It is vital to seek immediate advice from a doctor if carbon dioxide poisoning is suspected. The signs and symptoms often indicate whether the individual has been poisoned, but a blood test is carried out to confirm the amount of carboxyhemoglobin present in the blood. A level of 30% indicates severe exposure to the gas.
Mild exposure to carbon monoxide will not require hospital treatment but it is vital to seek medical care. Take note that the house should be checked as a safety precaution before anyone returns inside.
Standard oxygen therapy
Being exposed to high amount of carbon monoxide is treated with oxygen therapy. The individual is given 100% oxygen via a tight-fitting mask. By breathing in concentrated oxygen, it allows the body to replace carboxyhemoglobin at a rapid rate. The individual is given oxygen therapy until the carboxyhemoglobin levels drop to less than 10%.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves flooding the body with pure oxygen so that it will overcome the shortage of oxygen responsible for carbon monoxide poisoning. At the present, there is lack of evidence on the long-term effectiveness of this therapy in managing severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why standard oxygen therapy is the recommended treatment.
On the other hand, hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be recommended in some cases such as extensive exposure to the gas and there is possible nerve damage. Take note that using this therapy is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Possible complications of carbon monoxide poisoning
Extended exposure to the gas can lead to serious health complications including heart problems and brain damage. In rare circumstances, it can even result to death.
The potential effects of severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning include chest pain, breathlessness, seizures and loss of consciousness. Take note that the severity depends on the amount of carbon monoxide the individual has been exposed to and the time frame of exposure. Some individuals who have severe poisoning end up with long-term complications.
Brain damage
Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to memory issues and difficulty with concentration. In most cases, it can also cause hearing and vision loss. In uncommon cases, it can also cause Parkinsonism which is characterized by stiffness, tremors and slow movement.
Heart diseases
Coronary heart disease is another serious health condition that can develop as a result of a long-term exposure to the gas. With this condition, the supply of blood to the heart is blocked or disrupted by the accumulation of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.
In case the blood supply is limited, it can lead to angina. If the arteries are completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.