Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide combines readily with haemoglobin and prevents the formation of oxyhaemoglobin

Aetiology

• Gas appliances with poor ventilation

Clinical features

• Mental impairment
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• Fit
• Drowsiness and coma
• Mild-moderate toxicity
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnoea
• Severe toxicity
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Myocardial damage
• Respiratory distress

Investigation

• Blood carboxyhaemoglobin level

Management

• Remove the sources
• High-flow oxygen
• Hyperbaric oxygen if
• Coma
• Carboxyhaemoglobin level >10%