Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin much more readily than oxygen, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help in two important ways. First, it greatly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved directly in the blood plasma, allowing oxygen to reach tissues even when hemoglobin is impaired. Second, it accelerates the removal of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, helping restore normal oxygen transport.
Cyanide Poisoning can occur alongside carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly in victims of smoke inhalation. Cyanide interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen at the cellular level, making combined exposure especially dangerous.
When carbon monoxide poisoning is complicated by cyanide exposure, HBOT may be used as an adjunct to emergency treatment. It can help maintain oxygen delivery to tissues while other treatments, including antidotes and supportive care, address the underlying toxicity.
CO and cyanide poisoning can both be medical emergencies, and treatment should begin in an appropriate emergency medical setting.
Oceanside Hyperbaric is not an emergency medical clinic and cannot provide initial treatment for acute carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning.
After emergency assessment and treatment in a medical facility, HBOT may sometimes be used to address persistent or delayed complications associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Where appropriate, Oceanside Hyperbaric can provide HBOT following medical stabilization and referral or clearance from the treating healthcare team.
Toxic gas exposure that prevents normal oxygen use and can cause serious injury to the brain, heart and body.
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