Q: What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Ask Our Expert About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
• What are the common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?
• What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
• How is carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosed?
• How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated?
• Are there any long-term effects associated with carbon monoxide poisoning?
• How can I protect myself from carbon monoxide poisoning?
• Where do I turn for help if I suspect I may have been exposed to carbon monoxide?

Q: What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

A: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless toxic gas. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, it will bind to your hemoglobin (the protein molecule in red blood cells) in place of oxygen. When your body is deprived of oxygen in this way, it is called carbon monoxide poisoning. The length of time you were exposed to carbon monoxide is not as important as the concentration of the gas that you inhaled. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with existing health problems such as heart-and-lung disease are particularly vulnerable.

Q: What are the common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?

A: Carbon monoxide is the result of incomplete combustion of fuels. Typical culprits include improperly vented heaters (kerosene, coal, wood, oil and gas); gas stoves and ovens; fireplaces; dryers with clogged ductwork; automobiles running in enclosed spaces; and use of gas-powered construction equipment and charcoal grills or hibachis in enclosed spaces.

Q: What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

A: The symptoms are vague and broad. Any combination of shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, vomiting, comatose state, confusion or clumsiness indicates an oxygen shortage and could potentially be carbon monoxide poisoning. Your skin also may have a blue tint.

Q: How is carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosed?

A: Carbon monoxide poisoning is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are wide-ranging. A physician must understand the environment in which your symptoms began and is more likely to be suspicious of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months when heaters are running and windows are closed. To make a diagnosis, physicians measure oxygen level in your blood and test for carboxyhemoglobin levels in your blood to determine if you were exposure to carbon monoxide.

Q: How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated?

A: An oxygenated mask will be placed on your face immediately so you can breathe in supplemental oxygen. In severe cases (if you are comatose) you would likely be placed in a pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber to get oxygen levels in the blood back to normal as quickly as possible.

Q: Are there any long-term effects associated with carbon monoxide poisoning?

A: If the poisoning was severe enough that you were comatose, you may have neuropsychiatric changes (abnormal behavior) for several weeks. If the poisoning was acute and there are abnormal CT scan findings, you will likely suffer cognitive impairment for the rest of your life.

Q: How can I protect myself from carbon monoxide poisoning?

A: First, you can avoid using things like grills and fuel-powered construction equipment in enclosed spaces. You should also have your heater checked routinely by a professional to ensure it's working properly. All homes and apartments should have carbon monoxide detectors. These can be hard-wired into an alarm system, battery-operated or plugged into an electrical outlet. Many carbon monoxide detectors have an expiration date, so you should check the back of the detectors to see if they're up-to-date. You should also test your detector regularly. If you are traveling, you can take a battery-operated or electrical unit with you to ensure safety in hotels.

Q: Where do I turn for help if I suspect I may have been exposed to carbon monoxide?

A: You should call 9-1-1 immediately.

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