Toxic or chemical asphyxia is a type of asphyxia caused by either inhalation or ingestion of a toxic substance. It is a form of poisoning in which the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to death due to oxygen deprivation. Asphyxia can occur when a person breathes in a toxic substance, such as carbon monoxide, or when a person ingests a toxic substance. The most common cause of toxic or chemical asphyxia is carbon monoxide poisoning.
Causes of Toxic or Chemical Asphyxia
The most common cause of toxic or chemical asphyxia is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced when materials containing carbon, such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood, and coal, are burned. Inhalation of carbon monoxide can lead to toxic or chemical asphyxia. Other substances that can cause toxic or chemical asphyxia include hydrocarbons, cyanide, solvents, and certain metals, such as lead and arsenic.
Symptoms of Toxic or Chemical Asphyxia
Signs and symptoms of toxic or chemical asphyxia may vary depending on the specific substance involved. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a person may lose consciousness and suffer from cardiac arrest.
Treatment of Toxic or Chemical Asphyxia
The treatment of toxic or chemical asphyxia depends on the substance involved. The primary goal of treatment is to remove the toxic substance from the body. In cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, the person should be moved to a place with fresh air and given oxygen. In cases of poisoning from other toxic substances, a healthcare professional may administer antidotes or other medications to treat the symptoms and counteract the effects of the poison.