Carbon monoxide poisoning: symptoms, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a condition in which a person experiences poisoning as a result of inhaling too much carbon monoxide.

When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can cause serious tissue damage, or even death.

Carbon monoxide (CO) itself is a poisonous gas, colorless, odorless, does not irritate skin and eyes, but is very dangerous. This gas is produced from burning gas, oil, petrol, solid fuels or wood.

The CO in the air can be inhaled and absorbed easily into the lungs. Compared to oxygen, CO binds more easily to hemoglobin in red blood cells, causing body tissues to become deprived of oxygen.

How common is this condition?

CO poisoning can happen to anyone. However, workers in closed factories, fire-prone areas, infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or shortness of breath (dyspnea) are at higher risk for CO poisoning.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The common symptoms of CO poisoning are often similar to those of other diseases, such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizzy
• Trouble concentrating
• Pain in the chest
• Hard to breathe
• Blurry eyes

Other symptoms caused by this poisoning include drowsiness, fainting, and coma. Acute carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death.

Death that occurs due to CO poisoning is a kind of death that is not realized, because the patient can die at any time while sleeping or drunk without any symptoms.

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have signs and symptoms as above, or have questions and concerns, please consult your doctor.

The conditions and symptoms of poisoning can vary from person to person. Always discuss with your doctor to refer you to the best diagnostic and treatment methods for you.

Cause

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel does not burn completely. It will be easier for your body to absorb carbon dioxide than oxygen, especially when the carbon dioxide levels in the air are too high.

This factor can speed up the process of carbon monoxide poisoning. The main sources of carbon monoxide emissions include:

• Furnace
• Motor vehicle exhaust fumes
• Wood stove
• Kerosene heater
• Gas
• Inhaling too much smoke from a fire can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Various equipment and fuel combustion engines produce carbon monoxide. The amount of carbon monoxide produced by these sources is usually nothing to worry about.

However, if used in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, for example roasting charcoal indoors, CO can develop to dangerous levels.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for carbon monoxide poisoning?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, exposure to carbon monoxide can be a danger for:

• Unborn baby. Fetal blood cells absorb carbon monoxide more easily than adult blood cells. This makes the unborn baby more vulnerable to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Children. Young children breathe more frequently than adults, which makes them more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Parents. Older people with carbon monoxide poisoning may be more likely to experience brain damage.
• People with chronic heart disease. People with a history of anemia and breathing problems also have a tendency to get sick if exposed to or poisoning with CO.
• Those with CO poisoning and experiencing loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness indicates a more severe exposure.

Complications

What complications can I have with carbon monoxide poisoning?

Depending on how much and for how long you have been exposed, CO poisoning can result in:

• Permanent brain damage
• Damage to the heart, possibly leading to life-threatening heart complications
• Death or miscarriage.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for carbon monoxide poisoning?

To treat CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the victim from areas contaminated with CO.

The victim must breathe clean air (100% oxygen) to increase the oxygen level in the body. In severe cases, a ventilator may be needed to support the flow of oxygen into the body.

An alternative method of treating CO poisoning is high pressure oxygen therapy. This therapy will help increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood.

Your doctor will use high-pressure oxygen therapy for people with carboxy-hemoglobin levels higher than 40%, people who are comatose or unconscious, and pregnant women who have carbon levels higher than 15%.

The length of time it takes to recover from carbon monoxide poisoning will depend on how much CO you have inhaled and for how long.

What are the usual tests to check for this condition?

Your doctor can diagnose CO poisoning from the symptoms of poisoning and a clinical examination. Your doctor may refer to blood tests to confirm an accurate diagnosis.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning?

There are several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you prevent CO poisoning, including:

• Cover your nose with a wet hand or cloth when caught in a fire
• Stay away from enclosed places with engines, such as cars, if you want to prevent CO poisoning
• Check and monitor the feasibility of a water heater, gas stove, fireplace or any appliance that uses gas, oil and coal in the house
• Establish carbon monoxide alert levels at home and work
• Only buy gas-fired appliances (gas stoves, fireplaces) with trusted brands
• Check and clean the chimney every year
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to warm the room as this can cause carbon monoxide buildup in your home
• Do not burn charcoal indoors, as burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide
• Do not use the generator in the room, basement and garage, or from windows, doors, ventilation less than 6 meters.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.