A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z

Carbon monoxide
Definition:
Poisoning from inhalation of carbon monoxide.

Where Found:
  • any combustion device such as automobiles emit carbon monoxide in its exhaust
  • portable propane heaters
  • barbecues burning charcoal
  • portable or non-vented natural gas appliances/furnaces/water heaters
Note: Charcoal should never be burned indoors! This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Get the individual out into fresh air and ventilate area. Call an ambulance immediately. Artificial respiration may need to be administered by a qualified individual if the individual has stopped breathing.
  • PREVENTION
    • Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your residence, and an additional detector in the area of any major gas burning appliances such as a furnace or water heater.
    • Conduct regular maintenance and inspection of gas burning equipment in the home.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • how long they may have been exposed to the carbon monoxide if known
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
Expectations (prognosis):
If the individual recovers, it will be slowly. Depending on the exposure levels of carbon monoxide and the time of exposure, permanent brain damage may occur. If the individual still has symptoms of impaired mental ability after two weeks, the likelihood of complete recovery is not very good. Even if an individual is symptom free for a while, impaired mental ability can reappear within the first 1-2 weeks.
Review Date: 12/1/2001
Reviewed By: Boaz Rosenblat, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com