What does carbon monoxide poisoning feel like?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal generally include dizziness, headache, general weakness and fatigue, blurred vision, lightheadedness, and gradually impaired consciousness. When carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal enters the body, it interferes with oxygen transport, leading to cerebral hypoxia. In the early stages, individuals may experience a heavy sensation and throbbing pain in the head. The headache is typically persistent and intensifies as poisoning worsens, progressively impairing normal cognitive function and reaction ability.
General symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal typically include dizziness and headache, generalized weakness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and dizziness, and progressively impaired consciousness. The details are as follows:
1. Dizziness and headache: Carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal enters the body and interferes with oxygen transport, leading to cerebral hypoxia. In the early stages, individuals may experience a heavy, dull sensation in the head along with throbbing pain. The headache is usually persistent and intensifies as poisoning worsens, impairing normal thinking and reaction abilities.
2. Generalized weakness and fatigue: Hypoxia in the brain and other body tissues results in insufficient energy supply to muscles, causing overall weakness and a feeling of heaviness in limbs. Simple actions such as standing or walking become difficult, and in severe cases, individuals may lose the ability to move independently and remain bedridden.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Hypoxia irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and disrupts central nervous system regulation of gastrointestinal function, leading to nausea. Some individuals may also experience vomiting, typically of stomach contents. Prolonged vomiting can result in dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
4. Blurred vision and dizziness: The retina is highly sensitive to hypoxia. When oxygen-deprived, retinal function is impaired, resulting in blurred vision, darkening of vision, or double vision. This is often accompanied by dizziness, reduced balance, unsteadiness when standing, and an increased risk of falling.
5. Progressive loss of consciousness: As poisoning progresses and cerebral hypoxia worsens, neurological impairment develops. Early signs include slowed reactions and difficulty concentrating. Later stages involve confusion and disorientation, potentially progressing to coma. Without prompt medical intervention, this condition can be life-threatening.
Upon recognizing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal, immediately move the affected person to a well-ventilated area and loosen clothing around the neck to ensure unobstructed breathing. If the individual is unconscious or has stopped breathing, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and call emergency medical services.
