Carbon monoxide is a product of combustion that is colorless and odorless. The level of its concentration and the time spent in a gassed room affect the degree of poisoning and the complications associated with it. If there was an average or severe form of carbon monoxide poisoning and the treatment went well, then the effects of poisoning will still make themselves felt for some time. This may manifest itself in neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning
They get carbon monoxide poisoning not only in factories or when extinguishing fires, but also in everyday life. You can get poisoned by this gas, even if you are near a busy and major freeway. The concentration of harmful substances from exhaust gases in such places exceeds the threshold of permissible standards. Car exhaust concentrations of carbon monoxide can range from 1 to 3 percent. And for severe poisoning, the content of carbon monoxide in the range of 0.1% is already enough.
You can get carbon monoxide poisoning in rooms where stove heating is used, a fireplace or there is an accumulation of car exhaust gases, there are propane leaks or kerosene lamps are used and ventilation does not work.
Carbon monoxide passes through walls, soil and other partitions. An ordinary gas mask will not be able to protect against the effects of carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that attacks the blood, nervous system, and muscle tissue. Chad gas enters the blood through the lungs and does so 200 times faster than oxygen.
The cause of poisoning can also be a careless attitude to fire safety rules, instructions for using gas or heating appliances. The list of actions in case of poisoning will be determined by the level of intoxication. In carbon monoxide poisoning, there are three degrees of poisoning:
- mild (accumulation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood up to 30%),
- medium (the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is from 30 to 40%),
- severe (the level of carboxyhemoglobin is from 40 to 50%).
Mild to moderate poisoning
Depending on the form, the symptoms of poisoning also differ. Mild to moderate poisoning is characterized by symptoms such as: 
- headache,
- cough,
- fainting
- general weakness,
- cardiac dysfunction,
- chest pain,
- nausea,
- skin redness,
- vomit.
Severe degree of poisoning
A severe form of poisoning can be fatal, and to prevent this from happening, you need to call a doctor immediately. For severe poisoning, the symptoms will be in manifestations:
- coma,
- loss of consciousness
- convulsions,
- cardiac disorders,
- respiratory disorders,
- involuntary urination,
- loss of all superficial and deep reflexes,
- trophic disorders of the skin,
- pulmonary edema,
- myocardial infarction,
- toxic pneumonia.
When carbon monoxide enters the blood, it prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen. It forms carboxyhemoglobin with it, which blocks the delivery of oxygen by hemoglobin. This is the cause of oxygen starvation for the cells of the whole organism, but most dangerous for brain cells.
Carbon monoxide affects the human body in a detrimental and unpredictable way. It enters into oxidative reactions that destroy the body and disrupt its biochemical balance. The presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood in the range of 50 to 80 percent leads a person into a coma or death. Pregnant women, people with chronic respiratory diseases and children are very sensitive to the effects of carbon monoxide.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
The stages of carbon monoxide poisoning differ in severity, but regardless of the level of danger, they require the mandatory presence of a doctor and the provision of medical care. Carbon monoxide affects the human body even after the victim has left the danger zone. The consequences of poisoning are divided into early (up to 2 days) and late (up to 40 days). Therefore, the patient needs medical supervision and help.
Carbon monoxide should be provided as early as possible. A person who ended up in a gassed room and was poisoned should be taken out or taken out to fresh air and an ambulance should be called immediately. Only a specialist can determine the degree of intoxication and provide qualified assistance. Carbon monoxide spreads very quickly through the blood, so you can’t hesitate to call, it can cost the life of the victim. 
Until the ambulance arrives, you need to provide emergency assistance to the victim. Provide oxygen access to the patient, unbutton the collar, remove the tie, loosen the belt, remove the scarf or scarf. If the victim is conscious, then he can be given sweet and strong tea or coffee to drink.
If the patient has lost consciousness and is not breathing, then cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be required immediately. You can also bring the patient to life with ammonia, moistening a cotton swab with it beforehand. If this does not help, intensive rubbing of the limbs, face and chest should be done. This activates blood circulation. In case of loss of consciousness, the victim must be turned to the side. So, the airways will open and there will be no risk of the tongue falling into the throat.
Rescuers before entering a smoky room should take a deep breath and try not to breathe while they are inside the building. As much as possible. If possible, open windows to reduce the concentration of gas. Employees of enterprises using carbon monoxide in production processes should clearly understand what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. To do this, they are instructed.
Prevention
The consequences of poisoning with fumes are very complex. To protect and protect yourself and your family from poisoning with fumes, precautions must be taken. The following simple but effective rules can be attributed to preventive measures:
- is not located near large and busy highways during peak traffic on them,
- check and monitor the serviceability of stove heating, fireplaces and ventilation,
- use only certified propane tanks,
- do not leave kerosene lamps unattended,
- do not close the garage door when the car is running,
- does not go to bed in a car if the engine is running,
- do not leave children unattended and follow fire safety rules.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide cannot be detected or sensed. The consequences of poisoning are very serious, sometimes fatal. First aid in case of poisoning to the victim should be provided as soon as possible, his life depends on it. The degree of poisoning is determined by the concentration of toxic substances in the air and the time spent in the gassed space. The consequences of poisoning can occur during the entire period of treatment. If you adhere to elementary safety conditions, then you can not subject yourself or loved ones to such a serious test. Be serious about following the established rules, not only when you are being controlled, but also when no one is checking you.
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 or 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 that separates 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 degrees:
- 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.
is a pathological condition that occurs when inhaling air or smoke saturated with carbon monoxide. The clinical picture is dominated by disorders of the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency. A characteristic sign of poisoning is a bright hyperemia of the skin. The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis data, clinical manifestations, determination of the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. As an emergency, oxygen therapy and detoxification measures are carried out. Further symptomatic conservative treatment is carried out.
ICD-10
T58X47
General information
Poisoning with carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, develops when its maximum permissible concentration (0.08 mg / liter) in the inhaled air is exceeded. The severity of intoxication directly depends on the content of this chemical compound in the surrounding atmosphere and exposure time. Inhalation of air saturated with carbon monoxide (3-5 mg / l) for half an hour provokes severe poisoning. The intake of a mixture of gases containing 14 mg / l of carbon monoxide into the respiratory organs leads to death within 1-3 minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the four most common poisonings, behind alcohol, drug and drug intoxication. Occurs in everyday life and at work.
The reasons
Any process of incomplete combustion of organic substances is accompanied by the release of carbon monoxide. Most often, poisoning by combustion products, including carbon monoxide, occurs during a fire. In addition, due to the lack of organoleptic properties of this gas, its leakage becomes imperceptible to humans. Pregnant women, children and people with diseases of the cardiovascular system are most susceptible to harmful effects. The following factors contribute to exceeding the maximum allowable carbon monoxide content in a room:
- Household. In everyday life, carbon monoxide intoxication occurs due to improper use of the stove, gas equipment, and smoldering electrical wiring. Another common cause is being in a closed garage next to a car with a running engine. Often, signs of poisoning are observed in hookah smokers.
- Production. Toxin in excess enters the air during blasting in mines, maintenance of blast and open-hearth furnaces, and the synthesis of certain chemicals. Poisoning usually occurs when sanitary and hygienic requirements are not observed and equipment operation rules are violated.
Pathogenesis
When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the respiratory system, where it diffuses into the blood. The gas has a high affinity for hemoglobin, myoglobin and iron-containing enzymes of the human body. It easily reacts with hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin unable to transport oxygen to tissues. Hypoxia develops. The slowing down of the dissociation of the oxygen compound with hemoglobin in the presence of carboxyhemoglobin exacerbates the oxygen starvation of all organs and tissues. At the same time, biochemical processes occurring with the participation of iron-containing enzymes are disrupted. Underoxidized metabolic products accumulate, which have an additional toxic effect on the central nervous system and other organs.
At pathological anatomical examination, the bright red color of the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs attracts attention. There are signs of edema of the brain, lungs. Congestive plethora of internal organs is revealed. In the heart, lungs, brain, pinpoint hemorrhages, areas of degeneration and necrosis are found.
Classification
The disease can be acute and chronic. Its course depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the time of its exposure. With a significant excess of permissible norms for a short period of time, acute poisoning occurs. Long-term regular inhalation of air with a slightly elevated content of carbon monoxide provokes the development of a chronic process. Depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, 3 degrees of poisoning are distinguished:
- Easy degree. It is characterized by transient pathological symptoms that disappear after the cessation of harmful effects. Individual manifestations may persist for days. The concentration of the pathological form of hemoglobin does not exceed 30%.
- Average degree. It develops at 30-40% of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. Signs of poisoning are pronounced. After the provision of medical care, the symptoms stop. Residual effects disturb the victim for several days.
- Severe degree. The level of carboxyhemoglobin is 40-50%. There are severe lesions of organs and systems, often leading to death. Complications often develop. Symptoms of the disease persist for several weeks.
In addition to the classic form of carbon monoxide intoxication, sometimes there are atypical variants of poisoning, masquerading as other pathological conditions. According to clinical symptoms, experts in the field of toxicology and resuscitation distinguish between fulminant, euphoric, syncopal forms of the disease. A separate item is gunpowder disease, in which the toxic effect of carbon monoxide is observed along with other explosive and powder gases.
Symptoms
Due to the low tolerance of the brain to oxygen starvation in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, neurological symptoms come to the fore. With a mild degree of intoxication, the victim is worried about a pressing headache. It is localized mainly in the temporal and frontal regions. Accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus. Headaches are often accompanied by visual disturbances. Patients complain of double vision, inadequate color perception. The gait becomes shaky, the speed of reactions decreases.
With further exposure to the toxin, the severity is aggravated, tonic and clonic convulsions, hyperthermia appear, consciousness is depressed up to a coma. Subsequently, retrograde amnesia is observed. From the side of the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, rhythm and conduction disturbances of the heart are detected. Often, the patient is disturbed by intense pains of a pressing and compressive nature behind the sternum and in the left half of the chest. With the appearance of bronchitis or toxic pneumonia, shortness of breath, dry cough, and a significant increase in temperature are observed.
The euphoric form of the disease is characterized by psychomotor agitation. The elated mood of the victim and the lack of criticism of his condition is replaced by delirium and hallucinations, followed by a violation of consciousness. The syncopal variant is characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, collapse. With a lightning-fast course of poisoning, very quickly after a short episode of convulsions, loss of consciousness and death occurs. Gunpowder disease is manifested by signs of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx, trachea and bronchi, along with symptoms of the harmful effects of carbon monoxide.
There are no specific signs of chronic poisoning by poisonous gas. The variability of symptoms of general intoxication of the body is characteristic. Patients suffer from frequent headaches, dizziness, experience weakness, fatigue and irritability. There is weight loss, hair loss, decreased vision and hearing. The function of the endocrine glands, the immune system is disturbed.
Complications
With the timely removal of the victim from the lesion, signs of mild intoxication disappear on their own, the functions of the main body systems are restored without consequences. Acute moderate and severe poisoning is often complicated by neurological disorders. The victim suffers from headaches for a long time. Perhaps the development of mononeuritis of various localization, paresis, parkinsonism. Complications from the circulatory system are manifested by intracardiac blockades, vascular thrombosis. Breathing air saturated with toxic carbon monoxide during pregnancy leads to fetal malformations. Severe poisoning often causes the death of the victim.
Diagnostics
Of great importance in the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning are anamnestic data and examination of the victim. A characteristic sign of serious intoxication is the bright scarlet color of the skin. Toxicologists and resuscitators do not distinguish pathognomonic physical symptoms of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Physical examination reveals tachycardia, hyperthermia, frequent, in severe cases, intermittent breathing (Cheyne-Stokes), lowering blood pressure. Help to confirm the diagnosis:
- Laboratory tests. In the study of peripheral blood, erythrocytosis and a high level of hemoglobin are observed. The number of leukocytes is also increased, there is a stab shift in the leukocyte formula, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is reduced. Determining the level of carboxyhemoglobin and its ratio with normal blood hemoglobin makes it possible to judge the severity of poisoning.
- X-ray examination of the chest. Signs of acute pulmonary emphysema and stagnation in the pulmonary circulation are revealed. Expansion of the roots of the lungs is observed. Fine- and large-focal shadows with blurred contours on both sides are determined. Radiological changes usually resolve completely within 7-10 days.
Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning
If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, it is urgent to evacuate the victim from the danger zone, provide him with fresh air, stimulate breathing, and warm him up. Oxygen therapy is prescribed, an antidote is introduced. If necessary, resuscitation measures are taken. The patient is subject to mandatory hospitalization. The hospital provides detoxification and symptomatic therapy. Intravenous infusions are prescribed, cardiotropic, anticonvulsant drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, vitamins are administered. In hyperthermic syndrome, craniocerebral hypothermia is performed. Severe poisoning is an indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Forecast and prevention
The prognosis depends on the severity of the pathological process, the timeliness and quality of medical care. Light poisoning stops without consequences, moderate and severe often leads to complications from the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is not possible to predict the recovery of a patient in a coma. A poor prognostic sign is the aggravation of neurological symptoms during the first 48 hours against the background of intensive treatment.
For preventive purposes, fire safety rules must be observed. In order to avoid household and industrial poisoning, do not use faulty gas and stove equipment, electrical appliances. It is not recommended to be in the garage with the car engine running. Production areas must be well ventilated.
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 reaching 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 operating personnel. 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 gas that has entered 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 degree
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.
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.
The reasons
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:
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.