How long does it take for carbon monoxide poisoning to occur? First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning. The mechanism of symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a lot of carbon monoxide, a product that appears during incomplete combustion of various types of fuel or combustible substances and products, enters the body through breathing. To avoid serious complications and consequences, it is necessary to be able to recognize intoxication in time and know the rules of providing first aid to the victim.

What is carbon monoxide and its effect on the human body

Carbon monoxide is a strong poison,emergingwith incomplete combustion of carbon compounds, in particular liquid and gaseous fuels. It has no color, no smell, no taste. The consequences of its influence on the body can be different and depend on the percentage of carbon monoxide in the air.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a biochemical imbalance

CO affects the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. The result of the interaction of hemoglobin and carbon monoxide is carboxyhemoglobin. This connection leads to disruption of the transport of blood cells and, as a consequence, to oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) and brain dysfunction.

Symptoms of intoxication - video

Types of CO poisoning

There are 2 types of intoxication:

Acute poisoning

Causes

All factors provoking acute poisoning are somehow relatedwith combustion products. Potential sources of danger and obvious causes of intoxication:

• heating systems and disruption of their operation:
  • boilers;
  • ovens;
  • fireplaces;
  • gas equipment;
• fires;
• household heating items;
• cars and garages with no ventilation;
• production of organic substances;
• frequent hookah smoking;
• disruption of breathing apparatus;
• violation of draft of ventilation units;
• long-term stay near busy roads and highways.

An additional factor is urban smog.

Risk group

An increased likelihood of intoxication is observed in the following population groups:

• babies;
• aged people;
• smokers;
• alcoholics;
• persons suffering from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• pregnant women;
• people susceptible to chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• persons suffering from anemia, nervous exhaustion, disruption of the endocrine system.

Women are less susceptible to carbon monoxide exposure than men.

Signs depending on the degree of intoxication - table

Possible complications and consequences

Against the background of acute poisoning, the following complications may subsequently manifest themselves:

• polyneuritis;
• cerebral circulatory disorders;
• cerebral hemorrhages;
• decreased acuity of smell and touch;
• cerebral edema;
• heart disease;
• skin changes in the form of papules, blisters, necrosis;
• nephrosis;
• development of pneumonia.

Chronic poisoning

Typically, chronic poisoning affects people whose activities are associated with heating systems, with the operation of devices and mechanisms operating on the basis of internal combustion engines running on different fuels.

The symptoms in this case will be the following:

• dizziness;
• periodic chest pain;
• disturbing sleep;
• decreased libido;
• memory problems;
• numbness of the limbs;
• nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting;
• cardiopalmus;
• constant fatigue;
• visual impairment;
• frequent headaches;
• sensation of vibration;
• noise in ears;
• disturbance of touch and smell.

Over time, absolutely healthy people may develop atherosclerosis and the appearance of abnormalities in the functioning of the endocrine system. Obvious psychosis cannot be ruled out.

In case of CO poisoning during pregnancy, depending on the period, the following phenomena may be observed:

• fetal deformities;
• pregnancy fading;
• spontaneous early labor;
• stillbirth.

Atypical forms of intoxication

Against the background of carbon monoxide intoxication, atypical poisoning may occur, namely:

• fainting - accompanied by a sharp drop in arterial blood pressure, paleness of the skin and loss of consciousness;
• fulminant - occurs when the body is rapidly saturated with high concentration carbon monoxide, when the CO content in the air is more than 1.2% per 1 m3. In this case, limb spasms and respiratory paralysis are observed. Death occurs within 1–2 minutes;
• euphoric - characterized by psychomotor overexcitation, delusional ideas, hallucinations, and disorientation in space. Cessation of breathing and cardiac arrest are possible.

Death resulting from CO poisoning is often called “sweet”, which is associated precisely with the state of euphoria, absence of pain and immersion in sleep.

Features of intoxication in children

Intoxication of the child's bodyoften happens deven at low concentrations of carbon monoxidein the air. In the absence of timely assistance, the child may die within 5–10 minutes.

Babies experience the following symptoms:

• sudden lacrimation;
• feeling of suffocation;
• reddish skin tone;
• vomit;
• sneezing;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• frequent urge to yawn;
• drop in body temperature;
• swelling;
• lethargy and drowsiness.

Otherwise, the symptoms of poisoning are the same as in adults.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is very important to provide first aid as soon as possible.

To avoid serious complications and consequences, when the main signs of intoxication are detected, first aid must be provided:

1. Stop the effects of poison on the body:
   • move the victim to a free open space (street);
   • block the flow of CO;
   • put on an oxygen mask or gas mask with a hopcalite cartridge.
2. Check the patency of the upper respiratory tract for ventilation:
   • clear vomit from the tract, if necessary;
   • free the body from constricting and tight clothing;
   • put the victim on his side to prevent the tongue from retracting.
3. Ensure oxygen supply to the brain:
   • bring a cotton swab dipped in ammonia to your nose no closer than 1 cm. Ammonia vapor stimulates the breathing center;
   • rub the sternum and back muscles, if possible, put mustard plasters. This will improve blood circulation, including cerebral circulation;
   • Give the victim hot tea or rich natural coffee.
4. If necessary, perform an indirect massage of the heart muscle and perform artificial respiration.
5. Provide peace and prevent energy consumption.
6. Call an ambulance.

As part of first aid, an antidote can be used to reduce the effects of carbon monoxide on the human body. Acizole accelerates the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin, thereby facilitating the addition of oxygen.

Treatment in a hospital setting

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a hospital setting, a special procedure is used - hyperbaric oxygenation, that is, feeding the body with oxygen in a pressure chamber. Considering the severity of intoxication, different treatment methods are used:

• lung ventilation - the use of special equipment to remove carbon monoxide residues and restore breathing;
• blood transfusion:
  • red blood cell mass,
  • whole blood;
• administration of hypertonic and cardiotonic solutions to restore acid-base metabolism.

Timely treatment prevents the development of neurological complications and promotes rapid recovery.

Preventive measures

Some preventative measures can help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide toxicity:

• annual inspection of all units operating on various fuels;
• periodic inspection for serviceability of chimneys, pipes, ventilation;
• turning off the car engine in a closed box or garage;
• regular ventilation of premises.

In addition, you should avoid:

• repairing the machine in a closed, poorly ventilated box;
• heating the home with a fireplace/stove with a blocked chimney, gas appliances not intended for this purpose, units running on propane and kerosene;
• using a charcoal grill/grill in your home.

Important! You should not sleep in a car with the engine running or stay in an insulated truck bed for a long time.

The truth about carbon monoxide - video

Poisoning by products of incomplete combustion of fuel and other hydrocarbon compounds is extremely life-threatening. It requires immediate first aid. Treatment of the effects of carbon monoxide intoxication should occur in a hospital setting under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.

is a pathological condition that occurs when inhaling carbon monoxide-laden air or smoke. The clinical picture is dominated by disturbances in the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular failure. A characteristic sign of poisoning is pronounced hyperemia of the skin. The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis, clinical manifestations, and determination of blood carboxyhemoglobin levels. Oxygen therapy and detoxification measures are provided as emergency assistance. Next, symptomatic conservative treatment is carried out.

ICD-10

T58 X47

General information

Carbon monoxide poisoning, or carbon monoxide, develops when its maximum permissible concentration (0.08 mg/liter) in the inhaled air is exceeded. The severity of intoxication directly depends on the content of a given chemical compound in the surrounding atmosphere and exposure time. Inhaling air saturated with carbon monoxide (3-5 mg/l) for half an hour provokes severe poisoning. Intake of a mixture of gases containing 14 mg/l of carbon monoxide into the respiratory organs within 1-3 minutes leads to death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the four most common poisonings, second only to intoxication with alcohol, drugs and medications. Occurs in everyday life and at work.

Causes

Any process of incomplete combustion of organic substances is accompanied by the release of carbon monoxide. Most often, poisoning by combustion products, including carbon monoxide, occurs during a fire. In addition, due to the lack of organoleptic properties of this gas, its leakage becomes invisible to humans. Pregnant women, children and people with cardiovascular diseases are most susceptible to harmful effects. The following factors contribute to exceeding the maximum permissible carbon monoxide content in a room:

• Household. In everyday life, carbon monoxide intoxication occurs due to improper use of the stove, gas equipment, and smoldering electrical wiring. Another common cause is staying in a closed garage next to a car with the engine running. Signs of poisoning are often observed in hookah smokers.
• Production. The toxin enters the air in excess quantities during blasting operations in mines, maintenance of blast furnaces and open-hearth furnaces, and the synthesis of certain chemicals. Poisoning usually occurs when sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met and equipment operating rules are violated.

Pathogenesis

When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the respiratory system, where it diffuses into the blood. The gas has a high affinity for hemoglobin, myoglobin and iron-containing enzymes of the human body. It easily reacts with hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which is unable to transport oxygen to tissues. Hypoxia develops. Slowing down the dissociation of the oxygen compound with hemoglobin in the presence of carboxyhemoglobin aggravates oxygen starvation of all organs and tissues. At the same time, biochemical processes occurring with the participation of iron-containing enzymes are disrupted. Under-oxidized metabolic products accumulate, which have an additional toxic effect on the central nervous system and other organs.

During a pathological examination, attention is drawn to the bright red color of the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. There are signs of edema of the brain and lungs. Congestive plethora of internal organs is revealed. Pinpoint hemorrhages, areas of degeneration and necrosis are found in the heart, lungs, and brain.

Classification

The disease can be acute or chronic. Its course depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the time of its exposure. If permissible limits are significantly exceeded for a short period of time, acute poisoning occurs. Long-term regular inhalation of air with a slightly increased content of carbon monoxide provokes the development of a chronic process. Depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, there are 3 degrees of poisoning:

• Easy degree. It is characterized by transient pathological symptoms that disappear after the cessation of the harmful effects. Some manifestations may persist for 24 hours. The concentration of the pathological form of hemoglobin does not exceed 30%.
• Average degree. Develops at 30-40% carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. Signs of poisoning are pronounced. After medical care, the symptoms stop. Residual effects bother the victim for several days.
• Severe degree. Carboxyhemoglobin level is 40-50%. Severe damage to organs and systems is observed, often leading to death. Complications often develop. Symptoms of the disease persist for several weeks.

In addition to the classic form of carbon monoxide intoxication, sometimes there are atypical variants of poisoning that masquerade as other pathological conditions. Based on clinical symptoms, specialists in the field of toxicology and resuscitation distinguish between fulminant, euphoric, and syncopal forms of the disease. A separate item is powder disease, in which the toxic effect of carbon monoxide is observed along with other explosive and powder gases.

Symptoms

Due to the low tolerance of the brain to oxygen starvation in carbon monoxide poisoning, neurological symptoms come to the fore. With a mild degree of intoxication, the victim is bothered by a pressing headache. It is localized mainly in the temporal and frontal regions. Accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus. Often headaches are accompanied by visual disturbances. Patients complain of double vision and inadequate color perception. The gait becomes unsteady, the speed of reactions decreases.

With further exposure to the toxin, the severity worsens, tonic and clonic convulsions, hyperthermia appear, consciousness is depressed to the point of coma. Subsequently, retrograde amnesia is observed. From the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, rhythm disturbances and cardiac conduction are detected. Often the patient is bothered by intense pressing and squeezing pain behind the sternum and in the left half of the chest. When bronchitis or toxic pneumonia occurs, shortness of breath, dry cough, and a significant increase in temperature are observed.

The euphoric form of the disease is characterized by psychomotor agitation. The victim's high spirits and lack of criticism of his condition are replaced by delusions and hallucinations, followed by impaired consciousness. The syncopal variant is characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, collapse. With lightning-fast poisoning, very quickly after a short episode of convulsions, loss of consciousness and death occur. Gunpowder disease is manifested by signs of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx, trachea and bronchi, along with symptoms of the harmful effects of carbon monoxide.

There are no specific signs of chronic poisoning with poisonous gas. The variability of symptoms of general intoxication of the body is characteristic. Patients suffer from frequent headaches, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and irritability. Weight loss, hair loss, decreased vision and hearing are observed. The function of the endocrine glands and the immune system is impaired.

Complications

With timely removal of the victim from the lesion, signs of mild intoxication disappear on their own, the functions of the main body systems are restored without consequences. Acute moderate and severe poisoning is often complicated by neurological disorders. The victim suffers from headaches for a long time. The development of mononeuritis of various localizations, paresis, and parkinsonism is possible. Complications from the circulatory system are manifested by intracardiac blockades and vascular thrombosis. Inhalation of air saturated with toxic carbon monoxide during pregnancy leads to fetal malformations. Severe poisoning often causes the death of the victim.

Diagnostics

Anamnestic data and examination of the victim are of great importance in the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning. A characteristic sign of serious intoxication is the bright scarlet color of the skin. Toxicologists and resuscitators do not identify pathognomonic physical symptoms of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Physical examination reveals tachycardia, hyperthermia, frequent, in severe cases, intermittent breathing (Cheyne-Stokes), and decreased blood pressure. The following help to definitively confirm the diagnosis:

• Lab tests. When examining peripheral blood, erythrocytosis and high hemoglobin levels are observed. The number of leukocytes is also increased, a band shift in the leukocyte formula is noted, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is reduced. Determining the level of carboxyhemoglobin and its ratio with normal blood hemoglobin allows us to judge the severity of poisoning.
• X-ray examination of the chest. Signs of acute pulmonary emphysema and stagnation in the pulmonary circulation are revealed. Expansion of the roots of the lungs is observed. Small- and large-focal shadows with blurred contours on both sides are identified. Radiological changes usually resolve completely within 7-10 days.

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, it is necessary to urgently evacuate the victim from the danger zone, provide him with a flow of fresh air, stimulate his breathing, and warm him up. Oxygen therapy is prescribed and an antidote is administered. If necessary, resuscitation measures are performed. The patient is subject to mandatory hospitalization. The hospital provides detoxification and symptomatic therapy. Intravenous infusions are prescribed, cardiotropic, anticonvulsant drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, and vitamins are administered. For hyperthermic syndrome, craniocerebral hypothermia is performed. Severe poisoning is an indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis depends on the severity of the pathological process, timeliness and quality of medical care. Mild poisoning is treated without consequences; moderate and severe poisoning often leads to complications from the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is not possible to predict the recovery of a patient in a coma. A poor prognostic sign is the worsening of neurological symptoms during the first 48 hours during intensive treatment.

For preventive purposes, it is necessary to follow fire safety rules. To avoid household and industrial poisoning, you should not use faulty gas and stove equipment and electrical appliances. It is not recommended to be in the garage while the car engine is running. Production premises must be well ventilated.

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. If 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 invisible. By the time the first symptoms appear, the organs are already suffering.

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

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs instantly. If emergency care is not immediately provided correctly, a person dies within 3 minutes when the gas concentration in the air is 1.2%.

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

As a result of severe damage from exhaust gases, red blood cells are the first to suffer. They cannot transport oxygen to tissues and organs, which leads to severe hypoxia. The quick reaction of the nervous system to this condition causes disruptions in its functioning - 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 lung damage from exhaust gases.
2. Operation of faulty heaters, poisoning from household gases.
3. A fire occurs in an enclosed space.
4. Lack of good exhaust.

Symptoms of pathology

It is necessary to know the characteristic signs of poisoning in order to provide emergency assistance in a timely and correct manner.

Symptoms of mild poisoning appear quite quickly as follows:

Obvious signs of moderate intoxication:

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

Symptoms of acute poisoning:

• loss of consciousness;
• uncontrolled urination and defecation;
• breathing problems;
• 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;
• nervous system disorders;
• 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;
• cerebral edema;
• 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 tension.
5. Pregnant women and children.

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

Algorithm of actions:

There is a special remedy - Acizol, which should be taken in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. This drug is available to the ambulance crew and is administered by intramuscular injection.

It is quite effective against acute carbon monoxide poisoning in lethal doses. The faster Acizol is administered, the greater the victim’s chances of survival and the effectiveness of subsequent treatment procedures.

Carbon monoxide poisoning. How to neutralize the “silent killer”

Treatment of the effects of poisonous gas poisoning can be carried out at home after the victim receives qualified assistance from specialists and permission to stay at home. To do this, you need to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Treatment with traditional methods is as effective as medication and can 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 have an ambiguous effect on the human body.

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

The consequences of pathology can be very severe and difficult to eliminate. Even after effective treatment, the victim needs to be monitored for a certain time.

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 by timely and correct first aid and adequate treatment under the supervision of doctors, even at home. There is no need to neglect your safety.

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