injuries poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Key Points
CO poisoning (eg, caused by house fires, improperly vented automobiles, gas heaters, furnaces, hot water heaters, wood- orcharcoal-burning stoves, or kerosene heaters) is one of the most common fatal poisonings. Consider toxicity in patients with nonspecific symptoms (eg, flu-like symptoms in winter) or unexplained metabolic acidosis. Measure CO level in venous blood with a CO oximeter. Do not rule out toxicity based on a normal CO level because levels can decrease rapidly, particularly after treatment with supplemental oxygen. Treat with 100% oxygen. For severe poisoning, consult an expert or poison control center to discuss treatment with hyperbaric oxygen. 