Today, it is quite common to observe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon monoxide), which is the most common toxic gas in nature and pollutes the environment. The source of carbon monoxide is the combustion of fuel or exhaust gases emitted by automobiles. We can say that carbon monoxide poisoning is a mortal danger to humans, especially if the latter is indoors. Carbon monoxide is devoid of any smell and color, it is formed during the combustion process due to a lack of oxygen, so poisoning can occur imperceptibly for a person. At present, small doses of poisonous gas are present in the atmospheric air, therefore, chronic exposure occurs during prolonged exposure to the human body.
Carbon monoxide through the lungs penetrates the blood and displaces oxygen from hemoglobin, as a result of which hemoglobin ceases to carry oxygen, and starvation of cells and tissues of the body occurs. A person who has experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, the symptoms of which are manifested when small doses of carbon monoxide are ingested, suffocate, causing dizziness, loss of consciousness, or coma. Therefore, it is necessary to take a person immediately to fresh air, otherwise death occurs. Death occurs as a result of impaired heart function after a brain disorder.
Carbon monoxide affects all human organs, especially the brain and heart. In general, the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning may vary slightly in different people, it all depends on their activity at the time of poisoning, general health and age.
Severe carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by a drop in pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, changes in blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack, as well as changes in the cerebral cortex, impaired muscle activity, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and in some cases, to a coma.
Having chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, a person experiences frequent pain, palpitations, increased pressure. These symptoms can be treated until the person has fully recovered.
In addition to carbon monoxide, other gases are present in the combustion products that can cause chemical burns when exposed to the respiratory system. Also, some components cause desorption of the lungs.
First aid, in such cases, should be immediate. With a mild degree of poisoning, a person must be taken out into the air and allowed to smell ammonia. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning signals the appearance of vomiting, in which case the patient must be carried to the air in a lying position. A prerequisite is the inhalation of oxygen in large quantities. If a person is unconscious and has difficulty breathing, it is necessary to conduct resuscitation measures, as well as call an ambulance.
If carbon monoxide poisoning has occurred, you need to remove the poison from the whole body as soon as possible. Attention should be paid to the treatment of cerebral edema and a burn of the respiratory tract, if present. Often the victim of poisoning is concerned about coughing, suffocation, shortness of breath, wheezing in the lungs, nervous tension, and in some cases pneumonia and pulmonary edema develop , which can lead to death. Treatment in such cases is prescribed symptomatic, aimed at restoring the whole organism.
Thus, at present, there are a large number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, the causes of which may be different. In order to exclude the possibility of poisoning, it is necessary to observe safety measures at enterprises when using gas stoves or columns, to prevent gas leaks, often ventilate the premises, and observe safety measures while being close to combustion products.