The gas emitted by it will gradually fill the entire space.
• Various household heating appliances if installed or used incorrectly.
• Buildings where the chimney does not work properly, carbon monoxide does not pass through the mine and stagnates in residential premises.
• Household fires. Frequent cases of poisoning with fumes if a person was in close proximity to the source of ignition.
• Grill on charcoal. In gazebos and enclosed spaces where the device is installed, harmful gas accumulates. Therefore, it is imperative to provide the grill with a good ventilation system.
• Scuba gear and other breathing apparatus. Care must be taken to ensure that they have a quality supply of fresh air. Read more:

In addition, proper ventilation should be ensured in new houses or apartments. Household carbon monoxide accumulates over time, and if its natural outflow does not occur, it will harm the body.

Folk remedies to eliminate gas poisoning

Recipes of folk remedies:

1. Cranberry-lingonberry infusion. Required: 150 grams of dried cranberries and 200 grams of cranberries. The ingredients are thoroughly rubbed. After they need to pour 350 milliliters of boiling water. The broth should be infused for 2-3 hours, then it must be filtered. The remedy is used 5-6 times a day, 2 tablespoons.
2. Knotweed infusion. Helps to remove harmful toxins from the body as soon as possible. Preparation: 3 tablespoons of chopped dry herbs pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist 3 hours, strain. Take 1 glass 3 times a day.
3. Alcoholic infusion of Rhodiola rosea extract. Tincture can be bought at any pharmacy kiosk. Recommended dosage: Dissolve 7-12 drops of the extract in a glass of water. Drink twice a day for half a glass. You can drink the infusion with clean water, sweetened with a small amount of honey.
4. Dandelion Root Infusion. This plant has an excellent antitoxic effect. Pour 10 grams of dry crushed raw materials with 250 milliliters of boiling water. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Then let the broth brew for another 40 minutes. Strain, dilute with 100 milliliters of warm boiled water. Drink 3-4 times a day, 1 tablespoon.

Accidents can happen to anyone. They cannot always be prevented, so it is useful for everyone to know what to do if such a situation occurs with a loved one or a stranger.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common and dangerous accident..

Carbon monoxide is a combustion product that pollutes the air. When it enters the lungs, it causes great harm to the human body. Code according to the international classification of diseases ICD-10: T58 - toxic effect of carbon monoxide.

Poisoning with this product is life-threatening, because the substance itself is imperceptible. By the time the first symptoms appear, the organs are already suffering.

When such an unpleasant situation arises as carbon monoxide poisoning, home treatment can be used, but only after examination by health workers and agreement with the doctor.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs instantly. If you do not immediately provide emergency care correctly, a person dies after 3 minutes at a gas concentration in the air of 1.2%.

The body is affected instantly, as the substance is colorless and odorless. Even a gas mask cannot protect against harmful effects.

As a result of severe damage by exhaust gases, erythrocytes are the first to suffer. They cannot carry oxygen to tissues and organs, which leads to severe hypoxia. The rapid reaction of the nervous system to this condition malfunctions - these are the first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Then the muscles of the heart and skeleton are affected. Therefore, the victim cannot move, and the heart does not pump blood well. Necessary actions in case of carbon monoxide poisoning should be carried out immediately. Otherwise, the consequences may become irreversible.

The most common causes of poisoning with this substance:

1. Carrying out car repairs in a room that is not ventilated. This provokes damage to the lungs by exhaust gases.
2. Operation of faulty heaters, poisoning with household gases.
3. The outbreak of a fire in an enclosed space.
4. Lack of good extraction.

Symptoms of pathology

The characteristic signs of poisoning must be known in order to provide emergency assistance in time and correctly.

Symptoms of a mild degree of poisoning appear quite quickly as follows:

Obvious signs of an average degree of intoxication:

• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• feeling tired;
• noise in ears;
• muscle paralysis.

Symptoms of acute poisoning:

• loss of consciousness;
• uncontrolled urination and defecation;
• respiratory failure;
• convulsions;
• cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
• dilated pupils, poor reaction to light sources;
• coma state.

Untimely assistance can lead to death. In case of mild to moderate poisoning, irreversible consequences of intoxication may remain:

• frequent dizziness;
• acute headache;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• stop in development;
• memory loss;
• decrease in intellectual abilities.

In acute poisoning, the following disorders often occur:

• deterioration of blood circulation in the brain;
• polyneuritis;
• swelling of the brain;
• deterioration of hearing and vision or their complete loss;
• toxic pulmonary edema, which turns into severe pneumonia.

People most at risk:

1. Those who abuse alcohol.
2. Smoking tobacco products indoors.
3. Asthma sufferers.
4. Suffering from nervous and physical stress.
5. Pregnant women and children.

To save the victim and minimize negative consequences, you should know how first aid is provided for carbon monoxide poisoning before the ambulance arrives.

Action algorithm:

There is a special remedy - Acizol, which must be taken in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. Such a drug is available from the ambulance team and is administered by injection intramuscularly.

It is quite effective against acute carbon monoxide poisoning in lethal doses. The faster Acizol is administered, the more likely the victim is to survive and the effectiveness of subsequent treatment procedures.

Carbon monoxide poisoning. How to neutralize the "silent killer"

Treatment of the consequences of poisoning with fumes can be carried out at home after the victim has received qualified help from specialists and permission is at home. To do this, you need to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Treatment with folk methods is as effective as medication and is able to restore health in a short time. But it should be used under the supervision of doctors and after their approval.

Natural products are popular because of their safety and environmental friendliness. But each ingredient from traditional medicine recipes has certain properties that can ambiguously affect the human body.

Therefore, for safety reasons, it is better to get the approval of a doctor. The most effective means:

The consequences of pathology are very severe and difficult to eliminate. Even after effective treatment, a certain time it is necessary to observe the victim.

To avoid an unpleasant and dangerous situation, you must follow some preventive measures:

It is important to be vigilant and understand that carbon monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening condition. Greater risk of death and irreversible complications.

Everything can be solved in time and correctly provided first aid and adequate treatment under the supervision of doctors, even at home. You don't have to compromise on your safety.

After all, failure to comply with elementary safety rules leads to death or serious consequences for life.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most common poisoning in everyday life, it is very dangerous and often leads to serious consequences and even death.

CO (carbon monoxide) is a product of incomplete combustion of organic substances. It is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas, does not irritate the skin and mucous membranes, therefore it is not organoleptically determined in the air. The source of this poison can be any flame, running internal combustion engines, unregulated stove heating, damage to gas pipelines in apartments and other premises.

More often acute carbon monoxide poisoning is obtained in garages, apartments, fires, industrial accidents. In such cases, the concentration of CO can reach significant levels. So, in the exhaust gases of cars, it can exceed 3-6%.

Carbon monoxide has a high toxicity, which is determined by its concentration in the air. So, when a person is in a room where its concentration reaches 0.1% for 1 hour, he develops acute poisoning of moderate severity; severe - at a concentration of 0.3% for 30 minutes, and fatal - when a person inhales air with 0.4% CO for 30 minutes or 0.5% for only 1 minute.

Formation of carboxyhemoglobin

The danger to humans and animals occurs when carbon monoxide is inhaled into the body and is determined to a large extent by the affinity of CO with iron-containing compounds: hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome enzymes that form reverse complexes. In particular, CO, interacting with hemoglobin, converts it into a state of carboxyhemoglobin (sleep). It is able to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Moreover, in the presence of dormouse, the dissociation of oxyhemoglobin into O2 and hemoglobin decreases. This makes it difficult to transport oxygen to tissues and negatively affects the activity of organs and systems of the body, primarily the brain and heart.

In persons who breathe air containing 0.1% CO, the level of sleepiness in the blood can reach 50%. Such a high level of this compound is facilitated by a significant affinity (affinity) of CO with hemoglobin, which is 220 times higher than the affinity of O2. The dissociation of carboxyhemoglobin is 3600 times slower than that of oxyhemoglobin. Its stability in the body creates the basis for the development of hemic and tissue hypoxia.

The antagonist of carbon monoxide in the body is oxygen. At an air pressure of 1 atm., TCO from the body is about 320 minutes, with inhalation of 100% oxygen - 80 minutes, and in a pressure chamber (2-3 atm.) - decreases to 20 minutes.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. A person does not even understand that he is in mortal danger.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• drowsiness,
• vision and hearing problems
• headache,
• dizziness,
• dyspnea,
• noise in ears,
• nausea,
• indifference to danger
• loss of consciousness,
• convulsions.

Symptoms of poisoning

Manifestations of carbon monoxide intoxication are determined not only by its content in the air, but also by the duration of action and the intensity of breathing. Inhalation of CO at a concentration of 0.05% for 60 minutes leads to a mild headache. At the same time, the concentration of sleepyheads in the blood does not exceed 20%. Longer exposure or more intense inhalation can increase dormice levels by up to 40-50%. Clinically, this is manifested by significant headache, confusion, bright red coloration of the skin and mucous membranes. At a concentration of CO in the air of 0.1%, loss of consciousness occurs, breathing is weakened. Death is possible if the duration of action of the gas exceeds 1 hour. At the same time, the level of sleepiness can reach 60-90%. At a sleepiness level of less than 15%, there are no signs of acute poisoning.
The severity of acute carbon monoxide poisoning increases with overwork, blood loss, hypovitaminosis, if the victims have concomitant diseases, especially the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, at high air temperature, a decrease in the O2 content and an increase in CO2 in it.

The leading clinical signs of acute carbon monoxide poisoning are hypoxia and the appearance of symptoms in the following sequence:

• a) psychomotor disorders;
• b) headache and feeling of pressure in the temporal region;
• c) confusion and decreased visual acuity;
• d) tachycardia, tachypnea, loss of consciousness, coma;
• e) deep coma, convulsions, shock and respiratory arrest.

Degrees of acute intoxication

There are 4 degrees of severity of acute carbon monoxide poisoning CO: mild, moderate, severe and fulminant.

mild poisoning

Mild CO poisoning occurs when the level of dormice in plasma reaches 20-30%. There is a headache, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness and squeezing in the head, pulsation in the temples, tinnitus, drowsiness and lethargy. Possible euphoria with visual and auditory hallucinations, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Often develops tachycardia, moderate hypertension, shortness of breath. Moderately dilated pupils react to light.

Moderate poisoning

Manifestations of acute poisoning of moderate severity occur when the level of sleepiness increases to 50%. Clinically, this is manifested by drowsiness, severe dizziness and headache, increasing weakness, impaired coordination of movements, and vomiting. Characteristic short-term loss of consciousness and memory, the appearance of convulsions, tonic contraction of the masticatory muscles (trismus). As with mild poisoning, the skin and mucous membranes remain bright red, the heartbeat and shortness of breath increase, and sometimes a coma develops.

severe poisoning

When the content of dormice in the blood exceeds 50%, the condition of the victims deteriorates sharply (severe degree of intoxication). In patients, consciousness may not be restored. There are such manifestations of CNS damage as hallucinations, delirium, clonic-tonic convulsions, paresis and paralysis, decerebral rigidity, hyperthermia, meningitis symptoms, and from the circulatory system - severe tachycardia, arrhythmias, angina pectoris, tachypnea. Breathing becomes pathological, like Cheyne-Stokes.
Urination and defecation are involuntary.

Depending on the circumstances, the clinical picture of acute intoxication may be supplemented by other manifestations. So, on fires, a burn of the upper respiratory tract, acute respiratory failure of the aspiration-obstructive type, sudden death (fulminant degree of poisoning) can develop. Victims instantly lose consciousness. Their breathing stops, and after 3-5 minutes their heart stops.

In addition, acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the toxicogenic phase can be complicated by pulmonary edema, myocardial infarction, and in the somatogenic phase - polyneuritis, pneumonia, impaired skin trophism, and acute kidney failure.

At the pre-medical stage, the diagnosis of acute CO intoxication is based on the results of clinical manifestations, anamnesis data, and an analysis of the circumstances at the scene. 5 ml of blood (with 1-2 drops of heparin) is transferred to the laboratory for analysis. Patients are evacuated to a hospital, preferably with a pressure chamber.

What to do about carbon monoxide poisoning

When we see a person in an unconscious state, first of all we need to assess what happened to him. In order to understand, one should study the environment of the victim.

If an unconscious person assumes that he has been poisoned by carbon monoxide, it is possible if:
1. The victim is in the garage with the car engine running.
2. The victim is at the stove.

A person poisoned by carbon monoxide will have difficulty breathing as long as he is conscious.

What to do?
First of all, don't panic.
When moving the victim, you must always remember about your own safety. Therefore, try not to breathe the air exhaled by the victim and the air in the room where there is a gas leak.
First step: fresh air
If a person has lost consciousness, he must be taken out to fresh air. If this is not possible, provide fresh air on site (switch off car, open garage door, window).

Second step: assessment of the victim's respiratory function
In case of unconsciousness, after providing fresh air, he should be given artificial respiration. In case of abnormality, immediately call an ambulance and then proceed with chest massage (30 compressions and 2 breaths).

Third step: waiting for help
If it was possible to restore proper breathing, we place the victim in a safe position and look forward to the arrival of medical help. While waiting, you can not leave the patient, you need to constantly check his condition. In addition, the patient should be covered - protected from hypothermia.

Emergency aid for intoxication

Emergency care is to immediately stop further penetration of carbon monoxide into the body of the victim and provide him with calmness, warmth and a high level of ventilation. To do this, you should immediately take it out of the contaminated room, provide access to clean air or oxygen. Bring a cotton swab moistened with ammonia to the nose, rub the chest, put heating pads on the legs, mustard plasters on the chest and back, give the victim hot tea or coffee to drink.

When breathing stops, it is necessary to resort to artificial ventilation of the lungs in the hyperventilation mode, the introduction of respiratory stimulants (lobelin hydrochloride 1 ml of 1% solution, cytiton 1 ml). The use of carbogen and methylene blue is contraindicated. It is also necessary to stop convulsions with anticonvulsants.

Pharmacological correction of cardiac disorders and prevention of threatening disorders of heart rhythm and conduction in acute carbon monoxide poisoning is carried out using unithiol 5-10 ml 5% solution, sodium thiosulfate 30-60 ml 30% solution, cytochrome C 25-50 mg vitamin E 1 ml 30% oil solution subcutaneously. It is advisable to infuse 5-10% glucose with insulin, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, glucocorticoids, for example, intravenously 90-120 mg of prednisolone hemisuccinate.

In the presence of hyperthermia, intravenous analgin injections of 2 ml of a 50% solution and craniocerebral hypothermia are indicated. With the appearance of an injection of mezaton 0.5-1 ml of a 1% solution, ephedrine hydrochloride 1 ml of a 5% solution. The stages of providing medical care to a victim of carbon monoxide are presented in the table.

Stages of medical care for victims of carbon monoxide poisoning(according to P. Kondratenko, 2001)

Therapeutic measures	Actions of the medical staff	Medications and manipulations
1	2	3
First aid and first aid	Remove victim to fresh air	In case of cardiac arrest - indirect heart massage and mechanical ventilation: mouth-to-nose or mouth-to-mouth breathing
First aid	Delivery of the victim to the intensive care unit	Cordiamin or caffeine, or mezaton (1 ml of a 1% solution intramuscularly). Ascorbic acid - 20-30 mg in 20-50 ml of 40% glucose solution intravenously; 500 ml of 5% glucose with 50 ml of 2% novocaine and 20-30 ml of 5% ascorbic acid intravenously. Analgin or Reopirin - intramuscularly, as well as glucocorticoids. In case of cardiac arrest - chest compressions and mechanical ventilation: mouth-to-nose or mouth-to-mouth breathing
Qualified medical care		Ventilation with machines in hyperventilation mode, using 100% oxygen supply. Cytochrome C - 15-60 mg / day. Antihypoxants (sodium hydroxybutyrate), tranquilizers or antipsychotics, antihistamines intravenously. Symptomatic therapy. Glucocorticoids.

The most effective treatment for acute carbon monoxide intoxication is oxybarotherapy (at a pressure of 2.5 atmospheres for 30-90 minutes), since inhalation of O2 under pressure sharply accelerates the release of CO from the serum, contributes to the disappearance of hemocirculatory disorders, improves respiration and heart activity.

Chronic carbon monoxide toxicity

With chronic exposure to CO, poisoning is most common in the professional environment.

Main clinical manifestations

• cerebrasthenia,
• diencephaly,
• polyneuritis,
• angina attacks,
• thyrotoxicosis,
• impotence,
• pernicious anemia,
• polycythemia,
• splenomegaly and others. After severe poisoning, there are consequences - deterioration of memory and intelligence.

Treatment

Collecting the history that caused acute poisoning, stopping contact with CO, symptomatic treatment, cerebroprotective treatment with glucose-insulin infusions, B vitamins, enzyme preparations, physiotherapy, rehabilitation - physical and mental.