Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an unscented, colorless, flavorless yet potentially dangerous gas which can cause immediate death. ^[1]

Epidemiology

It has been approximated that about 400 people die every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning and that there are around 20,000 hospital emergency cases per annum. ^[2]

Causes

The usual sources of carbon monoxide are charcoal grills, cigarette smoke, heaters, stoves, spray paints, solvents, boat engines and generators. Among the risk factors are being passenger in the back of enclosed pickup trucks, being male, being exposed as employee in power plants and steel production, exposure to fire scenes and to inappropriately vented and faulty appliance, having anemia, heart and respiratory conditions and living in northern states or in higher altitudes. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous to individuals at sleep or those who have taken alcohol since the symptoms may not be recognized at once. ^{[2] [4] [5] [6]}

Signs and Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning produces symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, confusion, visual disturbances, depression, seizure, hallucination, pain in the chest area, motor and memory problems. It can also mimic flu. Chronic exposure can lead to brain damage and can be fatal if not detected and treated. ^{[1] [3] [4]} Fetuses and infants are vulnerable to develop developmental disorders. ^[5]

Diagnosis

Examination of the blood is the most effective means of making a concrete diagnosis. ^[2]

Treatment

Upon experiencing the symptoms, a person must seek fresh air without delay. He or she must be taken right away to the hospital. Medical treatment involves the administration of high-dose oxygen with monitoring of carbon monoxide levels in the blood. ^[2]

Prevention

An alarm may be installed to detect high levels of carbon monoxide as it would serve as first line protection. ^[2]

Prognosis

Prognosis varies from person to person. Some do not develop complications whereas some bear long term injury to the brain leading to memory problems, difficulty in concentration and other neurologic consequences. In severe carbon monoxide poisoning, death can occur. ^[2]

References:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/carbonmonoxidepoisoning.html
2. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carbon_monoxide_poisoning/article_em.htm
3.  http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/learn/carbon_monoxide_kills.aspx
4. http://www.thirdage.com/hc/c/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-risk-factors
5. http://cehtp.org/page.jsp?page_key=443
6. http://www.carbon-monoxide-survivor.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-risk-factors-for-ongoing-effects.html

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):

Recommendation: Strongly in Favor (HBOT has been shown to be effective in treating carbon monoxide poisoning)

Grade of Evidence: High Quality of Evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org