Learn about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a critical medical emergency treated by Internal Medicine specialists, involving the diagnosis and management of this life-threatening condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide (CO) gas. CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which severely reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to tissue hypoxia. Treatment focuses on immediate removal from the exposure source and administering 100% high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask to displace CO from hemoglobin. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a pressurized chamber is used to rapidly increase oxygen delivery to tissues and reduce the risk of long-term neurological sequelae. Prompt diagnosis through blood tests (carboxyhemoglobin levels) and clinical assessment is crucial for preventing permanent brain, heart, and organ damage.

Key Highlights

    Immediate life-saving intervention to reverse tissue hypoxia and prevent organ failure.Utilizes 100% high-flow oxygen therapy to rapidly displace carbon monoxide from the bloodstream.May involve hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for severe cases to enhance oxygen delivery and reduce neurological complications.Comprehensive monitoring of cardiac, neurological, and metabolic functions during treatment.Focuses on preventing delayed neurological sequelae, which can appear weeks after exposure.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Suspected or confirmed exposure to carbon monoxide from sources like faulty heaters, car exhaust, or fires.
  • Presence of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.
  • Elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood tests, typically above 10-15% in non-smokers (lower in symptomatic individuals).
  • Patients with high-risk factors like pregnancy, pre-existing heart or lung disease, or anemia.
  • Evidence of neurological impairment, cardiac arrhythmias, or metabolic acidosis following exposure.

How to prepare

  • Immediate removal of the patient from the source of carbon monoxide exposure to a safe, well-ventilated area.
  • Rapid assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) by emergency medical services.
  • Administration of 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask en route to the hospital, if available.
  • Collection of a detailed history regarding the source, duration, and symptoms of exposure.
  • Baseline blood tests, including carboxyhemoglobin level, arterial blood gas, and complete blood count.
  • Cardiac monitoring and neurological evaluation initiated upon hospital arrival.

Risks & possible complications

  • Delayed neurological sequelae, including memory loss, personality changes, and movement disorders, occurring weeks after exposure.
  • Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or heart failure due to hypoxia.
  • Pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) leading to kidney injury.
  • Risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including barotrauma (ear or sinus injury), oxygen toxicity, and claustrophobia.
  • Potential for recurrence if the exposure source is not identified and eliminated.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Continuous monitoring of neurological and cardiac status for at least 24-48 hours post-treatment, even if symptoms improve.
  • Follow-up carboxyhemoglobin testing to ensure levels return to normal (typically <3% for non-smokers).
  • Neurological and cognitive assessments during follow-up visits to detect any delayed complications.
  • Patient and family education on carbon monoxide safety, including installing detectors and ensuring proper ventilation of fuel-burning appliances.
  • Psychological support may be needed for anxiety or post-traumatic stress related to the incident.
  • Avoidance of alcohol and medications that depress the central nervous system during initial recovery.
  • Gradual return to normal activities based on physician guidance, with rest advised if fatigue or headaches persist.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: Several days to several weeks (for full neurological recovery)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering carbon monoxide poisoning in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for carbon monoxide poisoning compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 15 Thousand – 120 Thousand 1-3 days ~ Several days to several weeks (for full neurological recovery) Know More
Turkey TRY 52.5 Thousand – 420 Thousand 1-3 days ~ Several days to several weeks (for full neurological recovery) Know More

Top hospitals for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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89+ Rating

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Pari Roy, a 28-year-old freelance graphic...

Pari Roy, a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer, lives alone in a small, older apartment. She had been experiencing persistent, unexplained headaches, nausea, and overwhelming fatigue for over a week, which she attributed to stress and long work hours. One morning, she felt dizzy and confused while making breakfast. Her older sister, who video-called her, noticed Pari's slurred speech and flushed skin and immediately insisted she go to the ER. At the hospital, the emergency physician, suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning, ordered a blood carboxyhemoglobin test. The level was dangerously high at 25%. The doctor explained that Pari's gas-powered water heater, located in a poorly ventilated closet, was the likely source. Pari was immediately started on 100% high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. She spent six hours in the emergency department on oxygen therapy, feeling the 'fog' in her brain slowly lift as her headache subsided. Post-treatment, her levels normalized. The fire department confirmed a leak in her water heater's exhaust flue. Emotionally, Pari was initially in denial, then felt a deep sense of vulnerability and fear about the invisible danger in her own home. After recovery, she felt profoundly grateful to her sister and the medical team, installing CO detectors and becoming an advocate for gas appliance safety among her friends.

Internal Medicine Specialists for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform carbon monoxide poisoning and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Geetha K Subramaniyam K
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

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Dr. Sangeshwaran
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Archana D
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Karthik P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. C Harish
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veerendra B Sutar
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Ravi Kumar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Reshu Agrawal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Sanjiv Rao
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Prashant Bhatt
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Gurpreet Singh Dang
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Inderjeet Kaur
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. K Sriram
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. HARIKA UPPALAPATI
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Sharada Shekar
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Dinesh Kamath
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Basavaraj Kuntoji
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Arun Suradkar
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Vichar Shyam Nigam
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Vijay Narasappa Talkad
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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