Carbon monoxide. Description. Symptoms and consequences of poisoning

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) is represented by a colorless gaseous body. He has neither taste nor smell. The production of carbon monoxide is possible under conditions in which incomplete combustion of substances containing carbon occurs. The oxide is soluble in alcohol and benzene, poorly soluble in water.

In small quantities, carbon monoxide is present in the atmosphere, as well as in coal seams (in the form of inclusions). Carbon monoxide is toxic.

The component as a constituent is present in many aerosols and gases. For example, carbon monoxide in generator gases accounts for about 9-29%, explosive - about 60%, and in exhaust - about 6.3%.

It enters the body and carbon monoxide is released from it in an unchanged form through the respiratory organs. Having a high affinity with hemoglobin, it (carbon monoxide) provokes its blockade. In addition, carbon monoxide disrupts the transport of oxygen, depresses the respiration of tissues, slows the dissociation of oxyhemoglobin, causes hypocapnia.

Carbon monoxide is able to quickly penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Poisoning is possible in foundries, boiler houses, during testing of motors, in motor vehicles, in garages, mines, in gas plants. In the home with an illiterate furnace stove or improper operation of gas stoves, intoxication may also occur.

When carbon monoxide poisoning occurs , the consequences can be very severe. To determine the degree of intoxication, one should be aware of the symptoms of the condition.

With intoxication, a mild headache occurs (mostly in the forehead and temples), a feeling of "pulsation" in the temples, tinnitus, muscle weakness, vomiting, dizziness. Poisoning is also accompanied by an increase in heart rate and respiration. A person has syncope, in particular, with physical exertion. One of the first signs is a violation of the speed of reaction and a disorder of color perception.

With the poisoning of moderate severity, there are dips in memory, loss of consciousness for several hours. Appears sharp adynamia, trembling. Carbon monoxide causes disturbances in coordination of movements. After the return of consciousness, the asthenic state of a pronounced character develops.

In severe form of intoxication, a person is in a prolonged coma (for five to seven (or more) days). There are lesions of the brain, seizures, tonic and clonic convulsions, rigidity of the muscles. Urination and defecation happen involuntarily. There is also increased sweating. The color of the victim's face is bright red. There is intermittent breathing, hypotension, a tendency to collapse. Probably death in connection with respiratory paralysis.

When leaving the coma, a person is in a state of stunning a fairly long period. Apathy develops. In some cases, there may be short-term delirium, motor excitement.

The prognosis is based on the depth and duration of the coma. When the symptoms of CNS depression are increased on the second day, the prognosis is unfavorable.

After moderate and mild poisoning, the development of a mononeurotic median, elbow or peroneal nerve is possible, probably numbness, paralysis.

With chronic intoxication, the victim constantly complains of headaches, excessive fatigue, irritability, tinnitus. In addition, there is a regular short-term disruption of orientation. Dizziness, dyspnea, pain in the heart area are constantly observed.

Chronic intoxication contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis or complicates its course (if it was already present). Frequent consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning are endocrine disorders, thyrotoxicosis, in particular.