Carbon monoxide poisoning

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

  • Dull headache, the most common early symptom
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Impaired judgment
  • Loss of consciousness

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated. The fumes may be fatal before anyone realizes there's a problem.

When to see a doctor
If you suspect you've been exposed to carbon monoxide, get into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care. If possible, open windows and doors on the way out of the house.

References
  1. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
  2. Clardy PF. Carbon monoxide poisoning. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
  3. Aulakh SK. Carbon monoxide poisoning. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167411074-3/908442430/2088/113.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00012-5--sc0015_2246. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
  4. Lavonas EJ. Carbon monoxide poisoning. In: Shannon MW, et al. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167411074-4/908443298/2045/92.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0693-4..50092-X_3027. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
  5. Wolf SJ, et al. Clinical policy: Critical issues in the management of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2008;51:138.
  6. Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 15, 2009.
DS00648 Jan. 12, 2010

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