Medical expert of the article
New publications
What should I do for smoke poisoning?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The first thing to do in case of smoke poisoning is to stop the effect of smoke on the body as quickly as possible: take the victim out into the fresh air, ventilate the room. If breathing is difficult, apply a rag soaked in water to the nose and throat and breathe through it. Then neutralize the poison (induce vomiting, give the person a sorbent, drink plenty of fluids). It is imperative to call an ambulance.
What to do if there is carbon monoxide from the stove?
In case of carbon monoxide poisoning from the stove, the first thing to do is to turn off the stove as quickly as possible, shut off the gas supply (close all taps). Put out the fire, if it is a fireplace or an open stove. Then you need to urgently call an ambulance and provide the person with emergency assistance until the medical team arrives. The essence of providing emergency assistance for smoke poisoning is to stop further gas/smoke from entering the body; removing the toxic substance that has already entered the body with smoke (by giving a sorbent - activated carbon, sorbex). In extreme cases, milk, egg yolk are given, which also act as sorbents. Neutralization of the poison that has entered the blood is usually carried out upon arrival of the ambulance team. In extreme cases, it can be ensured by drinking plenty of fluids.
Hospitalization is required, even if the person feels relatively well. In a hospital setting, pathogenetic therapy and etiological therapy are mandatory. Then, rehabilitation measures may be required.
First aid
First aid consists of neutralizing the poison and stopping its effect on the body. It is important to stabilize the condition (monitor pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate). The essence of first aid is to maintain a relatively stable condition, to prevent the death of the victim until the ambulance arrives. As part of first aid, detoxification therapy is carried out, sorbents, supportive drugs are administered, and, if necessary, painkillers.
[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]
What to take for smoke poisoning?
The main means that should be taken immediately when poisoned by smoke are sorbents. This is a group of drugs whose mechanism of action is to collect all the toxins, form them into a single complex (absorb) and remove them from the body. They can be excreted through the skin with sweat, through the kidneys with urine, through the digestive system with feces. Therefore, it is important to provide the patient with plenty of fluids. The main and most effective sorbents are:
- sorbex (1-2 tablets per day)
- activated carbon (5-6 tablets every 3-4 hours)
- enterosgel (dissolve a tablespoon of the product in a glass of water, drink up to 3-4 glasses per day)
- Polysorb (a tablespoon of the product per glass of water, 2-3 times a day)
- smecta (dissolve the contents of the sachet in a glass of warm water and drink. Up to 3-5 sachets per day)
- nimesulide, nimegesic (one sachet per dose, dissolved in a glass of water, 3-5 sachets per day).
Medicines
Dosage: 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, in case of an asthma attack - 2 tablets once. Or as an injection - 1-2 ml intramuscularly.
Precautions: It is better to administer by injection, since it is necessary for the drug to act quickly. Smoke poisoning is often accompanied by bronchial spasm, suffocation.
Side effects: May cause drowsiness and slow reaction times.
- Novocaine
Dosage: 1% novocaine solution is administered intramuscularly. 0.5 to 1 ml is administered intramuscularly at one time.
Precautions: It is better not to combine with cardiac glycosides.
Side effects: decreased sensitivity, loss of orientation in space.
- Baralgin
Dosage: 0.5-1 ml intramuscularly.
Precautions: Do not combine with muscle relaxants.
Side effects: none.
- Diphenhydramine
Dosage: 0.025 – 0.05 mg orally in the form of tablets, or 1 ml intramuscularly in the form of injections.
Precautions: It is better not to combine with cardiac glycosides, tranquilizers.
Side effects: increased heart rate.
Vitamins
Vitamins promote faster recovery. However, their use is not justified in emergency care. They are prescribed only at the stage of rehabilitation treatment. It is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentrations:
- Vitamin PP – 60 mg
- Vitamin A – 240 mg
- Vitamin E – 45 mg
- Vitamin C – 1000 mg.
Vitamin C is especially important after smoke poisoning, as it has an antioxidant effect, eliminates and neutralizes free radicals, is a powerful source of energy, and helps restore damaged tissue.
Treatment at home
At home, it is easiest to carry out restorative treatment, which will be aimed at eliminating the consequences of poisoning. It is recommended to use various means with absorption properties.
- Recipe No. 1.
As a base, take about 2-3 egg whites, 100 ml of milk, mix together. Pour the resulting mixture with a small amount of pre-prepared herbal decoction, heated on low heat, prepared on the basis of burdock, juniper and sage. Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. When the mass is prepared, immediately before use, add a third of a tablespoon of centella powder. Drink, dissolving about a third of a teaspoon in a glass of water, three times a day.
- Recipe No. 2.
As a base, take about 2-3 egg whites and 40-50 grams of butter, mix together. Pour in a small amount of freshly squeezed arnica and cherry juice (about 30-40 ml). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. Immediately before use, add 2-3 drops of concentrated empa essential oil and a teaspoon of vanilla, mix thoroughly. Drink, dissolving in water (at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per 200-250 ml of water).
- Recipe No. 3.
Take approximately equal parts of honey and butter, melt over low heat while stirring constantly, slowly pour in freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (approximately 50 ml). Mix until a uniform consistency is formed. Mix well so that no lumps remain. Before use, add 2-3 drops of bergamot and vetiver essential oil, mix thoroughly again, drink, dissolving a teaspoon of the product in a glass of water.
- Recipe No. 4.
Mix equal parts of honey, cream, oatmeal - about a tablespoon of each component, add about 2 tablespoons of ground grapefruit zest and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth, consume internally throughout the day. You can wash it down with water.
Folk remedies
There are many folk remedies that allow you to quickly recover from poisoning. It is known that a considerable proportion of toxic substances are excreted through the skin, with sweat. Therefore, it has long been recommended to go to the bathhouse after poisoning. Massage with birch twigs works well. Intensive sweating helps to remove the toxin. And this can be enhanced by massage performed in the bathhouse. For massage, it is recommended to use hand-made massage oils.
- Recipe No. 1.
As a base, take about 50 grams of butter and lard. Pour the resulting mixture with a small amount of pre-prepared herbal decoction, heated over low heat, prepared on the basis of oregano, camphor and kevda, taken in the ratio of 5:3:1. Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. When the mass is prepared, immediately before the massage, add a tablespoon of coconut oil and "queen of the night" oil. Allow to harden, use for massage, rubbing.
- Recipe No. 2.
As a base, take about 2-3 tablespoons of Vaseline and 40-50 grams of butter, mix together. Pour in a small amount of freshly squeezed orange juice and olive oil (about 30-40 ml). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. Immediately before use, add 2-3 drops of concentrated orchid and night flowers essential oil, mix thoroughly. Use as a base massage oil.
- Recipe No. 3.
Take approximately equal parts of peach and apricot kernel oil, slowly pour in concentrated extract of wormwood, damask rose and sandalwood (approximately 5-10 ml). Mix until a uniform consistency is formed. Mix well so that no lumps remain. Before use, add 2-3 drops of pine and thuja essential oil, mix thoroughly again. Use as a base massage oil.
- Recipe No. 4.
Mix equal parts of avocado oil, glycerin and shea butter - about 3-4 tablespoons of each component, add about 2 tablespoons of sage and eucalyptus decoctions. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth. Use as massage oil.
[ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]
Herbal treatment
Herbal treatment helps to get rid of the effects of smoke poisoning. It is recommended to use plants in the form of medicinal decoctions internally. The preparation scheme is quite simple: about 2-3 tablespoons of plant material are poured with a glass of boiling water, covered with a saucer, and infused for at least an hour. Drink the entire glass of decoction within 24 hours. The next day, prepare a new decoction. It is recommended to drink for 14-28 days.
- Bergamot decoction has a detoxifying, relaxing effect, relieves spasms, tension, and pain.
- A decoction of valerian flowers is used for recovery during the rehabilitation period. It relieves pain, normalizes the functioning of the cardiac, nervous, and digestive systems.
- A decoction of hyacinth leaves is used to restore damaged mucous membranes, normalize motility and peristalsis. Improves the condition of the skin in case of chemical burns.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy allows you to get rid of the consequences of poisoning in a relatively short time, restore the body. There is only one precaution - consult a doctor before starting treatment. This will prevent the main side effect - deterioration of the condition.
- Recipe No. 1.
As a base, take about 50 grams of butter and margarine. Pour the resulting mixture with a small amount of pre-prepared herbal decoction, heated on low heat, prepared on the basis of elecampane, oregano and musk. Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. When the mass is ready, add a tablespoon of incense and vanilla. Allow to harden, can be dissolved in tea, water.
- Recipe No. 2.
As a base, take about 2-3 tablespoons of honey and aloe oil, mix together. Pour in a small amount of fresh sandalwood and verbena decoction (about 30-40 ml). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. Immediately before use, add 2-3 drops of concentrated cedar and juniper essential oil, mix thoroughly. Use as a food additive, add to tea.
- Recipe No. 3.
Take approximately equal parts of egg white and fish oil, slowly pour in concentrated extract of burdock, wormwood and santonica (approximately 5-10 ml). Mix until a uniform consistency is formed. Mix well so that no lumps remain. Before use, add 2-3 drops of rose essential oil, mix thoroughly again. Use as a food additive, flavoring agent. Drink, dissolving in tea, water.
- Recipe No. 4.
Mix equal parts cocoa butter and ground oats, about 3-4 tablespoons of each component, add about 2 tablespoons of baked milk and olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth. Use to treat skin and mucous membranes in case of chemical burns, smoke damage. Drink by dissolving a teaspoon of the product in a glass of water.
[ 19 ]