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$Title{What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?}
$Subject{carbon monoxide auto exhaust Accident Accidents Poison Poisoning CO
automobile exhaust cigarette smoke hemoglobin oxygen brain myocardium heart
headache lightheadedness nausea comas heartbeat convulsions respiratory
hyperbaric Poisonings red blood cells cell headaches smoking}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?


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QUESTION:  Back during the energy crisis, I had our house weatherproofed and
insulated.  However, after hearing about carbon monoxide poisoning occurring
in airtight houses, I now make sure to leave a few windows slightly open.  All
this concern has left me wondering about the signs and symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning.  What can you tell me?

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ANSWER:  Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas created by the
incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials.  A major component of
automobile exhaust and a significant part of cigarette smoke, CO is
responsible for half the annual U.S. poison fatalities.
     Inhaled and absorbed into the blood stream through the lungs, CO binds
with hemoglobin in the red blood cells, preventing the cells from absorbing
the oxygen they normally carry to all parts of the body.  Because of their
need for oxygen, the brain and the myocardium--the thick muscles of the
heart--are particularly at risk from CO poisoning.  Symptoms may range from a
simple headache or lightheadedness, to nausea, visual disturbances or heart
palpitations.  CO poisoning can cause comas, abnormally low blood pressure,
irregular heartbeat or convulsions, and lead to death from respiratory
failure.  Delayed signs of CO poisoning include emotional disturbances,
disorientation, loss of control over speech and movement, incontinence and
muscular rigidity.
     Overexposure to CO is best remedied by treatment with 100% oxygen, and,
if necessary, the administration of hyperbaric oxygen--100% oxygen
administered at 2.8 times normal air pressure.  Preventive measures are the
best to take when dealing with CO, since its effects are so deadly, and the
unborn child is particularly at risk:  make sure your house or workplace is
well ventilated, even in cold weather; check that furnaces, heating appliances
and autos are operating properly, and to quickly eliminate one easily
avoidable source of CO, stop smoking!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.