Carbon monoxide poisoning

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a potentially deadly condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It can lead to severe health problems, including death, due to its ability to bind with hemoglobin in the blood, which prevents oxygen from being transported to the body's tissues.

Carbon-monoxide-3D-balls

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of organic matter due to insufficient oxygen supply to enable complete oxidation to carbon dioxide (CO2). It is often produced in domestic or industrial settings by motor vehicles, heaters, or cooking equipment that run on carbon-based fuels.

CO toxicity symptoms (en)

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be non-specific and may resemble other conditions, making it challenging to diagnose. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Long-term exposure can also result in long-term neurological effects.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis is typically based on suspicious symptoms in conjunction with a history of potential exposure to carbon monoxide. This can be confirmed by measuring the levels of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning primarily involves removing the individual from the source of exposure and administering oxygen, often at high concentrations. In severe cases, treatment may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention is key in managing carbon monoxide exposure. This includes proper installation and maintenance of appliances, using carbon monoxide detectors in homes and workplaces, and ensuring adequate ventilation in areas where carbon-based fuels are burned.

Carbon monoxide poisoning Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski

WikiMD.png


WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise!



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD