What happens with carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning: life-threatening consequences. Impact on humans

Carbon monoxide poisoning- an acute pathological condition that develops as a result of carbon monoxide entering the human body is dangerous to life and health, and without qualified medical care can lead to death.

Carbon monoxide enters the atmospheric air during any type of combustion. In cities, mainly as part of exhaust gases from engines internal combustion. Carbon monoxide actively binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, and blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissue cells, which leads to hemic hypoxia. Carbon monoxide is also included in oxidative reactions, disturbing the biochemical balance in tissues.

Poisoning is possible:

    in case of fires;

    in production where carbon monoxide is used to synthesize a number of organic matter(acetone, methyl alcohol, phenol, etc.);

    in garages with poor ventilation, in other unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms, tunnels, since car exhaust contains up to 1-3% CO according to standards and over 10% when poor adjustment carburetor engine;

    when spending a long time on or near a busy road. On major highways, the average CO concentration exceeds the toxicity threshold;

    at home when there is a leak of lighting gas and when the stove dampers are untimely closed in rooms with stove heating (houses, baths);

    when using low-quality air in breathing apparatus.

General information

Carbon monoxide poisoning ranks fourth in the list of the most frequently observed poisonings (after alcohol poisoning, drug and drug poisoning). Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), occurs wherever conditions exist for incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances. CO is a colorless, tasteless gas; its odor is very weak, almost imperceptible. Burns with a bluish flame. A mixture of 2 volumes of CO and 1 volume of O2 explodes when ignited. CO does not react with water, acids and alkalis. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs unnoticed. The mechanism of the effect of carbon monoxide on humans is that, when it enters the blood, it binds hemoglobin cells. Then hemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen. And what longer person breathes carbon monoxide, the less workable hemoglobin remains in his blood, and the less oxygen the body receives. A person begins to choke, a headache appears, and consciousness becomes confused. And if you don’t go out into the fresh air in time (or don’t take someone who has already lost consciousness out into the fresh air), then a fatal outcome is possible. In the case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it takes quite a long time for the hemoglobin cells to be able to completely clear the carbon monoxide. The higher the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, the faster the life-threatening concentration of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is created. For example, if the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is 0.02-0.03%, then in 5-6 hours of inhaling such air a carboxyhemoglobin concentration of 25-30% will be created, if the concentration of CO in the air is 0.3-0.5% , then the lethal content of carboxyhemoglobin at the level of 65-75% will be achieved after 20-30 minutes of a person’s stay in such an environment. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur suddenly or slowly, depending on the concentration. At very high concentrations, poisoning occurs quickly, characterized by rapid loss of consciousness, convulsions and respiratory arrest. In blood taken from the left ventricle of the heart or from the aorta, a high concentration of carboxyhemoglobin is detected - up to 80%. With a low concentration of carbon monoxide, symptoms develop gradually: muscle weakness appears; dizziness; tinnitus; nausea; vomit; drowsiness; sometimes, on the contrary, short-term increased mobility; then movement coordination disorder; rave; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; convulsions; coma and death from paralysis of the respiratory center. The heart may continue to contract for some time after breathing has stopped. There have been cases of death from the consequences of poisoning even 2-3 weeks after the poisoning event.

Acute effects of carbon monoxide poisoning relative to ambient concentrations in parts per million (concentration, ppm): 35 ppm (0.0035%) - headache and dizziness during six to eight hours of continuous exposure 100 ppm (0.01%) - minor headache after two to three hours of exposure 200 ppm (0.02%) - minor headache after two to three hours of exposure, loss of criticism 400 ppm (0.04%) - frontal headache after one to two hours of exposure 800 ppm (0.08%) - dizziness, nausea and convulsions after 45 minutes of exposure; loss of senses after 2 hours 1600 ppm (0.16%) - headache, tachycardia, dizziness, nausea after 20 minutes of exposure; death in less than 2 hours 3200 ppm (0.32%) - headache, dizziness, nausea after 5-10 minutes of exposure; death after 30 minutes 6400 ppm (0.64%) - headache, dizziness after 1-2 minutes of exposure; convulsions, respiratory arrest and death in 20 minutes 12800 ppm (1.28%) - unconscious after 2-3 breaths, death in less than three minutes

Concentration 0.1 ppm - natural atmospheric level (MOPITT) 0.5 - 5 ppm - average level in houses 5 - 15 ppm - next to a properly adjusted gas stove in the house 100 - 200 ppm - from exhaust gases from cars in the central square of Mexico City 5000 ppm - in smoke from a wood stove 7000 ppm - in warm exhaust gases from cars without a catalyst

The diagnosis of poisoning is confirmed by measuring the level of carbon monoxide in the blood. This can be determined by measuring the amount of carboxyhemoglobin compared to the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The carboxyhemoglobin ratio in the hemoglobin molecule can average up to 5%; in smokers who smoke two packs a day, levels up to 9% are possible. Intoxication appears when the ratio of carboxyhemoglobin to hemoglobin is above 25%, and the risk of mortality is at a level of more than 70%.

Concentration of CO in the air, carboxyhemoglobin HbCO in the blood and symptoms of poisoning.

% about. (20°C)

mg/m 3

Time

impact, h

in blood,%

Main signs and symptoms of acute poisoning

A decrease in the speed of psychomotor reactions, sometimes a compensatory increase in blood flow to vital organs. In persons with severe cardiovascular insufficiency - chest pain with physical activity, shortness of breath

Slight headache, decreased mental and physical performance, shortness of breath with moderate physical activity. Visual perception disorders. May be fatal to fetuses and persons with severe heart failure

Throbbing headache, dizziness, irritability, emotional instability, memory loss, nausea, poor coordination of fine hand movements

Severe headache, weakness, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion

Hallucinations, severe ataxia, tachypnea

Fainting or coma, convulsions, tachycardia, weak pulse, Cheyne-Stokes breathing

Coma, convulsions, respiratory and cardiac depression. Possible death

Deep coma with decreased or absent reflexes, thready pulse, arrhythmia, death.

Loss of consciousness (after 2-3 breaths), vomiting, convulsions, death.

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Carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon dioxide poisoning) is an acute pathology that develops when toxic carbon monoxide enters the body. Without prompt, qualified first aid and high-quality medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning in the presence of primary symptoms, this problem often leads to death.

How exactly does carbon monoxide affect the body? What are the first symptoms of poisoning? What first aid can be provided to the victim? You will read about this and much more in our article.

How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

Carbon monoxide is a special form of carbon monoxide and is most often formed when incomplete combustion various substances containing classical carbon. IN modern conditions, the overwhelming majority of it is formed during the exhaust gases of cars with an internal combustion engine, but there are also household and natural sources of CO production.

Carbon monoxide itself, being odorless and colorless, has good penetrating ability, easily seeps through the soil, partitions and even thin walls, and is not absorbed by most simple porous materials, which makes the use of standard gas masks based on a filtration system ineffective atmospheric air(the exception is complexes with the possibility of installing a hopcalite cartridge).

The main danger of CO for the body lies in the triple pathological effect of carbon monoxide on a number of systemically important processes:

  • Blocking the delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs. CO actively interacts with hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin compounds, as a result of which the erythrocyte masses partially or completely cease to transfer oxygen to organs and tissues, which provokes almost immediate hypoxia;
  • Disruption of the heart muscle. CO binds to myoglobin, which leads to a deterioration in heart function with characteristic manifestations - weakening of the pulse, the appearance of shortness of breath and arrhythmia;
  • Formation of muscle weakness. Carbon monoxide pathologically affects the protein structures of smooth muscles, which leads to their weakness, sometimes partial or even complete paralysis of skeletal muscles.

The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

As modern medical statistics show, a person usually gets CO poisoning from prolonged inhalation of exhaust gases. road transport, especially in enclosed spaces, as well as in everyday life against the background malfunction heating devices, operating on the principles of combustion, due to leakage of household gas, and so on.

A significant proportion of cases are associated with fires in enclosed spaces, transport cars, airplanes, and so on, when a person dies not from thermal effects as such, but due to very rapid poisoning Symptoms with loss of consciousness and inability to independently evacuate.

The primary symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning directly depend on its concentration in the air, as well as the duration of exposure to CO on the body.

As the concentration of carbon monoxide in the blood increases, the following manifestations are noted:

  • Decreased speed of psychomotor reactions;
  • Deterioration in performance– both physical and mental;
  • Dyspnea;
  • Headache , increasing in intensity depending on the concentration of CO in the blood;
  • Nausea, weakness, vomiting;
  • Confusion and lack of coordination small movements;
  • Formation of hallucinations, fainting or fainting, weakening of the pulse.

The above primary symptoms are characteristic of mild and moderate degrees of poisoning. In severe forms of pathology, the indicated symptoms can be combined and change almost at lightning speed.

Main symptoms of poisoning

The main symptomatic complex of carbon monoxide intoxication includes many different negative manifestations.

Mild to moderate degree of intoxication

Mild and moderate forms of pathology (with carboxyhemoglobin content in the blood from 20 to 50 percent), depending on the location of the lesion. Symptoms of mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • From the central side nervous system . Headache of a girdling nature, mild at first, and later of moderate strength and intensity. Tinnitus, decreased quality of vision and hearing, nausea with vomiting, impaired coordination of movement, fogged consciousness and short-term loss of consciousness may also occur. The above manifestations are almost always primary, since it is the central nervous system that first suffers from intoxication;
  • . Increased heart rate, up to 90 beats per minute. Pain and pressure in the heart area, arrhythmia. These symptoms are formed due to feedback with intense work of the heart, trying to clear the bloodstream of carboxyhemoglobin and improve the delivery of oxygen to all systems of the body;
  • . Mostly shortness of breath and rapid breathing. With mild and moderate degrees of poisoning, compensation mechanisms still operate as the body’s reverse response to a progressive lack of oxygen. This is the main symptom of such poisoning;
  • From the skin and mucous membranes. Their redness is observed, which is the result of increased blood flow speed.

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Severe degree of intoxication

As a rule, the lack of prompt and correct treatment for severe forms of carbon monoxide poisoning leads to death.

Symptoms of severe carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • From the central nervous system. Prolonged loss of consciousness, convulsions, uncontrolled bowel movements and urination, coma. Formed with deep lesions of nerve structures;
  • From the cardiovascular system. Increased heart rate, up to 130 beats per minute, while it is faintly palpable. Severe arrhythmia against the background of a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction (with a complete stop in the delivery of oxygen to the heart muscle);
  • From the outside respiratory system . Intermittent and shallow breathing caused by systemic damage to the center of regulation of this function in the brain against the background of the development of generalized decompensation processes;
  • From the skin and mucous membranes. Pallor of these structures due to profound disruption of oxygen supply to peripheral systems.

Symptoms for atypical forms of poisoning

In some cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, atypical symptoms with a special development mechanism are diagnosed:


Complications and consequences

In addition to the pathological symptoms directly during the process of poisoning, the victim may develop various complications in the post-reactive period, even with timely and complete provision of both first pre-medical and subsequent inpatient and resuscitation care.

Short term

Most of the consequences described below occur 1-2 days after carbon dioxide poisoning:

  • CNS. Lesions of the nervous periphery with limitation of motor activity and sensitivity, constant pain in the head, cerebral edema, malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, development of new and progression of chronic mental illness, visual and hearing impairment;
  • Respiratory system. Pulmonary edema;
  • Cardiovascular system. Violation of coronary circulation and heart rhythm;

Medium term

Most of the consequences described below occur 2-30 days after carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • CNS, paralysis, various chorea. Systemic psychoses with memory loss, alternating with attacks of apathy, are also diagnosed. Less commonly – blindness and parkinsonism;
  • Respiratory system. Secondary bacterial pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis;
  • Cardiovascular system. Myocarditis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiac asthma.

First aid

Timely and qualified provision of first aid in the vast majority of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning saves the life of the victim and significantly reduces the risks of developing numerous complications in the post-reactive period of the pathology.

The main algorithm of the first medical care:

If poisoning occurs carbon monoxide , then we are talking about a serious pathological condition. It develops if a certain concentration enters the body carbon monoxide .

This condition is dangerous to health and life, and if you do not seek help from specialists in a timely manner, death from carbon monoxide may occur.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, CO) is a product that is released during combustion and enters the atmosphere. Since poisonous gas has no smell or taste, and it is impossible to determine its presence in the air, it is very dangerous. In addition, it can penetrate through soil, walls, and filters. Many people are interested in the question of whether carbon monoxide is heavier or lighter than air, the answer is that it is lighter than air.

That is why it is possible to determine that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is exceeded using special devices. You can also suspect CO poisoning if a person rapidly develops certain symptoms.

In urban environments, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is increased by vehicle exhaust gases. But poisoning from car exhaust gases can only occur at high concentrations.

How does CO affect the body?

This gas enters the blood very quickly and actively binds to. As a result, it is produced carboxyhemoglobin , which is more closely related to hemoglobin than oxyhemoglobin (oxygen and hemoglobin). The resulting substance blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissue cells. As a result, it develops hemic type.

Carbon monoxide in the body binds to myoglobin (this is a protein of skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle). As a result, the pumping function of the heart decreases and severe muscle weakness develops.

Also carbon monoxide enters into oxidative reactions, which disrupts the normal biochemical balance in tissues.

Where can carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

There are many situations that can occur in which carbon monoxide poisoning is possible:

  • poisoning by combustion products during a fire;
  • in rooms where gas equipment is operated and there is no normal ventilation, there is insufficient supply air, which is necessary for normal gas combustion;
  • in those industries where CO is involved in the synthesis reactions of substances ( acetone , phenol );
  • in places where automobile exhaust gases can accumulate due to insufficient ventilation - in tunnels, garages, etc.;
  • at home, when there is a leak of lighting gas;
  • when staying near very busy highways for a long time;
  • with prolonged use of a kerosene lamp, if the room is not ventilated;
  • if the stove damper of a home stove, fireplace, or sauna stove was closed too early;
  • when using breathing apparatus with poor quality air.

Who may suffer from hypersensitivity to CO?

  • people who have been diagnosed with exhaustion of the body;
  • those who suffer;
  • future mothers;
  • teenagers, children;
  • those who smoke a lot;
  • people who abuse alcohol.

You should know that organs and systems are more quickly affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in women. The symptoms of poisoning are very similar methane .

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

The following describes the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in people depending on the concentration of CO. Symptoms of poisoning domestic gas and in case of poisoning from other sources, they manifest themselves in different ways, and by the way carbon monoxide (not carbon dioxide, as it is sometimes mistakenly called) affects a person, one can assume how strong its concentration in the air was. However, carbon dioxide in high concentrations can also lead to poisoning and the manifestation of a number of alarming symptoms.

Concentration up to 0.009%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 3-5 hours:

  • decreased speed of psychomotor reactions;
  • increased blood flow in vital organs;
  • in people with heart failure in severe form, chest pain is also noted.

Concentration up to 0.019%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 6 hours:

  • performance decreases;
  • shortness of breath during moderate physical exertion;
  • headache , slightly expressed;
  • visual impairment;
  • Death may occur in those with severe heart failure, and fetal death may also occur.

Concentration 0.019-0.052%

  • severe throbbing headache;
  • irritability, instability of emotional state;
  • nausea;
  • disturbance of attention, memory;
  • problems with fine motor skills.

Concentration up to 0.069%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 2 hours:

  • vision problems;
  • worse headache pain;
  • confusion;
  • weakness;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • runny nose.

Concentration 0.069-0.094%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 2 hours:

  • severe motor impairment (ataxia);
  • appearance ;
  • strong rapid breathing.

Concentration 0.1%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 2 hours:

  • weak pulse;
  • state of fainting;
  • convulsions;
  • breathing becomes rare and shallow;
  • state .

Concentration 0.15%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 1.5 hours. The manifestations are similar to the previous description.

Concentration 0.17%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 0.5 hours.

The manifestations are similar to the previous description.

Concentration 0.2-0.29%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 0.5 hours:

  • convulsions appear;
  • respiratory and cardiac depression is noted;
  • coma ;
  • death is likely.

Concentration 0.49-0.99%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 2-5 minutes:

  • no reflexes;
  • pulse is threadlike;
  • deep coma;
  • death.

Concentration 1.2%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 0.5-3 minutes:

  • convulsions;
  • lack of consciousness;
  • vomit;
  • death.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The table below summarizes the symptoms that appear when different degrees poisoning:

Mechanism of symptom development

Manifestation of symptoms different types associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. Let us consider in more detail the symptoms of different types and the features of the mechanisms of their manifestation.

Neurological

Greatest sensitivity to hypoxia demonstrate nerve cells as well as the brain. That is why the development of dizziness, nausea, and headaches indicate that oxygen starvation of cells is occurring. More severe neurological symptoms occur as a result of severe or irreversible damage to nerve structures. In this case, convulsions and impaired consciousness occur.

Respiratory

When breathing quickens, the compensatory mechanism “turns on.” However, if the respiratory center is damaged after poisoning, respiratory movements become superficial and ineffective.

Cardiovascular

Due to the insufficient amount of oxygen, more active cardiac activity is observed, that is, tachycardia . But due to hypoxia of the heart muscle, pain in the heart can also occur. If such pain becomes acute, it means that oxygen has completely stopped flowing to the myocardium.

Skin

Due to the very strong compensatory blood flow to the head, the mucous membranes and skin the heads turn blue-red.

If carbon monoxide poisoning or mild or moderate natural gas poisoning occurs, a person may experience dizziness and headaches for a long time. His memory is also deteriorating, intellectual abilities, emotional fluctuations are noted, since poisoning affects the gray and white matter of the brain.

The consequences of severe poisoning are usually irreversible. Very often such lesions end in death. In this case, the following severe manifestations are noted:

  • subarachnoid hemorrhages;
  • disorders of a skin-trophic nature (edema and tissue);
  • cerebral edema ;
  • disturbance of cerebral hemodynamics;
  • deterioration of vision and hearing up to complete loss;
  • polyneuritis ;
  • pneumonia in severe form, which is complicated by coma;

Providing first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

First of all, urgent Care in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it involves the immediate cessation of human contact with the gas that poisons the body, as well as the restoration of all important functions of the body. It is extremely important that the person receiving first aid does not become poisoned during these actions. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to put on a gas mask, and only after that go to the room where the poisoning occurred.

Before starting PMP, it is necessary to remove or remove the person who was injured from the room in which the concentration of carbon monoxide is increased. You need to clearly understand what kind of gas CO is and how quickly it can harm the body. And since every breath of poisoned air will only intensify negative symptoms, the victim must be taken to fresh air as soon as possible.

No matter how quickly and professionally first aid is provided, even if the person feels relatively well, it is necessary to call ambulance. There is no need to be deceived by the fact that the victim is joking and laughing, because such a reaction can be provoked by the effect of carbon monoxide on the vital centers of the nervous system. Only a professional doctor can clearly assess the patient’s condition and understand what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If the degree of poisoning is mild, the victim should be given strong tea, warmed up and provided with complete rest.

If there is confusion or no confusion at all, the person should be placed on their side flat surface, make sure he gets an influx fresh air, unfastening his belt, collar, underwear. Give it a sniff ammonia, holding the cotton at a distance of 1 cm.

If there is no heartbeat and breathing, artificial respiration should be performed and the sternum should be massaged in the projection of the heart.

In an emergency, you should not act rashly. If there are still people in the burning building, you cannot save them yourself, as this may lead to an increase in the number of victims. It is important to call the Ministry of Emergency Situations immediately.

Even after just a few breaths of CO poisoned air, a person can die. Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that a wet rag or gauze mask can protect against the harmful effects of carbon monoxide. Only a gas mask can prevent the fatal effects of CO.

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning

Treatment at home after poisoning should not be practiced. A person in such a situation needs the help of specialists.

Provided that the victim is in critical condition, doctors carry out a set of resuscitation measures. Immediately 1 ml of 6% antidote is injected intramuscularly. The victim must be taken to the hospital.

It is important that in such conditions the patient is provided with complete rest. He is provided with breathing pure oxygen (partial pressure 1.5-2 atm.) or carbogen (composition - 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide). This procedure is carried out over 3-6 hours.

Next, it is important to ensure the restoration of the functions of the central nervous system and other organs. The treatment regimen prescribed by a specialist depends on how severe the patient’s condition is and whether the pathological reactions that occurred after poisoning are reversible.

To prevent natural gas and CO poisoning, it is important to carefully follow the rules that will help prevent dangerous situations.

  • If there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during certain work, it should only be carried out in well-ventilated areas.
  • Carefully check the dampers of fireplaces and stoves, do not close them completely until the wood is burned.
  • In rooms where CO poisoning could potentially occur, it is necessary to install autonomous gas detectors.
  • If possible exposure to carbon monoxide is anticipated, take one capsule Acizola half an hour before such contact. The protective effect will last up to two and a half hours after taking the capsule.

Acizol is a medicine domestic production, which is an effective and fast-acting antidote against acute CO poisoning. It creates an obstacle in the body to the formation carboxyhemoglobin , and also accelerates the process of removing carbon monoxide.

The sooner Acizol is administered intramuscularly in case of poisoning, the greater the person’s chances of survival. This medicine also increases the effectiveness of those measures that will subsequently be taken for resuscitation and treatment.

Conclusions

Thus, carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous condition. The higher the concentration of gas, the more likely the fatal outcome. Therefore, it is very important to be extremely careful in observing all the rules of prevention, and at the first suspicion of such poisoning, immediately call emergency help.

Carbon monoxide has no odor and is not visible to the eye. It is produced when carbon-containing substances burn. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often fatal. There are known cases of mass deaths that occur during explosions. Carbon monoxide impairs the flow of oxygen to tissues and organs. If the concentration dangerous substance increases, irreversible changes and death occur.

ICD 10 code

According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), when carbon monoxide accumulates in the body, code T58 is assigned.

Reasons

Carbon monoxide is more easily incorporated 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%. Great value has time spent in gas-contaminated conditions. When a person breathes smoke 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. So, large share persons are poisoned in the garage when the car is running, incorrect operation of the stove, breakdown of heating and exhaust systems, geysers etc.

You can get poisoned in a car if carbon monoxide accumulates in the body. The danger of intoxication lies in the fact that the injured person does not immediately realize that he has been exposed to toxic effects. The mechanism of intoxication involves 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 functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system accompany chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. In severe cases of poisoning, when the CO content reaches 0.3% or higher, the person loses consciousness and dies.

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

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

Symptoms

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

  • decreased 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.
  • In the syncope form of intoxication, there is pallor of the skin, a drop in blood pressure, nausea, and heart rhythm disturbances. Signs of severe carbon monoxide poisoning include loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.

    With prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, symptoms increase. Manifestations of intoxication have their own characteristic features. First there is euphoria and excitement. Then clinical picture developing carbon monoxide poisoning is aggravated by loss of orientation and memory loss. Impaired motor skills may occur due to neurological disorders. With moderate intoxication, the level of CO in the body reaches 40-50%, and collapse is possible.

    Symptoms in a child who has inhaled carbon monoxide develop faster - children only need to stay in a gas-filled room for 3-5 minutes to experience hypoxia of brain tissue. The child is delirious, the skin is brightly colored, reminiscent of cadaveric spots in color.

    First aid

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

    In case of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, the victim's collar and cuffs are unbuttoned and air flow to the tissues is ensured. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary, first of all, to get away from the source of intoxication. The further procedure includes:

    • bring the burnt person to consciousness with the help of ammonia;
    • give caffeine-containing drinks: tea, coffee;
    • rub your limbs to stimulate blood circulation;
    • give an alkaline drink to neutralize CO;
    • apply a heating pad to your limbs.

    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 extended, and the nose is pinched with the hand. Two artificial entries are made without violent action, but with sufficient intensity. In the absence of cardiac activity, first aid involves chest compressions and artificial respiration. If the above measures do not produce results, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be repeated. If the poisoned person is unconscious, he should be placed on his 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, so emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning is trusted to professionals, especially during pregnancy and childhood. First aid rules require the participation of a physician in resuscitation efforts.

    What to do with someone who is burned after carbon monoxide poisoning? At home, the following can be done to help the victim: give more fluids, take 1 tsp. activated carbon every hour, diluting the tablets in oatmeal broth.

    Treatment

    To make a diagnosis it is necessary comprehensive examination. Define gas composition cut and acid-base balance, assess hemoglobin level. Treatment and rehabilitation after carbon monoxide poisoning are determined by the intensity of the toxic effect.

    Often, in case of 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 measures, an oxygen mask is connected. In the hospital they carry out complex treatment, eliminating the consequences of hypoxia.

    Based on the degree of poisoning, carbon monoxide detoxification is chosen. Intensive therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the administration of the drug Azizol and a glucose solution, and the intake of absorbent tablets. At acute poisoning Oxygen inhalation is prescribed, the mucous membranes are moistened, and an ephedrine solution is administered for hypotension.

    Especially useful for patients ascorbic acid. At the recovery stage, it is prescribed healthy eating with a high content of antioxidants. Vitamins B1 and B6 are prescribed intravenously. For painful attacks that occur due to burns, analgin is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Treatment methods such as hemodialysis and lymphatic drainage are designed to revive 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, coma develops. Complicating factors also lead to death: the presence of heart and vascular diseases, previous heart attacks, strokes, and brain pathologies. Intoxication caused by the huge release of carbon monoxide into the air during explosions and fires is fatal.

    TO negative consequences long-term carbon monoxide poisoning includes interruptions in the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, headaches, and ophthalmological disorders. Hypoxia has a detrimental effect on brain activity and causes complications such as amnesia, neuritis, and cognitive decline. Long-term consequences of long-term carbon monoxide poisoning include pneumonia and myocarditis.

    Prevention

    To prevent poisoning, do not forget about prevention. Mandatory precautions include checking gas equipment And ventilation systems in the building. Car enthusiasts should remember that after entering the garage, the engine is turned off. Repair work Do not do this when the engine is running.

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