Question 1

how can carbon monoxide poisoning happen?

Accepted Answer

Exposure: Since carbon monoxide binds stronger to the hemoglobin molecule than oxygen, the presence of any level of carbon monoxide in your environment will eventually poison you if you do not remove it (or yourself).  Combustion like burning gasoline, or other fuels can create it and if this is in a poorly ventilated area, it will linger and rise to toxic levels.

Question 2

how do you treat carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and removal: Carbon monoxide causes its toxic effects by displacing oxygen in the blood.  It is treated by removing the person from the carbon monoxide source and giving supplemental oxygen. There is some evidence suggesting that hyperbaric (high-pressure) oxygen speeds the recovery process.

Question 3

please help! i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry: If the exposure was brief enough that  you can seek out this site, and ask a question, then most of your issues are not there.  Carbon monoxide substitutes for oxygen in your blood and if exposed significantly you would fall asleep and not wake up if the exposure continued.  Identify the source of the gas and eliminate the conditions that led to it and you should be fine.

Question 4

do you think i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Cannot tell: Without knowing your symptoms or findings, it is impossible to tell. Acute carbon monoxide poisoning usually gives headaches, nausea, malaise and fatigue. Late findings, including cardiac and brain problems -- but this is usually with low chronic exposure.

Question 5

how to tell if i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Some approaches: Simple ways include checking carbon monoxide levels where you live and in your motor vehicle.  A blood test called carbon-mononoxy-hemoglobin can check blood levels.  Early symptoms might involve headaches, confusion, light headedness or dizziness, and your fingertips might reveal a cherry red coloration.

Question 6

what are symptoms from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Chemical anemia: Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in red cells and causes chemical anemia.  Mild cases may be asymptomatic. It may start as weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, cherry red coloration of skin, loss of consciousness and in severe cases, death.  Chronic poisoning may cause parkinson disease.

Question 7

what causes death with carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Poor oxygen supply: Carbon dioxide causes its toxic effects by reducing the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This lack of oxygen, if severe and prolonged, can lead to stroke, heart attack, and eventual death.

Question 8

how typical or rare is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide: Overall it is rare, however each year: 
400 Americans (out of 310 million) die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to this issue. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

Question 9

how do i know if i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

CO2 blood level: If you have been exposed to Carbon monoxide, see your doctor and have a blood level of Carbon Monoxide done.  If there is any suspicion of a CO2 leak in your home, have it inspected.  Also purchase CO2 detectors  for your home.

Question 10

is there any way to treat carbon monoxide poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Best is prevention: If any question of heating system problems in home, or issues with an automobile, get addressed asap.  If already exposed, and some neurological residua, seek neurological attention.  Cognitive problems might respond to memory enhancing agents, the parkinsonian issues perhaps with Dopamine agonists, etc.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Carbon monoxide poisoning

A member asked:

How can carbon monoxide poisoning happen?

A member asked:

How do you treat carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

Please help! i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

Do you think i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

How to tell if i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

What are symptoms from carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

What causes death with carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

How typical or rare is carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

How do i know if i have carbon monoxide poisoning?

A member asked:

Is there any way to treat carbon monoxide poisoning?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?