Acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when someone inhales a high level of carbon monoxide gas suddenly, usually from appliances like faulty heaters or car exhaust. Carbon monoxide binds tightly to hemoglobin in your blood, preventing it from carrying oxygen to your body's tissues. This can cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and nausea. Severe cases may lead to loss of consciousness or death if not treated promptly. Because it's invisible and odorless, it's often hard to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. Immediate medical attention, including oxygen therapy, is essential for treatment.