Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be vague and nonspecific, the diagnosis may be missed or not suspected. Headache, dizziness, and nausea are the most common symptoms. Other possible symptoms include malaise, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, or fecal and urinary incontinence. A number of different psychological and neurologic symptoms can also be present. These can include agitation, confusion, depression, lethargy, impulsiveness, hallucinations, confabulation, distractibility, and memory problems. Visual disturbances and seizure, as well as fainting (syncope), can also be related to carbon monoxide toxicity. Severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to coma and death.
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Longo, D.L., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2011.
Shochat, Guy N. "Carbon Monoxide Toxicity." Medscape.com. June 11, 2012. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/819987-overview>.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms and Signs
- Abdominal Pain
- Chest Pain
- Fecal Incontinence
- Memory Problems
- Shortness of Breath
- Urinary Incontinence
- Visual Disturbances
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