Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Key Clinical Manifestations

The American Thoracic Society notes that headache is the most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning, though there is no characteristic headache pattern typical of CO poisoning 1
Neurological symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness, as reported by the American Thoracic Society 1, 2
Gastrointestinal manifestations of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea and vomiting, according to the American Thoracic Society 1, 3
Cardiopulmonary symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include chest pain and shortness of breath, as noted by the American Thoracic Society 1
Fatigue and general malaise are common presentations of carbon monoxide poisoning, as reported by the American Thoracic Society 1, 3

The American Thoracic Society states that no combination of symptoms either confirms or excludes a diagnosis of CO poisoning 1
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning do not correlate with carboxyhemoglobin levels, making clinical assessment challenging, as noted by the American Thoracic Society 1
The classic "cherry red" skin coloration is rare and typically only appears with lethal levels of CO poisoning, according to the American Thoracic Society 1, 3
A high index of suspicion is warranted, particularly during cold weather, in patients with acute coronary syndrome and arrhythmias, as reported by the American Thoracic Society 1

Loss of consciousness indicates severe carbon monoxide poisoning and is associated with worse outcomes, as noted by the American Thoracic Society 2
Metabolic acidosis may be present in severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if exposure occurred during a house fire, according to the American College of Medical Toxicology 4

Waiting for laboratory confirmation before initiating oxygen therapy is a common pitfall in carbon monoxide poisoning treatment, as reported by the American College of Medical Toxicology 4
Discharging patients without ensuring the CO source has been identified and eliminated is a common pitfall in carbon monoxide poisoning management, according to the American College of Medical Toxicology 4
Not scheduling follow-up to assess for delayed neurological sequelae is a common pitfall in carbon monoxide poisoning care, as noted by the American College of Medical Toxicology 4

Unconsciousness, hypotension, and severe acidemia in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning indicate life-threatening toxicity, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians 5
Multiple family members or cohabitants with similar symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea, warrant high suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning, as recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians 5