What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the critical conditions in which a person can expect a fatal outcome. It is for this reason that carbon monoxide poisoning, in which first aid is provided as soon as possible, may turn out to be a reversible process. Basically, this condition occurs due to malfunctioning in stove heating, which is relevant for rural areas, as well as when the victim is in a fire or in a closed car in which the engine is turned on.

Carbon monoxide is formed during the incomplete combustion of various types of substances that contain carbon. The peculiarity of carbon monoxide is that it has neither smell nor color, and when it enters the body, it replaces oxygen in the blood, which, in turn, causes suffocation.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Headache (earliest symptom);
Vomit;
Dizziness;
Chest pain;
Irritability;
confusion;
Violation of coordination of movements;
Bluish or bright red skin tone;
Loss of consciousness.

Most often, household and carbon monoxide poisoning occurs among children left without proper supervision, sleeping people and people who are in a state of drug or alcohol intoxication. Quite often, carbon monoxide poisoning is also exposed to fire.

Causes of carbon monoxide or household gas poisoning

Basically, carbon monoxide or household gas poisoning occurs due to improper operation of heating appliances. Domestic gas poisoning can also be provoked intentionally, that is, for criminal or suicidal purposes. Appliances that produce carbon monoxide include:

Grill ovens;
household stoves;
Cookers;
Fireplaces;
Water heaters;
Wood stoves;
Cars (trucks, cars).

Complications of carbon monoxide (household) gas poisoning

Gas poisoning, whether it is carbon monoxide or household gas, is extremely dangerous in itself. In accordance with the degree of exposure and its duration, the following complications are determined, provoked by exposure to gas:

Irreversible and long-term brain damage;
to one degree or another;
Fatal outcome.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: first aid

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning is as follows:

The resulting carbon monoxide release should be eliminated immediately. In no case should you light a light or fire, because this can provoke an explosion. Indoors, windows must be opened to allow fresh air to enter.
A victim of carbon monoxide exposure must be taken out as soon as possible to the air. You also need to call an ambulance.
When the victim of carbon monoxide is conscious, he should be laid down, providing constant access to fresh air, for which both technical means (air conditioning, fan) and a newspaper can be used, with which it is necessary to fan him for the same purpose.
If the victim is unconscious, you should immediately start a closed heart massage with alternate artificial respiration, which is done until the ambulance arrives or he regains consciousness.

It should also be noted that the removal of the victim should take place while ensuring their own safety. It is necessary to act in conditions of increased concentration of carbon monoxide with maximum speed, breathing is carried out through gauze or a handkerchief.

Article content: classList.toggle()">expand

Carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon dioxide poisoning) is an acute pathology that develops when toxic carbon monoxide enters the body. Without prompt, skilled first aid and quality medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning when initial symptoms are present, this problem is often fatal.

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

How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

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

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

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

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

Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

As modern medical statistics show, a person usually gets CO poisoning during prolonged inhalation of vehicle exhaust gases, especially indoors, as well as in everyday life against the background of improper operation of heating devices operating on the principles of combustion, due to leakage of domestic gas and so on.

A significant proportion of cases are associated with fires in enclosed spaces., transport wagons, airplanes, and so on, when a person dies not from thermal exposure as such, but due to very rapid CO poisoning with loss of consciousness and the lack of the possibility of self-evacuation.

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

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

Decrease in the speed of psychomotor reactions;
Performance degradation– both physical and mental;
Dyspnea;
Headache, increasing in intensity depending on the concentration of CO in the blood;
Nausea, weakness, vomiting;
Confusion and impaired coordination of small movements;
The formation of hallucinations, fainting or fainting, weakening of the pulse.

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

The main symptoms of poisoning

The main symptomatic complex of carbon monoxide intoxication includes a wide variety of negative manifestations.

Mild and moderate degree of intoxication

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

From the side of the central nervous system. A headache of a girdle character, at first mild, and later - of moderate strength and intensity. There may also be tinnitus, a decrease in the quality of vision and hearing, nausea with vomiting, impaired coordination of movement, blurred consciousness and its short-term loss. The above manifestations are almost always primary, since it is the central nervous system that first suffers from intoxication;
. Increased heart rate, up to 90 beats per minute. Pain and pressure in the region of the heart, arrhythmia. These symptoms are formed due to feedback from the intense work of the heart, trying to clear the bloodstream from carboxyhemoglobin and improve oxygen delivery to all body systems;
. Mostly shortness of breath and rapid breathing. With a mild and moderate degree of poisoning, compensation mechanisms still operate as a back response of the body to a progressive lack of oxygen. This is the main symptom of such poisoning;
From the skin and mucous membranes. Their redness is observed, which is the result of increased blood flow velocity.

Severe degree of intoxication

As a rule, the lack of fast and correct in severe forms of carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal.

Symptoms of severe carbon monoxide poisoning:

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

Symptoms in atypical forms of poisoning

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

Complications and consequences

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

Short term

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

CNS. Damage to the nervous periphery with limited motor activity and sensitivity, constant pain in the head, swelling of the brain, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, the development of new and progression of chronic mental illnesses, impaired vision and hearing;
Respiratory system. Pulmonary edema;
The cardiovascular system. Violation of the coronary circulation and rhythm of the heart;

Medium term

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

CNS, paralysis, various choreas. Systemic psychoses with memory loss, alternating with bouts of apathy, are also diagnosed. Less often - blindness and parkinsonism;
Respiratory system. Secondary pneumonia of a bacterial type, obstructive bronchitis;
The cardiovascular system. Myocarditis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiac asthma.

First aid

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

The basic algorithm of first aid actions:

Represented by a colorless gaseous body. It has no taste or smell. Obtaining carbon monoxide is possible under conditions under 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.

Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (chemical formula - CO), is a dangerous toxic compound that can be fatal. Cases of such poisoning are quite common, especially in winter, when stove heating is used in private homes.

In order to prevent a tragedy, it is important to recognize the signs of intoxication in time and provide assistance to the victim.

Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous substances that a person encounters almost every day. In scanty doses and with short-term contact, it is possible to avoid a noticeable toxic effect on the body. If the concentration of CO in the air reaches 0.08%, mild poisoning is diagnosed. With an increase in the indicator to 0.32%, there is a violation of motor functions and loss of consciousness. At 1.2% concentration, death is possible after just a few minutes of inhaling polluted air.

The main dangers of carbon monoxide are as follows:

released during the combustion of any materials;
does not have recognizable signs: color, smell;
able to penetrate protective filters;
easily seeps through walls, soil, etc.

The effect of gas on the body

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous because its action affects blood cells - red blood cells. Accordingly, the effect of the toxin extends to the entire body at the cellular level.

Normally, erythrocytes supply oxygen molecules to the tissues, which bind with hemoglobin. This is a prerequisite for maintaining the vital activity of cells. When CO is inhaled, the gas forms a new compound, carboxyhemoglobin. This process causes the oxygen transfer to be blocked. The more "dead" red blood cells in the blood, the higher the degree of lack of vital molecules.

As a result, the body begins to experience oxygen starvation. The brain cells are the first to suffer from hypoxia, that is, the central nervous system is damaged. The heart and lungs are also affected. All this can cause a stop in their functioning and, as a result, the death of a person.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Although the presence of carbon monoxide itself cannot be recognized, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are distinct. The intensity of their manifestation depends on the concentration of the toxic substance in the human body. All signs can be grouped according to systems that carbon monoxide has a negative impact on.

central nervous system

It is the CNS that is most affected. When normal red blood cells fill with carboxyhemoglobin, a person experiences the following symptoms:

dizziness;
nausea;
headache;
flashing before the eyes;
impaired coordination;
noise in ears;
vomit;
convulsions;
loss of consciousness.

Important: in severe cases, involuntary urination, bowel movements occur; the patient falls into a coma.

The cardiovascular system

The impact on the cardiovascular system is dangerous because its consequences can manifest themselves after the elimination of intoxication. The main symptoms of poisoning in this group are:

feeling of pressure in the region of the heart;
tachycardia (increased heart rate);
poorly palpable pulse;
lowering blood pressure;
increased risk of myocardial infarction;
heart failure.

Respiratory system

Oxygen deficiency provokes breathing problems in the victim. Depending on the degree of replacement of oxygen by carbon monoxide, the following symptoms develop:

dyspnea;
rapid breathing;
superficial movements of the chest;
interruptions and pauses in the respiratory rhythm;
complete cessation of breathing.

Skin and mucous membranes

Manifestations of poisoning on the skin are not so significant. With mild intoxication, the skin and mucous membranes turn red or acquire a bright pink hue. As the situation worsens, their condition changes: pallor appears, pinking becomes almost imperceptible.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

The severity of the consequences and his life as a whole depend on how quickly the victim will be helped.

Important: if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, an ambulance should be called immediately.

First aid measures are as follows:

Eliminate the influence of the source of carbon monoxide. It is advisable to take the victim to fresh air.
Provide as much oxygen as possible. To make breathing easier, remove any clothing that restricts chest movement.
Stimulate circulation. To do this, rubbing the chest is carried out, a drink is provided that stimulates vasodilation, for example, tea or coffee.
Prevent casualties from losing consciousness. To bring the patient to his senses, ammonia is used, you can also moisten his face and neck with cold water.
Start resuscitation if necessary. If respiratory arrest occurs or the pulse rate drops critically, it is necessary to perform artificial respiration and chest compressions.

Treatment

Further measures to remove carbon monoxide from the body and eliminate the consequences of poisoning are carried out in a hospital. Therapy is selected taking into account the severity of intoxication. To restore the normal functioning of all body systems, it is first necessary to compensate for the lack of oxygen. To combat hypoxia, the following methods are used:

oxygen mask;
inhalation of carbogen (a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide);
artificial ventilation of the lungs;
pressure chamber.

It is also mandatory to use the antidote CO - Acizol. To monitor the patient's condition and adjust therapy, it is necessary to conduct control blood tests for biochemical parameters. When the patient's condition stabilizes, you can start using drugs that stimulate respiratory and cardiac function. Further treatment is aimed at preventing the development of complications provoked by hypoxia.

Possible consequences

Carbon monoxide intoxication in most cases leads to the development of complications. The consequences of poisoning appear in two stages.

Early complications are:

hearing disorders;
blurred vision;
neuritis;
disruption of the digestive tract;
exacerbation of mental illness;
bladder dysfunction;
pulmonary edema;
encephalopathy;
heart failure.

On average, after 1-6 weeks, late complications begin to appear. These include:

paresis and paralysis;
cognitive decline;
psychosis;
Parkinson's disease;
vision loss;
memory impairment;
pneumonia;
angina;
cardiac asthma;
myocardial infarction;
acute heart failure.

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary to take care of prevention in advance.

If it is necessary to carry out work related to contact with CO, it is necessary to use protective respirators with special filters or oxygen cylinders. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation in the room.
When operating stoves or fireplaces, it is important to monitor the condition of the fuel materials and control the position of the dampers.
Before working with CO, to protect against the formation of a carboxyhemoglobin compound in the blood, the prophylactic use of Acizol is recommended.

Conclusion

If it was not possible to avoid the ingress of carbon monoxide into the body, in no case do not hesitate to seek qualified help. This substance is extremely toxic, and therefore the life of the victim often depends on how correctly and timely the treatment is carried out.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. This is simply the result of burning carbon, which can be harmful to health. A person can lose his ability to work or exhaust his health reserves. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous and it is fraught with disastrous consequences. To date, many cases of CO poisoning have already been recorded. Often poisoning occurs due to banal security breaches.

The main sources of danger are:

Cars with a security system violation;
Household fires;
Burners;
Furnace room system;
Burners.

Domestic and natural gas poisoning is also common. A large number of poisonings occur in the cold season. This is not strange, because just at this time, people are actively using heating devices that can provoke carbon poisoning.

Symptoms of poisoning

The very first symptoms of poisoning:

Strong headache;
Loss of consciousness and disorientation;
Vomiting reflex.

There are some main degrees of poisoning:

Mild poisoning. It is characterized by severe pain in the head, vomiting and loss of strength in the muscles.
The average degree of poisoning. This level is similar to the previous one. They can be distinguished by the strength of the consequences. That is, in the average degree of poisoning, the head hurts much more and the body is weaker.
Severe degree of poisoning. It is characterized by severe violations of the functionality of the whole organism, a person can fall into a coma, and the worst thing is that such poisoning can lead to death.

First of all, when intoxicated, the brain suffers. The first sign of CO poisoning is headache and spasms, which are caused by a lack of oxygen. Also, in case of poisoning, instant loss of consciousness is possible.

Then there is pain in the chest. This is due to the fact that the body is trying to make up for the loss of oxygen in the brain and make up for the loss by increasing muscle contraction. Thus, the heart rate increases. If you do not make up for the loss of oxygen in time and the heart does not have enough oxygen, then a heart attack will eventually occur.

Then the lungs suffer. If the body does not have enough oxygen, then the lungs quickly try to make up for its loss. Thus, the lungs receive even more carbon monoxide and quickly lose their efficiency.

After all this, human skin begins to suffer. Due to carbon monoxide poisoning and lack of oxygen, the skin becomes deficient in blood circulation, which leads to whitening of the skin.

Forms of poisoning:

Fainting - a person begins to dramatically lose skin color and loses consciousness. His blood pressure is dropping rapidly.
Euphoric - when the nervous system is affected, hallucinations appear.
Lightning - with a saturated concentration of carbon in the air, a person experiences a severe lack of oxygen. Immediately there are cramps in the arms and legs, the heartbeat quickens and the person faints. As unfortunate as it may be, but with a lightning-fast form, toxic substances can provoke death, which occurs within a minute and a half.

Initial actions for carbon poisoning

Initially, it is worth opening air access to the victim. The airway should not be obstructed; this may require artificial respiration. You also need to remove chest clothing from the patient. His chest should be completely free. It is worth noting that if the patient is unconscious, then he must be shifted to his side in order to level the threat of swallowing his own tongue.

When all this is done, then use ammonia and do everything possible to keep the patient conscious. Then you need to rub his chest and back. All these actions will normalize the state of a person and bring him to his senses.

Recovery after CO poisoning

The most important thing after poisoning is to treat the body and fill it with oxygen. For 6-7 hours, the patient's body receives fifteen liters of oxygen per minute. The carbon monoxide poisoning clinic is required to completely restore the oxygen deficiency.
The treatment and recovery itself directly depends on the severity of the poisoning. It often happens that the body requires a blood transfusion. However, be that as it may, if it seems to you that the first aid was enough for recovery, you still need to consult a doctor. The fact is that poisoning can occur after a few days. An accidental stroke or heart attack can happen, which can lead to death if there is no one nearby to help.

Carbon monoxide is invisible to the human eye. That is why, at the initial stage, it is difficult to determine the exact diagnosis. When a patient comes to the doctor with such symptoms, he is a specialist, most likely he will consider everything as a viral infection. As a result, the disease will be treated completely incorrectly, and medicines for a viral infection will contribute to the development of carbon monoxide poisoning. For an accurate diagnosis, you need to insist that doctors conduct a blood test. It is worth noting that carbon monoxide poisoning involves complex treatment.

Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning

It should be initially noted that the consequences of intoxication can manifest themselves both in the first days and over the next month, when the body will be rehabilitated.

If a person suffered from carbon monoxide, then in the future he may develop many diseases. Very often accompanied by an exacerbation of spasmodic diseases. Also, the sensitivity of the limbs can be significantly reduced. There are cases when a patient has hearing loss and cerebral edema, but these are very rare cases.

Further, diseases associated with the performance of the brain may develop. Memory will disappear, vision will deteriorate, intellectual ability will decrease, and there are even cases when mental disorders develop. These consequences are explained by the fact that with a lack of pure oxygen, the brain initially suffers and nerve cells die in it, which are no longer restored.

As for the cardiovascular system, it is also at risk of diseases after poisoning. After a course of treatment, there may be problems with the heartbeat (often the rhythm goes astray) and this can eventually lead to a heart attack or provoke cardiac asthma.
Most often, after a course of treatment, lung diseases can manifest. They are the first to take a hit from carbon monoxide, so they get the most harm. The lungs may become inflamed or have swelling.

Most often, pregnant women, children and people who are prone to alcoholism suffer after treatment. Also, this list can be safely attributed to people who have problems with the respiratory system and heart. Treating dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning is a complex procedure, so it's best to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide.

Prevention after treatment

As mentioned above, carbon monoxide can lead to disastrous consequences. It can lead to health problems and even death. Carbon monoxide adversely affects the human body and is capable of making it disabled for life. No one is immune from poisoning. The apartment may leak, or a fire breaks out. However, in order to reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning to zero, it is necessary to carry out prevention:

You need to check the ventilation of your home often. It is advisable to do this as often as possible, because if it becomes clogged with carbon monoxide, then you will slowly poison yourself.
Furnaces and chimneys must always be in perfect condition. Old equipment can be a source of carbon monoxide.
If you decide to lay out your oven at home, then it is advisable to use the services of specialists who are able to make a safe design.
In the event that you had to sleep in the car, remember to turn off the engine.
When you repair your car in a closed garage, either open the window or turn off the engine.
If you do not want your family to suffer from carbon monoxide, then you can purchase special home identifiers that immediately show that there is too much invisible harmful gas in the house.
When you have children, do not put flammable materials in a place accessible to them. This simple safety measure can reduce the risk of a house fire.