Carbon Monoxide, The Silent Killer, A Preventable Unintentional Poisoning

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Background: In our environment, an array of substances that harm human health are found. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of them. In northern areas of Pakistan, during winter season different patterns of poisoning have been noticed at the casualty department of a tertiary care hospital.Objective: To document the pattern of incidence, principal sources, seasonal variation, gender effect, and the consequences of acute CO poisoning.Materials and Method: This retrospective observational study was done in the casualty department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Data was obtained from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st. 2023, comprising 90 cases after getting approval from the review board and concerned department. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were used to analyze the data via SPSS 22. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Among 90 cases, 33.3% suffered from CO, and 36.7% took organophosphorus compounds. 26.7% were gathered in miscellaneous groups. Out of a total of 33.3% of cases of CO poisoning, 53.33% were male and 46.66% were female. The most significant frequency occurred in winter. 83.33% suffered from room heaters, 16% because of instant geysers, and 0.67% from coal burning. All cases were accidental. 91% of the patients survived after initial treatment. While 9% died due to late arrival at the hospital.Conclusion: The effects of carbon monoxide on the body ranged from moderate vertigo to respiratory arrest and death, depending on the concentration of gas in the blood. Of the instances that were reported, the second most common cause of poisoning was carbon monoxide; the males were 16 and the females were 14 out of 30 cases. The majority of reported cases of CO poisoning were accidental and could be readily avoided by raising public awareness. These incidences peaked throughout the winter. Keywords: Carbon monoxide, Poisoning, Silent killer.