6 Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning to Look Out For

When we think of natural gas appliance-related threats to our homes, and ourselves, we often think of gas leaks or house fires. But carbon monoxide poisoning is one that maybe gets overlooked a little more than it perhaps should.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, colourless and odourless gas that can work its way through your home. It’s a by-product of incomplete combustion from common fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces or gas stoves. Even vehicles left running in enclosed spaces produce toxic fumes that lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

As carbon monoxide fumes are undetectable by human senses – only a carbon monoxide detector will alert you to its presence – it’s crucial to know the symptoms of exposure to protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep reading to stay informed and remain safe.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As its name suggests, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you inhale too much carbon monoxide. This toxic gas can quickly build up indoors, especially in rooms with insufficient ventilation, and pose significant health risk factors.

If you inhale carbon monoxide, its molecules bond to the haemoglobin in the bloodstream which stops the body from receiving enough oxygen. This leads to a variety of symptoms, many of which may be mistaken for the flu, and include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion and loss of consciousness

Take in too much carbon monoxide, and the outcome can even be fatal.

Understanding the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide is the first step in protecting yourself and your family from this hidden hazard. But as they say, prevention is better than cure, so we’ll look at how you can minimise exposure and prevent possible poisoning.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Before we look at the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, how do you stop carbon monoxide poisoning from happening in the first place?

Basically, it starts with proper maintenance and safe usage of gas appliances, fuel-burning heaters, and other potential sources of CO. Have a licensed gas fitter service your appliances regularly; they’ll make sure everything is functioning as it should and is vented properly.

Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms, and test them once a month to make sure they’re working. Never use portable generators or gas BBQs indoors. Try to avoid leaving your car running in an enclosed garage. At the very least, make sure you have the garage door open.

By staying vigilant and following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, and the following symptoms, in your home.

Symptom 1: Headaches

One of the first and most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you’ll likely encounter is a persistent headache.

Given that anything from tension to fatigue can cause headaches, particularly during the chillier months of the year, you could be forgiven for thinking that exposure to carbon monoxide isn’t the culprit. However, if you notice the headaches becoming more frequent or severe when you’re at home, it can potentially indicate exposure to carbon monoxide.

Recognising this symptom early is crucial given the odourless nature of carbon monoxide. Should these headaches continue, check your home for potential CO sources and make sure your CO detectors are functioning properly.

Symptom 2: Dizziness

Dizziness is another common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. Like headaches, it’s a symptom that many of us might overlook, particularly if we’re feeling tired or feeling unwell.

So how does it happen? When carbon monoxide starts to replace the oxygen in your bloodstream, it plays with your balance and coordination and results in the sensation of unsteadiness or vertigo. Should you find yourself feeling light-headed or unsteady on your feet, particularly when you’re using gas-powered appliances, consider the possibility you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

It’s certainly risky to dismiss dizziness as a minor issue, especially if you’re experiencing it alongside other symptoms like headaches or nausea. To prevent further CO poisoning, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working and that your living spaces are well-ventilated.

Symptom 3: Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms that many people easily confuse with a stomach bug or food poisoning. But it’s worth noting that if you experience these symptoms without an obvious cause, especially along with headaches or dizziness, they might be a sign of carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide can cause havoc with your digestive system as it depletes your body’s oxygen levels, resulting in feelings of sickness. If you or others in your household start feeling queasy after using gas appliances or spending time in an enclosed space, take action ASAP. Make sure you have sufficient ventilation throughout your home and check your carbon monoxide detectors to prevent further exposure. Should your symptoms continue, head straight to your closest emergency room to rule out severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

Symptom 4: Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another all-too-serious symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning, once again caused by CO replacing the oxygen in your bloodstream.

This oxygen displacement can make breathing feel laboured or shallow, particularly during physical activity. It can be particularly concerning for people with pre-existing conditions like chronic heart and lung disease.

If you suddenly have trouble catching your breath, especially when using gas equipment like a gas oven or heater, it could be a sign of CO exposure. Do not ignore these symptoms; they’re a tell-tale sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can lead to severe complications. Seek medical treatment immediately.

Symptom 5: Chest Pains

Another highly concerning symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is chest pain, particularly for people with heart conditions.

Like the previously mentioned symptoms, chest pain is a result of carbon monoxide reducing the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes your heart work significantly harder to circulate oxygen throughout your body. If you experience chest pain it’s important to take it seriously. This pain might be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, indicating a higher level of carbon monoxide exposure.

Immediate action is crucial make sure you have enough fresh air, either by opening windows and doors or by going outside, and check your carbon monoxide detectors. Most importantly, seek urgent medical attention to prevent severe outcomes like heart complications or other serious health issues.

Symptom 6: Confusion and Loss of Consciousness

And finally, confusion and loss of consciousness are among the most dangerous symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. It suggests that you’ve experienced severe exposure to this toxic gas.

We’ve mentioned that carbon monoxide displaces oxygen from your bloodstream, leading to the five symptoms we’ve covered above. But in replacing the oxygen in your blood, carbon monoxide also deprives your brain of oxygen, leading to confusion, disorientation, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness. These symptoms can come on suddenly and may be life-threatening, particularly if they occur while using gas appliances or in enclosed spaces where CO levels can rise quickly.

If you or someone else experiences confusion or loses consciousness, it’s critical to act immediately. Get fresh air, leave the area, and call emergency services to get your carbon monoxide poisoning treated. Quick action can prevent long-term brain damage and other serious health issues.

What to Do If You Suspect a Carbon Monoxide Leak

If you present symptoms of exposure and suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, take immediate action to protect yourself and others:

• Turn off all gas appliances straight away
• Get everyone out of your home and straight into fresh air.
• Do not try to find the source of the leak – focus on minimising exposure.
• Once outside, contact emergency services and report the suspected leak.
• Seek medical attention ASAP if you’re presenting with symptoms, even if they seem mild. Getting your suspected carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosed may mean the difference between life and death.
• If it’s confirmed, get your carbon monoxide poisoning treated. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a common form of treatment.
• Avoid returning to your home until authorities have confirmed it as safe.
• Have a registered gas fitter inspect your gas appliances and other potential sources with carbon monoxide testing.
• Regularly maintain your equipment and use a carbon monoxide alarm and detectors to prevent future leaks.

Quick action is crucial in preventing the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Recognising the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and knowing how to respond can be lifesaving. Being able to identify the common warning signs – symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion – you can take swift action to protect yourself and your loved ones.

One essential step to prevent CO exposure is to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Equally as important is maintaining those detectors regularly. If you do experience symptoms, get into the fresh air and seek medical attention straight away. This can prevent severe consequences. Stay vigilant, make sure your home is well-ventilated, and keep your gas appliances in top condition to safeguard against this silent threat.

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