Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the result of continued exposure to the burning of certain carbon-based fuels. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so it can leak into your home and cause physical damage to you and your family without you even realizing it. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning it is vital to get to a hospital or your doctor immediately.
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Flu-Like Symptoms
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Many of the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble flu-like symptoms. You will experience a headache, and you may get nausea that is followed by vomiting. You may also experience feelings of fatigue or drowsiness, and feel sharp chest pains. If you attempt to engage in any strenuous physical activity you may start to feel an immediate shortness of breath. You may feel dizzy and you may even pass out.
Mental Symptoms
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Carbon monoxide poisoning can also bring about several psychological or mental symptoms. You may begin to experience feelings of depression or anxiety, and you may have hallucinations. Confusion and agitation may set in, and you may start to display an impaired sense of judgment that may cause you to make poor or illogical decisions. You may also develop a loss of memory, and you may find it difficult to remember how to do very simple daily tasks.
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Weakness
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You may start to feel a general weakness in your body as a result of continued exposure to carbon monoxide. You may find your muscles feeling very weak, and it may be difficult for you to walk.
Seizures
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In some cases the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can look like symptoms of other conditions. One of the symptoms of repeated exposure to carbon monoxide is recurrent seizures. While seizures are often a symptom of other conditions, when seizures are factored in to other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning then that may give your doctor a clearer picture of what you are suffering from.
Common Causes
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Carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs in the home as a result of gas appliances that are not properly maintained or are improperly hooked up to the source of gas. Gas furnaces, gas-operated power generators, gas stoves or anything that is capable of giving off a gas fume can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. A good way to protect you and your family is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
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