5 Interesting Facts of Carbon dioxide toxicity
- Toxicity owing to elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide associated with diving with closed or semi closed circuit rebreathing apparatus
- As with nitrogen narcosis, diver may exhibit confusion and decreased mental performance, which may progress to convulsions or loss of consciousness
- As with nitrogen narcosis, condition resolves on return to normal pressure
- Unlike with nitrogen narcosis, first symptom is usually headache; other differentiating symptoms include dyspnea, facial flushing, and cardiorespiratory depression
- Differentiated on basis of history, particularly headache that may persist after ascent
