It is important to note that the bloodstream binds to carbon monoxide strongly than it binds to oxygen. This is the reason why an individual suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning has reduced amount of oxygen that reaches vital bodily organs such as the brain and the heart.
The suitable treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is to replace the carbon monoxide present in the bloodstream with oxygen. At a minimum, the individual is required to breathe high concentrations of oxygen for an extended period of time in order to reverse the poisoning. In worse cases, the individual should be treated in barometric chambers which provide 100% oxygen in high-pressure environments.
The ideal defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in the house. Make sure that you will choose an effective detector so that any possible leak of the deadly gas can be detected right away.
Possible sources of carbon monoxide
The sources of carbon monoxide are usually present in house and can be used on a daily basis. Always bear in mind that carbon monoxide can leak from the following:
- Gas water heaters
- Gas stoves
- Gas-powered clothes dryers
- Wood stoves
- Fireplace or fire pits
- Smudge pots
- Gas or charcoal-powered barbeques
- Oil or gas-powered space heaters
- Gas or diesel-powered generators
- Diesel or gas-powered trucks and cars
- Motorcycles and motorboats
- Gas-powered lawn equipment
It is vital that these are properly maintained in order to prevent leakage of carbon monoxide. Any defects should be repaired by a professional.
What are the indications of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are quite similar to other conditions that affect the central nervous system. It is vital to consider the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning if an individual has been around the possible sources and experiences the following signs and symptoms.
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Unstable gait
- Loss of consciousness
Indicative color of an individual with carbon monoxide poisoning
Unlike with other conditions that involves a decrease in the oxygen level in the blood, an individual suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning are not pale or blue in color. Even though it does not occur every time, the skin coloring among individuals with a severe case of carbon monoxide poisoning can often appear bright pink or flushed red.
Reaction to carbon monoxide poisoning
In case carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, it is vital to perform the following steps:
- Try to remove the individual from the area right away. By breathing in fresh air, it will stop the poisoning from getting worse.
- Call for emergency assistance. It is important to note that carbon monoxide poisoning entails professional assistance and oxygen delivery equipment. In case emergency assistance is not available, you have to bring the individual to the emergency department at the nearest hospital right away.
- Observe the basics in first aid until help arrives on the scene.
- Find the source of the carbon monoxide and fix it right away.