JIST

Abstract

Two young hostel boarders admitted to the emergency department with the complaints of sudden onset headache, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty; and, one of them had an episode of syncope with urinary incontinence. On further detailed history, we found that they had burned charcoal in their room to combat the cold weather. They fell asleep, after about three hours both of them experienced the above symptoms, however another roommate had only a headache. On further investigation the diagnosis was made in the line of carbon monoxide poisoning. The diagnosis of carbon monoxide (CO)

toxicity usually missed by the clinicians and occurs commonly because of the vague and broad spectrum nature of complaints. Specifically inquiring about possible exposures when considering the diagnosis is important. Patients with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning should be treated immediately with normobaric oxygen (with a fraction of inspired oxygen as high as possible) which speeds up the excretion. The source of CO should be identified and appropriate measures should be taken to mobilize patients or source. Considering partial recovery after treatment in CO toxicity, patients should be cautioned for resurgence of symptoms and advised to revisit to the emergency department without delay.