Objective:

Gas poisoning, both voluntary and involuntary, has a high incidence and is often accompanied by high mortality. Occupational exposures and fires are the most common sources of inhalation injury. Chemical suffocants are substances that cause oxygen deficiency without interfering with respiratory mechanics, altering biological oxidative mechanisms. Among the main chemical suffocants are carbon monoxide and cyanide, which act by altering cellular respiration by blocking mitochondrial enzymes. When inadequately exposed to both gases, they can cause symptoms ranging from mild and nonspecific symptoms to alterations at the neurological and cardiovascular levels or even death withi nminutes.

Conclusion:

It is important to know the comprehensive management of patients poisoned by biochemical suffocants, in the case of carbon monoxide, the proper use of oxygen and support measures, and in the case of cyanide, the antidotes and their correct administration, to reduce mortality and sequelae.

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