Carbon-monoxide Poisoning
Introduction
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning organic compounds, and may of its exposure occur in private residences. So its toxicity is usually due to improper use of gasoline portable generators and indoor use of charcoal for cooking and heating.
Risk Factors
Signs and symptoms
Diagnostic criteria
• Dull headache
• General body weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness
Investigations
• Blood gases
• Serum electrolytes
Treatment
-
Non-pharmacological
- Give 100% oxygen to accelerate removal of carbon monoxide (note patient can look pink but still be hypoxemic) until signs of hypoxia disappear.
-
Pharmacological
-
Prevention
Educate the patient on Dos and Don’ts of poisoning prevention.
Do’s
• Keep medicines and poison in proper containers and out of reach of children
• Use containers with child resistant caps
• Keep all products in their original container
• Read medicine labels carefully to avoid mistake
Don’ts
• Leave container open
• Transfer products from their origin
• Remove labels from the medicine products
• Put tablets into another containers such as purse or envelope
• Medicine/tablets as sweet
• Take your medicine in front of children as they often copy
Updated on,
14 Novemba 2020 15:01:13
References
- 1.STG