Hydrocarbon vapor poisoning

If a patient is diagnosed with inhalation intoxication by hydrocarbon vapors, in most cases it is a case of defeat by petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, solvent, antifreeze, solar oil and other substances). Ethylated gasoline is particularly dangerous, as it contains tetraethyl lead, which causes severe poisoning, increasing the risk of cancer.

Symptoms of the hydrocarbon poisoning

Symptoms of petroleum product damage have different symptomatology, which depends on both the type of toxin and the pathway of its penetration into the body.

Basic signs of inhalation of hydrocarbon vapors:

• Coughing and lacrimation.
• Heart palpitations.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hallucinations and delusions.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Seizures.
• Changes in blood pressure.
• Headache and dizziness.

Severe intoxication is similar to severe alcohol intoxication. In this case, the victim has severe spasms, muscle cramps, cyanosis of the skin, lack of pupil reaction to light stimuli, confused speech, CNS depression.

If the poisonous substance has entered the stomach, the symptomatology is very similar to vapor damage, only the patient vomits violently. In this case, the vomit masses have a specific odor and there are impurities of blood in them. The victim also has burning along the esophagus and in the throat, severe pain in the chest and stomach.

Treatment of the hydrocarbon poisoning

First aid consists of taking the victim to fresh air or a well-ventilated room. Before the arrival of medical personnel, the stomach should be rinsed and activated charcoal should be taken. In this case, gastric lavage is recommended to be done with the help of a probe. Further treatment is carried out in a hospital.

Poisoning from hydrocarbons such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil and others can be serious and requires specialized medical intervention in a hospital setting. Here's what treatment may look like:

1. Respiratory support: In hydrocarbon poisoning, suffocation or asphyxiation may occur because of their high volatility and ability to irritate the respiratory tract. The victim may require assistance with breathing, including artificial ventilation.
2. Medical evaluation and stabilization: The casualty will be evaluated by medical personnel to determine the severity of the poisoning and to stabilize their condition. This may include monitoring vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.
3. Respiratory support: Additional respiratory support measures, including the use of oxygen and artificial ventilation, may be required for hydrocarbon poisoning.
4. Detoxification: If hydrocarbons have entered the stomach, gastric lavage may be performed to remove the poison from the body. However, this can be dangerous and is only carried out in a specialized environment.
5. Symptomatic treatment: Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, headache and others. This may include the use of antiemetics, anticonvulsants, etc.
6. Medical supervisionand rehabilitation: The injured person will be under the supervision of medical personnel to monitor his/her condition and provide rehabilitation measures if necessary.
7. Treatment of complications: Hydrocarbon poisoning can lead to various complications such as respiratory burns, pneumonia and others. Treatment is aimed at preventing and treating these complications.