Potential Sensitivity to Indoor CO2 Levels?
To provide some context: We have recently settled into a home that uses natural gas, marking our first experience with it. My son, who is 19 years old and stands at 6'1" with a BMI around 36, generally enjoys good health aside from a somewhat inactive lifestyle. After a few months in our new place, he began expressing discomfort, particularly in his arms—mainly at the shoulders and around the elbows and wrists. He also occasionally reports feeling lightheaded or short of breath, coupled with mild chest pressure. A medical examination resulted in normal tests, leaving us without clear answers. Observing a trend, I noticed that his discomfort tends to arise shortly after we've cooked meals. As a dedicated reef aquarium hobbyist, I've also struggled to keep the pH levels stable in my main tank. This prompted me to purchase a CO2 monitor, which revealed that cooking incidents raise indoor CO2 levels to approximately 2500 ppm, with a minimal baseline of 1500 ppm when we're not cooking. Remarkably, he reports improvement within about an hour of ventilating the space to bring CO2 levels below 1500 ppm. I haven’t shared my observations with him to avoid any psychosomatic implications. Interestingly, he appears to be the only individual in our household exhibiting such sensitivity. I am keen to hear from medical professionals if they have encountered similar cases and whether this might indicate a deeper medical issue. It’s also worth noting that during these episodes—with elevated CO2—his oxygen saturation remains normal at 98-99%, and his blood pressure is generally around 117/75. He has no history of substance usage or alcohol consumption. I also have a recent ECG from him which could provide further insights, though I'm not including any links or images for clarity.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 1:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are observing a concerning pattern with your son's symptoms potentially linked to elevated indoor CO2 levels, especially given the context of his discomfort after cooking. To summarize the key points:
- Symptoms: Your son experiences discomfort in his arms and sensations of lightheadedness or mild chest pressure, particularly after cooking.
- CO2 Levels: High indoor CO2 levels, especially post-cooking, could be causing these symptoms.
- Immediate Improvements: His symptoms improve quickly with ventilation when CO2 levels decrease.
Explanation
Carbon dioxide (CO2) at elevated levels can cause symptoms like lightheadedness, headaches, and an overall feeling of discomfort. While your son's oxygen levels remain normal, the sudden increase in CO2 from gas cooking might be impacting him in a way that not everyone experiences. His height and BMI indicate he may lead a relatively inactive lifestyle, which can also contribute to his symptoms, especially if he has any underlying fitness concerns.
Next Steps
- Increase Ventilation: Immediately focus on improving ventilation in your home when cooking. This can involve using exhaust fans, opening windows, or using air purifiers to help manage CO2 levels better.
- Monitor CO2 Levels: Continue using your CO2 monitor to track levels regularly, particularly after cooking. Aim to keep CO2 levels below 1000 ppm when possible and below 1500 ppm as a long-term goal.
- Document Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for your son to log when the discomfort occurs and its severity. Note any correlation with CO2 spikes.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Encourage your son to engage in light physical activity. This could help improve his overall well-being and progressive fitness.
- Explore Cooking Practices: Consider alternative cooking methods that produce less CO2, such as electric stoves, or ensure simultaneous use of ventilation systems while cooking.
If symptoms persist despite these changes, or if you notice any worsening conditions, consider seeking further medical evaluation focusing on environmental factors. It's beneficial that you've tracked these changes; they can provide insights during medical discussions. Your observations are important, and addressing environmental triggers is a practical first step in managing his condition.
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