In case of carbon monoxide poisoning in humans, it is observed. Signs and rules of first aid for carbon monoxide intoxication. Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide, together with the inhaled air, enters the lungs, from where it enters the blood. In the blood, carbon monoxide interacts with hemoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen to all body tissues. Each hemoglobin molecule includes an iron atom, which attaches an oxygen molecule to itself, resulting in oxyhemoglobin. The bond of an iron atom with an oxygen molecule is reversible. There are four heme-perfumed rings around the iron atom. The presence of hemoglobin allows the blood to carry 70 times more oxygen than a simple saline solution would.

Carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen molecule, as a result, instead of oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin is formed,

Carbon monoxide already at 0.5% concentration can be fatal.

Which is no longer capable of carrying out the task of carrying oxygen.

The danger of carbon monoxide lies in the fact that it reacts faster with hemoglobin than oxygen, and carboxyhemoglobin is a stronger compound than oxyhemoglobin.The concentration of carboxyhemoglobin gradually crowns in the body, attacks as its dissociation is carried out at a slower pace, then even the effect of a small concentration is dangerous carbon dioxide in the air for a long time Manifestations of acute oxygen deficiency can begin as soon as the CO concentration in the air is 0.07%.

When the content of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood exceeds 20%, there are visible signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. With a carboxyhemoglobin content of 30%, dizziness, visual disturbances, weakness in the legs can be felt, at a concentration of 40-50%, confusion is observed, and a concentration of 60-70% is fatal for a person. A dangerous content of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood accumulates the faster the higher the CO concentration in the inhaled air. To get an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat this is about, we can say that a carboxyhemoglobin concentration of 40% can be achieved within 3 hours of being in a room with a carbon dioxide content of 0.1%. If a person is not at rest, but is engaged in vigorous activity, this time is reduced.

Constant exposure to a small amount of carbon monoxide does not have pronounced consequences, however, the presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood leads to a deterioration in well-being. A person may complain of constant headache, decreased appetite, insomnia, irritability, lethargy, pain in the heart, impaired attention and memory. Similar symptoms are repeatedly noted by residents of large cities.

Insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues of the body, which continues for a long period of time, can have serious consequences for the cardiovascular system and the brain. Even with the treatment of severe symptoms of oxygen deficiency, a violation of the activity of the cerebral cortex can be observed, and in 70% of cases, after carbon monoxide poisoning, mental disorders and personality changes appear.

In general, one should not expect good from this gas. Hence the conclusion: precaution and prudence first of all. Therefore, do not neglect the rules for the installation and operation of stoves, fireplaces, and other devices that ensure the combustion of any fuel. Kitchens equipped with gas stoves, boiler rooms, boiler rooms must be constantly ventilated

However, one hundred percent confidence that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the room does not exceed the permissible limits, you can get
only by installing a special sensor. This is a device powered, depending on the type, either from a 220 volt network or from ordinary finger-type batteries, which is capable of reacting to the content of carbon dioxide in the air of the room. Working around the clock, the gas sensor does not need service or maintenance. When the time comes to replace the batteries or there is a violation in the power circuit, the device itself reports this with an audible signal. When the permissible level of carbon monoxide concentration in the room is exceeded, the sensor turns on a loud siren, and in some models it also gives off a light signal.

Such devices cost, depending on the model and from the manufacturer, from 90 to 300 thousand rubles.

It is cold and damp outside the window, stoves and fireplaces are heated in the dachas. Many people still do not give up traditional wood heating: not everyone has gas, but electric heaters not too economical. And, perhaps, it is difficult, perhaps, to replace with something a living flame, which is so pleasant to bask in on autumn evenings.

But a stove or fireplace can pose a threat to the life and health of its owner. And now we are not talking about the possibility of a fire. There is an invisible, imperceptible, insidious danger - carbon monoxide. Poisoning with this byproduct of combustion often leads to the death of people, so it will not be at all superfluous to know how to prevent the danger, and what to do if someone does get hurt.

A little bit of theory

Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), is often called the "silent killer." The main problem is that he has no color, no taste, no smell, does not cause any sensations at all (until it's too late). It is impossible to detect it "by eye", and for the victim its presence remains unnoticed. At the same time, the gas spreads rapidly, mixing with air without losing its toxic properties.

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

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

The "leaders" in terms of the amount of carbon monoxide released during combustion include coal... For the environment, the main source of pollution is considered cars... They are potentially dangerous for their owners as well - every year many motorists die in their own garages. The habit of working with the car engine on (for heating) plus the lack of ventilation - and here's a sad result ...

Finally, according to scientists, in cigarette smoke CO concentration exceeds the maximum allowable by 8 times, so those who like to smoke indoors and those who find themselves with them are also at risk - especially if the ventilation is poor.

Natural gas by itself is safe - but only if it is of proper quality, there is good ventilation and the use of serviceable equipment, established in accordance with all the rules. Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in apartments with gas water heaters, alas, are recorded annually.

We will finish with the theory at this point and move on to purely practical questions: how to avoid poisoning and how to help the victim if it was not possible to prevent the problem.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

As a matter of fact, the majority already knows about it. However, poisoning does occur. This means that we will repeat what may seem to someone banal and well-known rules.

1. Use only serviceable equipment

Cracks in the stove masonry, clogged chimney and similar "little things" can lead to serious consequences.

2. Ensure good ventilation

In city apartments, poisoning occurs just during the off-season: central heating is not turned on, residents are saved from dampness and cold using gas stoves ... With insufficient ventilation, even such "safe" devices sometimes cause tragedies.

In the country, hardly anyone is heated by a gas stove, but gas water heaters in country houses - Not unusual. In general, good ventilation is needed in any home.

3. Do not close the oven damper until the coals are burnt out.

Everyone seems to know this. Nevertheless ... I will give a case from real life.

My colleague got a house in the village from his mother, and she and her husband went there for the weekend until late autumn. They usually arrived on Friday - late at night, after work. In order not to go into cold house, asked the neighbor to heat the stove by this time. And then one day we arrived, as usual - the house is warm; had supper, went to bed ...

A colleague told me: she woke up in the middle of the night from the fact that she felt bad. Lucky: many people fail to wake up - a significant proportion of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs during sleep... She grew up in the village, so she quickly realized what was what - first of all, she woke her husband up and opened the doors to ventilate the house. I went out onto the porch to get some fresh air.

In the morning we asked a neighbor. It turned out that she - although she herself was also a village woman, had lived her entire life with stove heating - decided to close the damper early, so that it would be warmer. Out of good intentions. As the saying goes, there is a hole in the old woman ... Superfluous confirmation: there is no need to hope "at random" in such matters - maybe you will be lucky, or maybe not ...

A colleague and her husband got off with a headache for the whole day and a jump in pressure. It can be considered a rare success, especially when you consider that both are aged people with a whole "collection" of diseases ... She says: "God saved" - but it is not for nothing that the popular wisdom says: trust in God, but do not make a mistake ... Therefore I repeat: do not rush to close the oven damper. By the way, this also applies to the sauna stove in full measure.

4. Car enthusiasts, do not run the engine in the garage for heating

Ventilation here is often "lame" (see point 2), and therefore there is no need to tempt fate. If you work in your garage during the cold season, use a safer heating appliance than your car engine.

That's all, actually ... Isn't it quite easy to adhere to these rules? ..

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning can vary markedly - depending on the degree of damage, the general condition of the body, existing diseases and other circumstances. However, you should certainly be alerted by such symptoms as:

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

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

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

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

When light poisoning (if the matter is limited to dizziness and nausea) it is usually enough to take (or carry) the person to fresh air. But until his condition completely returns to normal, observe, record any changes in order to come to the rescue in time, if necessary.

When severe poisoning and defeats moderateusually requires hospitalization. And, in any case, you should not try to do without medical assistance - call an ambulance without delay.

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

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

The main task while waiting for the doctor is relieve the condition of the victimas far as you can.

• If a chill begins, the temperature drops, wrap it up warmly, give it sweet tea (if the person is conscious, of course).
• Make yourself comfortable (and preferably in the fresh air, or at least by an open window) to make breathing easier.
• Calm down if scared or agitated.
• Lay the unconscious person on his side and make sure that his head does not tilt back, especially if vomiting suddenly occurs.

In case of respiratory arrest, artificial respiration should be given, and in case of cardiac arrest - chest compressions. BUT! These manipulations make sense only if you know how to perform them - otherwise there is a risk of causing even more harm (although, in fact, it is reasonable to learn the first aid skills for everyone who is often outside the city - in the country, on a hike, fishing).

Consider: there is an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning... This drug is called acisole, is available in the form of capsules and in the form of a solution in ampoules (for intramuscular injection). It is highly desirable to keep it in a country first-aid kit (although not cheap, life and health are more expensive). It is recommended for use, including, as a preventive measure - if there is a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. IN medicinal purposes this antidote (i.e. antidote) should be taken as early as possible; it reduces the likelihood of complications and significantly reduces the degree of exposure to the poison on the body.

However, I hope you never have to use these guidelines. But it is better to meet the danger fully armed - prepared and informed. Better yet, do everything to avoid such a meeting altogether.

Carbon monoxide does not smell and is not visible to the eye. It is produced when carbonaceous substances burn. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often fatal. Cases of mass death of people are known, which happens during explosions. Carbon monoxide impairs the flow of oxygen to tissues and organs. If the concentration of a dangerous substance increases, irreversible changes and death occur.

ICD code 10

According to the international classification of diseases (ICD 10), when carbon monoxide accumulates in the body, the code T58 is assigned.

Causes

Carbon monoxide is more easily incorporated into the respiratory protein, displacing oxygen. It is not immediately possible to detect the effect on the body of carbon monoxide. Intoxication develops when the concentration of toxic carboxyhemoglobin is more than 10%. Great importance has a time spent in conditions of gas pollution. When a person breathes in smoke for a long time, the brain tissue begins to starve.

The pathogenesis of the disease considers not only the manifestations of the influence of carbon monoxide, but also the causes of poisoning. So, a large proportion of people are poisoned in the garage when the car is running, erroneous operation of the stove, breakdown of heating and exhaust systems, gas water heaters, etc.

You can get poisoned in a car if carbon monoxide accumulates in the body. The danger of intoxication lies in the fact that the burnt person does not immediately understand that he has been exposed to toxic effects. The mechanism of intoxication involves the development of tissue hypoxia. The pathological condition in which shortness of breath and migraine pain appear is called second-degree poisoning. Interruptions in the work of the brain and CVS accompany chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. In a severe form of poisoning, when the CO content reaches 0.3% or more, a person loses consciousness and dies.

The poisonous component provokes conditions that arise with other forms of intoxication: weakness, apathy. If the victims inhaled carbon monoxide in a sauna, steam room or steam bath, they may confuse such manifestations with the relaxing effects of heat. The probability of CO intoxication is higher when high temperature air, at risk are also people with heart disease who to a greater extent are susceptible to poisoning.

Often, poisoning occurs in an apartment due to a fire that has ignited during a fire. The fire spreads rapidly, the amount of carbon monoxide increases sharply. In this case, a significant number of people are exposed to poisoning: apartment tenants, neighbors.

Symptoms

In the case of prolonged exposure to gas, nerve structures are destroyed, and tissue hypoxia, seizures, and confusion may develop. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning on your face are determined by the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. So, the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

decreased concentration;

dizziness, disorientation, tinnitus, or nausea;

irritability and anxiety;

heaviness in the chest;

pulse more than 90 beats per minute;

paroxysmal headache, knocking in the temples;

decreased visual acuity, blurry vision.

With the syncope form of intoxication, there is pallor of the skin, a fall blood pressure, nausea, heart rhythm disturbances. Signs of intense carbon monoxide poisoning are loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.

In case of prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, the symptoms increase. The manifestations of intoxication have their own characteristics... First comes euphoria and agitation. Then the clinical picture of developing carbon monoxide poisoning is aggravated by loss of orientation, memory lapses. Motility disorders can occur due to neurological disorders. With moderate intoxication, the level of CO in the body reaches 40-50%, collapse is possible.

Symptoms in a baby who breathed in carbon monoxide develops faster - it is enough for children to stay in a gas-polluted room for 3-5 minutes to get hypoxia of brain tissue. The child is delusional, the skin has a bright color, reminiscent of cadaveric spots in color.

First aid

How to effectively provide first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning? The burnt person is taken out of the room into the air. In the case of a quick response, it will be possible to bring the poisoned person to life at the scene and avoid possible complications of intoxication. It is impossible to evacuate victims without a protective suit, in extreme cases, hold their breath and carry people out. Call an ambulance immediately.

In case of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, the collar, cuffs are unbuttoned to the victim, and air flows to the tissues. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary, first of all, to get away from the source of intoxication. The further procedure includes:

• bring the burnt to consciousness with the help of ammonia;
• to drink caffeinated drinks: tea, coffee;
• rub the limbs to stimulate blood circulation;
• give an alkaline drink to neutralize CO;
• apply a heating pad to the limbs.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning in case of choking requires mouth-to-mouth breathing. First of all, the head is slightly thrown back, the jaw is extended, the nose is clamped with a hand. Make two artificial entrances without violent actions, but with sufficient intensity. In the absence of cardiac activity, first-aid first aid involves performing an indirect heart massage and artificial respiration. If the listed activities do not work, you must repeat cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If the poisoned person is unconscious, he must be laid on one side.

Providing first aid for clinical carbon monoxide poisoning is demanding. It is difficult for a beginner to master the PMP algorithm without preparation, therefore, emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning is trusted by professionals, especially during pregnancy and childhood. First aid rules require the participation of a physician in resuscitation actions.

What to do with carbon monoxide burned out after poisoning? In a domestic environment, as an aid to the victim, you can do the following: give more drink, take 1 tsp. activated carbon every hour, diluting the tablets in oatmeal broth.

Treatment

A comprehensive examination is required to make a diagnosis. Determine the gas composition of the cut and acid-base balance, assess the level of hemoglobin. Treatment and rehabilitation after carbon monoxide poisoning are determined by the intensity of the toxic effect.

Often, in severe carbon monoxide poisoning, an antidote is used - pure oxygen. It can hardly be called an antidote, but it is the only substance that the body needs in case of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. After the resuscitation measures, an oxygen mask is connected. In the hospital, complex treatment is carried out to eliminate the consequences of hypoxia.

Based on the degree of poisoning, carbon monoxide detoxification is chosen. Intensive therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the introduction of the medication "Azizol" and a glucose solution, taking absorbent tablets. When acute poisoning oxygen inhalation is prescribed, mucous membranes are moistened, ephedrine solution is injected with hypotension.

For patients, ascorbic acid is especially useful. At the recovery stage, appoint healthy eating with a high content of antioxidants. Vitamins B1 and B6 are prescribed intravenously. For painful attacks that occur due to burns, analgin is injected subcutaneously or intravenously. Such methods of treatment as hemodialysis, lymphatic drainage are called upon to revive the oppressed cells.

Complications and consequences

The inevitable outcome of poisoning in the absence of medical care is respiratory arrest and death. If help with poisoning was provided with a delay, a coma develops. Complicating factors also lead to death: the presence of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, previous heart attacks, strokes, brain pathologies. The intoxication caused by the huge release of carbon monoxide into the air during explosions and fires turns into a lethal outcome.

The negative consequences of long-term carbon monoxide poisoning include interruptions in the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, headaches, ophthalmic disorders. Hypoxia has a detrimental effect on brain activity and gives rise to complications such as amnesia, neuritis, and cognitive decline. The delayed consequences of long-term carbon monoxide poisoning are pneumonia, myocarditis.

Prevention

To prevent poisoning, do not forget about prevention. Mandatory precautions include checking the gas equipment and ventilation systems in the building. Car enthusiasts should remember that the engine is turned off after entering the garage. Renovation work do not produce when the engine is running.

Dear readers of the 1MedHelp website, if you have any questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your feedback, comments, share stories about how you survived such poisoning and successfully coped with the consequences! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.

Content

Signs that carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide (II), carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide) has formed in the air in a dangerous concentration is difficult to determine - invisible, may not smell, accumulates in the room gradually, imperceptibly. It is extremely dangerous for human life: it is highly toxic, excessive content in the lungs leads to severe poisoning and death. A high death rate from gas poisoning is recorded annually. You can reduce the threat of poisoning by observing simple rules and the use of special carbon monoxide sensors.

What is carbon monoxide

Natural gas is formed during the combustion of any biomass; in industry it is the product of combustion of any carbon-based compounds. And in fact, and in another case a prerequisite gas evolution is a lack of oxygen. Large volumes of it enter the atmosphere as a result of forest fires, in the form of exhaust gases formed during the combustion of fuel in car engines. For industrial purposes it is used in the production of organic alcohol, sugar, processing of animal and fish meat. A small amount of monoxide is also produced by the cells of the human body.

Properties

From the point of view of chemistry, monoxide is an inorganic compound with a single oxygen atom in a molecule, the chemical formula is CO. it chemical substance, which does not have a characteristic color, taste and smell, it is lighter than air, but heavier than hydrogen, and is inactive at room temperatures. A person who smells only senses the presence of organic impurities in the air. It belongs to the category of toxic products, death at a concentration of 0.1% in the air occurs within one hour. The characteristic maximum permissible concentration is 20 mg / m3.

The effect of carbon monoxide on the human body

Carbon monoxide is fatal to humans. Its toxic effect is explained by the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in blood cells, a product of the addition of carbon monoxide (II) to blood hemoglobin. High levels of carboxyhaemoglobin cause oxygen starvation, insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and other tissues of the body. With weak intoxication, its content in the blood is low, destruction in a natural way is possible within 4-6 hours. At high concentrations, only medications work.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous substances. In case of poisoning, intoxication of the body occurs, accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of a person. It is very important to recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in time. The result of treatment depends on the level of the substance in the body and on how soon help arrived. In this case, every minute counts - the victim can either recover completely, or remain sick forever (it all depends on the speed of response of the rescuers).

Symptoms

Depending on the degree of poisoning, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, heart palpitations, nausea, shortness of breath, flickering in the eyes, general weakness... Drowsiness is often observed, which is especially dangerous when a person is in a gas-polluted room. If a large amount of poisonous substances enter the respiratory system, convulsions, loss of consciousness are observed, in especially severe cases - coma.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

The victim on the spot should be provided with first aid in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is necessary to immediately move it to fresh air and call a doctor. You should also remember about your safety: you only need to breathe deeply into a room with a source of this substance, do not breathe inside. Until the doctor arrives, it is necessary to facilitate the access of oxygen to the lungs: unfasten buttons, remove or loosen clothes. If the victim has lost consciousness and stopped breathing, artificial ventilation is required.

Antidote for poisoning

A special antidote (antidote) for carbon monoxide poisoning is a drug that actively prevents the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. The action of the antidote leads to a decrease in the body's need for oxygen, support of organs sensitive to a lack of oxygen: the brain, liver, etc. It is administered intramuscularly in a dosage of 1 ml immediately after the patient is removed from the zone with a high concentration of toxic substances. You can re-enter the antidote not earlier than one hour after the first injection. Its use for prevention is allowed.

Treatment

In the case of mild exposure to carbon monoxide, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, in severe cases, the patient is hospitalized. Already in the ambulance, he is given an oxygen bag or mask. In severe cases, in order to give the body a large dose of oxygen, the patient is placed in a pressure chamber. An antidote is injected intramuscularly. Blood gas levels are constantly monitored. Further medical rehabilitation, the actions of doctors are aimed at restoring the work of the brain, cardiovascular system, and lungs.

Effects

Exposure to carbon monoxide on the body can cause serious diseases: changes in brain performance, behavior, human consciousness, and unexplained headaches appear. Especially influence harmful substances memory is affected - that part of the brain that is responsible for the transition of short-term memory to long-term memory. The patient can feel the consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning only after a few weeks. Most of the victims recover completely after a period of rehabilitation, but some feel the consequences for life.

How to identify indoor carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is easy at home, and it doesn't just happen during a fire. The concentration of carbon monoxide is formed by inaccurate handling of the stove damper, during the operation of a faulty gas water heater or ventilation. The source of carbon monoxide can be gas stove... If there is smoke in the room, this is already a reason to sound the alarm. There are special sensors for continuous monitoring of the gas level. They monitor the level of gas concentration and report excess of the norm. The presence of such a device reduces the risk of poisoning.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can diagnose and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Content of the article: classList.toggle () "\u003e expand

Carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon dioxide poisoning) is an acute pathology that develops when toxic carbon monoxide enters the body. Without prompt, qualified first aid and quality medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning in the presence of primary symptoms, 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 incomplete combustion of various substances containing classical carbon. IN modern conditions, the overwhelming part of it is formed during the exhaust of gases from cars with an internal combustion engine, however, there are also household and natural sources of CO production.

Carbon monoxide itself, odorless and colorless, has a good penetrating ability,easily seeps through soil, partitions and even thin walls, while not being absorbed by most simple porous materials, making it ineffective to use standard gas masks based on a filtration system atmospheric air (The exception is complexes with the possibility of installing a hopcalite 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 instant hypoxia;
• Disruption of the heart muscle. CO binds to myoglobin, which leads to deterioration 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.

The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

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

A significant proportion of cases are associated with fires in enclosed spaces, transport cars, airplanes, and so on, when a person dies not from thermal effects as such, but because of a 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;
• Deterioration in performance - both physical and mental;
• Dyspnea;
• Headacheincreasing in intensity depending on the concentration of CO in the blood;
• Nausea, weakness, vomiting;
• Confusion of consciousness and impaired coordination of small movements;
• Formation of hallucinations, fainting or fainting, weakening of the pulse.

The above-mentioned primary symptoms are typical for mild to moderate 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 many different negative manifestations.

Mild to moderate intoxication

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

• From the central nervous system... A headache of a girdle nature, at first mild, and later - of moderate strength and intensity. Also, tinnitus, decreased quality of vision and hearing, nausea with vomiting, impaired coordination of movement, blurred consciousness and its short-term loss may occur. The above manifestations are almost always primary, since it is the central nervous system that initially 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 feedbacks with intense work of the heart, trying to clear the blood flow from carboxyhemoglobin and improve oxygen delivery to all body systems;
• ... Mostly shortness of breath and rapid breathing. With mild to moderate poisoning, compensation mechanisms still operate as a reverse 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.

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Severe intoxication

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

Symptoms of severe carbon monoxide poisoning:

• From the central nervous system. Prolonged loss of consciousness, convulsions, uncontrolled defecation and urination, coma. Formed with deep lesions of the nervous structures;
• On the part of the cardiovascular system... An increase in heart rate, up to 130 beats per minute, while it is poorly felt. Severe arrhythmia against the background of a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction (with a complete stop of oxygen delivery to the heart muscle);
• From the respiratory system... Intermittent and shallow breathing caused by systemic damage to 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. Blanching of these structures due to deep disturbance of oxygen supply to the peripheral systems.

Symptoms for atypical forms of poisoning

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

Complications and consequences

In addition to the pathological symptoms directly in the process of poisoning, the victim may develop various complications of the post-reactive period, even with the timely and full provision of both the 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... Lesions of the nervous periphery with limited motor activity and sensitivity, constant pain in the head area, cerebral edema, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, the development of new and progression of chronic mental diseases, impaired vision and hearing;
• Respiratory system. Pulmonary edema;
• The cardiovascular system. Violation of the coronary circulation and heart rhythm;

Medium term

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

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

First aid

Timely and qualified first aid in the overwhelming majority of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning saves the victim's life and significantly reduces the risks of developing numerous complications in the post-reactive period of pathology.

The main algorithm of first aid actions: