What are the effects of carbon monoxide? Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. How to help the victim on the spot

Carbon monoxide is called the "silent killer" because it is dangerous to humans and at the same time acts imperceptibly, as it has no color and smell. Emissions of a toxic compound can occur in the most ordinary situations - it is present in the air of city streets, houses, bathhouses that are heated with wood. The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to diseases that occur with damage to the central nervous system.

What is carbon monoxide, what properties does it have, where is it formed, how does it affect a person? - let's find out. As well as symptoms of poisoning by them, how to provide first aid to the victim, about methods of treatment and preventive measures.

What is carbon monoxide

Another name for carbon monoxide is carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide. It occurs when incomplete combustion of fuels with carbon content is gasoline, natural gas, coal, firewood.

In the process of a complete combustion cycle, carbon dioxide and water are formed, which are non-toxic to the human body. With a lack of oxygen, the oxidation of organic elements does not occur to the end. As a result, the reaction ends with the formation of carbon monoxide, known to everyone as carbon monoxide.

This poisonous substance got its name from a condition that develops during acute poisoning, popularly called fumes.

Chemical and physical properties

By physical nature, it is a substance that does not have color, smell and taste. During its combustion, the flame turns blue.

The chemical formula for carbon monoxide (CO) indicates the carbon and oxygen content. The structure of the molecule contributes to the stability of the substance. It becomes active as an oxidizing agent only at high temperatures.

At 15–20 °C, carbon monoxide has approximately the same specific gravity as air, so in a closed room it does not accumulate at the bottom or top, but quickly and evenly spreads throughout the space. But the lower the ambient temperature, the lighter it becomes than air and rises. And vice versa - the warmer, the more carbon monoxide begins to sink and spread along the ground.

Explosive carbon monoxide at a percentage in the air mixture from 12.5 to 74%.

Getting and using

In nature, free carbon monoxide enters the atmosphere in an amount of 5-10 volume percent. During combustion, it is obtained by the interaction of carbon dioxide with hot coal. On an industrial scale, carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of coal in special furnaces - gas generators.

Despite the high toxicity to the human body, carbon monoxide is used as part of active compounds. The chemical industry uses a mixture of carbon monoxide and nitrogen called generator or air gas. In the process of recovering metals from their ores, a combination of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (water gas) is used.

There is a practice of using carbon monoxide in the production of detergents and polymers. But due to the lack of smell and high toxicity, this toxic compound often causes poisoning. Therefore, German scientists from the University of Rostock have found a way to replace it with carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide).

First aid and emergency care [edit | edit code]

Algorithm for providing emergency care in the lesion

1. A gas mask is put on the victim (in combination with a hopkalite cartridge) and he is immediately evacuated from the affected area.

Algorithm for providing emergency care outside the affected area

1. The gas mask is removed from the victim and he is freed from clothing that restricts breathing.
2. The victim is given oxygen and warm. Modern methods of treatment include oxygen therapy in a pressure chamber.
3. Since ultraviolet rays accelerate the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin, it is advisable to irradiate the victim with a quartz lamp.
4. According to the indications, artificial respiration is carried out using manual breathing devices.
5. In heart failure, the introduction of 1 ml of cordiamine, as well as 1 ml of a 10% caffeine solution subcutaneously, is indicated.
6. The victim was immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often complicated by the development of inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract and lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia), therefore, antibiotics are prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

Impact on the human body

Carbon monoxide is called "blood poison". Getting into the plasma through the respiratory tract, it binds hemoglobin. As a result of the reversible reaction, carboxyhemoglobin is synthesized. As part of this compound, hemoglobin loses its ability to attach and transport oxygen. Oxygenation (oxygen supply) of tissues is disturbed.

The main target for carbon monoxide poisoning is the central nervous system. The consequences for the brain can become irreversible. Symptoms of damage to higher nervous activity are observed already in the first hours of intoxication.

With a long stay of a person in a room with a high concentration of carbon monoxide, there are complaints of headache, dizziness, weakness. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems suffer from violations of the transport function of the blood.

Carbon monoxide contained in tobacco smoke is not so dangerous to humans. Its concentration is low and cannot cause immediate poisoning.

Risk groups [ edit | edit code]

• during fires;
• in production, where carbon monoxide is used to synthesize a number of organic substances (acetone, methyl alcohol, phenol, etc.);
• in gasified premises in which gas-using equipment is operated (stoves, instantaneous water heaters, heat generators with an open combustion chamber) under conditions of insufficient air exchange, for example, if there is a violation of draft in chimneys and / or ventilation ducts or a lack of supply air for gas combustion;
• in garages with poor ventilation, in other unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms, tunnels, as the car exhaust contains up to 1-3% CO according to the standards and over 10% with poor adjustment of the carburetor engine;
• when you stay on a busy road or near it for a long time. On major highways, the average concentration of CO exceeds the poisoning threshold;
• at home in case of leakage of natural gas and in case of untimely closed stove dampers in rooms with stove heating (houses, baths);
• when using low-quality air in breathing apparatus;
• when smoking a hookah (a very large percentage of people experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness after smoking a hookah, which is due to carbon monoxide poisoning, formed when there is a lack of oxygen in the hookah apparatus).

Causes of poisoning

Where does carbon monoxide come from in houses, apartments, utility rooms, baths? The main source of air pollution is:

• repair and maintenance of cars in garages with insufficient removal of carbon monoxide;
• faulty stove heating appliances (wood or coal), kerosene burners, grills;
• clogged chimneys;
• poorly adjusted gas stoves, boilers;
• violation of the rules for the operation of devices;
• fires.

Carbon monoxide in the composition of the combustion products of gasoline can cause poisoning for the driver and passengers in the car. This is facilitated by insufficient ventilation and technical malfunctions of the car. The special insidiousness of carbon monoxide is manifested with the effect of "reverse casting". Under certain meteorological conditions, carbon monoxide from the exhaust pipe "spreads" along the ground. And even the poisonous gas diverted through the hose to the street easily penetrates back into the garage.

Carbon monoxide poisoning in the bath, possibly due to the fact that the stove is located directly in the steam room. The products of incomplete combustion of firewood are dangerous to humans.

Before using gas appliances, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the important points of the instructions: “how to safely turn off a faulty appliance”, “what phone to call the rescue service”.

Treatment [edit | edit code]

In the first three hours it is very important to give an oxygen cushion with a high oxygen content. It is necessary to immediately eliminate the source of polluted air and provide breathing with pure oxygen at an increased partial pressure of 1.5-2 atm or, preferably, carbogen. Treatment is carried out in a hospital.

World medicine does not know reliable antidotes for use in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Russian scientists have developed an innovative drug "Acyzol", positioned as an antidote [ source not specified 410 days

] . It is administered intramuscularly as a solution. It is also offered as a prophylactic.

Most likely, everyone at least once heard such a thing as "carbon monoxide". After all, many people have suffered because of this substance. Unfortunately, despite the awareness of carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide poisoning is still common. Often this is observed in homes where there is stove heating. The harmful effect of carbon monoxide on the human body is expressed in the fact that the substance affects the respiratory system. As a result, changes in the composition of the blood occur. Then the whole body starts to suffer. Left untreated, intoxication can cause serious consequences.

The first signs of poisoning

The intensity and speed of the appearance of signs of carbon monoxide intoxication depend on several factors - the initial state of the victim, the concentration of the poisonous substance, the duration of exposure to the toxin, the ventilation of the room, meteorological conditions and other reasons.

The first signs of acute carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• headache, dizziness, nausea;
• general weakness, impaired attention, inappropriate behavior, which may resemble alcohol intoxication;
• shortness of breath, chest pain;
• the color of the skin and mucous membranes during carbon monoxide poisoning becomes carmine red (due to carboxyhemoglobin).

Signs of intoxication may resemble a picture of a viral infection. When they appear, you should seek medical help in a timely manner in order to prevent the development of irreversible complications.

Preventive measures to prevent CO poisoning

As already mentioned, carbon monoxide is often the culprit in the death of people. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need not only to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, but also try to follow preventive measures, which are as follows:

• The condition of chimneys and ventilation shafts must be checked regularly. It is especially important to pay attention to this before the start of the heating season.
• Before starting to use appliances that use combustible fuels, you should always check their serviceability. Early detection of damage will help to avoid many problems.
• In the event that the room is poorly ventilated, additional measures must be taken to ventilate it regularly.
• Do not start the car in a closed, unventilated garage or sleep in a car with the engine running.
• Purchase a special sensor that reacts to CO leakage and install it in a house or apartment.
• Try to avoid being near busy highways, especially during their busiest hours.

Symptoms

The severity of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on its content in the air.

A mild degree of intoxication develops already at a concentration of 0.08%. The victims show signs of oxygen starvation, irritating effects of poisonous gas:

• drowsiness, weakness in the legs;
• fainting;
• tinnitus, pulsation in the temples;
• nausea, vomiting;
• dry cough, rapid breathing;
• lacrimation;
• arterial hypertension, tachycardia.

The average degree of poisoning is characterized by aggravation of insufficiency from the central nervous system, an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory failure:

• oppression of consciousness of varying degrees;
• visual and auditory hallucinations;
• motor agitation, inappropriate behavior;
• unsteadiness of gait, imbalance;
• chest pain;
• dyspnea.

When the concentration in the air rises to 0.32%, carbon monoxide acts on a person very quickly. Within 10-15 minutes, a life-threatening condition develops:

• coma (lack of consciousness);
• convulsive syndrome;
• high body temperature;
• gross respiratory disorders - frequent or rare, superficial;
• cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
• arterial hypotension, disturbances in the rhythm and frequency of the pulse - slowing down or speeding up.

The concentration of carbon monoxide in the air of 1.2% or more is fatal to humans. A terminal state develops. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of carbon monoxide poisoning is carried out in order to restore cardiac activity and spontaneous breathing.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

Timely rendering will help to avoid death. Therefore, in case of poisoning, it is necessary to act quickly and effectively. First thing to do:

• stop the flow of carbon dioxide: turn off the gas stove or put out the wood stove, turn off the car engine (if the action takes place in the car);

• take the victim outside or open all windows;

• be sure to call 03;

• unfasten all buttons and belts on the victim's clothing;

• lay the victim on his side to prevent aspiration of vomit and give him artificial respiration and chest compressions if he does not have spontaneous breathing;

• sometimes, to restore spontaneous breathing, it is enough to give a sniff of cotton wool with ammonia;

• if the victim is conscious, offer him a plentiful hot drink, do not let him sleep until the ambulance arrives.

First aid

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning at home? The amount of first aid depends on the condition of the victim. The main question that needs to be addressed is whether it threatens human life.

With an average and severe degree of carbon monoxide poisoning, the first step is to call the ambulance service. However, with a mild degree of intoxication, there may also be indications for transportation to the hospital. For example, even mild signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in a fire require immediate hospitalization.

The algorithm of actions before the arrival of medical specialists is as follows:

• first aid in case of carbon monoxide poisoning of a person consists in stopping the flow of poison into the body;
• if possible, provide him with mental and physical rest;
• do not give to drink;
• in the absence of consciousness, give the burnt person a horizontal position, ensuring the patency of the respiratory tract;
• before the arrival of the ambulance service, do not leave the victim unattended, control his consciousness, breathing, heart rate;
• start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if there are signs of a terminal condition.

Also, depending on the circumstances:

• take measures for their own safety;
• ventilate the room, taking into account the possibility of the effect of "reverse casting";
• block the flow of gas, burners, turn off the vehicle engine;
• remove the victim from the affected area.

What to do with mild carbon monoxide poisoning? The victim must continue to be monitored. In case of negative dynamics of the state, it is necessary to seek help from medical specialists.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

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:

Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning

When small amounts of a poisonous substance (less than 0.1 mg/l) are ingested over a long period, a person notices symptoms after 2–3 months. Signs of chronic intoxication are not specific and diverse:

• headaches that occur for no apparent reason, dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• fatigue, drowsiness during work, inability to concentrate;
• emotional lability;
• insomnia;
• nausea, lack of appetite;
• dyspnea;
• frequent urge to urinate.

The reason for diagnosis and treatment may be the passage of periodic medical examinations at work, as well as symptoms of chronic carbon monoxide poisoning.

Diagnostics

With carbon monoxide poisoning, diagnosis is difficult due to the non-specificity of symptoms. The clinical picture in acute intoxication may look like a viral infection, alcohol intoxication, a disease of the central nervous system, fainting of unknown etiology.

An important role is played by the collection of anamnesis. For example, the appearance of the same symptoms in several patients admitted from the same place (participants in a fire, bus passengers).

Laboratory diagnostics consists in determining the level of carboxyhemoglobin in venous blood.

Hardware research can reveal symptoms of myocardial damage using ECG, brain - CT, MRI, kidneys, liver - ultrasound.

What treatment is provided in the hospital?

Victims who have received an average or severe degree of poisoning are subject to mandatory hospitalization. The main antidote is 100% oxygen. Its uninterrupted intake into the body in the amount of 9-16 l / min. occurs through a special mask placed on the face of the patient.

In severe cases, the victim undergoes tracheal intubation and is connected to a ventilator. In a hospital, infusion therapy is also carried out using a course of droppers with sodium bicarbonate - this helps to correct hemodynamic disorders. For intravenous infusion, Chlosol and Quartasol solutions are also used.

Another drug used by doctors to help a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning is Acizol. This drug is injected into the body intramuscularly. Its action is based on accelerating the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin with simultaneous saturation of the blood with oxygen. "Acyzol" reduces the toxic effect of CO on muscle tissue and nerve cells.

Treatment

With all intoxications, including carbon monoxide, therapy is reduced to eliminating the cause of acute poisoning and correcting complications.

The principles of treatment are as follows:

• stop the flow of poison into the body;
• remove toxins as quickly as possible;
• apply an antidote, if one exists;
• restore disturbed functions of organs and systems.

According to the international classification of diseases ICD-10, carbon monoxide poisoning was assigned the code T58 - “Toxic effect of carbon monoxide”.

Medical care is provided to restore the transport function of hemoglobin, maintain gas exchange in tissues (brain, heart, lungs), and prevent the consequences associated with hypoxia.

Drug treatment after poisoning is carried out in order to remove carbon monoxide from the body. Preparations protect tissues from hypoxia, activate metabolism in cells. For this purpose, use:

• neuroprotectors - drugs that reduce the effects of oxygen starvation on brain cells;
• infusion therapy - intravenous administration of saline, alkaline solutions;
• anticonvulsants, decongestants;
• analgesics.

With the development of terminal conditions, intensive therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning is carried out in the intensive care unit. Depending on the indications, the patient is transferred to artificial ventilation of the lungs, the contractile function of the myocardium, the work of the kidneys and liver are supported by medication.

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning in children occurs in specialized departments.

Antidote therapy

Oxygen is not a specific antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning. The recommendations to carry out inhalation with a stream of pure oxygen are ambiguous among medical specialists. With a temporary violation of oxygen transport to the tissues, its content in the inhaled mixture is not of cardinal importance. On the contrary, the effect of 100% oxygen on the respiratory tract, the central nervous system, experts consider harmful, in fact, toxic.

Employees of the Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry. A. E. Favorsky SB RAS put on the market a specific carbon monoxide antidote - a drug for intramuscular injection "Acyzol". It is used for the prevention and treatment of poisoning. It accelerates the dissociation (decay) of carboxyhemoglobin and the restoration of the transport function of hemoglobin.

For preventive purposes, an intramuscular injection of 1 ml of Acizol is made half an hour before the intended exposure to carbon monoxide. In case of poisoning for therapeutic purposes, the antidote is administered in the same amount 2-4 times a day for 7-10 days.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, therapeutic hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is used to maintain tissue respiration in the brain, myocardium and other organs.

It is carried out in specially equipped departments, offices. The patient is placed in a sealed pressure chamber. During the session, a person is in an environment with a high oxygen content and pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure. Under such conditions, tissue oxygen saturation is restored despite the compromise of hemoglobin.

HBO sessions have a number of medical and technical contraindications. In their absence, a specialized method is the prevention of severe complications from the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular.

Treatment at home with folk remedies

Attention! Treatment at home with the help of traditional medicine is allowed only after the provision of qualified assistance in the hospital and the approval of the doctor! Remember! Self-treatment without prior consultation can play a cruel joke!

Of course, natural products are known for absolute safety and environmental friendliness, but each ingredient intended for the preparation of a particular product is endowed with certain properties, which means that it can affect the human body in different ways!

If you decide to use traditional medicine: go to the doctor and show the prescription. Got approved? Feel free to mix. Ban? Forget about traditional medicine!

I will talk about some time-tested tools.

Miraculous cranberry-lingonberry cocktail

To prepare a healing agent, we arm ourselves:

• juicy cranberries - 100 gr.;
• fragrant cranberries - 200 gr.;
• water - 300 gr.

We take the berries, wash them well, remove the tails. Pour water into the kettle, put it on the stove, wait for it to boil. In the meantime, we turn the berries into puree using a sieve, meat grinder or blender. We put the gruel in a container, fill it with water and mix thoroughly. We cover the saucepan with a lid, wrap it with a towel and insist the remedy for 2 hours. Then we filter it with gauze or a strainer.

The drug is taken 6-7 times a day, 50 ml. Useful and fragrant cocktail has cleansing, diuretic, diaphoretic, protective, nourishing and anti-toxic properties.

Healing tincture of knotweed

To prepare a useful knotweed tincture, we stock up:

• dried chopped knotweed - 2 tbsp. l.;
• water - 2 tbsp.

Pour water into the kettle, put it on the stove and wait for it to boil. We put grass in a bowl - knotweed. Then pour it with boiling water, mix, cover the container with a lid, wrap it with towels, wait 3 hours. Using a sieve or gauze, we filter the potion.
We take the remedy 2 times a day for ½ cup. Knotweed drink is known for its strengthening, regenerating, nourishing, protective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cleansing properties.

Beneficial extract of Rhodiola rosea

To prepare a tincture of pink rhodiola, we need:

• Rhodiola rosea root - 100 gr.;
• high-quality vodka - 400 ml.

Grind the root of Rhodiola, put it in a jar and fill it with vodka. We mix the ingredients well, cork the container with a lid and put it in a dark place for 7 days. After a week, we filter the tincture through a sieve or gauze.

We take the substance 15 drops three times a day (I agree, it’s not enough somehow). The remedy is known for its analgesic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, regenerating, cleansing effect.

Dandelion life-giving decoction

To prepare a healthy decoction, we stock up:

• dried crushed medicinal dandelion - 6 gr.;
• water - 200 gr.

Pour chopped dandelion into a container, fill it with cool water, mix the ingredients thoroughly. We cover the container with a lid and put it on the stove. Boil the potion for 15 minutes. Remove the container from the stove, wrap it with towels and leave for 30 minutes. Then we filter the product with a sieve or gauze.

We take a decoction of 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. The substance demonstrates excellent antitoxic, cleansing, diuretic, antimicrobial and regenerating properties.

Effects

Complications of a medical nature in carbon monoxide poisoning affect almost all organs and systems. The initial state of the patient, his concomitant diseases are important.

After intoxication, the following pathological conditions occur.

1. The central nervous system is damaged. Encephalopathy - a diffuse change in brain tissue, dementia - a decrease in memory and mental ability, psychosis, parkinsonism, ataxia - impaired coordination of movements.
2. Damage to the peripheral nervous system.
3. Hearing loss.
4. Myocarditis, cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Gastritis, colitis.
6. Sexual dysfunction - aspermia (lack of ejaculate), abortion.
7. Violations of the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands.
8. Anemia.

Symptoms may disappear for a while, and then worsen again. Most of them do not require specific therapy associated with intoxication. But, only not in the case of a chronic course.

The consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning in a child are more dangerous than in adults. The younger he is, the harder the body tolerates insufficient tissue oxygenation. Violations of consciousness, breathing can lead to irreversible changes in the central nervous system.

Carbon monoxide poisoning of a pregnant woman is unfavorable in relation to the prognosis of gestation and the health of the child. The formation of carboxyhemoglobin leads to severe fetal hypoxia. The consequences may be his death, the formation of congenital malformations. After the fact of carbon monoxide poisoning, a thorough examination of the unborn child is carried out. Even if intoxication is suspected, it is necessary to seek help from medical specialists.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a pathology that occurs when carbon monoxide enters the body. Most often, intoxication occurs due to household causes associated with a fire or improper use of various technical devices. In case of damage, there is a threat to life, so it is necessary to treat carbon monoxide poisoning as soon as possible.

Pathology can occur due to domestic or industrial reasons. A person can get carbon monoxide poisoning due to:

• using a stove or gas equipment;
• the occurrence of smoldering wiring in the room;
• being near a freeway for an extended period of time;
• smoking hookah;
• staying in a poorly ventilated room with the car engine running (for example, in a garage).

People who work in the furnace maintenance industry can get poisoned if safety precautions are not followed. Many do not know that poisoning can go unnoticed by the person himself.

If the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is 3 mg/l, then severe poisoning will be obtained within 30 minutes. To prevent the occurrence of this pathology, it is necessary to follow the rules for the operation of products that can emit carbon monoxide. It is not allowed to repair a running car indoors. When working in hazardous industries, you must follow the rules and use protective equipment.

Symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning depend on the severity of the injury. There are the following manifestations that occur with the lesion:

• headache;
• nausea;
• tearing;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• drowsiness;
• increase in blood pressure;
• dryness in the throat.

If a person has noticed these manifestations, then it is advisable to call an ambulance team or provide first aid to yourself.

In more severe poisoning, paralysis, fainting, or coma occurs. If a person who has experienced severe carbon monoxide poisoning is not detected in time by specialists, then death will occur.

When Medical Assistance Is Needed

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, it is advisable to visit a doctor in any case, since damage can cause hidden harm that will affect health in the future. Immediate qualified medical attention is required if the person is unconscious.

In case of mild poisoning, you will need to undergo an examination in stationary conditions. During the examination, it will be possible to understand what harm a person was caused by carbon monoxide damage. Also, the doctor will prescribe symptomatic treatment, which will be aimed at eliminating the manifestations of intoxication.

First aid

Everyone should know how to give first aid. It can be given to yourself or another person. When this pathology occurs, the following actions are required first of all:

1. Exit to fresh air. If a person is unconscious, he will need to be urgently pulled out of the room or any other place where he received carbon monoxide poisoning. Ventilation of the lungs with oxygen will stop the toxic effects of carbon monoxide.
2. If the poisoning is mild, you can try to self-treat using special sorbents (activated carbon, Polysorb), as well as oxygen therapy.
3. In case of moderate and severe damage, you need to call an ambulance.

Specialists often give an injection of Acizol, which is an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning. If the victim's respiratory activity is inhibited and cardiac arrest occurs, it is necessary to perform artificial respiration and chest compressions until the arrival of specialists.

When extracting a carbon monoxide victim from a room, safety precautions must be observed. In order not to become a victim of poisoning, it is necessary to protect the respiratory organs with a special respirator or, at a minimum, use a wet bandage. If it is a fire, then firefighters should be involved in the evacuation of people.

What is the danger of intoxication

Carbon monoxide is a poison to humans. Its impact on the body entails many consequences. First, carbon monoxide enters the lungs, after which it enters the blood, where it combines with hemoglobin. There is carboxyhemoglobin, which replaces oxyhemoglobin. Because of this, oxygen transportation is blocked and cellular respiration stops. Ultimately, this can lead to death.

Carboxyhemoglobin is formed very quickly, about 200 times faster than oxyhemoglobin. Because of this, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs at lightning speed. It is impossible to feel carbon monoxide, so being affected by this gas is extremely dangerous. Only symptoms of intoxication can signal a lesion. If headache, nausea, and watery eyes occur, the person should leave the room immediately.

How to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning

In order not to become a victim, you need to know how to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning. If a person works in a workplace where carbon monoxide intoxication is possible, then he must know safety precautions and use protective equipment. You can also use a specialized pocket sensor that signals the excess of the normal amount of carbon monoxide in the room.

If a person is in an apartment or a private house, then the following symptoms will help to recognize poisoning:

• simultaneous, tearing and dry mouth in all people inside;
• the disappearance of unpleasant manifestations when going outside;
• aggravation of symptoms when using gas appliances or a stove.

It should be noted that acute intoxication does not always occur. With a slight excess of the normal level of carbon monoxide, a person can be in the room for a long period of time without losing consciousness. At the same time, harm is still done to the body.

If the gas equipment or stove is not functioning properly, you need to call specialists to fix the problem. Up to this point, it is required to carefully ventilate the room and minimize spending time in it.

How to act in case of fire

Most often, people encounter severe intoxication during a fire. Many people know that being in a smoky room is dangerous precisely because of carbon monoxide. First of all, in the event of a fire, a person should strive to leave the building in any safe way. It is also required to immediately report the problem to the fire department. If there is no way to get out, you will need to adhere to the following tips:

• prepare a dampened rag (if there is no bathroom nearby, then you can wet the cloth with your own urine);
• eliminate the draft if the fire is nearby (with the supply of oxygen, the fire will flare up much stronger);
• if the room is heavily smoky, then you need to crawl (smoke always tends up).

If there is no way out, then it is required to maintain a stable state as long as possible, avoiding intoxication and waiting for help from firefighters. Proper behavior in case of fire significantly increases the chances of a successful rescue.

How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated at home?

Treatment of uncomplicated carbon monoxide poisoning at home is carried out after qualified assistance from specialists. If the doctor after the examination did not find serious deviations, then the person can recover at home. Outpatient treatment is prescribed for mild lesions. Severe poisoning requires inpatient therapy.

Home methods are aimed at the speedy restoration of working capacity and getting rid of unpleasant manifestations. For treatment, the following means are used:

1. Rhodiola rosea tincture. In the pharmacy, an alcohol tincture of radiola rosea is purchased. After that, it is consumed 7-12 drops, diluted in 150 ml of water, 1-2 times a day.
2. Cranberry-lingonberry infusion. 150 g of dried fruits of cranberries and lingonberries must be poured with 300 ml of boiling water. The liquid must be infused for 2-3 hours. The resulting infusion should be consumed 2 tablespoons 5-6 times a day.
3. Infusion of highlander bird. Brew 3 tablespoons of knotweed herb in 400 ml of boiling water. After that, let it brew for 3-5 hours. Ready infusion will need to be consumed 200 ml 3 times a day.

Folk remedies will allow you to get rid of intoxication as soon as possible. After that, the person will be able to return to their usual way of life. They should be used only after consulting a doctor. Self-medication should be avoided, as this can lead to problems in the future.

Therapy in stationary conditions

If the poisoning is severe, then hospital treatment is required. After first aid is provided, doctors try to provide the person with enough oxygen. For this, an oxygen mask is used. In addition, infusion therapy is started. Droppers with sodium bicarbonate and polyionic solutions are used.

A good remedy for dealing with manifestations is Acizol. It significantly accelerates the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin. After that, the person's condition improves. Injections of this agent are used immediately after poisoning. They demonstrate high efficiency at the initial stage of treatment.

Vitamins are prescribed to improve the general condition. Their reception begins in stationary conditions and continues for some time after discharge. In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations of the doctor.

Possible consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning

With severe intoxication, irreversible consequences can occur. In the long term, the following problems may arise:

• impaired memory and brain function;
• heart diseases;
• behavioral changes.

All . The longer a person breathed carbon monoxide, the more serious the consequences will be in the future. Timely and correct first aid can help avoid dangerous complications.

Within 1-2 days after intoxication, a person feels unwell, suffers from headaches and nausea. As soon as carboxyhemoglobin begins to be excreted from the body, the condition improves. Full recovery may take a week. If the lesion was mild, it will pass without any health consequences.

Prevention

Preventive measures allow timely detection of the lesion. For prevention, fire safety rules must be observed. If the house has gas appliances or stoves, they should be regularly serviced. Specialists must inspect each element. Also an excellent tool is a stationary sensor that will report the presence of carbon monoxide in the room.

The following rules are required:

• not be in a poorly ventilated room with technological devices that emit carbon monoxide, without special protection;
• do not work in the garage with the car engine running;
• in private houses, install gas equipment and stoves only after the approval of the project by a specialist;
• install warning systems, after which special services will be called.

By following simple rules, it will be possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide intoxication can cause serious harm to health. To avoid the occurrence of this pathology in everyday life, you must follow simple rules. Only a physician should treat carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if the injury is moderate or severe.

How to deal with carbon monoxide poisoning:

Carbon monoxide poisoning (from the colloquial "to burn") is an extremely dangerous human condition that can even lead to death. According to statistics, CO poisoning is one of the most common causes of domestic accidents. And since first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning can be decisive, everyone needs to know the basic rules for its provision.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur:

• during a fire;
• under production conditions, in which CO is used for the synthesis of organic substances: acetone, methyl alcohol, phenol, etc.;
• in garages, tunnels, other rooms with poor ventilation - from a running internal combustion engine;
• when staying near a busy highway for a long time;
• in case of premature closing of the stove damper, clogging of the chimney or if there are cracks in the stove;
• when using a breathing apparatus with poor air quality.

That insidious carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is indeed very insidious: it is odorless and at the same time is formed wherever the combustion process can occur in conditions of lack of oxygen. Carbon monoxide replaces carbon dioxide gas, so poisoning occurs completely unnoticed.

Getting into the human blood during respiration, CO binds hemoglobin cells and forms carboxyhemoglobin. Bound hemoglobin is unable to carry oxygen to tissue cells.

With a decrease in the amount of “workable” hemoglobin in the blood, the amount of oxygen required by the body for normal functioning also decreases. Hypoxia, or suffocation, occurs, a headache occurs, blackout or loss of consciousness occurs. If first aid is not provided to a person in a timely manner, death from carbon monoxide poisoning is inevitable.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes the following symptoms in sequence:

• muscle weakness;
• tinnitus and pounding in the temples;
• dizziness;
• chest pain, nausea and vomiting;
• drowsiness or, conversely, increased motor activity;
• disorder of coordination of movements;
• delirium, auditory and visual hallucinations;
• loss of consciousness;
• convulsions;
• dilated pupils with a weakened reaction to a light source;
• involuntary discharge of urine and feces;
• coma and death due to respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest.

The degree of harm caused to the body directly depends on the concentration of CO in the inhaled air:

• 0.08% cause choking and headache;
• 0.32% lead to paralysis and loss of consciousness;
• 1.2% loss of consciousness occurs after only 2-3 breaths, death - after 2-3 minutes.

In the event of an exit from a coma, serious complications are possible, since hemoglobin cells are restored and cleared for quite a long time. That is why it is extremely important to provide first aid in case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a timely and correct manner.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the following measures:

1. it is necessary to eliminate the flow of CO (turn off the source), while breathing through gauze or a handkerchief yourself, so as not to become a victim of poisoning;
2. the victim should be urgently withdrawn or taken out to clean air;
3. if the degree of poisoning is not high, wipe whiskey, face and chest with vinegar, give a solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon per 1 glass of water), offer hot coffee or tea;
4. if the victim received a large dose of CO, but is conscious, he must be laid down and provided with peace;
5. the victim in an unconscious state should be brought to the nose (distance - no more than 1 cm!) Cotton wool with ammonia, a container with cold water or ice should be placed on the chest and head, and the feet, on the contrary, should be warmed;
6. if a person does not recover, then before the ambulance arrives, it may be necessary to give the victim a closed heart massage and artificial respiration.

Remember: the effects of CO on the human body can have irreversible consequences, so proper first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning can save someone's life.

Poisonings that occur with the participation of carbon monoxide and smoke are quite relevant. The absence of color, the smell of gas, a very high percentage of death, declare that it is necessary to learn how to provide first aid in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is very important to provide emergency care in a timely manner and start treatment in order to avoid the most difficult health problems, as well as death.

Causes of intoxication

CO or carbon monoxide arises as a result of oxidation (incomplete combustion), then it enters the bloodstream and quickly comes into contact with hemoglobin. As a result of such processes, carboxyhemoglobin is formed. All this leads to oxygen starvation, which is very dangerous.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in these emergencies:

• fire - natural, domestic;
• from exhaust gases;
• car interior or garage, at the time of engine operation;
• use of heating equipment, stoves, chimneys;
• the process of production of certain organic substances - acetone, and so on.

Symptoms and signs of damage

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning is expressed in its negative impact on the human body. Oxygen starvation has a huge impact on the general health of a person, the state of the nervous system, respiration and blood circulation. The degree of damage depends on the amount of CO in the air, as well as the length of stay in a dangerous room. When a person breathes air containing 0.02 - 0.03% of the gas for about six hours, then the following consequences begin to appear:

• vomiting, nausea;
• dizziness and even fainting;
• headache;
• apathy, weakness, general malaise, confusion;
• the functioning of the heart is disturbed;
• there are problems with the respiratory system of the victim.

When the concentration of carbon monoxide increases to 0.1 - 0.2%, a coma may develop, which can provoke cardiac arrest and death. Poisoning is accompanied by alarming symptoms that signal that a terrible lesion of all internal organs is occurring.

For mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms may include:

• severe nausea;
• periodic vomiting;
• lack of oxygen;
• discomfort;
• violation of cardiac activity;
• there is a strong pulsation in the temples;
• dizziness, fainting;
• specific noise in the ears, a film before the eyes;
• decreased hearing, vision;
• coordination in time, space is disturbed;
• clouding of consciousness;
• pulse quickens.

For a severe degree, the following painful symptoms and signs are characteristic:

• pulse about one hundred and thirty beats per minute, or very weak;
• loss of consciousness with the formation of a coma;
• convulsions;
• disturbed breathing;
• involuntary urination.

First of all, the brain suffers, due to the high susceptibility of the lack of oxygen. Headache, muscle weakness, irregular breathing, vomiting, trembling are the main signs of poisoning.

Atypical types of intoxication:

• fainting - there is a sharp and instant drop in blood pressure, which is accompanied by fainting, as well as blanching of the skin or mucous membranes;
• euphoric - gradually develops psychomotor overexcitation, which occurs with hallucinations or delusions, then clouding of the mind occurs, the heart stops and death occurs.

Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning associated with prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide is considered very dangerous. As a result, there are problems with the endocrine, as well as the nervous system. Timely provision of emergency care and treatment is very important.

First aid

To avoid tragic consequences, it is urgent to start medical treatment in a hospital. Help for the above signs/symptoms:

• urgently call an ambulance;
• try to stop the harmful effects of carbon monoxide - move the victim to fresh air;
• provide oxygen supply - remove tight clothing from the victim, then lay it on its side;
• to return a person to consciousness - use the famous ammonia;
• use cold compresses, as well as rubbing, to restore, improve blood circulation;
• prepare hot coffee or tea;
• in the absence of breathing - it is necessary to perform an indirect heart massage, artificial respiration.

When a person has carbon monoxide poisoning, the treatment that is carried out in a hospital consists of a complex of therapeutic procedures, activities:

• symptomatic measures;
• oxygen therapy - for a similar procedure, an oxygen mask and pure oxygen are used;
• restoration of acid and alkaline balance.

Assistance in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as treatment, should be provided by qualified specialists, since human life is at stake. If the signs are severe enough, especially in pregnant women, accompanied by a permanent loss of consciousness, urgent measures are needed. A special procedure is carried out, breathing with pure oxygen in a pressure chamber.

In addition to CO poisoning, emergencies occur every ten minutes around the world. As a result of which, people die from smoke poisoning. Intoxication occurs due to the penetration of smoke into the respiratory tract of the victim. Smoke consists of such toxic substances as:

• hydrogen cyanide (dangerous even in small quantities);
• carbon monoxide.

The main danger is smoke poisoning caused by the burning of the following substances:

• varnishes;
• plastic;
• rubber;
• foam rubber;
• plywood.

In the process of combustion, the above substances produce dioxin, as well as phosgene, which provoke the development of malignant tumors and allergic reactions.

• body weakness;
• drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• noise in ears;
• headache;
• dyspnea;
• heaviness in the head;

The intake of smoke into the human body is accompanied by serious manifestations after three to four hours. There is a high risk and danger to life. First aid for smoke ingestion is similar to that performed for a tragedy with carbon monoxide. It is necessary to call an ambulance, as well as provide qualified treatment in a hospital.

Preventive actions

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to know certain rules:

• use high-quality, serviceable equipment designed for heating;
• if your house has stove heating, then do not forget to clean the chimney;
• regularly ventilate the room;
• observe safety measures in the car when the engine is running, especially in the cold season;
• be careful near the fire.

Awareness in such a topic will help you avoid tragic incidents and subsequent consequences. Be careful!

Perhaps under conditions in which incomplete combustion of substances containing carbon occurs. The oxide is soluble in alcohol and benzene, poorly soluble in water.

Small amounts of carbon monoxide are present in the atmosphere, as well as in coal seams (in the form of inclusions). Carbon monoxide is toxic.

The component is present as a constituent in many aerosols and gases. So, for example, the share of carbon monoxide in generator gases is about 9-29%, explosive - about 60%, and in exhaust - about 6.3%.

Carbon monoxide enters the body and is excreted from it unchanged through the respiratory system. Possessing a high affinity for hemoglobin, it (carbon monoxide) provokes its blockade. In addition, carbon monoxide disrupts oxygen transport, inhibits tissue respiration, slows down the dissociation of oxyhemoglobin, and causes hypocapnia.

Carbon monoxide is able to quickly penetrate through. Poisoning is possible in foundries, boiler rooms, when testing motors, on vehicles, in garages, mines, and gas plants. In everyday life, with illiterate furnaces or improper operation of gas stoves, intoxication can also occur.

When it occurs the consequences can be very severe. To determine the degree of intoxication, you should be aware of the symptoms of the condition.

With mild intoxication, there is a headache (mainly in the forehead and temples), a feeling of "pulsation" in the temples, tinnitus, muscle weakness, vomiting, dizziness. Poisoning is also accompanied by increased heart rate and respiration. A person has fainting states, in particular, during physical exertion. One of the first signs is a violation of the reaction rate and a disorder in color perception.

With moderate poisoning, there are lapses in consciousness for several hours. There is a sharp adynamia, trembling. Carbon monoxide causes incoordination of movements. After the return of consciousness, a pronounced character develops.

In a severe form of intoxication, a person is in a protracted coma (for five to seven (or more) days). There are brain lesions, seizures, tonic and clonic convulsions, muscle rigidity. Urination and defecation occur involuntarily. There is also increased sweating. The complexion of the victim is bright scarlet. Intermittent breathing, hypotension, a tendency to collapse are noted. Probably the onset of death due to respiratory paralysis.

When leaving a coma, a person is in a state of stunning for a sufficiently long period. Apathy develops. In some cases, short-term delirium, motor excitation may occur.

The prognosis is based on the depth and duration of the coma. With an increase on the second day of symptoms of CNS depression, the prognosis is unfavorable.

After moderate and mild poisoning, the development of mononeuritis of the median, ulnar or peroneal nerve is possible, probably numbness, paralysis.

With chronic intoxication, the victim constantly complains of headaches, excessive fatigue, irritability, tinnitus. In addition, there is a regular short-term violation of orientation. Dizziness, shortness of breath, pain in the region of the heart are constantly observed.

Chronic intoxication contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis or complicates its course (if it was already present). Frequent consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning are endocrine disorders, thyrotoxicosis, in particular.