Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. The effect of carbon monoxide on the human body

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) is a product of incomplete combustion of any organic matter. Carbon monoxide cannot be detected without special instruments. The main part of carbon monoxide is formed as a result of human activities: the work of vehicles, industrial enterprises. Carbon monoxide poisoning is more often acute in nature, but chronic intoxication is also possible. This type of intoxication is the leader among acute poisonings in Russia.

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning poses a threat not only to health, but also to human life. Untimely provision of first aid often leads to the saddest outcome. Pregnant women, children with bronchial asthma, people who abuse alcohol and smoke are most susceptible to poisoning.

Where and how can you get carbon monoxide poisoning

The most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home are:

• Vehicle emissions. Especially often, tragedies happen in winter, when the car engine warms up for a long time in a closed or poorly ventilated garage.
• Incorrect operation of the furnace equipment (early closing of the furnace damper), faulty chimneys.
• Fires, being in a smoky room.

Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs in production (motor transport enterprises, work with gas equipment, etc.).

The mechanism of the harmful effects of carbon monoxide on the human body

The pathogenesis of carbon monoxide intoxication is due to the fact that its molecules bind to blood hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin. This process prevents the normal binding and transfer of oxygen through the bloodstream to organs and tissues.

As a result, the body experiences general hypoxia. Acute oxygen deficiency develops, primarily cerebral. Carbon monoxide molecules also react with myoglobin, resulting in muscle weakness and severe heart failure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are largely determined by the concentration that a person is exposed to and the duration of that exposure. So, when the content of carbon monoxide in the inhaled air is 0.08%, a headache, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and suffocation are observed. At concentrations up to 0.32%, convulsions, paralysis are observed, and a coma occurs. If medical care is not provided, death occurs within half an hour. If the concentration of carbon monoxide in the inhaled air reaches 1%, the person loses consciousness after 2-3 breaths, death occurs within 3 minutes.

For mild poisoning, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• difficulty breathing, chest pain;
• tachycardia;
• nausea, vomiting;
• confusion, hallucinations.

Severe forms of poisoning are characterized by the onset of coma, convulsions, impaired respiratory function, dilated pupils, cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes. Developing heart failure and respiratory arrest is the cause of death in carbon monoxide intoxication.

First aid

Timely provided first aid helps to save the life of the victim, reduce the risk of complications. First of all, it is necessary to stop the effect of carbon monoxide on the victim, ensure the supply of fresh air (take the person out into the street, open the windows and doors in the room), lay the victim on his side. In case of loss of consciousness, give a breath with a cotton swab moistened with ammonia. To improve blood circulation, rub the chest and back. In case of violation of cardiac activity (respiratory arrest), conduct an indirect heart massage.

As an antidote, oxygen is used (using an oxygen mask), acyzol. It is advisable to carry out these activities before the arrival of an ambulance. An accurate diagnosis is established by a blood test.

Treatment and prevention

In the treatment of carbon monoxide intoxication, infusion treatment, anticonvulsants, and heart medications are used. In medical institutions, hyperbaric oxygenation is used, based on the use of oxygen under high pressure in special pressure chambers. The course of treatment is long-term, which is associated with damage to the whole organism.

The consequences of acute carbon monoxide poisoning are quite serious, even in the case of a favorable outcome for the victim. As a rule, the following pathologies develop:

• coma;
• myocardial infarction;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• violation of cerebral hemodynamics;
• swelling of the brain;
• strokes;
• impaired vision, hearing, speech;
• pulmonary edema;
• pneumonia.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should follow safety precautions at work, equip garages with ventilation, and observe safety measures when operating furnace and gas equipment.

Carbon monoxide does not smell and is not visible to the eye. It is produced when carbonaceous substances are burned. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often fatal. There are cases of mass deaths of people, which happens during explosions. Carbon monoxide impairs the flow of oxygen to tissues and organs. If the concentration of a hazardous substance increases, irreversible changes and death occur.

ICD code 10

According to the international classification of diseases (ICD 10), with the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the body, the code T58 is assigned.

Causes

Carbon monoxide is more easily integrated into the respiratory protein, displacing oxygen. It is not immediately possible to detect the effects of carbon monoxide on the body. Intoxication develops when the concentration of toxic carboxyhemoglobin is more than 10%. Of great importance is the time spent in gas conditions. When a person breathes smoke for a long time, brain tissue begins to starve.

The pathogenesis of the disease considers not only the manifestations of the influence of carbon monoxide, but also the causes of poisoning. Thus, a large proportion of people are poisoned in the garage with the car running, erroneous operation of the stove, breakdown of heating and exhaust systems, gas water heaters, etc.

You can get poisoned in the car if carbon monoxide accumulates in the back. The danger of intoxication lies in the fact that the ugly person does not immediately understand that he has been exposed to toxic effects. The mechanism of intoxication implies the development of tissue hypoxia. The pathological condition in which shortness of breath and migraine pain appear is called second-degree poisoning. Interruptions in the work of the brain and CCC accompany chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. In a severe form of poisoning, when the CO content reaches 0.3% or more, the person loses consciousness and dies.

The toxic component provokes conditions that occur with other forms of intoxication: weakness, apathy. If the victims inhaled carbon monoxide in a sauna, steam room or bath, they may confuse such manifestations with the relaxing effects of heat. The likelihood of CO intoxication is higher at high air temperatures, and people with heart disease, who are more susceptible to poisoning, are also at risk.

Often, poisoning occurs in an apartment due to a fire that has ignited during a fire. The fire spreads rapidly, the amount of carbon monoxide increases dramatically. In this case, a significant number of people are exposed to poisoning: apartment residents, neighbors.

Symptoms

In the case of prolonged exposure to gas, nerve structures are destroyed, tissue hypoxia, convulsions, and confusion may develop. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in the face are determined by the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. So, early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

decrease in concentration;

dizziness, disorientation, tinnitus, or nausea;

irritability and anxiety;

heaviness in the chest;

pulse more than 90 beats per minute;

paroxysmal headache, pounding in the temples;

decreased visual acuity, blurry vision.

With the syncope form of intoxication, there are pallor of the skin, a drop in blood pressure, nausea, and heart rhythm disturbance. Signs of intense carbon monoxide poisoning are loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.

In the case of long-term exposure to carbon monoxide, the symptoms increase. Manifestations of intoxication have their own characteristic features. First, there is euphoria and agitation. Then the clinical picture of developing carbon monoxide poisoning is aggravated by loss of orientation, memory lapses. Due to neurological disorders, dysmotility may occur. With moderate intoxication, the level of CO in the body reaches 40-50%, collapse is possible.

Symptoms in a baby who has inhaled carbon monoxide develop faster - it is enough for children to stay in a gassed room for 3-5 minutes to get hypoxia of brain tissues. The child is delirious, the skin has a bright color, reminiscent of cadaveric spots in color.

First aid

How to effectively provide first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning? The victim is taken out of the room into the air. In the case of a quick response, it will be possible to bring the poisoned person to his senses at the scene of the incident and avoid possible complications of intoxication. It is impossible to evacuate the victims without a protective suit, in extreme cases, they hold their breath and carry people out. Immediately call an ambulance.

In case of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, the victim is unbuttoned the collar, cuffs, and provides air flow to the tissues. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary, first of all, to get away from the source of intoxication. The next course of action is:

• bring the victim to consciousness with the help of ammonia;
• drink caffeinated drinks: tea, coffee;
• rub the limbs to stimulate blood circulation;
• give alkaline drink to neutralize CO;
• apply a heating pad to the extremities.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning in case of suffocation requires mouth-to-mouth breathing. First of all, the head is slightly thrown back, the jaw is pushed forward, the nose is pinched by hand. Make two artificial entrances without violent action, but with sufficient intensity. In the absence of cardiac activity, first aid involves an indirect heart massage and artificial respiration. If these measures fail, repeat cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the unconscious state of the poisoned person, it is necessary to lay it on its side.

Providing first aid for clinical carbon monoxide poisoning requires a lot of effort. It is difficult for a beginner to master the PMP algorithm without preparation, therefore, emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning is trusted by professionals, especially during pregnancy and in childhood. First aid rules require the participation of a physician in resuscitation.

What to do with a burnt out after carbon monoxide poisoning? At home, as an aid to the victim, the following can be done: give more to drink, take 1 tsp. activated charcoal every hour, diluting the tablets in oatmeal broth.

Treatment

A comprehensive examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. Determine the gas composition of blood and acid-base balance, evaluate the level of hemoglobin. Treatment and rehabilitation after carbon monoxide poisoning are determined by the intensity of toxic effects.

Often, in severe carbon monoxide poisoning, an antidote is used - pure oxygen. It can hardly be called an antidote, but it is the only substance that the body needs in case of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. After resuscitation, an oxygen mask is connected. In the hospital, complex treatment is carried out, eliminating the consequences of hypoxia.

Based on the degree of poisoning, carbon monoxide detoxification is chosen. Intensive therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the introduction of the drug "Azizol" and glucose solution, taking absorbent tablets. In acute poisoning, oxygen inhalation is prescribed, mucous membranes are moistened, and ephedrine solution is administered in case of hypotension.

Ascorbic acid is especially useful for patients. At the recovery stage, a healthy diet with a high content of antioxidants is prescribed. Vitamins B1 and B6 are prescribed intravenously. For pain attacks that occur due to burns, analgin is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Such methods of treatment as hemodialysis, lymphatic drainage are called upon to reanimate oppressed cells.

Complications and consequences

The inevitable outcome of poisoning in the absence of medical care is respiratory arrest and death. If help for poisoning was provided late, a coma develops. Complicating factors also lead to death: the presence of heart and vascular diseases, previous heart attacks, strokes, brain pathologies. A lethal outcome turns into intoxication caused by a huge release of carbon monoxide into the air during explosions and fires.

The negative consequences of long-term carbon monoxide poisoning include interruptions in the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, headaches, and ophthalmic disorders. Hypoxia has a detrimental effect on brain activity and gives complications such as amnesia, neuritis, cognitive decline. Delayed effects of prolonged carbon monoxide poisoning are pneumonia, myocarditis.

Prevention

To prevent poisoning, do not forget about prevention. Mandatory precautions include checking gas equipment and ventilation systems in the building. Motorists should remember that after entering the garage, the engine is turned off. Repair work with the engine running is not performed.

Dear readers of the 1MedHelp website, if you have any questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your feedback, comments, share stories of how you survived such a poisoning and successfully coped with the consequences! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.

Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (chemical formula CO) is an extremely toxic, colorless gas. It is an obligatory product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances: it is determined in car exhaust gases, cigarette smoke, in smoke from fires, etc. Carbon monoxide has no smell, therefore it is impossible to detect its presence and evaluate the concentration in the inhaled air without instruments.

Source: depositphotos.com

Getting into the blood, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen from the connection with the respiratory protein hemoglobin and inhibits the functioning of active centers responsible for the formation of new hemoglobin, thereby causing acute oxygen starvation of tissues. In addition, carbon monoxide disrupts the flow of oxidative processes in the body.

Carbon monoxide, which has a high affinity for the respiratory protein, attaches to it much more actively than oxygen. For example, if the concentration of CO in the inhaled air is only 0.1% of the total volume (the ratio of carbon monoxide and oxygen is 1:200, respectively), hemoglobin will bind equal amounts of both gases, i.e. half of the respiratory protein circulating in the systemic circulation will be occupied by carbon monoxide gas.

The breakdown of a carboxyhemoglobin molecule (hemoglobin-carbon monoxide) occurs approximately 10,000 times slower than an oxyhemoglobin molecule (hemoglobin-oxygen), which causes the danger and severity of poisoning.

The exhaust gases of a car contain a maximum of 13.5% carbon monoxide, an average of 6-6.5%. So, a low-power motor of 20 liters. from. produces up to 28 liters of CO2 per minute, creating a lethal concentration of gas in the air in a closed room (garage, repair box) for 5 minutes.

The characteristic symptoms of poisoning appear after 2-6 hours of inhalation of air containing 0.22-0.23 mg of carbon monoxide per 1 liter; severe poisoning with loss of consciousness and death can develop in 20-30 minutes at a concentration of carbon monoxide of 3.4-5.7 mg / l and after 1-3 minutes at a poison concentration of 14 mg / l.

Carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs in the following cases:

• improper operation or malfunction of furnace equipment, gas heaters;
• stay in an unventilated enclosed space with the car engine running;
• fire;
• smoldering electrical wiring, household appliances, interior parts and furniture;
• violation of safety regulations when working in a chemical industry where carbon monoxide is used.

The probability of poisoning is directly proportional to the concentration of carbon monoxide in the inhaled air and the time of its exposure to the body.

Symptoms of poisoning

The nervous system is most sensitive to changes in the level of oxygen in the blood. The degree of damage can vary from mild reversible to generalized, entailing temporary or permanent disability, and in especially severe cases, death of the victim.

In addition to the nervous system, the respiratory (tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia) and cardiovascular (dystrophy and necrotization of the myocardium, degenerative changes in the walls of blood vessels) systems are most often involved in the pathological process.

Depending on the concentration of CO in the air and, accordingly, carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, several degrees of carbon monoxide poisoning are distinguished.

Symptoms of mild poisoning (the content of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood does not exceed 30%):

• consciousness is preserved;
• constricting, pressing headache, reminiscent of tightening with a hoop;
• dizziness, noise, ringing in the ears;
• lacrimation, copious nasal discharge;
• nausea, vomiting;
• slight transient visual disturbances are possible;
• difficulty breathing;
• sore throat, dry cough.

Poisoning of moderate severity (develops at a concentration of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood from 30 to 40%):

• short-term loss or other disturbances of consciousness (stunning, soporous state or coma);
• difficulty breathing, intense shortness of breath;
• persistent dilated pupils, anisocoria (pupils of different sizes);
• hallucinations, delusions;
• tonic or clonic convulsions;
• tachycardia, pressing pain behind the sternum;
• hyperemia of the skin and visible mucous membranes;
• discoordination;
• visual impairment (decrease in sharpness, flickering flies);
• hearing loss.

In severe poisoning (carboxyhemoglobin concentration 40-50%):

• coma of varying depth and duration (up to several days);
• tonic or clonic convulsions, paralysis, paresis;
• involuntary urination and / or defecation;
• weak thready pulse;
• superficial intermittent breathing;
• cyanosis of the skin and visible mucous membranes.

In addition to the classic manifestations of carbon monoxide poisoning, atypical symptoms may develop in one of the following forms:

• fainting - characterized by a sharp decrease in blood pressure (up to 70/50 mm Hg and below) and loss of consciousness;
• euphoric - a sharp psychomotor agitation, a decrease in criticism, a violation of orientation in time and space, hallucinations and delusions are possible;
• fulminant - develops when the concentration of CO in the inhaled air is 1.2% or more, the content of carboxyhemoglobin in the systemic circulation in this case exceeds 75%. The death of the victim occurs rapidly, in 2-3 minutes.

One of the strongest poisons that people encounter at home or at work is carbon monoxide (CO). This gaseous substance is heavier than air, transparent, colorless, odorless, is formed in almost all types of combustion and is therefore called carbon monoxide. Its insidiousness also lies in the fact that it easily penetrates through filtering materials and other obstacles: walls, windows, soil, and such protective equipment as filtering respirators do not save from damage.

The presence of CO in the air can only be determined using special instruments. It is also felt if people begin to rapidly develop the characteristic symptoms of intoxication.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an acute pathological condition that occurs due to the ingestion of CO in a certain concentration in the human body. In the common people, it can be called burning out, and carbon monoxide itself can be called lighting. Its toxic effect on the body is so dangerous that without the provision of qualified assistance, serious consequences, including death, can occur.

CO poisoning is the most common type of intoxication obtained by inhalation. At the same time, the number of cases that ended in death is quite large - 18%. They are in second place after deaths caused by alcohol overdose.

Main sources of CO emission

Carbon monoxide or lighting gas poisoning, with significant health effects, can occur near the following sources:

• stove heating, fireplaces or sauna stoves in case of improper operation;
• a garage with poor ventilation when there is a car with a running engine in it;
• high concentration of exhaust gases in urban air;
• malfunction of household equipment operating on propane;
• filling with low-quality respiratory mixture of breathing apparatus;
• prolonged burning of kerosene in a small, poorly ventilated room;
• fires;
• gasified premises operating gas equipment;
• possible accidents at the enterprises of the metallurgical and chemical industries or large-scale explosions at military ammunition depots.

Why and why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

The strength of carbon monoxide on the human body and the severity of poisoning will depend on several reasons:

1. Actual concentration of carbon monoxide.
2. The duration of the damaging effect.
3. Ambient temperature.
4. The state of health and the immune system, including the presence of anemia, chronic or acute pathologies of the pulmonary and / or cardiovascular system.
5. The level of physical exhaustion of the body immediately at the time of CO action - the more physical activity was before the “contact”, the more severe the consequences will be.

Men are less resistant to CO2 than women. In addition, the category particularly sensitive to the effects of carbon monoxide includes:

1. Heavy smokers and alcoholics - compared to others, they can hardly tolerate even mild poisoning.
2. Pregnant and lactating women.
3. Children and teenagers.

Intoxication and its consequences for the future newborn are especially difficult. The fetus suffers from tissue hypoxia more pronounced and longer than the expectant mother herself.

The accumulation of carbon monoxide in the house, in the air of the work area or in a fire, equal to 14.08 mg / l, causes vomiting, loss of consciousness and death in just 1-3 minutes.

The smallest concentration of carbon dioxide at which the first disturbances occur in the body (the light and color sensitivity of the eyes begins to fall) is 0.006 mg/l with an exposure time of 25 minutes.

The maximum allowable concentration (MPC) or the maximum allowable level of CO is 7.04 mg/l. In 1-2 minutes there will be a dull headache and severe dizziness, and in 10-15 minutes there will be a loss of consciousness. Nevertheless, when providing the necessary assistance with such MPC, the consequences and outcome can still be quite favorable.

The effect of CO on the human body

CO can enter the body only by inhalation - by inhalation. The vast majority of carbon monoxide is also excreted through the lungs, and very small amounts leave the body with sweat, feces and urine. This cleansing takes 12 hours. Only a negligible amount of CO2 that does not have a harmful effect on health can remain dissolved in the blood plasma.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs due to the fact that it has a direct toxic effect on the cells of the body:

• the combination of hemoglobin with carbon monoxide leads to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen, and as a result, acute transport hypoxia develops, quickly leading to oxygen starvation of the body as a whole;
• the interaction of CO (up to 50%) with other hemoproteins leads to blockade in the respiratory chains of mitochondria, which disrupts the utilization of O2 by the cell and causes acute tissue hypoxia;
• carbon monoxide disrupts the work of skeletal muscles and the heart muscle by blocking myoglobin and the formation of carboxymyoglobin;
• due to reactive developing general hypoxia, multiple microhemorrhages quickly occur, disturbances in the tissues of the gray and white medulla, embryonic tissues are affected;
• supersaturation of blood with free O2 leads to the development of oxidative stress;
• CO directly affects cell membranes, which negatively affects the metabolism of amino acids and catecholamines, thereby accelerating the rate of natural cell death.

Attention. Carbon monoxide intoxication, which caused a violation of the blood supply to the white matter of the brain, can cause delayed progressive demyelinating neuropathy.

Clinic of poisoning

Obvious signs of poisoning begin to appear when CO molecules have captured about 20% of the hemoglobin in erythrocytes. In this case, the symptoms continue to depend on the degree of carbon monoxide poisoning. Moderate severity occurs when the level of carboxyhemoglobin reaches 50%, severe - at 60-70%.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (characteristic in order of occurrence)
Easy degree	Average degree +	Severe degree ++
redness of the skin and mucous membranes decreased perception of color and light headache - hoop slight dizziness rolling nausea sore throat obligatory recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 hours	pallor of the skin development of severe weakness "feet wobble" hearing loss pressing pains in the region of the heart, arrhythmia bullous dermatitis, bedsores confusion short faint (required)	vomit shortness of breath cramps and flaccidity of the neck muscles kidney failure development of pulmonary and cerebral edema deep fainting coma with an exit in 5-6 hours in acute intoxication psychosis

The most unfavorable prognostic sign is a coma that lasts more than 48 hours.

The question of the effect of alcohol on the severity of poisoning is not fully understood. On the one hand, lethal concentrations of CO increase if ethanol is present in the blood - thus, drinking alcoholic beverages before the onset of poisoning may be a protective factor. On the other hand, chronic alcoholics are more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

There is evidence of an increase in the toxic effect of CO on the body, in which barbiturates or narcotic substances are present.

Pathologies that can aggravate the classic clinical picture of poisoning:

1. The brain is the first to respond to reactive oxygen starvation and oxidative stress - epileptic seizures, inadequate mental reactions, the whole spectrum of hallucinations, aggression, “nakedness of desires” are possible.
2. Supersaturation with carboxymyoglobin - hypertension and tachycardia, which, against the background of oxygen hypoxia, can cause cardiac asthma, myocarditis, myocardial infarction.
3. The defeat of the pulmonary system - secondary pneumonia.
4. Damage to the nervous system - quite persistent inflammation of the type of cervical-brachial plexitis, affecting the radial, ulnar or median nerve, as well as long-term polyneuritis of the auditory, optic, sciatic or femoral nerve.

Complications after CO poisoning

The consequences of carbon monoxide intoxication can be:

• memory lapses - lack of memories of the circumstances under which the poisoning occurred;
• obsessive headaches, bouts of nausea and dizziness;
• a series of fainting states;
• symptoms of extrapyramidal insufficiency - changes in muscle tone: twitching, immobilization of certain parts of the muscles (or a combination thereof);
• in the young, twitching involuntary movements that come on suddenly;
• in the elderly - dementia and deep depressive states;
• manifestations of mental illness that proceeded in a latent form.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, first of all, it is necessary to leave the place where it occurred as soon as possible. In the event of an accident or fire, in which large areas are contaminated, PMK gas masks and respirators equipped with filters of 2 and 3 efficiency classes (hopkalite cartridges) are recommended to help those who have been poisoned and take them out of the affected area. Only when they are used is the maximum possible protection achieved.

In any case, it is important to think about your own safety and be sure to make sure that the ambulance team is called, and if not, then call it yourself. The clinical picture of carbon monoxide poisoning is not always true, and additional risks of developing long-term consequences oblige to call a specialist for examination, consultation, and, if necessary, hospitalization of the victim.

Emergency first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning is performed in the following order:

1. If the poisoned person was taken out of the affected area unconscious, put him on his side and check that the airways are free. Unbutton a tight collar, loosen a tightening belt or other items of clothing.
2. Next, smell ammonia and carry out rubbing, which will help stimulate blood circulation. In the absence of a heartbeat, artificial respiration and chest compressions are required - 2:36.
3. If the poisoned person is conscious, you need to put cold compresses (or, conversely, mustard plasters) on the chest and provide the patient with a plentiful hot and sweet drink - for example, tea or coffee.
4. Ensure complete physical and emotional rest. Do not leave the poisoned person alone, conduct calm conversations with him.

If carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, then first aid, including first aid (PMP), which will really help the body, is the introduction of a special antidote called acyzol. It is the speed of its administration from the moment of poisoning that will affect the development of further symptoms.

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms and treatment will be dependent, since the nature of the signs will make the primary diagnosis. The main diagnostic manipulation to determine the severity of the lesion is considered to be blood sampling from a vein for its biochemical analysis.

Under the conditions of treatment in a hospital, the algorithm of medical care provides for the following procedures:

• hyperbaric oxygenation in a pressure chamber;
• artificial ventilation of the lungs to accelerate the removal of CO;
• transfusion of red blood cells or whole blood;
• droppers with hypertonic or cardiotonic solutions.

Preventive measures

In factories where there is a high probability of an accidental CO leak, not only are safety instructions signed, but they also regularly conduct practical training so that every person working at the plant knows what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prevention consists of the following activities:

1. In the case of work at an enterprise using CO, strictly observe the established safety standards and rules of conduct in emergency situations.
2. Monitor the health of the heating equipment. In the event of a malfunction, do not continue to use it under any circumstances.
3. Clean chimneys annually.
4. Make sure that there is sufficient air ventilation in rooms where appliances with an open flame are used.
5. Do not turn on the car engine for a long time in the garage.
6. Do not spend a lot of time near highways with heavy traffic.

The last point should be paid special attention to those who live in large metropolitan areas. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, many people perform daily runs along the paths along the highways or located next to them and below, but at this time irreparable harm is caused to the body. Health jogging should be done in specially equipped places or park areas.

Carbon monoxide: symptoms, first aid

Carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds of people every year. According to statistics from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the number of victims in winter is much higher than in other seasons.

The reason for this can be many different factors, but in order to protect yourself and your loved ones as much as possible, you first need to know signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and the possible consequences. In this article, you can find useful information regarding the interaction of the body with this gas, its further effects and recommended precautions.

The danger of carbon monoxide

Places where there is an increased risk of CO poisoning

The main danger of carbon monoxide is that it can quickly affect the human body even in small doses.

Carbon monoxide is also colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it very difficult to detect with the naked eye. Because of this, many people often write off the first signs of gas poisoning on other factors, without thinking about the danger. You can encounter it absolutely anywhere, both at home and at work. And given that carbon monoxide, aka CO (carbon monoxide), is formed by cars, and even hookah apparatus with poor oxygen access, then we come into contact with it almost daily.

The effect of carbon monoxide on the body

The effect of CO on humans

As soon as CO enters the human body, it immediately begins to affect the circulatory system. And if the dose exceeds the allowable rate, then carbon monoxide actively combines with hemoglobin cells, turning into carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents oxygen from entering tissue cells. As a result, this effect leads to hypoxia and disruption of the biochemical balance.
Muscle tissue and the heart itself also suffer from this. Due to the lack of oxygen, human muscles begin to weaken, and the heart, unable to cope with the load, loses its working rhythm. In an attempt to deliver the oxygen necessary for the tissues, the heart increases the rate, exhausting the poisoned body. The result of this action is quite simple - increased heart rate and general weakness. And the more carbon monoxide affects a person, the faster his body is engaged in self-destruction.

The main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

The first and most numerous cause of CO poisoning occurs in a fire. Experienced firefighters know that carbon monoxide is in some cases much more dangerous than the destructive power of a fire. The second cause, according to death statistics, is a gas leak in enclosed spaces. The most common victim of this case are novice motorists who like to close the door in the garage and at the same time forget to turn off the car engine or leave it for the heater to work.
Also, owners of gas-using equipment equipped with poor ventilation often encounter carbon monoxide. This is mainly due to a violation of safety regulations or a violation of the conditions for the construction of ventilation ducts and chimneys. Larger gas equipment is used in production, where leakage can also occur, and as a result, poisoning of the attendants. And now you already know How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen?.

The main symptoms and signs of manifestation

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

The symptoms of CO ingestion can vary greatly depending on the amount of CO ingested into the body. Some of them may coincide with other diseases, and even pass for a common ailment. But the boundary between a moderate state and a mortal danger is very thin, since this gas is too active, and it is very easy to get poisoned by it.
To make a more convenient classification, experts divided the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning into three categories that can form: mild, moderate and severe.

Light degree of influence:

• high blood pressure;
• headache;
• knocking in the temples;
• vomiting and nausea;
• dizziness and weakness;
• chest pain and dry cough;
• increased heart rate;
• tearfulness and possible auditory hallucinations.

Average degree of influence:

• partial or complete paralysis;
• increased noise in the ears;
• drowsiness;

Severe degree of influence:

• muscle cramps;
• loss of consciousness;
• pupillary enlargement with minimal light reaction;
• uncontrolled emptying of the bowels or bladder;
• labored breathing;
• bluing of the facial skin.

All of these factors are the result of a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. And if you feel any of these symptoms, and there is a gasified source nearby, we strongly recommend that you leave the premises.

Atypical forms of poisoning

Unlike common forms of carbon monoxide poisoning, atypical forms depend on several factors. Often this can be either too large and rapid release of gas or a combination of a small concentration with the internal state of a person.

Euphoric degree

It is characterized by a relatively small concentration of CO, which flows next to a person suffering from nervous overwork. As a result, the victim may feel a state of euphoria, but in the future simply lose consciousness.

chronic degree

This category most often includes people who are exposed to carbon monoxide in a work environment. It can be like employees of boiler houses, factories, workshops, and so on. All this is accompanied by characteristic headaches, increased heart rate, rapid pulse, wear and tear of the heart and the body as a whole, not only during the entire period of work, but also after it.

Powder grade

The rarest category, since in this case poisoning occurs with the help of explosive gases formed from combustible gunpowder. In this case, irritation of the mucous membranes, pain in the nasopharynx and respiratory system, lacrimation and coughing may occur.
As you can see for yourself, these symptoms of these forms are somewhat different from the main classification of poisoning, but they are no less deadly.

Further complications of poisoning

Complications of CO poisoning

Even if you were able to quickly identify poisoning and seek help, carbon monoxide is not so easy to completely eliminate from the body. Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning can be very different - it all depends on the physical condition of the body, individual for each person, as well as the duration of exposure and, of course, the provision of PMP.
Basically, a person will be accompanied by prolonged weakness and frequent headaches. In some cases, there is a short-term cramp or slight tinnitus. If the impact of carbon monoxide on the human body was very large, then the treatment may be accompanied by the occurrence of pneumonia and necrosis of internal tissues. The effects of small doses are not so critical and are usually accompanied by headaches or high blood pressure for several days.

First aid for poisoning

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning

Now it's time to answer the question: what to do about carbon monoxide poisoning? If the victim is in the affected area, then it must be immediately removed from there. As soon as you move to a safe distance, the victim is unfastened all clothing that can make breathing difficult. If the victim is unconscious, then he must perform artificial respiration, as well as call an ambulance.
It should be called for any symptoms of moderate and severe poisoning, since in such cases the poisoned person needs an oxygen mask, and he also needs carbon monoxide antidote- Amizol. Without the help of these funds, the moderate and severe form can cause death in a short time.

End result of poisoning

The outcome of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on several factors:

• duration of exposure;
• the concentration of gas around the victim;
• leak detection rate;
• after what period of time was emergency care provided for carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is also influenced by the individual parameters of a person and his state of health. The victim can get off with both mild symptoms and symptoms of moderate severity, with further complications and a long rehabilitation period. Otherwise, inaction can lead to death.

Prevention of CO poisoning

In any enterprise, the resulting poison gas must have access to the ventilation system, so all work must be carried out in well-ventilated rooms.

If your home has a fireplace or stove, then you need to check the dampers on a regular basis.

Also, before any contact with carbon dioxide, medical personnel strongly recommend taking the antidote "Amizol" 30-40 minutes before exposure to CO. As you can see for yourself, the consequences of carbon dioxide poisoning can be very serious.
This can be caused by many different factors. Compliance with safety regulations and prompt medical attention will help keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Video

How to independently determine the stage of carbon monoxide poisoning? What kind of help should be given to the victim? These and other questions can be answered in these videos.