Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
carbon monoxide poisoning
Systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide inhalation, often accompanying burn injuries in enclosed fires.
Full Definition
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide gas binds to hemoglobin with an affinity 200 times greater than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and preventing oxygen delivery to tissues. This condition frequently accompanies burn injuries sustained in house fires or enclosed spaces. Symptoms include headache, confusion, and altered mental status, progressing to coma and death. Treatment involves high-flow oxygen therapy or hyperbaric oxygen in severe cases. Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate the compound term; often abbreviated as CO poisoning in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The patient's altered mental status was attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning with a carboxyhemoglobin level of 25%." — emergency department evaluation
- "All house fire victims should be evaluated for carbon monoxide poisoning regardless of burn severity." — trauma protocol
Also known as
CO poisoning
Don't confuse with
cyanide poisoning
smoke inhalation