You may lose balance, vision and memory and, eventually, you may lose consciousness. Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as:. Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances, such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers, are the most common causes of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.
The risk of exposure to carbon monoxide from portable devices may also be higher in caravans, boats and mobile homes. Seek medical advice from your GP if you think you have been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Your symptoms will often indicate whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning, but a blood test will confirm the amount of carboxyhaemoglobin in your blood. People who smoke can often have higher than normal levels of carboxyhaemoglobin in their blood, which can sometimes make it difficult to interpret the results.
Mild carbon monoxide poisoning does not usually need hospital treatment, but it's still important that you seek medical advice. Standard oxygen therapy in hospital will be needed if you have been exposed to a high level of carbon monoxide, or you have symptoms that suggest exposure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBOT floods the body with pure oxygen, helping it overcome the oxygen shortage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
There's currently not enough evidence about the long-term effectiveness of HBOT for treating severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. HBOT may be recommended in certain situations — for example, if there's been extensive exposure to carbon monoxide and nerve damage is suspected. Its use is decided on a case-by-case basis.
The length of time it takes to recover from carbon monoxide poisoning will depend on how much carbon monoxide you have been exposed to and how long you have been exposed to it. Prolonged significant exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious complications, including brain damage and heart problems. It can also cause vision loss and hearing loss. In rare cases, severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause Parkinsonism, which is characterised by tremors , stiffness and slow movement.
Parkinsonism is not the same as Parkinson's disease , which is a degenerative neurological condition linked to ageing. Coronary heart disease is another serious condition that can develop as a result of long-term carbon monoxide exposure. Coronary heart disease is where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances atheroma in the coronary arteries. Disease or Condition of the Week. Section Navigation.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning CO [kahr-buh n] [mon-ok-sahyd] [poi-zuh-ning]. Minus Related Pages. Red Blood Cells. Severe Weather. Gas Flame. Breathing low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period can cause severe heart problems and brain damage. See a doctor if:. It can be hard to know if you have carbon monoxide poisoning.
The same symptoms can be caused by flu or other problems. In the winter months, doctors may suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in people who complain of severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. This is especially true if other household members or coworkers have the same symptoms. Even pets in the home may get sick. If your doctor suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, he or she can order a blood test that measures the amount of carbon monoxide in your blood.
You may have other blood tests to check your overall health and to look for problems caused by carbon monoxide. The best treatment is oxygen therapy. Breathing pure oxygen can bring the oxygen level in the blood back to normal. There are two kinds of oxygen therapy:. With quick treatment, most people recover within a few days. But long-term problems can show up later. Be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in vision, coordination, or behavior that occur in the weeks after treatment.
Many people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. There are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk.
One of the most important is to see a doctor right away if you think you have symptoms. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Anne C. PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Your garage Always back your car out of the garage to let it warm up.
Never leave it running in the confined space of a garage, particularly if the garage is attached to the home. Never run lawnmowers, snowblowers, or other gas-powered engines in confined areas like garages or sheds.
Never use ovens or grills to heat your home or garage. If you get stuck in deep snow by the side of the road and decide to stay in your car and keep warm with your engine running, be sure to clear snow away from your exhaust pipe. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause CO to back up into your passenger area. Your home Never use a cooking device—an oven, grill, or camp stove—to heat your home.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home as your first line of defense. CO detectors are most effective when used in conjunction with preventive maintenance. Replace old or faulty central heating and air conditioning units with new and improved models. Make sure any heating and air conditioning system is installed by trained professionals with proper ventilation.
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