Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology (대한임상독성학회지)
- Volume 5 Issue 1
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- Pages.43-45
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- 2007
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- 1738-1320(pISSN)
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- 2508-6332(eISSN)
A Case of Acute Poisoning with Dry Ice
드라이아이스에 의한 급성 중독 1례
- Hwang, Soon-Young (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University) ;
- Jung, Jin-Hee (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University) ;
- Eo, Eun-Kyung (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University)
- Published : 2007.06.13
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is the fourth most abundant gas in the earth's atmosphere, and it is widely used in the chemical industry. Solid carbon dioxide is commonly known as dry ice. At low concentration, carbon dioxide appears to have little toxicological effect. At higher concentrations, however, it can produce an increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and even death. Management of carbon dioxide poisoning requires the immediate removal of an individual from the toxic environment and administration of oxygen. It is important to know the concentration of carbon dioxide to which a patient has been exposed. We report a case of acute poisoning from solid carbon dioxide in a patient presenting with drowsiness and diminished mental capacity when she arrived in the emergency department. She recovered completely after administration of oxygen with conservative treatment.