Episode 25: Take My Breath Away, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Featuring Dr. Shorok Hassan and MS4 Sarah Pokrzywa

Learning Points:

1. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the “silent killer” because you can’t see, smell, or taste it. This makes it a tricky diagnosis without high clinical suspicion. 

2. Carbon monoxide exposure risk exists anywhere fuel burns with inadequate ventilation from malfunctioning home furnaces to running cars in closed garages, making winter months especially dangerous when heating systems are in constant use. 

3. Clinical presentation varies widely but headache is seen in 84% of patients. 

4. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, send carboxyhemoglobin levels but keep in mind it does not reliably predict symptom severity. 

5. Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning starts with 100% oxygen on a non-rebreather mask but also requires supportive care.