THE HIDDEN DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Irritability
4. Confusion/Memory loss
5. Disorientation
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Abnormal reflexes

8. Difficulty in coordinating
9. Difficulty in breathing
10. Chest Pain
11. Cerebral Edema
12. Convulsions/Seizures
13. Coma
14. Death

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Often, several members of the same family or those in a given building will complain of the same symptoms. Children are thought to be more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than adults. Some people may not suspect that CO poisoning is occurring until major symptoms appear. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can mimic gastroenteritis (nausea and vomiting). Other manifestations may cause the appearance of what may appear to be a neurological or psychiatric disorder. High risk groups include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a previous history of cardiac insufficiency or chronic obstructive lung disease.

MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES

Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) is also a common result of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. This life threatening condition entails the destruction of brain cells by compressing them into themselves within the cranial compartment. Drugs that are normally used for the treatment of cerebral edema, like Dexamethasone and Mannitol, do not seem to be of assistance in the treatment of CO induced cerebral edema. Studies have shown that cerebral edema caused by CO poisoning can cause delayed neurological problems that involve the “higher” or cognitive functions, and may cause a Parkinsonian-like brain syndrome.

Reference

http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/32/carbon_monoxide_facts