What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. How does carbon monoxide affect the body. Who is most at risk for CO poisoning. What are common sources of carbon monoxide in homes. How can you prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide and Its Dangers

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that poses a serious threat to human health and safety. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels like natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. While these fuels are generally safe to use, improper burning can lead to the production of excess CO, which can have devastating consequences when inhaled.

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous? When CO enters the body, it displaces oxygen in the blood, depriving vital organs like the heart, brain, and lungs of the oxygen they need to function properly. This can quickly lead to serious health issues and even death if exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations.

Key Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• CO poisoning is one of the most common types of fatal poisonings worldwide
• In the United States, over 400 people die annually from unintentional CO poisoning not related to fires
• More than 20,000 people visit emergency rooms and over 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning each year
• Approximately 170 Americans die yearly from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products

Recognizing the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the most insidious aspects of carbon monoxide poisoning is that its initial symptoms can easily be mistaken for other common ailments. This similarity to less severe conditions often leads to delayed recognition and treatment, potentially increasing the risk of serious harm.

Initial Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The early signs of carbon monoxide exposure are often similar to flu-like symptoms, but without fever. These can include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Is carbon monoxide poisoning always immediately noticeable? No, the onset of symptoms can be gradual, especially with low to moderate exposure levels. This slow progression can make it difficult for individuals to recognize the danger until the situation becomes critical.

Advanced Symptoms of CO Poisoning

As exposure to carbon monoxide continues or intensifies, more severe symptoms may develop:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain (particularly in individuals with angina)

Can carbon monoxide poisoning cause long-term effects? Yes, prolonged or severe exposure to CO can lead to lasting neurological damage, cardiovascular issues, and other health complications. In extreme cases, it can result in death.

Identifying Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Homes

Understanding the potential sources of carbon monoxide in residential settings is crucial for prevention and early detection. Many everyday appliances and activities can produce CO if not properly maintained or used correctly.

Household Appliances and Systems

• Furnaces and boilers
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Space heaters
• Clothes dryers

Other Common Sources

• Vehicles running in attached garages
• Portable generators
• Charcoal grills used indoors or in enclosed spaces
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Malfunctioning or improperly vented fuel-burning appliances

How can you tell if an appliance is producing dangerous levels of CO? Regular professional inspections and the use of carbon monoxide detectors are essential for identifying potential hazards before they become life-threatening.

Risk Factors for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While everyone is potentially at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to its effects. Understanding these risk factors can help in taking appropriate precautions and recognizing symptoms more quickly.

Age-Related Risks

• Infants and young children
• Elderly individuals

Why are these age groups more vulnerable? Infants and elderly people often have weaker respiratory and cardiovascular systems, making them more susceptible to the effects of CO poisoning.

Health Conditions That Increase Risk

• Chronic heart disease
• Anemia
• Respiratory problems
• Sickle cell anemia

How do these conditions affect CO poisoning risk? These health issues can impair the body’s ability to transport and utilize oxygen effectively, exacerbating the effects of carbon monoxide exposure.

Other Risk Factors

• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Living at high altitudes
• Occupational exposure to CO-producing equipment or chemicals

Does smoking increase the risk of CO poisoning? Yes, smokers typically have higher baseline levels of carbon monoxide in their blood, which can make them more susceptible to additional CO exposure.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Your Home

Taking proactive steps to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your living space is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. By implementing proper safety measures and maintaining awareness, you can significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning.

Essential Prevention Strategies

1. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas
2. Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified technician
3. Ensure proper ventilation for all fuel-burning devices
4. Never use portable generators, grills, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces
5. Avoid running vehicles in attached garages, even with the door open
6. Keep chimneys and flues clear of debris and properly maintained
7. Be cautious when using space heaters, ensuring they are approved for indoor use and properly vented

How often should carbon monoxide detectors be replaced? Most manufacturers recommend replacing CO detectors every 5-7 years. However, it’s essential to check the specific guidelines for your device and replace batteries as needed.

Additional Safety Measures

• Educate all household members about the dangers of CO and how to recognize symptoms
• Create and practice an emergency evacuation plan in case of CO detection
• Consider professional CO inspections when moving into a new home or after major renovations
• Be aware of the potential for CO buildup during power outages or severe weather events

Immediate Actions for Suspected Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Recognizing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and taking swift action can be life-saving. If you suspect CO exposure in your home or workplace, it’s crucial to act quickly and decisively.

Steps to Take When CO Poisoning is Suspected

1. Immediately evacuate the area and move to fresh air
2. Call emergency services (911 in the US) for immediate assistance
3. Do not re-enter the affected area until it has been declared safe by professionals
4. Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild
5. Have the source of the CO leak identified and repaired by a qualified technician

Should you open windows if you suspect CO poisoning? While opening windows can help ventilate the space, it’s not a substitute for evacuation. Your priority should be getting to fresh air immediately.

Long-Term Follow-Up After CO Exposure

• Schedule a follow-up medical examination to check for any lasting effects
• Consider neurological testing if you experienced severe symptoms or prolonged exposure
• Review and enhance your home’s CO prevention measures
• Educate others about your experience to raise awareness of CO dangers

The Link Between Carbon Monoxide and Chronic Health Issues

While acute carbon monoxide poisoning is well-recognized, the potential long-term effects of chronic, low-level exposure are less commonly discussed. Emerging research suggests that prolonged exposure to even low levels of CO may contribute to various health issues.

Potential Long-Term Effects of CO Exposure

• Neurological problems, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Exacerbation of respiratory conditions
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Mood changes and depression

Can carbon monoxide exposure cause symptoms similar to fibromyalgia? Some studies have suggested a potential link between chronic CO exposure and symptoms resembling fibromyalgia, including widespread pain and fatigue. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Monitoring for Chronic Exposure

Detecting chronic, low-level carbon monoxide exposure can be challenging, as symptoms may be subtle and develop gradually over time. Some strategies for identifying potential ongoing exposure include:

• Keeping a detailed log of any persistent, unexplained symptoms
• Using long-term CO monitoring devices in addition to standard alarms
• Being aware of potential sources of low-level CO in your environment
• Discussing any concerns about chronic CO exposure with your healthcare provider

How can you differentiate between chronic CO exposure and other health conditions? If you suspect chronic CO exposure, it’s essential to work with healthcare professionals to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. Additionally, having your living and working environments thoroughly inspected for potential CO sources can provide valuable information.

Understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide and taking proactive steps to prevent exposure is crucial for protecting your health and safety. By staying informed, implementing proper safety measures, and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning and its potential long-term effects. Remember, when it comes to carbon monoxide, awareness and prevention are your best defenses against this silent threat.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning & Its Association with Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

November 22, 2019

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: All You Need To Know

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening condition caused by exposure to high levels of Carbon monoxide, also known as CO. CO poisoning, one of the most common fatal poisonings, occurs by inhalation. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, poisonous industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood.

Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.

Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can overcome the affected person in minutes without warning—causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate.

Besides tightness across the chest, initial symptoms of CO poisoning may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. Sudden chest pain may occur in people with angina. During prolonged or high exposures, symptoms may worsen and include vomiting, confusion, and collapse in addition to the loss of consciousness and muscle weakness. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. CO poisoning may occur sooner in those most susceptible: young children, elderly people, people with lung or heart disease, people at high altitudes, or those who already have elevated CO blood levels, such as smokers. Also, CO poisoning poses a special risk to fetuses.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 20,000 visits the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

People can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at home if dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home. This can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following –

• Faulty or damaged heating appliances
• Heating appliance not maintained or serviced
• Rooms not properly ventilated
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
• Poor installation of heating appliances
• Improper operation of heating appliances
• Property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
• Cars, trucks, or other engines are left running in enclosed spaces, such as garages. Carbon monoxide can build up in a garage and leak back into the house. Even sitting in an idling car in an open garage or swimming behind an idling boat can be dangerous.
• Using cooking appliances for heating purposes

Who is at Risk?

• Older age
• Heart disease, blood vessel disease, sickle cell anemia, and lung problems
• Pregnancy
• Smoking cigarettes
• Work that uses equipment or chemicals that produce CO

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Most Significance Causes

The most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide gas. Carbon-based fuels are safe, but CO produced by incomplete burning of fuels like gasoline, kerosene, propane, coal, and wood can be fatal. Since carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, exposure to this poisonous gas is not easily detected, until the level becomes too high.

When the level of carbon monoxide in the air is too high, the body replaces oxygen in the red blood cells with it, which causes severe damage to the brain cells in the long term. Improper ventilation in homes or tightly sealed places may allow carbon monoxide gas to accumulate.

Sign & Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include –

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

High-level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including –

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death

Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants and/or physicians can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning symptoms for the flu, which sometimes results in tragic deaths. For rapidly developing, high-level CO exposures (e.g., associated with the use of generators in residential spaces), victims can rapidly become mentally confused, and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.

Also Read – Chlorine Poisoning: Toxicity Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Complications Associated with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Depending on the degree and length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause –

• Permanent brain damage
• Heart diseases, possibly leading to life-threatening cardiac complications
• Death
• Harm to unborn babies – low birth weight, perinatal death (stillbirth and death that occurs within the first four weeks of birth), behavioral problems
• Urinary incontinence – this is more common in women with severe CO gas poisoning. The patient may develop involuntary leakage of urine (passing urine when not meaning to).

Treatment

Hyperbaric O2 therapy should also be considered for pregnant patients, possibly at lower serum CO levels than in nonpregnant patients. Hyperbaric O2 therapy may decrease the incidence of delayed neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, this therapy may cause barotrauma and, because therapy is not available at most hospitals, may require transfer of patients, who may not be stable; also, a chamber may not be available locally. Evidence for the efficacy of hyperbaric O2 therapy is becoming more controversial, with some studies suggesting harm. In cases where hyperbaric O2 therapy is considered, consultation with a poison control center or hyperbaric expert is strongly recommended.

1. Oxygen Therapy – This is used to normalize the levels of oxygen within the blood, which will have been displaced by breathing in the carbon monoxide. There are two types of oxygen therapy.
2. Nutritional Supplementation– In situations caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, a very high dose of vitamin C and glutathione given intravenously can be very helpful. Other useful nutrients include vitamin B complex with choline and inositol, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, garlic capsules, superoxide dismutase (SOD), raw liver extract, protein supplements (free-form amino acids, especially L-cysteine and L-methionine), and selenium.
3. Herbs – Herbs for the regeneration of liver cells are helpful, combined with ones that facilitate the elimination of waste from the body. Specific details depend upon the chemicals involved, but one general practice is to combine the tinctures of milk thistle, licorice, and dandelion leaf in equal parts and take one teaspoonful of this mixture three times a day. Considerable research and clinical experience have shown that the herb milk thistle is very effective in assisting the liver when exposed to toxins.
4. Flower Essences – Take Crab Apple for detoxification and Star of Bethlehem for emotional shock or trauma, if poisoning caused by an accident.

Association of Low-Level Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Fibromyalgia and Fatigue

There are a few overlooked symptoms of chronic carbon monoxide poisoning that leads to fibromyalgia and fatigue. As human senses cannot detect CO, low level of carbon monoxide exposure often goes unnoticed. After a prolonged time, the signs and symptoms appear as pain or flu-like illness associated with headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and even memory loss.

Also Read – Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Carbon monoxide treatment focuses on reducing the level of CO from the body to overcome the symptoms of fibromyalgia and fatigue. Besides medication, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the most common treatment to correct the oxygen within the body at the cellular level. In the later stage, occupational and physical therapies are also suggested to eliminate the effects of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fibromyalgia can cause cognitive and physical symptoms like fibro fog that affects concentration and recalling ability of a person. According to a study, 76 % of people having fibromyalgia also experience fatigue that does not disappear even after rest and sleep. Additionally, the symptoms will continue to persist for two, three, or more years, even if you distance yourself from the places where CO emissions are high.

Dr. Allan D Lieberman

Dr. Allan Lieberman is the founder and the medical director of the Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM) that specializes in Environmental Medicine and Toxicology. Dr. Lieberman has been practicing medicine for the last 58 years, and as a research scientist, he has published many research articles. He is a highly-respected member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and also specializes in Pediatrics.

Posted in Blog | Tags: carbon monoxide exposure, Carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, what causes carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Hidden Cause Of Fatigue

One of the more dangerous compounds on planet Earth is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible. It’s undetectable without specialized sensors. 

And it could be one of the main causes of your fatigue.

The substance in question is carbon monoxide (CO). No gas worldwide is responsible for more deaths than carbon monoxide. (1) While I’m sure you’re aware of the life-threatening implications associated with high doses of carbon monoxide, what you may not know is what happens with chronic exposure to low doses of carbon monoxide.

That chronic fatigue of yours could come about from ongoing, low-grade exposure to carbon monoxide gas. Low-grade carbon monoxide exposure won’t kill you. But it will make you incredibly tired.

Let’s start this post by expounding on the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure!

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include confusion, disorientation, and fainting. (2) Some victims of carbon monoxide poisoning think that they’re suffering from food poisoning. (3)

These symptoms are non-specific. Meaning that they don’t point towards any illness in particular. There’s no hallmark sign of carbon monoxide poisoning. Which makes it incredibly hard to diagnose.

I’m confident that any of my readers who’ve received a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome exhibit some combination of the above symptoms. Other victims of chronic exposure to carbon monoxide may experience intense sensitivities to light, sounds, smells, and tastes.

Sounds a lot like mast cell activation syndrome, doesn’t it?

Why diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is so challenging

If the carbon monoxide sensor in your home is going off, you should be heading to your local emergency room. Stat. There, doctors will measure something called carboxyhemoglobin.

Carboxyhemoglobin can be used to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning. But only immediately after an exposure. If you were to wait a few days before heading to the emergency room, the carboxyhemoglobin marker would be inaccurate. Even exposing yourself to fresh air for a few hours after exposure will dramatically lower carboxyhemoglobin levels. (4)

If your carbon monoxide detector is activated, head to your local emergency room ASAP. 

Further complicating the diagnostic picture is whether you smoke. Non-smokers will typically have carboxyhemoglobin levels of less than 3%. Whereas smokers will typically have carboxyhemoglobin levels of 10-15%. (5)

Now you know why anyone with chronic fatigue syndrome should not smoke! Cigarettes increase your carboxyhemoglobin levels up to 5x higher than non-smokers. This alone will contribute to your fatigue.

To put it succinctly, accurately diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is challenging. Very challenging. As treatment of CO poisoning is low risk, doctors are recommended to err on the side of treatment. (6)

Why diagnosing chronic carbon monoxide exposure is even more challenging

Chronic exposure to CO occurs at low levels of concentration. A poorly functioning heating system in your home could be a perfect example of chronic carbon monoxide exposure. Instead of a large release of CO, it slowly releases low levels of carbon monoxide.

Since CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, you’ll have no idea that a small leak is present. But you will experience strange symptoms. Your energy levels will certainly start to decrease. You may find that thinking or other cognitive tasks become challenging. Headaches may occur whenever you’re at home.

Exposure to carbon monoxide will likely occur only at one location. Thus, every time you leave, you’re going to be exposed to fresh air and clean oxygen. This will lower your carboxyhemoglobin levels. Which will make obtaining an accurate diagnosis incredibly challenging.

How much carbon monoxide does it take to make you sick?

Outside air is composed of only .001%  carbon monoxide. The more densely populated an urban population, the higher the levels of CO concentration are in the air. (7)

As your carboxyhemoglobin levels increase, your symptoms become more severe. A general guideline for symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning is as follows: (8)

• Carboxyhemoglobin levels of 10-20%
  • Headache, nausea, fatigue
• Carboxyhemoglobin levels greater than 20%
  • Vague dizziness, generalized weakness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment.
• Carboxyhemoglobin levels greater than 30%
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, disorientation, and confusion.
• Very high levels of carboxyhemoglobin
  • Fainting, seizures, altered levels of consciousness, death.

As far as carbon monoxide concentration in the air, the following levels can make you sick: (9)

• 1-70 ppm
  • Most people will not notice symptoms at this level.
  • If you’re already dealing with a condition like chronic fatigue, you may notice an exacerbation in your fatigue levels.
• 70-150ppm
  • symptoms become present
  • Headaches, fatigue, and nausea are common.
• Greater than 200ppm
  • Disorientation, loss of consciousness, death.

Why chronic fatigue syndrome might really be carbon monoxide poisoning 

The inherent problem with carbon monoxide is that it’s far better at binding to your hemoglobin than oxygen is.

Remember, hemoglobin is what carries oxygen through your blood to your tissues. Without hemoglobin, your tissues wouldn’t be able to obtain adequate oxygen and they (along with the rest of you) would die.

When you’re exposed to carbon monoxide, the CO outcompetes oxygen. This results in less oxygen transport to your tissues. One of the hallmark signs of decreased oxygenation of your tissues is fatigue.

Have you ever been through a grueling workout?

One where you were so tired that your muscles just couldn’t contract anymore. That occurred because your muscles were low in oxygen. Anaerobic training like CrossFit or HIIT workouts force your body’s muscles to work in an environment that’s deprived of oxygen. It’s a stellar training ground to develop mighty mitochondria – which are absolutely essential in overcoming fatigue.

Carbon monoxide poisoning creates a similar environment – one where your body struggles to obtain enough oxygen to properly supply its tissues.

Much like toxic mold and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, carbon monoxide has been shown to affect VEGF levels. (10, 11, 12) VEGF is thought to be a potential diagnostic marker of chronic fatigue syndrome.

While there have not been any specific studies done to prove a causal link between chronic fatigue syndrome and carbon monoxide poisoning, there is plenty of preliminary evidence to suggest the two conditions are connected.

If you’re dealing with CFS, it is certainly worth your effort to be 100% sure there is no carbon monoxide leak in your home or office.

Did you know: Stress causes your body to release carbon monoxide

As anyone with chronic fatigue syndrome will tell you, stress makes the fatigue worse. Just so we’re crystal clear, when I use the word stress, I’m not only referring to the typical financial/family/lifestyle stress we all know. I’m referring to hidden sources of stress.

Hidden sources of stress are much worse. They’re worse because they occur without your conscious awareness. These hidden stresses often occur daily. All without you even knowing! The three most common hidden stresses include:

1. Blood sugar imbalance
2. Circadian rhythm disruption
3. Hidden sources of inflammation

When you’re under stress, your body can increase the production of a compound known as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Heme oxygenase-1 breaks down heme which is an iron ion. When this process occurs, one of the metabolites created in the reaction is carbon monoxide.

Any excess of carbon monoxide is going to be a serious drag on your body’s energy production capabilities. With that in mind, you’re going to want to ensure you’re not dealing with any of the 3 hidden stresses. Additionally, stress reduction practices like meditation or time spent in nature will be a great strategy to keep stress levels in check.

I would say that every chronic fatigue patient I’ve worked with was dealing with at least one of the three hidden stresses I listed above. And that’s in addition to the lifestyle stresses that come from dealing with a chronic illness.

While it’s unrealistic to aim for a stress-free life, it is possible to identify and remove the hidden stress(es) that could be contributing to carbon monoxide poisoning.

But after addressing stress, how else can you help to treat chronic CO exposure?

How to treat chronic carbon monoxide poisoning?

The first and most important step is to identify and repair any carbon monoxide leaks. While the repair process is occurring, be sure to avoid spending time in the area of exposure as best possible.

Typical treatment for carbon monoxide exposure is oxygen therapy. The patient is exposed to 100% oxygen inhaled through the nose at a rate of 6-10 liters per minute for two hours per day. (13)

This therapy is easy to obtain after a large exposure to CO. But if you’re dealing with chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t think you’ll easily obtain a prescription for bottled oxygen. There are specific diagnostic criteria that need to be met if you’re to be able to utilize bottled oxygen at home. Since chronic exposure to carbon monoxide is rarely able to be confirmed via laboratory testing, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to get a prescription for bottled oxygen.

Another option for therapy that you’ll be able to obtain without a prescription is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In a hyperbaric chamber, the atmospheric pressure is far greater than what you’ll experience outside the chamber. It’s like the feeling of pressure you experience when you’re underwater in the deep end of the pool.

By utilizing pressure, hyperbaric chambers are able to force oxygen into your cells. This is done at a much faster rate than can be done through bottled oxygen. (14) And you don’t need any sort of prescription to start therapy! Now, this is all well and good for large exposures carbon monoxide.

But what about chronic exposure?

Does oxygen therapy help those dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome or long-term/low-grade carbon monoxide exposure?

Unfortunately, there’s not a great deal of research on the subject. But there is one study. It was small – only 34 participants. But it did show some remarkable results.

This study recruited 34 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, all 34 of these patients also had hypersensitivity to noises, lights, and odors. By following the treatment protocol – which only utilized oxygen therapy – 100% of patients had an improvement in their fatigue, 25%  claimed to be cured of all their sensory sensitivities and 38% were cured of all but their chemical sensitivities. (15, 16)

Should you try oxygen therapy for your fatigue?

I’d have a hard time arguing why not. Those not dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning, tend to tolerate oxygen therapy poorly. They don’t notice a change in their symptoms for the positive.

But if carbon monoxide poisoning is playing a role in your fatigue, you’ll likely find an improvement in your symptoms in a relatively short time. Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms within the first week of therapy. (17) Symptoms completely resolve within 1-2 months.

Since there are no real negative effects of oxygen therapy, I can’t find a good reason for you not to give it a try. As the study said, most people noticed an improvement in symptoms within the first week of therapy!

Ok, now you more than your doctor about carbon monoxide and its effect on your fatigue!

Now, I want to hear from you!

How did carbon monoxide affect your energy?

What did you utilize for treatment?

Leave your answers in the comments section below!

Do you need help improving your fatigue?

How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when using gas appliances It has no color, no taste, no smell.

Therefore, poisoning can occur imperceptibly. At a content of 0.08% CO in the inhaled air, a person feels a headache and suffocation. With an increase in CO concentration to 0.32%, paralysis and loss of consciousness occur (death occurs after 30 minutes). At a concentration above 1.2%, consciousness is lost after 2-3 breaths, a person dies in less than 3 minutes. Lack of draft in smoke or ventilation ducts. Leakage of the connecting pipes of the boiler (water heater) with the chimney. Using a gas stove to heat the room. Lack of air flow, closed vents when using gas appliances. Simultaneous use of a gas water heater with an open combustion chamber and forced mechanical exhaust. Before each ignition of a gas boiler or column, check for draft. If there is no traction, you cannot turn on the device! Open the window vent or transom while using gas appliances. The room where the gas equipment is installed must have air access (window, gap between the floor and the door, supply ventilation valve in a plastic window, ventilation duct). Do not tape or block the ventilation grille. Require the management company to check the operability of ventilation ducts and chimneys before the heating season, during the heating season and after it ends. Periodically check the condition of the connecting pipes of the boiler (water heater) with the chimney. Conclude a contract for the maintenance (TO) of gas equipment with a specialized organization and provide access for employees to carry out maintenance. Do not use for sleeping and resting rooms in which household gas-using equipment is installed. Operate gas appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. headache; dizziness, fatigue; disorientation; cough; fainting After which comes a coma and death from paralysis of the respiratory center. Take the victim to fresh air (in the warm season – to the street, in the cold – to a ventilated room), lay on his back and release from tight, tight clothing. In the absence of breathing, it is necessary to start artificial ventilation of the lungs and immediately call an ambulance. If the victim is conscious, it is recommended to give him strong warm tea or coffee to drink. If unconscious, you need to bring a cotton swab moistened with ammonia to his nose. Cotton wool with ammonia should be kept at a distance of at least 1 cm from the tip of the nose and waved. This is very important, because when a cotton wool with ammonia is touched to the tip of the nose, due to the powerful effect of ammonia on the respiratory center, its paralysis may occur; The entire body of the victim should be rubbed with vigorous movements. Apply a cold compress to the head and chest INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SAFE USE OF GAS

© tvernews.ru

Other

Silent killer: how to avoid becoming a victim of carbon monoxide 11.01.2022

Society

08:00 | January 11, 2022

6

Photo:
Artyom Dergunov/KazanFirst

Author of the article:
Anastasia Marukhina

Carbon monoxide poisoning is becoming widespread in Tatarstan. The year has not yet begun, and six cases have already been registered, as a result of which, unfortunately, two people died and 11 Tatarstan residents were injured. Let’s talk about how to protect yourself.

Not a month goes by without another accident caused by a gas leak. Over the past year, their number in the republic increased by 1.5 times compared to 2020.

The New Year holidays were not without tragedy. In Kazan, a 53-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man died in one of the houses on Shosseinaya Street. Their neighbor was hospitalized. Several more people were taken to the hospital with poisoning. As it turned out later, faulty ventilation became the cause of the gas leak.

– Gas leakage due to a malfunction of the ventilation ducts is common during the heating season. This happens due to the fact that gas equipment during this period operates at maximum load. When operating gas appliances, fresh air must always be supplied and combustion products removed from the apartment. For these purposes, ventilation and smoke channels are used, which are forbidden to be sealed and closed with anything, to make changes to their device. But some citizens neglect these rules, – explained the mechanic for the operation and repair of gas equipment of the EPU Kazangorgaz Ayaz Aglyamiyev .

To avoid equipment failure, Kazangorgaz conducts regular inspections. Coming to the apartment, the first thing that experts examine is ventilation. For such a check, they just need a napkin or thin paper. If the draft is good, then the paper should stick to the ventilation grate.

With a good ventilation duct, a slight gas leak is not terrible, Aglyamiyev notes, since CO will not accumulate in the room – it will leave through the ventilation. But if it malfunctions, any gas leak can end in tragedy, as happened in the house on Shosseynaya.

After this incident, the residents began to worry about their own lives. To protect people, they simply turned off the gas. However, this did not reassure the residents at all. They are outraged that the payment for the repair and maintenance of gas systems has been made, but they remain without gas in their apartments and are forced to buy water heaters. In addition, the shutdown, according to the residents, took them back to the Stone Age: there is no hot water, and in order to cook or heat food, they have to invent various methods. For example, to heat it on batteries.

After living for several days without gas, local residents staged a spontaneous action to draw attention to their problem. But so far, only scammers have become interested in the problem, offering paid services for cleaning the system, which they should put in order for free.

EPU Kazangorgaz has not yet announced the exact date of switching on the gas – first it must be checked. The company also reminded that it is not the gasmen who are responsible for the chimneys and ventilation ducts, but the pipe and furnace services. Their contacts can prompt in the management company.

Gas workers believe that people themselves are often to blame for gas leaks. They neglect the simplest safety rules: they do not open windows when working with gas appliances, they incorrectly install the hood over gas stoves. Air inflow is carried out through the window, and the hood – through the ventilation duct. If it does not work correctly, then the air from the ventilation enters in the opposite direction, that is, into the apartments. This is called reverse draft in the ventilation system.

Often, emergencies also occur when people try to fix problems on their own. Most often goes to the column.

– People come home, turn on the column. After a while, the column turns off. They turn it back on. They can turn it on ten times, and it will turn off. At this point, carbon monoxide slowly accumulates. First of all, pets and children are poisoned, and then adults. Therefore, if the column turns off, do not try to turn it on. It is necessary to call specialists to understand the reason for the shutdown, – says the specialist of the EPU Kazangorgaz.

The exhaust pipe above the gas stove, which completely covers the opening of the ventilation duct, can cause gas accumulation and explosion from the slightest spark. For example, when you turn on the light, if there is a leak.

Also common causes in the practice of Kazan gas workers are breakdowns of the hose connecting the gas pipeline to the stove, and the forgetfulness of people leaving the gas valves open.

– Taps must be turned off when leaving the house. It is not just to leave the igniter of the gas column, it is necessary to turn off the taps in front of the appliances, – the speaker reminded.

Of course, nobody canceled the rules for using gas equipment. First of all, the apartment must be ventilated. Particular vigilance must be exercised in winter.

It is important to check gas appliances as often as possible. This is especially true of the ventilation duct and chimney. If you find back draft when igniting the column, you need to turn off the gas, open all windows and call the gas workers at numbers 04 or 104 from a mobile phone .

– Call the “emergency service” – the team will come and check. If there is a lack of traction or reverse traction, the entire house will be disconnected from the gas supply. If there is draft in the ventilation duct, but there is no gas column in the chimney, we turn off only the columns. Then the stove can be used, – noted in Kazangorgaz.

In addition, the owners of apartments with gas appliances must have separate service contracts. You can conclude it individually or through a management company.

If you feel the slightest smell of gas, you must turn off the gas appliances, ventilate the room, call the emergency service of the EPU Kazangorgaz by phone 04 or mobile 104.

If there are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, call an ambulance.