Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas and it can be fatal so it is important that you take proper precautions to prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. The CO is produced by burning of fuel so if you have anything that uses wood, propane, charcoal or other types of fuel in heating systems and appliances then you need to install CO alarms and detectors. CO is colorless, odorless and a tasteless gas so it is not possible to detect it without the detectors and alarms.It is important that you know the symptoms of CO poisoning so that you can take immediate action and prevent any serious damage. Here are some CO poisoning symptoms that you need to be aware of.
A Dull Headache:
An early and common warning of the CO poisoning is a tension-type headache. If you have a constant headache that just sits at the front of the head and is generating a dull pain then you need to consider the possibility that you are inhaling CO. Headaches are common and they are easy to dismiss but if they are consistent with the setting then you need to be precautious. If a dull headache only happens when you are in the vehicle or kitchen or office and it dissipates as you leave a certain setting then there is a great possibility that they are because of CO poisoning.
Dizziness Along with Muscle Weakness:
Dizziness is also a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is toxic because it replaces the oxygen in the blood and the cells start to die. If you keep inhaling CO then the cells will keep dying and it will make the muscles weak and make it difficult to get on with daily activities and make simple task such as walking challenging. Dizziness is a common early sign of CO poisoning and failing to recognize it can be extremely dangerous as inhaling too much CO leads to loss of consciousness and even death.
Influenza Symptoms:
The symptom of mild Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is similar to those of influenzas-like fatigue, vomiting, and nausea. But there is a slight difference in symptoms that you need to know about. Flu symptoms include high temperature but in mild CO poisoning, there is no high temperature. If more than one person in the house is experiencing the influenza symptoms except for high temperature then you need to be concerned and consider Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Blurred Vision and Confusion:
The CO decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood so it makes it difficult for the brain to function properly. It affects a person’s ability to think clearly and leads to impaired judgment and confusion and it can also cause hallucinations. It also impacts the vision so if you are having difficulty seeing clearly then there is a chance of mild co poisoning.
Shortness of Breath:
If you start to experience shortness of breath then it is an indication that the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning has reached a higher level. If you are experiencing rapid breathing and pain and tightening in the chest area then you need to take immediate action.
If there are seizures then the poisoning has reached its last stage so make sure that you take timely action and not ignore the symptoms.