Carbon monoxide how can you tell

Unfortunately, the symptoms are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. Medium exposure can cause you to experience a throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure usually leads to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma, and eventually death. Too often, death from CO poisoning results with the victim simply falling asleep and never regaining consciousness.

The treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is high-dose oxygen. Using higher atmospheric pressure around the body can speed up the effectiveness of the high-dose oxygen treatment. The Hyperbaric Medicine Facility, staffed hours a day, is large enough for several members of a family to be treated at the same time.

Hans R. Use of Health Topics. How does carbon monoxide CO affect me? Even if CO levels are not high enough to be fatal, they can produce serious illness. Where does carbon monoxide come from? Carbon monoxide is produced by devices that burn fuels. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages also can become CO hazards. Carefully read the instructions and follow the safety precautions on the label.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Carbon monoxide poisoning — Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Feb. Carbon monoxide poisoning — Prevention guidance. Ferri FF. Carbon monoxide poisoning. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, very concentrated CO may cause the victim to pass out without feeling any of these symptoms. CO alarms are a good second line of defence that should be installed on every level of the home and tested regularly.

Also, you should never use grills, BBQs, or charcoal fuel burners in unventilated spaces, and keep your rooms well ventilated at all times. Your email address will not be published.