Ty Robinson | December 12, 2025 | Personal Injury

5 Signs Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning You Should Never Ignore

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious injury or death within minutes. Because it can’t be seen or smelled, early symptoms are easy to mistake for mild illness. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from various incidents, including premises liability issues or product misuse.

Recognizing the warning signs of CO poisoning is crucial, as it can be a matter of life and death. Here are five symptoms you should never ignore.

1. Headaches And Dizziness

Headaches are usually the earliest symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. You may feel pressure or tightness in your forehead area. Dizziness typically follows, making it difficult to remain steady or focused.

These signs typically appear together and should raise concern, especially if you and others around you experience them simultaneously. For example, if you and the passenger in your vehicle both begin feeling dizzy and have a headache, you may want to pull over and roll down the windows.

2. Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea is another common symptom. Because it can easily be mistaken for having another cause, nausea can make carbon monoxide poisoning easy to overlook.

Vomiting typically occurs with higher concentrations of CO or prolonged exposure. The gas reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. As a result, your body will begin to exhibit escalating signs of physical distress over time.

Carbon monoxide-induced nausea may mimic food poisoning or a stomach virus. The key difference is that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning typically get better when you leave the affected area.

3. Shortness Of Breath And Chest Pain

During prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, you may start to experience shortness of breath and chest pain. That’s because CO binds to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen, making breathing difficult. These symptoms can be particularly concerning for children, older adults, and people with underlying heart conditions.

In severe cases, the lack of oxygen can lead to fainting or cardiac complications. If you’re struggling to breathe or experiencing unexplained chest pain, move to a well-ventilated area as quickly as possible and call 911. 

4. Confusion, Weakness, And Fatigue

Carbon monoxide also interferes with the brain’s ability to function, leading to cognitive symptoms like confusion, slowed thinking, and difficulty concentrating. Physical weakness and fatigue are also common.

Prolonged cognitive effects can resemble those seen after a brain injury, especially when oxygen deprivation is severe. All of these symptoms can impair your judgment and make it more difficult to reach safety.

5. Loss Of Consciousness

Loss of consciousness is one of the most serious indications of carbon monoxide poisoning. Losing consciousness in an environment saturated with CO can be fatal. Survivors may face brain damage or long-term neurological complications due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.

Common Sources Of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Some common sources of carbon monoxide exposure include:

  • Malfunctioning furnaces or gas-powered water heaters
  • Gas-powered generators used indoors
  • Blocked chimneys or vents
  • Vehicles left running inside garages
  • Faulty space heaters

When using fuel-burning appliances, ensure they are placed in a well-ventilated area and properly maintained for safety purposes.

What To Do If You Have Suffered Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

If you’ve suffered any kind of personal injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the first thing you should do is address your immediate medical needs. From there, you can focus on holding the responsible parties accountable for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Use the information provided here to be more cognizant of carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning. If you believe you’ve been exposed to CO, get to a safe, well-ventilated area as soon as possible, and visit a physician or hospital if your symptoms don’t improve.

Contact Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm For A Free Consultation With A Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffered carbon monoxide poisoning due to unsafe conditions or a defective product in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston personal injury lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222