Cyanide poisoning
Summary
Cyanide poisoning is a type of chemical poisoning that occurs when cyanide ions are introduced into the body. Cyanide ions disrupt cellular respiration at the mitochondrial level, by inhibiting an enzyme called cytochrome C oxidase. This can lead to asphyxiation as the body is no longer able to use oxygen, and it can also cause damage to the heart, liver, and other organs. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, seizures, confusion, nausea, cardiac arrest, and death.