A 31-year-old member asked:
How can carbon monoxide poisoning happen?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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A 43-year-old member asked:
What happens in your body with carbon monoxide poisoning?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Julian Bragganswered
Neurology 19 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how could carbon monoxide poisoning happen?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Exposure: Carbon monoxide has a stronger affinity (bonding) to the red cells hemoglobin molecule than oxygen, so the presence of increased levels of carbon monoxide in air can gradually displace the oxygen.As it circulates in the blood, the hemoglobin is not carrying useful oxygen, so the cells starve and the poisoning occurs.Cell death can occur if oxygen does not return in time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are symptoms from carbon monoxide poisoning?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Do you think I have carbon monoxide poisoning?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lester Thompsonanswered
Pathology 35 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
How do you treat carbon monoxide poisoning?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Julian Bragganswered
Neurology 19 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 21, 2014
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