What is a common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning?

A common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is a headache. This occurs because carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more effectively than oxygen does, reducing the oxygen available to the brain and other vital organs. This deficiency can lead to symptoms such as headache, as the brain becomes starved of the oxygen it needs to function properly.

While other symptoms such as cough, fatigue, and confusion can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not as specifically indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning as a headache. Coughing is typically associated with respiratory issues, fatigue can result from numerous causes including lack of sleep or other illnesses, and confusion may stem from a variety of neurological conditions, but the headache is one of the hallmark symptoms strongly linked to carbon monoxide exposure.