Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Facts:
  MC systemic toxicity seen in smoke inhalation
  
  CO binds to hemoglobin with an affinity 260 times that of oxygen
  
  CO causes decreased oxygen to tissues, results in increased anaerobic metabolism by the tissues, leading to lactic acidosis
• History / PE:
  History of smoke inhalation
  Headache
  Pinkish-red- skin hue
  Nausea, vomiting
  Abdominal discomfort
• Diagnosis:
  Carboxyhemoglobin level
• Treatment:
  Hyperbaric oxygen administration
• Differential Diagnosis:
  1) Methemoglobinemia (presents with cyanosis, bluish skin discoloration)
  
  2) Cyanide poisoning (bitter almond breath, burning rubber/plastic exposure)