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Age and Ageing 2004; 33: 105-109
© 2004, British Geriatrics Society

Review

Carbon monoxide poisoning: undetected by both patients and their doctors

Adam Harper1 and James Croft-Baker2

1 Department of Elderly Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK
2 Department of Elderly Medicine, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Address correspondence to: A. Harper. Fax: (+44) 1202 704 542. Email: adamharper{at}doctors.org.uk

Carbon monoxide poisoning represents a potentially preventable and reversible cause of mortality and morbidity if sources and cases can be identified. The elderly have been shown to be particularly at risk. Concerns continue to be raised about potential unrecognised cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. These concerns arise from difficulties in knowing who to suspect as a potential victim of poisoning as well as how, when and what to test. In general carbon monoxide has no helpful unique clinical presentation and is known to mimic common illnesses as well as exacerbate established diseases. As a gas it is undetectable by the human senses and is potentially present in most households. This paper reviews the issues associated with carbon monoxide poisoning including pointers to early diagnosis and discussion of pathophysiology and management.

Keywords: carbon monoxide poisoning, aged, guidelines, elderly, carbon, monoxide, poisoning, diagnosis

Received November 18, 2002; Revision received August 27, 2003. accepted in revised form August 27, 2003.


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