Symptoms and Treatment
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic flu-like symptoms. These may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness and fatigue, muscle weakness and confusion. Symptoms may disappear when a person leaves the home and reappear upon return.
Symptoms also may affect the entire household at once, including pets. Even once a person is treated there may be delayed symptoms that result from carbon monoxide's effects on the brain. These delayed symptoms may include forgetfulness, disorientation, memory loss and confusion. Proper and timely treatment for exposure to carbon monoxide may prevent this.
Treatment
An emergency department physician may choose to perform a blood test (called a carboxyhemoglobin test) to determine the level of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. This test does have limitations and carboxyhemoglobin levels do not necessarily correlate with toxicity.
A person who has had a prolonged exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may present with many symptoms. However, their carboxyhemoglobin test may be very low. If elevated levels of carbon monoxide are present, hyperbaric (high pressure) oxygen may be used to rid the body of the carbon monoxide more quickly.
One hundred percent oxygen is also another mode of treatment. Both the history of the exposure, as well as symptoms, must be evaluated to determine the best treatment.
Upon admission, as well as after treatment, a series of tests may be administered to determine a person's ability to write, speak, recognize familiar objects and people and perform skilled, coordinated movements. An emergency department physician is the one to make these determinations and administer treatment if necessary.
