How to relieve headache caused by carbon monoxide poisoning
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Headaches caused by carbon monoxide poisoning are generally relieved by immediately moving the person to a well-ventilated area, keeping the airway open, providing adequate hydration, administering oxygen therapy, and avoiding strenuous activity. Quickly remove the patient from the enclosed environment with burning charcoal to a place with fresh, circulating air, allowing them to breathe sufficient oxygen, reducing further inhalation of carbon monoxide, and alleviating cerebral hypoxia.
Headaches caused by carbon monoxide poisoning can generally be relieved through the following measures: immediately moving to a well-ventilated area, maintaining airway patency, appropriate hydration, oxygen therapy, and avoiding strenuous activity. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Immediately move to a ventilated area: Quickly remove the patient from the enclosed environment with burning charcoal to a place with fresh, circulating air. This allows the patient to breathe sufficient oxygen, reduces further inhalation of carbon monoxide, alleviates cerebral hypoxia, and thereby relieves headache symptoms.
2. Maintain airway patency: Lay the patient flat on their back and loosen restrictive clothing such as collars and belts. If the patient has vomit or secretions, promptly clear the mouth and nasal passages to prevent airway blockage. Ensuring unobstructed breathing helps oxygen enter the body normally and assists in relieving headaches.
3. Appropriate hydration: When the patient is conscious, provide small amounts of warm water frequently. Hydration supports blood circulation and promotes metabolism, helping alleviate brain discomfort caused by poisoning and assisting in headache relief.
4. Administer oxygen therapy: If possible, promptly provide oxygen support (e.g., using a home oxygen cylinder or oxygen bag) to increase blood oxygen concentration. This rapidly improves cerebral hypoxia and is one of the key measures for relieving headaches due to carbon monoxide poisoning, effectively reducing discomfort.
5. Avoid strenuous activity: After poisoning, patients are physically weak. Strenuous activity increases the body's oxygen consumption, worsening cerebral hypoxia and potentially intensifying headaches. Patients should remain quiet and rest to reduce physical strain and aid headache recovery.
When using charcoal in daily life, ensure good ventilation and avoid use in enclosed spaces. If symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea occur, seek immediate medical attention after taking emergency measures.
