Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning (/ˈkɑːrbən məˈnɒksaɪd/; from Latin carbonis, meaning "coal", and monoxidum, meaning "one oxygen") is a potentially fatal condition caused by inhalation of excessive amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.
Causes
Carbon monoxide poisoning is most commonly caused by the incomplete combustion of organic matter in the presence of insufficient oxygen. This can occur in various situations, such as using gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors, using charcoal grills or hibachis in enclosed areas, or heating homes with faulty furnaces or without proper ventilation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be variable and nonspecific. Early symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to progressive loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning is typically based on clinical presentation and confirmed with a blood test for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound formed in the blood when carbon monoxide is inhaled.
Treatment
Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning primarily involves removing the individual from the source of exposure and providing supplemental oxygen. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used.
Prevention
Prevention strategies include proper installation and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances and the use of carbon monoxide detectors in homes and workplaces.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Wikipedia's article - Carbon monoxide poisoning
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - 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