CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Overview and Facts

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when carbon monoxide accumulates in the bloodstream. When there’s excessive carbon monoxide in the air, the body exchanges your red blood cells’ oxygen with carbon monoxide. Thereby, this can cause severe damage to the tissue or even death.

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless gas caused by burning charcoal, propane, gasoline, wood, and other kinds of fuel. Mistakenly ventilated engines and appliances, especially in an enclosed or airtight space, might let carbon monoxide build-up to harmful levels. 

If you or anybody you know has carbon monoxide poisoning, find some fresh air and immediately go to the hospital.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

The most common indication a person may have when he/she have this include: 

  • Weakness
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Furthermore, it could be very harmful to people who are intoxicated or sleeping. They might have irreparable brain damage, or even death.

The warning indications of these problems can be obvious to analyze. Nevertheless, this can be life-threatening and can be a medical emergency.  

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

If you’re taken to a hospital with signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, the doctor might start to diagnose and treat you right away. To confirm the diagnosis, he/she may get a sample of your blood to test for carbon monoxide. 

TREATMENT

If you or anyone you know has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure to get fresh air and seek an immediate medical emergency. Once you are at the emergency room, treatment might involve:

  • Spending time in a pressurized oxygen chamber
  • Breathing pure oxygen 

In extreme cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used. It helps secure the brain and heart tissue, which are especially susceptible to damage from the poisoning. 

Also, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be suggested for pregnant women since fetuses are more vulnerable to injury. Thus, if you’re pregnant, make sure to keep away from things that may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Be sure that you seek immediate medical help so that the doctor can treat you properly to prevent any serious complications, including death. 

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