Case Report
Carbon monoxide poisoning in a patient with carbon dioxide retention: a therapeutic challenge
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* Corresponding author: Tristan RA Lane tristanlane@doctors.net.uk
Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London, NW10 7NS, UK
Cases Journal 2008, 1:102 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-1-102
Published: 18 August 2008Abstract
We present the case of a 70 year-old man with carbon monoxide poisoning following a house fire. A significant smoking history and likely underlying chronic lung pathology complicated treatment, as due to symptomatic retention of carbon dioxide we were unable to use high-flow oxygen to facilitate the elimination of carbon monoxide. We suggest that patients with risk factors for obstructive lung disease be monitored extremely carefully during treatment for carbon monoxide toxicity.