‘March, 2023’ Archive

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health issue that can be fatal. According to the CDC, 420 people die in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning, and over 50,000 people are hospitalized with lingering symptoms. It is caused by breathing in too much carbon monoxide (CO) in an unventilated area. Breathing in fumes from car exhaust, old heaters, factory emissions, and fires can cause CO poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. Some other symptoms to look for include tinnitus, hearing loss, loss of focus, anxiety and depression, loss of some motor function, fatigue and general malaise. Those who have been drinking alcohol beforehand may even die before symptoms occur.

CO poisoning is entirely preventable, and it is recommended to check your CO detector’s batteries every 6 months. Once exposed, get the person to fresh air as soon as possible, and call 911 immediately after exposure.

Once breathing in carbon monoxide, the body becomes starved for oxygen. Brain damage can occur if the person was exposed for too long. According to (2019, October 16). Carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370646 , while at the emergency room the patient will be put on an oxygen breathing mask or a ventilator if needed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is also part of the treatment process. HBOT replaces the carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, while increasing oxygenation in the blood and surrounding tissues. HBOT has neuroprotective properties which are required for healing from CO poisoning.

HBOT is able to improve a patient’s cognitive ability and our experience is it have even helped with emotional dis-regulation and mental state after CO poisoning, according to (Oct 3, 2022) Hyperbaric Oxygen for Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, New England Journal of Medicine. They concluded that, “Our results support the use of hyperbaric oxygen in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning.” There is tremendous evidence to support the efficacy of HBOT in CO poisoning, due to this research and positive outcomes, the FDA approved it as part of a patient’s healing process.

See our website here Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery for more information on the effectiveness of HBOT for carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are many health conditions that HBOT may help improve the symptoms of and improve the patient’s Quality of Life, including diabetic foot ulcers, radiation side effects, post surgical recovery, traumatic brain injury and many more. Please visit our Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery Testimonials to see how these people have been able to recover with HBOT. Please give us a call at 415-785-8652 for a free consultation. We also accept Medicare, as well as many other major insurance companies. Wishing you improved health.