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Title: Carbon monoxide intoxication

Abstract

Carbon monoxide poisoning usually results from inhalation of exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, smoke from fires or fumes from faulty heating systems. Carbon monoxide has a high affinity for hemoglobin, with which it forms carboxyhemoglobin. The resulting decrease in both oxygen-carrying capacity and oxygen release can lead to end-organ hypoxia. The clinical presentation is nonspecific. Headache, dizziness, fatigue and nausea are common in mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning. In more severe cases, tachycardia, tachypnea and central nervous system depression occur. When carbon monoxide intoxication is suspected, empiric treatment with 100 percent oxygen should be initiated immediately. The diagnosis is confirmed by documenting an elevated carboxyhemoglobin level. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended in patients with neurologic dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction or a history of unconsciousness. 26 refs.

Authors:
 [1]
  1. Cambridge Hospital, MA (United States)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
5579933
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
American Family Physician; (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 48:6; Journal ID: ISSN 0002-838X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.; 62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE; CARBON MONOXIDE; INHALATION; HUMAN POPULATIONS; SYMPTOMS; THERAPY; ANOXIA; CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN; CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; DIAGNOSIS; EXHAUST GASES; GAS ANALYSIS; OXYGEN; CARBON COMPOUNDS; CARBON OXIDES; CHALCOGENIDES; ELEMENTS; FLUIDS; GASEOUS WASTES; GASES; INTAKE; NERVOUS SYSTEM; NONMETALS; OXIDES; OXYGEN COMPOUNDS; POPULATIONS; WASTES; 560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology; 550600 - Medicine

Citation Formats

Kales, S N. Carbon monoxide intoxication. United States: N. p., 1993. Web.
Kales, S N. Carbon monoxide intoxication. United States.
Kales, S N. 1993. "Carbon monoxide intoxication". United States.
@article{osti_5579933,
title = {Carbon monoxide intoxication},
author = {Kales, S N},
abstractNote = {Carbon monoxide poisoning usually results from inhalation of exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, smoke from fires or fumes from faulty heating systems. Carbon monoxide has a high affinity for hemoglobin, with which it forms carboxyhemoglobin. The resulting decrease in both oxygen-carrying capacity and oxygen release can lead to end-organ hypoxia. The clinical presentation is nonspecific. Headache, dizziness, fatigue and nausea are common in mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning. In more severe cases, tachycardia, tachypnea and central nervous system depression occur. When carbon monoxide intoxication is suspected, empiric treatment with 100 percent oxygen should be initiated immediately. The diagnosis is confirmed by documenting an elevated carboxyhemoglobin level. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended in patients with neurologic dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction or a history of unconsciousness. 26 refs.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5579933}, journal = {American Family Physician; (United States)},
issn = {0002-838X},
number = ,
volume = 48:6,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}