Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Oxygen Therapy

Course overview

This course explores the pathophysiology of CO poisoning, clinical recognition, diagnostic approaches, and evidence based management strategies, with a focus on the critical role of oxygen therapy in reducing morbidity and saving lives. Oxygen therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. Administration of 100% oxygen significantly decreases the half-life of carboxyhemoglobin, accelerating the elimination of CO from the body. In more severe cases particularly those involving neurological symptoms, cardiovascular instability, or pregnancy hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy may be indicated. HBO delivers oxygen at higher-than-atmospheric pressures, enhancing oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues and reducing long-term neurological damage.