Introduction:

Carbon monoxide is one of the largest pollutants in the Earth's atmosphere, its toxicity is well known to humans. The producing sources responsible for approximately 80% of carbon monoxide emissions are motor vehicles that use gasoline or diesel as fuel, industrial processes that use carbon compounds and fire inside homes. Its acute toxic effects including death have been studied extensively, but its potential long-term adverse effects have not been studied.

Objective:

To describe the behavior of acute carbon monoxide poisoning in pediatric patients, their diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation:

11-year-old patient suffering from acute carbon monoxide poisoning. He is admitted to the University Hospital from the first level of medical care as a vital emergency. Multisystem alterations caused by lesions associated with the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases in enclosed spaces are stabilized and identified. Its correct treatment is determined.

Conclusions:

The most pertinent way to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients such as the one presented is based on two pillars: correct identification and correct management for each poisoning. The application of these two aspects can achieve a protective factor. There is underreporting of the occurrence of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning that are not treated in health services and those that cause immediate death, so their detection, diagnosis and timely treatment is important.