How to detect carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by burning carbon-containing materials. It is not seen, not smelled, not tasted – but it can kill you.

Because of its properties, it is not evident when it has become a danger at home. Often, the members of the household who have a mild to moderate problem will feel ill while spending time at home. They would feel a bit better outside in the fresh air, but the symptoms will recur shortly after returning home. If anyone of the family has recurring bouts of dizziness or nausea or any flu-like symptoms while using fuel-burning appliances, have the house checked.

•  CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in U.S. Known as the Silent Killer for its undetectable qualities, it claims 2000 lives each year.

•  CO is produced by common household appliances.

•  Early CO poisoning symptoms are often mistaken for the flu because of similar symptoms, e.g. fatigue, headache, nausea.

•  Prolonged exposure can direct to brain damage and even death.

How Carbon monoxide acts on the body:

CO causes tissue hypoxia by displacing oxygen with carboxyhemoglobin, which hinders the transference of oxygen to the organs. This affects the heart and the central nervous system, particularly the brain. The heart responds by beating rapidly and irregularly. Blood pressure decreases.

Cardiac arrhythmia frequently occurs as a result of severe CO poisoning, and this irregularity may lead to heart attack – even death.

Cerebral edema is another result of severe CO poisoning. This condition causes the destruction of brain cells – the cells compress them into themselves within the cranial compartment. Studies show that this particular cerebral edema causes delayed neurological problems involving cognitive functions.

Acute Symptoms:

Low-level exposure carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are easily confused with other illnesses, like chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, flu, and migraine. As such, diagnosis is difficult, and carbon monoxide poisoning can only be confirmed by measuring the blood carboxyhemoglobin.

Low-level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Mild headaches
• Mild nausea
• Poor coordination
• Visual disturbances
• Vomiting

Moderate-level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms (can cause death if symptoms persist for a long measure of time:

• Chest pain
• Coma
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Unconsciousness

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes death

Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially dangerous because a person may not recognize that drowsiness is already a symptom. As a result, someone with mild-level poisoning can go to sleep and continue to breathe the gas until severe poisoning, or even death, occurs.

Chronic Symptoms:

Repeat and long-term exposures to carbon monoxide present a greater risk to those with coronary heart disease and pregnant women. Chronic exposure is likely to increase the incidence of cardiovascular symptoms in some workers like firefighters and welders.

Patients often complain of persistent confusion, depression, headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea.

Removal from area of exposure resolves the problem.