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What to do if you inhale carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning and what assistance to provide to the victim? Let's take a look at the methods of treating carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as the causes and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide is a substance that is formed due to the incomplete combustion of any type of fuel. If the gas enters the blood, then it takes the initiative from oxygen, since it is 200 times lighter. It is precisely because carbon monoxide is lighter that it actively binds to hemoglobin, which leads to the loss of the latter's ability to carry oxygen to tissues and vital organs. The lack of oxygen causes suffocation and death. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and be able to provide first aid to the victim.

ICD-10 code

T58 Toxic effects of carbon monoxide

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Any mechanism that runs on combustible fuel emits carbon monoxide. And due to malfunction or damage, problems can arise:

  • If a car or other mechanism is left running indoors, carbon monoxide will be released, filling all the free space both in the car and outside it. The substance even seeps into car seats, making them dangerous.
  • Improper operation or installation of devices and mechanisms that operate on combustible fuels can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Poisoning can occur due to heating systems that are used indoors during the cold season. If such a system works in a new home with insulated windows and tightly closed doors, carbon monoxide buildup and poisoning will result. This also applies to old houses with faulty chimneys, which contribute to the stagnation of carbon monoxide in apartments and offices.

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Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning may appear suddenly or over a long period of time. It is the inhalation of air with a low content of carbon monoxide over a long period of time that causes serious problems with the cardiovascular system and causes brain damage. If you experience headaches, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and tinnitus while indoors, you should seek immediate medical attention. If as soon as you leave the room you feel better and other people who work or live in the same room with you have similar symptoms, then this indicates a carbon monoxide leak.

  • Allocate early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or a mild degree of intoxication. These include: nausea and vomiting, trembling throughout the body, throbbing in the head, hearing problems, muscle weakness, fainting. Such symptoms require medical attention, especially if you continue to breathe carbon monoxide with the above symptoms.
  • With moderate intoxication, a person experiences short-term memory lapses, severe adynamia, trembling in the body, impaired coordination of movements and asthenic condition.
  • If severe intoxication occurs, then a person develops a protracted coma, which can last longer than one week. There are brain lesions, convulsions, seizures, involuntary defecation and urination, muscle stiffness of the limbs and general hyperhidrosis. Patients have irregular breathing and body temperature 39-40°C. All this can lead to death due to respiratory paralysis. The survival prognosis for such carbon monoxide poisoning is determined by the duration and depth of the coma.

In addition to the three degrees of carbon monoxide poisoning described above, there are other symptoms that indicate a pathological condition. Let's take a look at it:

  • People with carbon monoxide poisoning may have color blindness, optic nerve atrophy, and double vision.
  • Hemorrhagic eruptions, graying and hair loss, trophic skin lesions and other lesions of the stripes and skin.
  • Damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems begins from the first hours of intoxication of the body. The patient has tachycardia, coronary insufficiency, pulse lability.
  • In moderate and severe intoxication, bronchitis, toxic pneumonia and pulmonary edema appear. Clinical symptoms are very poor and develop to a pathological state within two days.
  • The patient has a high content of red blood cells and hemoglobin, an increase in lactic acid, urea, sugar levels and acetone bodies

There is chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition are manifested in frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, visual impairment. Due to chronic poisoning, atherosclerosis and endocrine disorders may develop. Due to physical exertion, noise and vibration, the symptoms of chronic intoxication increase.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

If any member of your family exhibits the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning described above, you must act immediately. First of all, remove the victim from the gassed area and provide continuous rest and access to fresh air. Vigorously rub the body of the victim, if the patient is conscious, give him warm tea and coffee, put a cold compress on his chest and head. And be sure to call an ambulance.

If the victim is unconscious, then this indicates severe poisoning. The patient's skin turns red. Breathing becomes frequent and superficial. Involuntary bowel movements are possible. Despite such symptoms, the patient's condition is reversible. First of all, remove the victim from the gas room and call for help.

If the casualty is not breathing, begin immediate mechanical ventilation. To do this, you can use the method "mouth to mouth", "mouth to nose". Please note that in order not to get poisoned at the time of first aid, it is recommended to put a gauze bandage or handkerchief moistened with water on the mouth or nose of the victim. In the absence of a pulse, an external heart massage is performed. Resuscitation must continue until the arrival of an ambulance.

  • Gas poisoning

First aid in this case is similar to that provided for carbon monoxide poisoning. The patient is given access to oxygen, placed on a soft surface and artificial respiration is performed. It is very important to loosen the collar and belt of the victim, that is, the squeezing elements of clothing. Let the victim inhale ammonia. If the poisoning is severe, then you need to call an ambulance. Doctors will improve the patient's condition with the help of a special antidote and medicines.

  • Hydrogen sulfide poisoning

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic nerve poison that leads to hypoxia, as it irritates the mucous membrane. First aid is to open the victim's access to air. The patient needs to rinse the eyes and nose with clean water and make cold lotions. If the victim has pain in the eyes, then it is necessary to drip novocaine and dikatin into the eyes. With prolonged pain in the upper respiratory tract and nasopharynx, the patient is shown rinsing with warm water and soda.

Outside the window it is cold and damp, stoves and fireplaces are heated in the dachas. Many still do not refuse traditional wood heating: not everyone has gas, and electric heaters are not very economical. Yes, and it is difficult, perhaps, to replace the living flame with something, which is so pleasant to bask in the autumn evenings.

It is so nice to warm up near a live fire in a cold autumn. But a stove or a fireplace can pose a threat to the life and health of its owner. And it's not about the possibility of a fire. There is an invisible, imperceptible, insidious danger - carbon monoxide. Poisoning by this by-product of combustion often leads to death, so it will not be superfluous to know how to prevent the danger, and what to do if someone is still injured. Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), is often referred to as the "silent killer". The main problem is that it has no color, no taste, no smell, no sensation at all (until it's too late). It is impossible to detect "by eye", and for the victim, his presence remains unnoticed. At the same time, the gas spreads quickly, mixing with air without losing its toxic properties.

For humans, carbon monoxide is the most powerful poison. Entering the body during breathing, it penetrates from the lungs into the circulatory system, where it combines with hemoglobin. As a result, the blood loses its ability to carry and deliver oxygen to the tissues, and the body very quickly begins to experience a lack of it. First of all, the brain suffers, but other organs can also be affected, depending on the general state of health. According to an old proverb: "Where it is thin, it breaks there."

Any fireplace or stove can be a source of danger

By the way, it would be a mistake to think that the threat of poisoning exists only in houses with stove heating. Carbon monoxide is formed during the incomplete combustion of ANY fuel. Gas, coal, firewood, gasoline and so on - it doesn't matter. Only the degree of risk is different.

In the "leaders" in terms of the amount of carbon monoxide released during combustion, coal is listed. Automobiles are considered to be the main source of pollution for the environment. They are potentially dangerous for their owners - every year a lot of motorists die in their own garages. The habit of working with the car engine turned on (for heating), plus the lack of ventilation - and here is the sad result for you ...

Finally, according to scientists, the concentration of CO2 in cigarette smoke exceeds the maximum allowable by 8 times, so indoor smokers and those who are with them are also at risk - especially if ventilation is poor.

In cigarette smoke, the concentration of carbon monoxide exceeds the maximum allowable values ​​by 8 times.

Natural gas itself is safe - but only if it is of good quality, well ventilated, and properly installed equipment is used. Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in apartments where there are geysers, alas, are recorded annually.

Let's finish this theory and move on to purely practical questions: how to avoid poisoning and how to help the victim if it was not possible to prevent the problem. In fact, most people already know about it. However, poisoning does happen. So, we will repeat what may seem to someone to be banal and well-known rules. Cracks in the stove masonry, a clogged chimney and similar “little things” can lead to serious consequences. In urban apartments, poisoning occurs just during the off-season: central heating is not turned on, residents are saved from dampness and cold using gas stoves ... With insufficient ventilation, even such “safe” devices sometimes cause tragedies.

If you use a gas stove for heating, carbon monoxide poisoning is quite realistic. In the country, hardly anyone is heated by a gas stove, but gas water heaters in country houses are not uncommon. In general, good ventilation is needed in any home. This is what everyone seems to know. Nevertheless ... I will give a case from real life. My colleague got a house in the village from his mother, and she and her husband went there for the weekend until late autumn. They usually come on Friday - late in the evening, after work. In order not to enter the cold house, they asked the neighbor to heat the stove by this time. And then one day they arrived, as usual - it's warm in the house; had dinner, went to bed...

A colleague said that she woke up in the middle of the night because she felt bad. Lucky: many fail to wake up - a significant part of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in a dream. She grew up in the village, so she quickly figured out what was happening - the first thing she did was wake up her husband and open the doors to air the house. She stepped out onto the porch for some fresh air.

In the morning we asked a neighbor. It turned out that she - although she herself was also a village woman, had lived all her life with stove heating - decided to close the damper early so that it would be warmer. From good intentions. As they say, even an old woman can be a wreck ... Another confirmation: you don’t have to “hopefully” in such matters - maybe you’ll be lucky, or maybe not ...

Do not rush to close the stove damper A colleague and her husband got off with a headache for the whole day and a jump in pressure. It can be considered a rare success, especially when you consider that both are aged people, with a whole “collection” of diseases ... She says: “God saved,” but it’s not in vain that folk wisdom says: trust in God, but don’t make a mistake yourself ... Therefore I repeat: do not rush to close the oven damper. By the way, this also applies to the bath stove in full. The ventilation here is often “lame” (see point 2), and therefore there is no need to tempt fate. If you are working in a garage during the cold season, use a heater that is safer than a car engine. That's all, in fact ... Is it true - to follow these rules is quite simple? .. Symptoms of poisoning can vary markedly - depending on the degree of damage, the general condition of the body, existing diseases and other circumstances. However, you should definitely be alerted by such symptoms as:

  • dizziness, headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • noise in ears
  • shortness of breath, cough
  • watery eyes.

Headache and dizziness are the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The condition of the victim is often agitated, but in some cases, on the contrary, lethargy and drowsiness are observed. There may be a violation of the vestibular apparatus (loss of balance, problems with coordination of movements), hearing and vision disorders. These symptoms may precede loss of consciousness.

With moderate and severe poisoning, problems in the work of the cardiovascular system are very likely. Arrhythmias occur (you will notice that the pulse has become uneven, intermittent); blood pressure drops, body temperature drops. In such a situation, without timely medical care, the victim may die from cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction.

In case of mild poisoning (if the case was limited to dizziness and nausea), it is usually enough to take (or take out) a person to fresh air. But until his condition completely returns to normal, observe, fix any changes in order to come to the rescue in time, if necessary.

In severe poisoning and moderate injuries, as a rule, hospitalization is needed. And, in any case, you should not try to do without medical help - call an ambulance without delay.

Why? Firstly, in such cases it is difficult to predict how the situation will develop: sometimes the victim dies instantly from cardiac arrest; convulsions or paralysis may occur; respiratory depression and other symptoms that require immediate qualified intervention are very likely.

Secondly, carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous and the possibility of severe complications, including those from the brain, respiratory organs, and the cardiovascular system. Timely and properly provided medical care can prevent many of these complications.

Call an ambulance for carbon monoxide poisoning

The main task while waiting for the doctor is to alleviate the condition of the victim, as much as you can.

  • If chills begin, the temperature drops, wrap up warmer, drink sweet tea (if the person is conscious, of course).
  • Make yourself comfortable (and preferably outdoors or at least near an open window) to make breathing easier.
  • Calm down if scared or excited.
  • Lay the unconscious person on his side and make sure that his head does not throw back, especially if vomiting suddenly occurs.
When breathing stops, artificial respiration should be done, and when the heart stops, chest compressions should be performed. BUT! These manipulations make sense only if you know how to perform them - otherwise there is a risk of causing even more harm (although in general, it is reasonable to learn first aid skills for everyone who is often out of town - in the country, on a hike, fishing).

Be aware that there is an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning. This drug is called acyzol, it is available in the form of capsules and as a solution in ampoules (for intramuscular injections). It is highly desirable to keep it in a summer first-aid kit (although not cheap, but life and health are more expensive). It is recommended for use, including as a prophylactic agent - if there is a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. For medicinal purposes, this antidote (i.e. antidote) should be taken as early as possible; it reduces the likelihood of complications and significantly reduces the degree of exposure to the poison on the body.

However, I hope you never have to use these recommendations. But it is better to meet the danger fully armed - prepared and aware. And even better - do everything to avoid such a meeting altogether.

Read also:

7dach.ru

Poisoned by carbon monoxide. What to do?

There are situations when you can get poisoned by carbon monoxide. This often happens if a person is in a closed garage, in a car, when the doors are tightly closed and the engine is on; in a private house where there is a stove or fireplace; in case of fire, etc. Harmful substances enter the human body if it is in a smoky, poorly ventilated room.


Carbon monoxide has no specific color or odor

The worst thing is that this type of gas does not have a specific color or smell, so its presence in a room or car is almost impossible to detect. Only when the state of health worsens and symptoms of poisoning appear can a person determine with certainty that urgent measures must be taken if he has not lost consciousness before.

What you need to know about poisoning?

You need to know that the first symptoms of damage to the body by this type of gas, which is listed in paragraph 10 in the medical catalog, are manifested in a sudden sharp headache, nausea, strange drowsiness, and then loss of consciousness may occur. The consequences of poisoning with this gas can be very severe. Therefore, if you are indoors and you experience these symptoms, then try to leave the apartment, house or car as soon as possible.

If the provision of assistance is delayed, then even with the survival of the patient, as a consequence, Parkinson's disease may develop after some time, incurable defects in the intellect arise, and various types of paralysis develop. Strongly "gets" with such a lesion and the optic nerves, often there is a partial or even complete loss of vision, small hemorrhages occur.


The first symptoms of carbon monoxide damage to the body: a sudden onset of a sharp headache, nausea, drowsiness

And this is not all the symptoms that are caused by the defeat of this type of gas, which is listed in the medical catalog of diseases in paragraph 10. Often after this, a person needs long-term treatment. Therefore, the provision of quick qualified assistance will save the victim's life. And even if the poisoning is received in a mild form, then you must definitely see a doctor, only he can guarantee a complete, timely and correct treatment.

Where can you get poisoned by this gas?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be at home if you use heating appliances that are out of order. Often this happens when it is too early to close the chimney, while the firewood has not yet completely burned out in it. The peculiarity of this gas is that when it enters the body, it binds to hemoglobin 200 times faster than oxygen.

As a result, hemoglobin can no longer carry oxygen, even in minimal amounts, to various organs, which causes suffocation. This type of poisoning is very dangerous for people, because if emergency care is not provided in a timely manner, the death of the victim may occur. It is also terrible that after severe poisoning, which has a code in microbial 10, pathological changes are observed in human organs, especially in the brain.


Carbon monoxide poisoning can be at home

These changes remain for a long time if a person survives an acute degree of poisoning. In the victim in this case, severe various consequences can be observed in the future. These can be mental or neurological disorders, primarily in case of poisoning, which in the ICD refers to paragraph 10, the brain suffers. Therefore, emergency care should be provided as soon as possible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be obtained if you stay near large highways for a long time, where a lot of cars move. Here, a large amount of exhaust gases constantly enters the air, and therefore the concentration of harmful substances on busy highways far exceeds the threshold, which can seriously harm health.

The main symptoms of poisoning

If we consider the most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, we can note the following symptoms:


A person, finding himself in a similar situation, intuitively tries to run out into the fresh air. Yes, this is understandable, because he simply does not have enough oxygen. Sometimes this is quite enough to avoid further deterioration of well-being. If the victim continues to remain in the room where the concentration of gas is increased, then he:

  • pupils dilate;
  • breathing becomes shallow;
  • pulse quickens;
  • convulsions may occur;
  • drowsiness increases, which then smoothly turns into loss of consciousness.

Urgent medical attention needed

All these symptoms indicate the penetration of this gas into the body, the poisoning of which appears in the medical catalog under item No. 10. When such a situation arises, emergency medical care is needed, an antidote must be administered.

Timely first aid also plays an important role. And the sooner this happens, the better for a person, in this case, the count goes literally for seconds!

Upon receipt of poisoning in the future, it is necessary to undergo a detailed examination, and if necessary, treatment, since the consequences in this case are severe and often irreversible, because the brain and nervous system immediately fall under the action of carbon monoxide.

Actions in case of poisoning

Many are interested in what to do with carbon monoxide poisoning? The main thing to help the victim is to act quickly and clearly, not to panic. First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning is to take the victim out of the enclosed space to the street. When he is unable to do this on his own, it is necessary to take him out of the smoky room as soon as possible.


The victim, if necessary, is connected to an oxygen mask

Then, on the street, they unbutton his collar, remove his scarf, loosen his tie, allowing air to enter his lungs. Carefully monitor that the patient is not cold. If there is a need, then in cold weather it is better to cover it with a blanket or blanket. If the poisoned person is conscious, then it is necessary to give him strong sweet tea to drink, give him an alkaline drink in a warm form.

It is important that emergency assistance be provided as quickly as possible! Treatment is required immediately, so you need to quickly call a doctor. The treatment of poisoning, which is characterized in microbial number 10, is that the victim, if necessary, is connected to an oxygen mask. Intramuscularly, the patient is injected with an antidote.

When carrying out resuscitation, it may be necessary in the future to place the patient in a pressure chamber in order to saturate the body with oxygen. Treatment may also include a blood transfusion. But medical workers are already doing this, either in an ambulance or in a medical facility. And the timely provision of first aid depends on the people around.

If a person is unconscious or other symptoms are pronounced, i.e., the pulse is very weak or cannot be felt, breathing is intermittent or absent, then taking the person out to fresh air, artificial respiration and chest compressions should be started before the ambulance arrives. It is necessary to perform these actions until the person begins to breathe on his own or until the arrival of doctors.

In the future, treatment for poisoning, which is located at point 10 in the medical catalog, is carried out in a hospital, periodically checking the level of carbon monoxide contained in the blood.

otravilsja.ru

Help with carbon monoxide poisoning

One of the most common and severe forms of intoxication is carbon monoxide poisoning, which causes serious damage to human systems and organs. Often, at high concentrations of a substance in the air, a fatal outcome is possible. During a fire, people often die because of poisoning by combustion products.

By the time the first characteristic signs of intoxication appear, the internal organs of the human body have already suffered.

Possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Intoxication with carbon monoxide occurs almost immediately. If the gas content in the air is in the range of 1.2-1.4% and the necessary assistance is not provided to a person, he dies within a few minutes.

First of all, under the influence of carbon monoxide, red blood cells - erythrocytes - are affected. They lose the ability to carry the necessary oxygen to tissue structures. In the process, acute hypoxia develops. The nervous system reacts to the ingress of gas into the body, malfunctioning.

In the future, skeletal muscles and myocardium begin to be affected. The heart is not pumping enough blood. It is important to respond as quickly as possible to carbon monoxide poisoning and provide first aid. Otherwise, the consequences may be unpredictable.

The most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

  • Car repair in a garage where there is no normal air ventilation (lung structures are affected and exhaust poisoning occurs).
  • Use of broken heaters.
  • Malfunctioning boilers.
  • Intoxication with household gases.
  • Poor ventilation in living quarters.
  • Fire.
  • Burning electrical appliances and interior parts.
  • Smoldering electrical wiring.

Stages of poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning differ depending on the stage of intoxication, therefore, treatment is carried out individually. Manifestations of a life-threatening condition can be lightning fast, and also occur for a couple of months after contact with carbon monoxide. The stages of the condition differ depending on the amount of poisonous substance inhaled. There are three degrees of severity of the lesion:

Light

The initial stage is characterized by the appearance of vomiting, weakness throughout the body, noise in the auricles. These reactions are characteristic of brain damage. It is the nervous system that first reacts to oxygen starvation.

Medium

This type is more pronounced. Symptoms of damage to the nervous system and brain intensify. Adynamia, trembling in muscle structures appear, the nature of the movements performed is disturbed. A few hours later, due to intoxication, the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems changes. There are tachycardia, myocardial insufficiency, the pulse quickens. A person can lose consciousness and, in the absence of timely assistance, die.

heavy

This degree of poisoning is characterized by the appearance of a coma in the victim for 7 days. Violations in the brain become irreversible, convulsive phenomena occur, a person cannot control the processes of bowel movement and urination. Breathing with a severe degree becomes intermittent, body temperature rises to 38.5-39.5 degrees.

signs

It is important to know the basic manifestations of carbon monoxide poisoning in order to respond as quickly as possible to changes in the body and provide emergency assistance. The first symptoms are cough, nausea and vomiting.

neurological

On the part of the nervous system, there are headaches localized in the forehead and temples, noise in the auricles, dizziness. In addition, it notes:

  • a sharp drop in hearing and vision;
  • convulsive phenomena;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • coma.

Dermal

There are no pronounced changes on the skin and mucous membranes during intoxication with carbon monoxide. Redness may occur in the initial stages, as well as pallor of the skin and mucous membranes in severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cardiovascular

With mild and moderate carbon dioxide poisoning, changes such as a sharp increase in heart rate and blood pressure are observed, as well as pressing pains in the myocardium.

A severe degree of damage is characterized by the risk of developing pre-infarction conditions, while the number of heartbeats is up to 130 per minute.

Possible consequences

The consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning are conditionally divided into two types - early and late.

The first type of complications occurs 2–4 days after poisoning. Headaches appear, physical activity changes. In addition, you may experience:

  • loss of sensitivity in peripheral nerve endings;
  • disorders of the digestive tract;
  • swelling of the brain and pulmonary structures;
  • mental illness;
  • failures in the functioning of the myocardium;
  • heart failure.

Late types of complications after carbon monoxide poisoning occur on days 4–45. Characteristic for this stage are:

  • angina;
  • apathy;
  • blindness;
  • paralysis;
  • tremor of the limbs;
  • inflammation of the pulmonary structures of a rapid course;
  • myocardial infarctions.

Treatment

It is important to first take the victim outside and provide fresh air. If this is not possible, it is necessary to create a strong draft by opening all windows and doors. An ambulance needs to be called immediately.

Pre-hospital measures

Until the moment the medical team arrives, it is important to carry out a set of measures based on the maximum relief of the person's condition. Help with carbon monoxide poisoning is to do the following:

  1. Release the victim's respiratory tract - provide a flow of fresh air and lay him on his side.
  2. Give a sniff of ammonia in order to activate the breathing process.
  3. Improve blood circulation in the sternum by applying mustard plasters and rubbing the chest.
  4. To tone the nervous system, you can give the victim strong tea or coffee.

It is necessary that the person remains in the supine position. This will protect him from falling tongue or suffocation with vomit.

Pharmacy funds

In case of moderate and severe poisoning, the victim must be hospitalized and treatment is carried out in a hospital. The main antidote is oxygen. To do this, the patient is put on a special mask with oxygen supply from 9 to 16 liters per minute. In the absence of consciousness, intubation is performed and the person is transferred to a ventilator (artificial lung ventilation).

To eliminate the symptoms of carbon monoxide intoxication, the drug "Acyzol" is used. The main active ingredient of the drug is zinc bisvinylimidazole diacetate. This is a powerful antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning, medicinal and biological substances. Zinc diacetate is able to accelerate the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin, helping to saturate the blood with oxygen, reducing the impact of toxic substances on the cellular structures of the nervous system and muscles.

Affected people after carbon monoxide poisoning need a complex of vitamin preparations that replenish the expended energy forces.

The video tells about first aid for victims of poisoning:

Alternative medicine

To avoid complications of intoxication of the body, you can use the methods of traditional medicine. It is important to note that this type of treatment is combined with medical professional help. Excellent help to get rid of toxins in the body infusions (cranberry-lingonberry, from knotweed), tincture of alcohol from Rhodiola rosea and dandelion roots. It should be remembered that this is only an auxiliary therapy, and should not be the main emphasis on it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is always easier to prevent than to treat later. By following the basic rules, you can protect yourself from serious consequences. Do not forget that even with mild degrees of poisoning with poisonous gas, you must definitely seek the advice of your doctor.

semtrav.ru

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning? - Methods and means of treating diseases

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

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common and dangerous accident.

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

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

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

Reasons for the development of pathology

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

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

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

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

The most common causes of poisoning with this substance:

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

Symptoms of pathology

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

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

Obvious signs of an average degree of intoxication:

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

Symptoms of acute poisoning:

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

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

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

In acute poisoning, the following disorders often occur:

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

People most at risk:

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

Stages of first aid at home

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

Action algorithm:

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

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

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

Treatment at home with folk remedies

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

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

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

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

  1. The use of infusion of cranberries and lingonberries. To prepare such a remedy, you need to mix 100 grams of dried cranberries and 200 grams of lingonberries. Grind the ingredients well and add 300 grams of boiling water. Infuse the medicine for at least two hours, strain and take 50 milliliters six times a day.
  2. Knotweed infusion will help from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is used to quickly remove aggressive substances from the body. It will take two tablespoons of dry crushed raw materials and 0.5 liters of boiled hot water. Strain the infused broth and take 0.5 cup three times a day.
  3. The extract of radiola rosea will help restore the body's activity after a poisoning. An alcohol remedy can be bought at a pharmacy kiosk and taken 10 drops three times a day, previously dissolved in a small amount of water. It is important to ensure that the last appointment is no later than 19.00. Together with the tincture, you need to use sweetened water with honey.
  4. A decoction of dandelion roots. It is an excellent antitoxic agent. For cooking, pour 6 grams of dried chopped raw materials with boiling water - 250 milliliters and cook for 15 minutes. Then insist the broth for half an hour, strain and add warm boiled water to the initial volume. Take a tablespoon in the morning, afternoon and evening.
  5. A decoction from the root of the hoof. To prepare it, you need to take a tablespoon of raw materials, put in a saucepan and add 300 milliliters of cold water. Boil over low heat for at least 15 minutes, then strain the prepared remedy and take it warm. A single dose is 50 milliliters.
  6. With pronounced symptoms, the patient must be taken out to fresh air, wiped with vinegar diluted with water 1: 1. Then this solution should be drunk, at a time 100 milliliters of liquid.

Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning

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

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

  1. Operate only corrected heaters.
  2. If there is stove heating in the house, the ventilation system should be constantly checked, and the chimneys should be periodically cleaned of soot.
  3. Check dampers when using stoves and fireplaces indoors.
  4. If a column or a kerosene lamp was used, then it is necessary to ventilate the room.
  5. Do not start the car and leave it running for a long time in a garage without ventilation.
  6. Avoid long stays near smoky trails.

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

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

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

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

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common and dangerous accident..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The most common causes of poisoning with this substance:

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

Symptoms of pathology

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

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

Obvious signs of an average degree of intoxication:

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

Symptoms of acute poisoning:

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

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

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

In acute poisoning, the following disorders often occur:

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

People most at risk:

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

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

Action algorithm:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 turn to specialists for help in a timely manner, death from carbon monoxide can occur.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, CO) is a product that is released during combustion and enters the atmosphere. Since poison 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 soil, walls, filters. Many are interested in the question, 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. It is also possible to suspect CO poisoning if a person develops some signs rapidly.

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

How CO affects the body?

This gas enters the blood very quickly and actively binds to. As a result, it produces 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 (it is a protein of skeletal muscles and heart 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 the tissues.

Where can carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

Many situations 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 not enough supply air, which is necessary for normal gas combustion;
  • in those industries where CO is involved in the reactions of synthesis 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 leakage 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 the home stove, fireplace, sauna stove was closed too early;
  • when using breathing apparatus with low-quality air.

Who can 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 in case of carbon monoxide poisoning are more quickly affected 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 humans, depending on the concentration of CO. Symptoms of household gas poisoning and poisoning from other sources manifest themselves in different ways, and by the way carbon monoxide (not carbon dioxide, as it is sometimes mistakenly called) acts on a person, one can assume how strong its concentration was in the air. 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 noted after 3-5 hours:

  • decrease in the 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 noted after 6 hours:

  • performance decreases;
  • shortness of breath with moderate physical exertion;
  • headache , slightly pronounced;
  • visual impairment;
  • the death of those who suffer from severe heart failure is possible, and fetal death can also occur.

Concentration 0.019-0.052%

  • severe throbbing headache;
  • irritability, instability of the emotional state;
  • nausea;
  • impaired attention, memory;
  • fine motor problems.

Concentration up to 0.069%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

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

Concentration 0.069-0.094%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

  • severe dysmotility (ataxia);
  • appearance;
  • strong rapid breathing.

Concentration 0.1%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

  • weak pulse;
  • a state of fainting;
  • convulsions;
  • breathing becomes rare and superficial;
  • condition .

Concentration 0.15%

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

Concentration 0.17%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours.

Manifestations are similar to the previous description.

Concentration 0.2-0.29%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours:

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

Concentration 0.49-0.99%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2-5 minutes:

  • no reflexes;
  • pulse thready;
  • deep coma;
  • death.

Concentration 1.2%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5-3 minutes:

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

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The table below summarizes the signs that appear with different degrees of poisoning:

The mechanism of development of symptoms

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

neurological

The greatest sensitivity to hypoxia show nerve cells as well as the brain. That is why the development of dizziness, nausea, headache indicate that oxygen starvation of cells occurs. More severe neurological symptoms appear as a result of severe or irreversible damage to the nerve structures. In this case, convulsions, impaired consciousness occur.

Respiratory

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

Cardiovascular

Due to the lack of oxygen, more active cardiac activity is noted, 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.

Dermal

Due to a very strong compensatory blood flow to the head, the mucous membranes and skin of the head become blue-red.

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

The consequences of severe poisoning, as a rule, are 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 ;
  • violation of cerebral hemodynamics;
  • deterioration of vision and hearing up to complete loss;
  • polyneuritis ;
  • pneumonia in severe form, which complicates coma;

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

First of all, emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the immediate cessation of human contact with the gas that poisons the body, as well as the restoration of all important body functions. It is extremely important that the person who provides first aid does not become poisoned in the course of 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 the start of PMP, it is necessary to take out or remove the one who suffered from the room in which the concentration of carbon monoxide is increased. You need to clearly understand what CO is what kind of gas, and how quickly it can harm the body. And since each breath of poisoned air will only increase negative symptoms, it is necessary to deliver the victim to fresh air as soon as possible.

No matter how quickly and professionally the first aid is provided, even if the person feels relatively well, it is necessary to call an 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 action 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, warm it up and ensure complete rest.

If confusion is noted, or it is absent at all, you should lay the person on his side on a flat surface, make sure that he receives an influx of fresh air by unbuttoning his belt, collar, underwear. Give a sniff of ammonia, holding the cotton at a distance of 1 cm.

In the absence of a heartbeat and breathing, artificial respiration should be carried out, a sternum massage should be done in the projection of the heart.

In an emergency, you can't act rashly. If there are still people in a burning building, you cannot save them on your own, as this can lead to an increase in the number of victims. It is important to immediately call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Even after a few breaths of CO poisoned air, death can occur. 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 lethal effects of CO.

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

Do not practice after poisoning treatment at home. A person in such a situation needs the help of specialists.

Provided that the victim is in a critical condition, doctors carry out a set of resuscitation measures. Immediately injected intramuscularly 1 ml of antidote 6%. 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 with pure oxygen (partial pressure 1.5-2 atm.) Or carbogen (composition - 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide). This procedure is carried out for 3-6 hours.

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

In order to prevent natural gas and CO poisoning, it is important to follow very carefully those rules that will help prevent dangerous situations.

  • If there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during certain work, they should only be carried out in rooms that are well ventilated.
  • Carefully check the dampers of fireplaces, stoves, do not close them completely until the firewood is burned.
  • In a room where CO poisoning can potentially occur, it is necessary to install autonomous gas detectors.
  • If possible contact with carbon monoxide is planned, one capsule should be taken. 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 domestically produced medicine that is an effective and fast-acting antidote against acute CO poisoning. It creates an obstacle in the body for the formation carboxyhemoglobin , and also speeds up the process of removing carbon monoxide.

The sooner Acizol is administered intramuscularly in case of poisoning, the greater the chances of a person to survive. Also, this medicine increases the effectiveness of those measures that will subsequently be taken for resuscitation and treatment.

findings

Thus, carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous condition. The higher the gas concentration, the more likely the death. Therefore, it is very important to be extremely careful to comply with all the rules of prevention, and at the first suspicion of such poisoning, immediately call for emergency care.

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

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

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

What happens in carbon monoxide poisoning?

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

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

When does carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

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

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

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

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

What is the danger of carbon monoxide

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

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

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

How does gas enter the body?

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

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

Symptoms of the cause of poisoning and treatment

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

At 1.2 degrees of poisoning, the following symptoms appear:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

The following causes of carbon monoxide poisoning can be distinguished:

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

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

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

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

What are the consequences of gas poisoning?

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

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

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

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

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

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

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

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

How to help with carbon monoxide poisoning in a child?

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

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

How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?

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

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

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

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

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

First aid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

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

The main danger is:

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

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

Folk remedies to eliminate gas poisoning

Recipes of folk remedies:

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