Irrespirable Gases Flashcards
Enumerate the irrespirable gases
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Hydrogen sulphide
- War gases
- Methyl isocyanate
Action of carbon monoxide
CO combines with Hb to COHb and cause anaemic hypoxia
Inhibits cytochrome A3 oxidase and cytochrome P450 and hinders intracellular respiration
Acute symptoms of CO poisoning
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
What is the result of CNS damage due to CO poisoning
Spastic paraplegia
Effect on liver due to CO poisoning
Enlarged and bleeding tendency
Effect on CNS due to CO poisoning
•spastic paralysis
•impairment of higher mental functions
•personality changes
•Parkinsonism
Effect on skin due to CO poisoning
Bullies lesions d/t skin hypoxia
How does a CO poisoning give a false impression of assault
Victim may move erratically in the room disturbing furniture and clothing
Diagnostic tests for CO poisoning
- Spectroscopy
- CT
- Kunkels test
- Hoppe-Seylers test
How is CO diagnosed
From 1. History , signs and symptoms
2. Lab findings
How is COHb analysed
By spectroscopy. Two absorption bands between Fraunhoffers lines D&E as in oxyhemoglobin
CT findings in CO poisoning
Symmetric low density areas in the region of globus pallidus, putamen and caudate nucleus
Kunkels test in CO poisoning
Diluted blood + few drops of tannic acid and shaken . Crimson red coagulum formed if COHb present
Hoppe-Seylers test in CO poisoning
Few drops of blood + NAOH
pink / red if COHb present otherwise greenish brown
Treatment of CO poisoning
- Remove patient to fresh air
- Patient blood COHb above 25% require hyperbaric Po2 of 2-3atm
- Blood transfusion
- Gastric lavage
- Cerebral edema - 20% mannitol solution 500ml IV
- Supportive measures