Carbon monoxide intoxication

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · American Family Physician; (United States)

OSTI ID:5579933

Kales, S N ^[1]

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1. Cambridge Hospital, MA (United States)

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.

• OSTI ID: 5579933
• Journal Information: American Family Physician; (United States), Vol. 48:6; ISSN 0002-838X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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