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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • December 16, 2019
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Did you know that most fire deaths are a result of smoke inhalation rather than burns? Smoke inhalation victims are exposed to one of the most lethal and toxic compounds, carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is generated as a result of incomplete combustion. CO has an affinity to blood hemoglobin 210 times greater than that of oxygen! Consequentially, hemoglobin’s release of oxygen decreases in the body leading to ‘cellular hypoxia.' CO poisoning can cause even death.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, loss of consciousness, and confusion. Severe poisonings can have profound effects such as delirium, chest pain, seizures, coma, stroke, or death.

The organs most affected by CO poisoning are the brain and the heart and in more severe poisonings, even the kidneys and liver. CO poisoning can be identified with the detection of carboxyhemoglobin (COhb) levels in the blood or bedside co-oximetry.

Treatment of CO poisoning

Treatment begins by removing the victim from the source of exposure. The antidote of CO poisoning is oxygen. Initially, victims suspected of CO toxicity are administered 100% normobaric oxygen by a suitable mode. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is considered when the patient has a COhb level greater than 25-30% or there is evidence of cardiac involvement, if the victim is in a state of prolonged unconsciousness or is a pregnant woman. It involves exposing the body to 100% oxygen at a pressure greater than the normal atmospheric pressure.

Being aware of how CO can be very deadly even in small amounts will help in preparing oneself and family members never to delay exiting a burning building or never to re-enter a burning home even when the fire is seemingly over, until allowed by the fire officials.

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Source:

  1. Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Poisoning in Smoke Inhalation Victims; https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/16787-carbon-monoxide-and-cyanide-poisoning-in-smoke-inhalation-victims-a-review
  2. Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death in house fires; https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smoke_inhalation_is_the_most_common_cause_of_death_in_house_fires
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