Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by accidental poisoning in the United States; it is known to kill over 200,000 Americans each year. Carbon monoxide is also known as the "silent killer" because one cannot see, taste, or smell the gas. Thus, it is important that you be able to recognize the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not only will this article help you protect yourself and your family against carbon monoxide poisoning, it will instruct you in what to do if poisoning occurs.

Several symptoms accompany carbon monoxide poisoning. These symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headaches, depression, difficulty making decisions, fatigue, flu like symptoms, agitation, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, changes in vision, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really present), difficulty walking, changes in your ability to remember, fainting, and seizures.

If you have any combination of the symptoms above and you suspect you may have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If you cannot drive, call 911. Alert the other individuals in your household that they need to come with you to the emergency room, especially if you believe they have also been poisoned. Any pets in the home will also need treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.

A blood test is the way in which doctors determine if an individual has carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have been poisoned, oxygen therapy will be administered. In addition, the nurses will periodically continue to check your blood until the carbon monoxide levels in your body are safe enough to stop treatment.