The most common source of CO poisoning are exhaust gases of automobile engines, heating systems, fumes from faulty chimneys and fumes from industrial sources. CO blocks transport, availability and utilization of oxygen in the body due to its extremely high affinity for hemoglobin, which is the principal carrier of oxygen to various tissues and organs. As a consequence, damage to the tissues occurs, mainly in the tissues with high oxygen demand, such as brain and heart.
HBOT hastens elimination of CO from blood, hastens recovery of neurological symptoms and lessens brain edema. If applied at an early stage of poisoning, HBOT lowers incidence of late neurological consequences. HBOT is also used to treat late consequences of CO poisoning. It is important to refer the patient with signs and symptoms of poisoning to hyperbaric medicine facility as soon as possible.
