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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas known as “the silent killer.”
Significance of carbon monoxide
It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.
Long-term effects
People who survive carbon monoxide poisoning can have permanent brain damage.
Sources of carbon monoxide
Fuel-burning household appliances, incomplete combustion in poorly ventilated buildings, and motor vehicle exhaust.
Initial signs and symptoms
Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea on exertion, chest pain, impaired judgment, confusion, or hallucinations.
Severe exposure effects
May result in syncope or seizure.
Carbon monoxide binding
Carbon monoxide forms a much stronger bond with hemoglobin than does oxygen.
Consideration of toxic gas exposure
Suspect if more than one patient in the same environment is experiencing the same signs and symptoms.
Improvement of symptoms
Symptoms will start to improve as soon as the patient is removed from the toxic environment.
Treatment for conscious patients
High-flow oxygen by nonrebreathing mask is the best treatment.
Treatment for unconscious or altered patients
May need full airway control with insertion of an airway adjunct and bag-mask ventilation.
Severe cases treatment
Patients may be treated with hyperbaric or pressurized oxygen therapy.