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A cherry red skin color that darkens may be present as the result of increased venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation. At the first stages of unconsciousness, breathing is often sufficient or even rapid, although the state of the person progresses towards a deep coma, sometimes accompanied by pulmonary edema, and finally cardiac arrest. At lower doses, loss of consciousness may be preceded by general weakness, dizziness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, and perceived difficulty in breathing. If hydrogen cyanide is inhaled, it can cause a coma with seizures, apnea, and cardiac arrest, with death following in a matter of seconds. Historically, cyanide has been used for mass suicide and it was used for genocide by the Nazis. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12 a) appears to be useful as an antidote and is generally first-line. Treatment involves supportive care and giving the person 100% oxygen. If exposure is suspected, the person should be removed from the source of the exposure and decontaminated.
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Levels of 0.5–1 mg/L are mild, 1–2 mg/L are moderate, 2–3 mg/L are severe, and greater than 3 mg/L generally result in death. Blood levels of cyanide can be measured but take time. It may be suspected in a person following a house fire who has a decreased level of consciousness, low blood pressure, or high lactic acid.
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Cyanide ions interfere with cellular respiration, resulting in the body's tissues being unable to use oxygen. Liquid forms of cyanide can be absorbed through the skin. Other potential routes of exposure include workplaces involved in metal polishing, certain insecticides, the medication sodium nitroprusside, and certain seeds such as those of apples and apricots. Poisoning is relatively common following breathing in smoke from a house fire. Toxic cyanide-containing compounds include hydrogen cyanide gas and a number of cyanide salts. Some survivors have long-term neurological problems. Onset of symptoms usually occurs within a few minutes. This phase may then be followed by seizures, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and cardiac arrest. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and vomiting. House fire, metal polishing, certain insecticides, eating seeds such as from apples īased on symptoms, high blood lactate ĭecontamination, supportive care (100% oxygen), hydroxocobalamin Ĭyanide poisoning is poisoning that results from exposure to any of a number of forms of cyanide. Later: seizures, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest Cyanide toxicity, hydrocyanic acid poison Įarly: headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, vomiting
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