Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
is a life-threatening condition caused by exposure to high levels of CO. CO is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. Exposure happens when you breathe in CO. CO can build up in your body and replace oxygen in your blood. Your brain, organs, and tissues can be damaged from a lack of oxygen. CO poisoning can be mild or severe. Severe poisoning can cause permanent injury.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Blurred vision, dizziness, or a headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Faster breathing than normal, or trouble breathing
- Weakness, muscle pain, or dark urine
- Chest pain, or a fast, strong, or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion, fainting, or seizures
- Tremors or shaking, or trouble moving, bending arms or legs, or walking
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or controlling facial muscles
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have chest pain or an irregular or fast heartbeat.
- You or someone close to you has a seizure or is unconscious.
- You have trouble breathing or are breathing faster than usual.
- You feel like you are going to faint.
- You feel weak, have trouble moving, or have severe muscle pain.
- Your urine becomes dark or red.
Call your doctor if:
- You feel dizzy.
- You have a headache or start to vomit.
- Your eyesight becomes blurred.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for CO poisoning
may include any of the following:
- Extra oxygen may be given if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to get more oxygen into your body. The oxygen is given under pressure to help it get into your tissues and blood.
What to do if you think you or someone else was exposed to CO:
CO poisoning can seem like the flu. Anyone who may have been exposed to CO needs to be checked by a healthcare provider. The following are steps to take if you believe you or someone else is near a source of CO:
- Move into fresh air. If safely possible, shut off the source of the CO. Wait for a professional to help you if you cannot do this safely.
- Call 911. Explain when the exposure happened and how long you think it lasted.
- Start CPR if needed and you are trained on how to do this. CPR may be needed if the person is not breathing.
Prevent CO poisoning:
- Install a CO detector in every sleeping area in your home. Place it 5 feet above the floor and away from fireplaces or gas-burning equipment. Change the batteries twice each year.
- Check your chimney, furnace, or wood stoves. Check for problems every year before you use them. Have your fireplace flue cleaned on a regular basis.
- Be careful with gas appliances. Do not use barbecues or heaters that burn fuel inside your home or other closed spaces. Do not use your gas kitchen oven to heat your home. Make sure appliances are properly hooded or vented.
- Do not let motor vehicles run in closed areas. This includes letting your car run in a garage. If the car is outside, check that the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
- Do not smoke. Cigarette smoke contains small amounts of CO. This increases your risk of CO poisoning if you are exposed to a source of CO. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return to have more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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