Nonin CO-Pilot H500 Quick Start Manual page 8

12 COHb Quick Reference
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can
remain undetectable until exposure results in injury or death. CO
poisoning can lead to a variety of clinical effects that resemble many
neurological and cardiovascular conditions, leading to potential
misdiagnosis.
Common Symptoms of CO Poisoning
1
Headache
2
Dizziness
3
Fatigue and Weakness
Important Symptom Considerations
A patient exposed to high concentrations for a short time
may be less symptomatic than a patient who reaches the
same COHb level after a prolonged exposure.
Chronic poisoning is generally associated with the less
severe symptoms.
Some patients presenting with a carboxyhemoglobin
level of 20% may be remarkably symptomatic, while
others experiencing the same level of COHb% may exhibit
only mild, equivocal symptoms.
Low-level exposure can exacerbate angina and chronic
obsutrctive pulmonary disease.
Coronary artery disease patients are at risk for ischemia
and MI even at low levels of CO.
Severity of clinical condition is related to CO conentration,
the duration of exposure, and the prevailing clinical
disposition of the patient.
Smokers present with higher levels of COHb than
do non-smokers. The COHb level in non-smokers is
approximately 1-2%. In smokers, a COHb of 3-8% would
be considered normal, depending on severity of smoking.
4
Loss of Consciousness
5
Nausea
Page 8 of 9
CO-Pilot User Guide
PN 114100-001-01