Carbon Dioxide Poisoning Advice

When Scuba Diving, the excessive buildup of Carbon Dioxide is mostly a direct consequence of inadequate breathing and ventilation.

If levels increase, Carbon Dioxide Toxicity is the result and it can be extremely dangerous causing sedation and shortness of breath.

Carbon Dioxide Poisoning Causes

Inadequate ventilation due to;

• Skip breathing (intermittent breathing while scuba diving)
• Tight wet suit
• Exertion
• Faulty regulator
• Deep diving
• Contamination of the gas supply (re-breathers)

Carbon Dioxide Poisoning Symptoms

• Rapid breathing
• Headache, confusion, and dizziness
• Flushed appearance, nausea, and vomiting
• Muscular convulsions (with contaminated air supply)
• Unconsciousness (can occur with exertion at depth or contaminated air supply)

Carbon Dioxide Poisoning Treatments

• Flush circuit if using rebreather and/or change of other breathing gas supply
• Return to the surface and breathe fresh air
• Cease movement, breathe normally, and provide oxygen
• Rescue and resuscitate as appropriate in a very severe case

Scuba Injuries |> Overview |> Carbon Monoxide Toxicity |> Nitrogen Narcosis |> Oxygen Toxicity CNS |

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