The measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) can be indicated either in addition
to an abnorma lspirometry espacially when tobacco
use is increminated or as part of a smoking withdraw support.
CO is a colorless, odorless gas that disturbs oxygen transport in the blood.
CO is released during any combustion process in general
and especially during cigarettes combustion. CO replaces oxygen in the lungs,
the blood, the heart and the brain ; it causes toxicity in all the organs.
The measured values of exhaled CO and the levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)
are useful to appreciate the importance
of smoking and its impact on the body.
