Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors begin by assessing symptoms that are often non-specific, such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, diagnosis relies heavily on the patient’s history and circumstances of exposure—for example, if symptoms appear after using gas appliances, being in a closed garage, or during a house fire.
Key Diagnostic Test
The primary tool for diagnosis is a blood test that measures carboxyhemoglobin levels—this indicates how much carbon monoxide is bound to red blood cells in place of oxygen. Elevated levels confirm exposure and guide treatment decisions.
However, normal oxygen saturation readings from a standard pulse oximeter can be misleading, as it cannot differentiate between oxygen and carbon monoxide.
Treatment
If someone might have carbon monoxide poisoning, move them to a place with fresh air right away. Call emergency medical help if symptoms like headache, confusion, or trouble breathing appear.
In the hospital, doctors usually start with oxygen therapy. Patients breathe pure oxygen through a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
| Treatment Type | How It Works | When It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen therapy | Patient breathes pure oxygen through a mask | Most cases of poisoning |
| Mechanical ventilation | Machine assists or controls breathing | When the patient cannot breathe |
| Hyperbaric oxygen therapy | Pure oxygen at high pressure in a special room | Severe or high-risk situations |
This process removes carbon monoxide from the blood and provides oxygen to vital organs. If patients have trouble breathing, doctors may use a ventilator to help them breathe.
For serious cases, doctors may recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During this treatment, patients lie in a special chamber with higher air pressure. They breathe 100% oxygen for a set time.
This treatment helps the body replace carbon monoxide with oxygen much faster and protects the heart and brain. Pregnant people and those with severe symptoms are more likely to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Gather key information before you see a healthcare provider about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Bring a list of any sources of carbon monoxide in your home, such as gas appliances or fuel-burning heaters.
Write down your symptoms and note when they started. Mention any changes in thinking, like confusion or trouble remembering things, and include any periods when you lost consciousness.
Make a list of any health concerns, such as pregnancy or smoking habits. If you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, write down where they are and when they were last serviced.
