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TESTIMONIALS
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PATIENT REPORTS
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HEALTH PROBLEM
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Overview |
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is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas (domestic or bottled), coal, oil, coke and wood1,3. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters, and solid fuel-powered water heaters are all potential sources of . The problem arises when such appliances are poorly maintained, not serviced and housed in poorly ventilated areas.
When the waste products of are not effectively removed, for example because of blocked flues and chimneys, then poisonous gas mixtures may re-enter the room. This problem is not just associated with older or poorer homes; it can also affect the occupants of newer homes with gas central heating. Exhaust fumes from cars is another obvious source.
Domestic sources of include:
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domestic heating systems
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blocked flues/chimneys
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inadequate ventilation in living areas
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inadequate ventilation in adjoining car garages
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leakage from faulty appliances and chimneys/flues.
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How does carbon monoxide cause poisoning? |
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To explain this aspect, we need to explain how the body uses . Oxygen is transported around the body via the red blood cells. Specifically, oxygen binds to a substance within the red blood cells called haemoglobin, which is also responsible for their red colour.
Haemoglobin takes up oxygen as blood passes through the lungs, and at the same time , produced by the body's metabolism, is released from the blood into the exhaled breath. The combination of oxygen with haemoglobin is called oxyhaemoglobin and this 'oxygenated' blood is carried away from the lungs through the bloodstream to all the tissues of the body.
can also bind to haemoglobin but does so about 240 times more tightly than oxygen, forming a compound called . This means that if both carbon monoxide and oxygen are inhaled, will preferentially bind to haemoglobin. This reduces the amount of haemoglobin available to bind to oxygen, so the body and tissues become starved of oxygen.
also has direct effects on the blood vessels of the body - causing them to become 'leaky'. This is seen especially in the brain, causing the brain to swell, leading to unconsciousness and neurological damage. |
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Symptoms |
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One of the difficulties with diagnosing is that many of its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Often the onset of symptoms is gradual, occurring without the individual or doctor being fully aware of what is happening. Coupled with this is the fact that the severity of the poisoning depends on:
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how much is actually present in the environment.
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the duration you are exposed to .
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the age of the individual concerned - elderly, children and the foetus are all at greater risk.
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the general state of health.
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the extent of physical activity - effects are increased with higher activity levels.
The commonest symptoms (with frequency of occurrence in brackets) include:
The likely symptoms in adults, children and infants are shown in.
Likely symptoms of CO poisoning |
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symptoms |
Adult |
Child |
Infant |
General |
Dizziness, fatigue, weakness |
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Not feeling well |
Neurological |
Headache, drowsiness, disorientation, fits |
Headache, drowsiness, fits, uncoordinated movement |
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Stomach/intestine |
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pains |
Vomiting, stomach pains, anorexia, diarrhoea |
Loss of appetite |
Heart |
Chest pain, wheeziness, palpitations, hyperventilation |
Hyperventilation |
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Risk Factors |
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These figures could be just the tip of the iceberg as poisoning by is almost certainly underdetected. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, there is generally little awareness of among the general public and the medical profession. Secondly, the signs and symptoms associated with are not easy to diagnose as they often mimic many other conditions.
To overcome this deadly killer requires improved awareness among the public of the risks and dangers of and increased vigilance on the part of healthcare professionals in its detection. Children, pregnant women, babies, and individuals with a heart condition are those at most risk but CO poisoning can affect anyone.
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