Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Overview
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Causes
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Overview
Carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it; but carbon monoxide can kill you.
- Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. This odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas is known as the "Silent Killer." The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments annually.
- Carbon monoxide is produced by common household appliances. When not properly ventilated, carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances can build up. See below for a list of appliances that can emit carbon monoxide.
- Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected in a home. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death.
Next: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Causes »
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Shock Overview
The word shock is used differently by the medical community and the general public. The connotation by the public is an intense emotional reaction to a stressful situation or piece of news. Its medical meaning is much different.
Medically, shock is defined as a condition where the tissues in the body don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients to allow the cells to function. This ultimately leads to cellular death, progressing to organ failure and finally, to whole body failure and death.
How the body works
Cells need two things to function: oxygen and glucose. This allows the cells to generate energy and do their specific jobs.
Oxygen in the air enters the body through the lungs; where oxygen molecules cross into the smallest blood vessels, the capillaries, and are picked up by red blood cells and attached to hemoglobin molecules. The red blood cells are pushed through the body by the actions of the pu...
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Toxicity, Carbon Monoxide »
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbonaceous material.
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