The diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily missed, especially when mild or if no red flags are present. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless, so it can be hard to detect.
Patient selection: patient in the Emergency Department
Red flags for carbon monoxide poisoning:
(1) any type of combustion in a poorly-ventilated space, such as:
(1a) malfunctioning heating system, water heater, or any gas, oil or coal burning appliance
(1b) electricity generator operated inside the home
(1c) using a camp stove, gas grill or charcoal grill inside the house or a tent
(1d) running a car or truck in the garage (even with garage door open)
(1e) burning anything in a stove or fireplace that is not properly vented
(2) exposure to detonation of explosives in an enclosed space
(3) burn victim with smoke inhalation
(4) car in snowstorm with tailpipe covered
(5) one of multiple victims with one or more others having CO poisoning
(6) suicide attempt
(7) CO alarm or sensor warning
(8) exposure to hookah or waterpipe
(9) the presence of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion feeling weak, nausea and vomiting, or unexplained coma
(10) cherry red skin color
If any of these findings are present, then the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered.
