Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Symptoms & Signs

Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be vague and nonspecific, the diagnosis may be missed or not suspected, particularly when vague, flu-like symptoms develop.

• Headache,
• dizziness, and
• nausea are the most common symptoms.

Other possible symptoms and signs include

• malaise,
• fatigue,
• chest pain,
• shortness of breath,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• weakness,
• abdominal pain, or
• fecal and urinary incontinence.

A number of different psychological and neurologic symptoms can also be present. These can include agitation, confusion, depression, lethargy, impulsiveness, hallucinations, confabulation, distractibility, and memory problems. Visual disturbances and seizure, as well as fainting (syncope), can also be related to carbon monoxide toxicity. Severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to coma and death.

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is produced by burning organic compounds. The most common sources are motor vehicle exhaust from running cars, smoke from fires, engine fumes, and nonelectric heaters. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with malfunctioning or obstructed exhaust systems and with suicide attempts. Sources of carbon monoxide include cigarette smoke, boat engines, charcoal grills, kerosene space heaters, gas water heaters, and smoke inhalation from burning wood or brush in wildfires.

Other carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain
• Agitation
• Blurred Vision
• Chest Pain
• Coma
• Confabulation
• Confusion
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Distractibility
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Fecal Incontinence
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Impaired Judgment
• Impulsiveness
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Loss of Consciousness
• Malaise
• Memory Problems
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Shortness of Breath
• Urinary Incontinence
• Visual Disturbances
• Vomiting
• Walking Problems
• Weakness

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