Case Presentation: A Case of CO Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, and nonirritant gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds. Uptake is via lungs and is influenced by minute ventilation, and duration of exposure. Clinical symptoms are highly variable and nonspecific. CO poisoning should always be considered when a comatose person is found in a confined area with poor ventilation. Symptoms and signs may include headache (the most common symptom), nausea, malaise, altered cognition, dyspnea, angina, seizures, cardiac dysrrhythmias, congestive heart failure (pulmonary edema), and coma. Severe poisoning is identified by loss of consciousness (syncope, seizures, and coma), neurologic deficits, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, and severe metabolic acidosis. Diagnosis of CO poisoning is based upon a compatible history and physical examination in conjunction with an elevated COHb level measured by cooximetry. COHb levels correlate poorly with severity of poisoning and is not predictive of delayed neurologic sequelae. The patients are treated with high flow Oxygen. Severe cases should be admitted to hospital.