'Silent killer' at home - Dangerous symptoms of Carbon monoxide poisoning

Warning signs

Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath can easily be mistaken for the flu. Experts urge people to know the warning signs to make sure they seek help before it's too late.

Carbon monoxide can be deadly or cause serious long-term health problems. It's especially dangerous because you can't see, taste, or smell it. Some of the symptoms of poisoning are the same as those of the flu, food poisoning, viral infections, fatigue, or hangovers, making it easy to confuse with other serious conditions.

What is carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that results from the incomplete combustion of any carbon-based fuel, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas.

This can happen if a gas appliance has been improperly installed, poorly repaired, or poorly maintained. CO can also build up if chimneys, flues, or vents are blocked.

Solid fuels such as coal, wood, gasoline, and oil can also produce carbon monoxide when burned.

CO is known as the “silent killer” because you can't see, smell, or taste it.

How carbon monoxide poisoning occurs

When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when it builds up in your bloodstream and the lack of oxygen causes your body's cells to malfunction and die. Even small amounts of the gas can cause poisoning, which can lead to paralysis, brain damage, or even death.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.