Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning. Food poisoning symptoms and treatment. Types, classification of poisoning. First aid, diet and prevention Possible complications after food poisoning
The human body regularly contacts the environment through the exchange of various substances, however, in some cases, some compounds in certain concentrations and conditions of interaction cause poisoning. This pathological process is based on the initiation of chemical reactions by a poisonous substance at the molecular level, which causes the development of various disorders in the body. Thus, in 2013, there were 3.3 million cases of unintentional poisoning, which caused 98,000 deaths worldwide, compared with 120,000 deaths in 1990. Poisoning can be encountered both in ordinary life (when eating spoiled food) and during military operations (as a result of the use of chemical weapons). As a rule, any poisoning requires medical attention in order to prevent serious complications.
poisoning in humans
Human poisoning can mean both a complex of disorders that have arisen in the human body after the use of toxins or poisons, and a sequence of actions, the purpose of which is to deliver these harmful substances to the body. If we consider the harmful effect of toxins entering the body, then the closest word in meaning will be intoxication.
The term "poison" is often used to describe harmful substances - carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and harmful pollutants, as well as various dangerous chemicals. Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, once wrote: “Everything is poison, poison is in everything. Only a dose stops making a thing not a poison.” This statement can be associated with such a concept as a lethal dose.
As a rule, due to the fact that the toxin, in most cases, acts in a directed way, that is, on certain structures of the body, to alleviate the severity of the lesion, it is possible to use an antidote - a substance that is the counterparty of the poison. As a rule, its action can be based both on the direct neutralization of a harmful compound, and on competitive interaction with the points of application of the toxic effect.
Unfortunately, not all toxins have an antidote - for example, poisoning with a sufficient amount of aconitine is fatal to the human body.
According to the UN data for 2010, more than 51 million chemicals are registered in the world. At the same time, their production since 1900 in Europe alone has increased by more than 300 times, which amounted to more than 300 million tons per year. Also of particular importance to the problems of poisoning is the fact that every third case of illness in Europe is directly or indirectly related to exposure to chemicals. There is evidence that annually about 75 thousand workers, whose work is associated with the chemical industry, die due to harmful working conditions. Also, accidents at facilities whose activities involve the use of chemically hazardous compounds have a great influence on morbidity and mortality.
According to statistics, in 2004 more than 45 thousand deaths were registered among children under the age of 18, which is about 13% of all fatal poisonings in the world. As a rule, most poisonings in a child with fatal outcomes are observed at the age of up to one year and at the age of 15 years. At the same time, poisonings with a more favorable course are most often observed at the age of 1 to 4 years.
Young children tend to be very curious and therefore actively explore environment. Often this is accompanied by the fact that the child tastes various objects that may contain toxic substances. This is one of the most common causes of poisoning. Of particular danger are chemical compounds stored in liquid form.
Poisoning in a child, in most cases, is caused by:
- medications;
- household chemicals (bleach, powders, cleaning products, dishwashing detergents);
- pesticides;
- paraffins and kerosene;
- bites of poisonous insects and animals (usually in exotic countries).
The following factors have a significant impact on how poisoning occurs in a child:
- small body size;
- underdeveloped organism (especially some enzyme systems that are actively involved in detoxification).
In this regard, due to the fact that the toxicity of most poisonous substances is determined by the dose (the amount of toxin per kilogram of body weight), children are more difficult to tolerate poisoning than adults and they are more sensitive to the harmful effects of poisons. In addition, poisoning with certain toxins can adversely affect the functioning of such developing systems as the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Also around the world there is a trend towards more frequent poisoning among boys than among girls, which is associated with the peculiarities of their socialization. There is also a connection between poisoning in children with fatal and more favorable outcomes and the socio-economic status of the environment in which the child develops. Thus, drug poisoning is common in economically developed societies, while ingestion of substances such as kerosene is more common in poor countries.
Actions by adults to prevent poisoning should include:
- removal of potential poisons from the environment of the child or actions aimed at reducing their availability (do not grow poisonous plants, store fuel sources in special canisters);
- using the least toxic means possible (instead of aspirin, use paracetamol, storage of not methyl, but ethyl alcohol);
- storage of potentially hazardous substances in signed, well-closed, sealed packages;
- conducting conversations with children.
As a rule, there are a number of signs that indicate the poisoning of a child, upon the appearance of which adults are obliged to immediately call ambulance:
- difficulty breathing;
- severe sore throat;
- burns on the lips or in the oral cavity;
- convulsions;
- unconsciousness;
- marked drowsiness.
After calling an ambulance, you should remove toxins from the oral cavity and try to save a sample of the poisonous compound. However, if a child has swallowed a strong acid (for example, to clean the toilet) or a strong alkali (to clean the stove), inducing vomiting can cause even more trauma to the mucous membranes.
Adult poisoning can develop both against the background of accidental use of a large amount of substances that have a toxic effect, and be part of an act of suicide - a targeted set of measures aimed at developing a fatal outcome in a patient.
According to the World Health Organization, worldwide, more than once per minute, people deliberately commit suicide. Also, according to some sources, suicide is the second most common cause of death among people aged 16 to 30 years. As a rule, suicidal attempts are a manifestation of depression, in connection with which these patients require hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital, where they will be treated under appropriate supervision.
However, it is not uncommon for people taking medications for various medical reasons to accidentally or intentionally increase the dose, which causes an overdose of the drug with the development of toxic effects.
According to the American organization dealing with the effects of toxins on the human body (National Poison Data System), the most common cause of poisoning among people over 20 years old is the intake of:
- analgesics (11.9%);
- sedatives and antipsychotics (10.4%);
- antidepressants (6.7%);
- cardiovascular drugs (6.1%);
- cleaning products (5.7%);
- alcohol (4.6%);
- anticonvulsants (3.7%);
- pesticides (3.5%);
- antihistamines (3.1%).
Poisoning in an adult, with timely and proper medical care, ends favorably. However, pregnant women should be singled out as a special group. So, when toxins enter the bloodstream, there is a high probability of their passage through the placenta with damage to the fetus, which is sensitive to a large number of external factors. Also, often toxins affect the mother's body, causing a violation of blood flow or breathing, which leads to fetal hypoxia with an increased likelihood of premature termination of pregnancy and developmental anomalies.
A big problem of modern society is alcohol poisoning, which is based on the inability of the body to process the amount of ethanol taken. Generally, alcohol is broken down by liver enzymes. The adaptive reserves of the body and the genetic characteristics of a particular individual have a great influence on the efficiency of the metabolism of this compound. In connection with the development of dependence, people begin to abuse alcohol-containing drinks, but the effect of its use decreases, and therefore a person begins to consume an increasing amount of ethanol. As a result, in case of an overdose, the liver enzyme systems do not cope with the assigned task, which is manifested by an increase in the level of acetaldehyde and causes alcohol poisoning.
Also, the cause of poisoning in adults can be the use of narcotic drugs. Unfortunately, according to UN reports, today about 150 million people use marijuana, 30 million - amphetamine derivatives, 15 million - opiates, 13 million - cocaine and 10 million - heroin. In connection with addiction, drug addicts increase the dose of drugs taken, which often leads to poisoning. These people require compulsory treatment in a specialized institution.
In most older people, poisoning occurs by accident and can be the result of dementia and an accidental error related to improper storage or use of products. True, the development of depression is not excluded, which can cause suicidal attempts (as a rule, in this group the probability of developing a fatal outcome is much higher than in younger people).
Poisoning in an elderly person, as a rule, proceeds in a rather severe form. This is due to the lack of compensatory capabilities of the body against the background of chronic diseases, as well as reduced liver and kidney function. At this age, poisoning often develops against the background of long-term use of drugs (aspirin and other salicylates).
According to a number of sources, older people are more likely to develop eating disorders. bacterial poisoning(in various sources, listeria and salmonella are most often mentioned). This is due not only to weakened immune defenses, but also to lesser quality food.
Types of poisoning
Poisoning occurs when cells are damaged or destroyed by a toxic substance that enters the body through inhalation, ingestion, intravenous infusion, or transdermal absorption.
The key factors that determine the severity and outcome of poisoning are:
- the nature of the toxin;
- dose;
- the route of entry of the poison;
- combined effect on the body of several poisons;
- body condition (nutrition, age and concomitant diseases).
Depending on the nature of the toxin, exogenous and endogenous types of poisoning can be distinguished. Exogenous poisoning is carried out when harmful substances enter from the external environment, while endogenous poisoning is based on intoxication with the decay products of one's own tissues.
Exogenous poisoning
Exogenous poisoning occurs quite often and is due to the active interaction of a person with the environment.
According to statistics, the entry of toxic substances into the body of adults occurs through:
- gastrointestinal tract (74.9% of cases);
- eyes (11.5% of cases);
- respiratory system (7.8% of cases);
- skin (5.8% of cases).
Food poisoning develops when toxic substances enter the human body through the organs of the digestive system. As a rule, the predominance of the type of poisoning is due to the fact that normal daily passes through the gastrointestinal tract a large number of food, which may contain both useful and harmful substances. However, nutrition is an important condition for the preservation of human life.
Food poisoning can be accompanied by both local (associated with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract) and general symptoms (associated with damage to the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems).
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning develops against the background of its overdose. Some people laugh at the behavior of drinkers. However, there is nothing funny about the desire to vomit and suffocate against the background of toxic brain damage.
Alcohol in excess amounts inhibits the functions of the nervous system responsible for involuntary actions (breathing and gag reflex, which prevents the development of suffocation). A fatal dose of alcohol disrupts these functions. In this regard, the cause of death can be vomiting of the contents of the stomach, followed by the development of aspiration, as a result of which the patient may die from suffocation. This becomes possible also due to the fact that most patients in a state of alcohol poisoning are unconscious.
Also, a great influence on the progression of the condition, which is based on alcohol poisoning, has an increase in the concentration of ethanol in even after loss of consciousness. This is due to the continued absorption of alcohol from the stomach and intestines, and therefore the belief that sleep will provide relief to the general condition is incorrect and may delay the provision of necessary medical care.
Alcohol poisoning is accompanied by the development of:
- confusion, stupor, coma, which is manifested by the inability to wake a person;
- vomiting;
- slow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute);
- irregular breathing (the difference between breaths is 10 or more seconds);
- decrease in body temperature (against the background of increased heat transfer);
- blanching of the skin.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning are often imitated by methanol, which is mainly part of technical fluids and is unsuitable for human consumption. As a rule, with untimely medical care, there is a high incidence of irreversible complications.
Toxicology is the study of poisons. Poisons include compounds that, even in low concentrations, can cause serious disturbances in the vital processes of the body, often leading to death.
Depending on the origin, poisons of natural and industrial origin are isolated.
Poisons of natural origin can be obtained:
- from bacteria (botulinum toxin);
- from fungi (aflatoxin);
- from plants (muscarine);
- from animals (snakes, scorpions and others);
- from fossils.
Poisons of industrial origin are divided into:
- inorganic nature (arsenic, mercury);
- organic nature (pesticides).
Signs of poisoning with poisons of natural and industrial origin vary widely. As a rule, they directly depend on the toxic properties of a particular toxin. This is due to the fact that the poison acts on certain targets in the human body, leading to dysfunction of a number of body systems, which is the main manifestation of poisoning.
Signs of poisoning with poisons are predominantly systemic in nature and can be represented by syndromes:
- CNS lesions (which may manifest as coma, acute psychotic state, convulsive or extrapyramidal syndromes);
- lesions of the respiratory tract (which may manifest as central respiratory paralysis, bronchospasm, toxic pulmonary edema, asphyxia and myasthenic syndrome);
- defeat cardiovascular systems s (which may be manifested by signs of circulatory failure, toxic myocardial dystrophy);
- insufficiency of liver functions (which can be manifested by toxic hepatopathy, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatargia);
- insufficiency of kidney function (which can be manifested by acute renal failure, uremia and hepatorenal syndrome).
Signs of poisoning with poisons also depend on the time interval between exposure to toxins and the development of the first symptoms of damage to the body.
Depending on the dynamics of the pathological process, poisons are distinguished:
- fast action - a few minutes are enough to detect the first symptoms (chlorine, ammonia, organophosphorus compounds);
- delayed action - several hours pass before the onset of pronounced symptoms (dinitrophenol, phosgene and others). Particular attention should be paid to substances whose manifestations of intoxication in case of poisoning can develop 2 or more weeks after contact with the poison (some metals and dioxins).
Symptoms of poisonous mushroom poisoning include three main components:
- hallucinations (fly agaric, satanic mushroom and false mushrooms contain toxins that have a hallucinogenic effect, which is manifested by delirium, hallucinations and the development of a state bordering on insanity);
- damage to the gastrointestinal tract (pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation);
- hepatic or renal dysfunction, often fatal (develop, as a rule, 6-24 hours after eating).
Also, systemic symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include:
- tachycardia;
- weak pulse;
- increase in body temperature;
- cold hands and feet.
Symptoms of poisoning with canned homemade mushrooms can often be associated with Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of botulism. These bacteria do not always die as a result of home processing of mushrooms, however, later, in a hermetically sealed jar, conditions arise for the production of botulinum toxin.
Symptoms of poisoning with homemade canned mushrooms associated with botulism develop 12-72 hours after consumption and appear:
- visual impairment (doubling of objects and vague contours appear);
- headache;
- dry mouth;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea
- convulsions;
- difficulty swallowing.
If two or more symptoms appear that indicate home-made mushroom poisoning, you should immediately seek help from a specialist, as there is a high probability of death.
Poisoning associated with bacteria can develop in two ways:
- bacteria affect the gastrointestinal tract, which is accompanied by symptoms of gastroenteritis against the background of a local inflammatory process, as well as systemic intoxication;
- Bacteria multiply in food, where metabolic products accumulate, and therefore, after eating spoiled foods, people experience signs of food poisoning.
In most cases, it is possible to distinguish which of the pathways is involved by the presence or absence of fever.
Signs of poisoning develop, as a rule, within a day after eating food (as a rule, most often - during the first 4-6 hours). Depending on the pathogen and the path along which the pathological process has developed, the symptoms can vary significantly.
Signs of food poisoning, in accordance with the level of damage, are characterized by the presence of:
- pain in the epigastrium, nausea and vomiting with the development of inflammation in the wall of the stomach;
- pain in the navel and diarrhea with the development of inflammation in the intestinal wall;
- pain in the abdomen, impurities in the feces and tenesmus.
As a rule, with timely medical care, the symptoms of poisoning quickly disappear.
Symptoms of acid and alkali poisoning
Normally, the body maintains an acid-base balance, maintained due to the activity of a number of buffer systems. Maintaining balance at a relatively constant level is of greater importance for the biochemical processes that underlie metabolism. A strong change in the acid-base balance leads to a change in the spatial structure of enzymes, which can cause serious disorders.
However, when concentrated acids or caustic alkalis enter the body, the symptoms of poisoning are primarily associated with the development of an extensive burn of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and stomach. The patient rushes about because of severe pains in the mouth and behind the sternum. Pain reaches such a degree of severity that it can lead to the development of shock.
On external examination, after exposure to concentrated acids, burns and scabs are observed, while after caustic alkalis, loose, whitish tissue can be seen. After some time, symptoms associated with the resorption of acid or alkali are noted.
Possibly poisoning as clean water, which is associated with its excess intake per unit of time, and contaminated (toxins or bacteria).
As a rule, when drinking too much water, a violation of the water-electrolyte balance occurs, which leads to an incorrect ratio of ions inside the cell and in the intercellular space.
Ingestion of too much water is manifested by the development of:
- swelling of the legs and face;
- vomiting that does not bring relief;
- lethargy, lethargy and confusion;
- convulsions;
- arterial hypertension;
- interruptions in the work of the heart;
- intestinal colic.
If you ignore the symptoms of poisoning and do not provide medical assistance in a timely manner, the likelihood of developing cerebral edema, followed by respiratory arrest, increases.
Drug poisoning
Signs of poisoning vary widely, usually depending on the specific drug.
So, benzodiazepines have a toxic effect only with prolonged use, as well as in combination with other antidepressants.
Digoxin can cause both chronic and acute poisoning, which will be manifested by severe ventricular arrhythmias and blockade of the cardiac conduction system.
Nitrates (especially nitroglycerin) can also have a toxic effect on the body, manifested by headache, vomiting, hypotension and tachycardia.
The widespread use of salicylates also increases the likelihood of developing toxic effects (development of pulmonary edema).
How the gas was poisoned (how deeply and for how long it was inhaled), and chemical composition the main toxic substance, are decisive for the symptoms. Also, due to the fact that the gas as an aerosol can enter neighboring organs, symptoms of irritation of the eyes, nose, cough and blood in the sputum may be noted. With damage to the respiratory tract, as well as in violation of the transport function of the blood, shortness of breath is observed.
In some cases, in order to adequately assess gas poisoning, it is necessary to conduct an x-ray examination, computed tomography, and breath tests.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous because its affinity for erythrocyte hemoglobin is several times higher than that of oxygen. Due to the fact that carbon monoxide more effectively binds competitively with hemoglobin, blood oxygenation in the pulmonary circulation is disturbed. This causes systemic hypoxia, which can lead to serious metabolic disorders.
Carbon monoxide is an unstable compound and is formed under oxygen deficient conditions. In this regard, carbon monoxide poisoning is commonly observed:
- in a fire;
- in production conditions (where organic or inorganic compounds are obtained, such as acetone, methyl alcohol);
- in rooms with poor ventilation, where equipment is used, the operation of which is associated with the combustion of gas;
- in garages with insufficient ventilation;
- on major highways with heavy traffic;
- when smoking a low-quality hookah.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning depend on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air you breathe. So, if the CO level is 0.08%, people experience headaches and suffocation. If the level of CO2 exceeds 0.32% in the inhaled air, paralysis develops and consciousness is disturbed. Lethal outcome in these conditions occurs in half an hour. With an increase in the CO level to 1.1% and above, there is a loss of consciousness after several breaths with the development of a lethal outcome within 5 minutes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can also be chronic. As a rule, this is observed under poor working conditions, as well as with insufficient ventilation of residential premises. This is manifested by the presence of persistent headaches, dizziness, depression, confusion, memory loss, nausea and vomiting.
Mercury poisoning is practically non-existent today, but earlier, two or three centuries ago, it was a fairly common occurrence. As a rule, then the use of mercury and its compounds was required for the manufacture of mirrors, clothing and the treatment of syphilis.
Mercury is currently used in:
- mercury thermometers;
- mercury lamps;
- energy saving fluorescent lamps.
Mercury vapor poisoning through the respiratory system occurs when its amount in the air is up to 0.25 mg per 1000 liters of air. With more high level of this hazardous substance, mercury can be absorbed through intact skin. Also, the duration of the harmful effect has a significant impact on the severity of intoxication.
Acute mercury poisoning is characterized by the onset of symptoms within hours of exposure to the toxic compound.
The most common signs of poisoning include the appearance of:
- general weakness;
- appetite disorders;
- headache;
- sore throat when swallowing;
- metallic taste in the mouth;
- salivation;
- nausea and vomiting.
Very severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea are also common. Sometimes there may be signs of damage to the respiratory system and a rise in body temperature above 38 ° C.
Chronic poisoning with mercury vapor is called mercurialism and is characterized by the appearance of:
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- general weakness;
- headaches;
- apathy;
- emotional lability;
- cognitive decline;
- tremor;
- urination disorders;
- disorders in the work of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
Poisoning by other gases
Gas poisoning can be associated with accidents at enterprises whose work is associated with the processing of chemicals. As a rule, depending on the severity and prevalence of the damaging effect, groups of substances are distinguished:
- with a local irritant effect (cause a burn or severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract);
- with a pronounced systemic effect.
The most common toxic substances affecting people in accidents include ammonia and chlorine. These compounds have a pulmonotoxic effect, which is accompanied by the appearance of irritation and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, acute toxic and toxic pulmonary edema.
Gas poisoning may also be due to the radioactive properties of the underlying toxic compound. As a rule, lung cancer and other malignant tumors as a result of poisoning develop several years after exposure to the toxin.
As a rule, in case of poisoning with soluble gases (chlorine, ammonia), damage to neighboring organs is immediately noted, while poorly soluble compounds lead to symptoms after 3-4 hours with a predominance of lesions in the lung tissue.
Poisoning upon contact of the toxin with the skin is usually due to the ability of the skin and mucous membranes to resorb a number of compounds. The absorption of toxins from the mucous membranes is more efficient, which causes the severity of symptoms when ingesting harmful compounds.
As a rule, poisoning by toxins through skin contact requires prolonged contact with it. Often there are also symptoms of local skin irritation at the site of contact.
endogenous poisoning
Endogenous poisoning of the body is associated with the entry into the systemic circulation of harmful compounds from its own tissues. As a rule, the formation of toxins occurs as a result of various disorders.
Is it possible to poison the body with the decay of its own tissues
As a rule, metabolic processes are continuously going on in the tissues. Violation of the supply of nutrients or oxygen leads to the accumulation of under-oxidized metabolic products. This can be observed with violations in the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
However, there are also serious conditions that cause severe poisoning of the body and are associated with massive destruction of one's own tissues. This condition is also called crash syndrome, in which hyperkalemia and kidney failure develop. As a rule, this syndrome develops as a result of an acute violation of the main blood supply simultaneously with crushing of tissues.
In order to prevent poisoning of the body, if there is a threat of developing systemic complications, a tourniquet is applied until the limb is removed from under the rubble. It is removed only after the start of infusion therapy, when there is a possibility of mitigating the symptoms of poisoning.
What is accompanied by poisoning with endogenous substances
Poisoning by endogenous substances, which in most cases are decay products of one's own tissues, is manifested by symptoms of intoxication - general weakness, drowsiness, fatigue. Also, due to the ingestion of pyrogens into the bloodstream against the background of necrosis of body tissues, fever can be observed (even without infection).
In accordance with the intensity of the effect of the toxin on the human body, types of poisoning can be distinguished:
- acute;
- subacute;
- super-sharp;
- chronic.
Acute poisoning
Acute poisoning of the body is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs of intoxication with a short interaction with the toxin. This indicates the high toxic and resorptive properties of the harmful compound.
Subacute poisoning
For the development of subacute poisoning of the body, several repeated contacts with toxins are necessary. As a rule, the clinical picture upon contact with these harmful substances is more blurred than with substances that cause acute poisoning.
Hyperacute poisoning
Hyperacute poisoning is a more severe degree of the acute form, the characteristic manifestations of which are severe signs of damage to the central nervous system. In most cases, with a delay in qualified medical care, there is a high probability of developing a fatal outcome within a few hours after contact with the toxin.
chronic poisoning
Chronic poisoning develops only with frequent contact with a substance that has toxic properties. As a rule, the need for periodic interactions with a poisonous substance can be associated with both low toxicity and low concentrations. The clinical picture of chronic poisoning has an erased character.
The mechanism of development of vomiting during poisoning can be associated both with a direct effect on the vomiting center located in the medulla oblongata, and with irritation of the stomach receptors when the toxin enters the gastrointestinal tract.
So, almost always accompanies poisoning with the development of inflammation in the gastric mucosa. This is typical for some bacterial food poisoning, as well as the ingestion of concentrated acids and caustic alkalis into the digestive system. As a rule, if vomiting associated with irritation of the gastric mucosa does not cause additional damage to the mucous membranes (when the contents of the stomach are represented by acids or alkalis), then it causes relief.
Also, sometimes vomiting accompanies poisoning with severe intoxication due to the ingestion of a large amount of neurotropic toxins into the blood. As a rule, after the evacuation of the gastric contents, there is no relief.
However, not always vomiting accompanies poisoning. This is primarily due to the fact that poisoning can develop in several ways. In addition, the dose of toxin has a significant effect on the development of the gag reflex.
Treatment of poisoning
The treatment of poisoning, due to the common mechanism of development of the lesion, has general principles. As a rule, events have a certain sequence of actions and are carried out within the framework of emergency and urgent forms.
So, the treatment of acute poisoning includes the following steps:
- use of a specific antidote (antidote);
- carrying out activities aimed at normalizing the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems;
- symptomatic therapy aimed at restoring impaired functions.
Treatment for chronic poisoning includes:
- stop contact with toxic substances;
- compensation for violations.
Treatment of acute poisoning, if the underlying agent is known, should include antidote therapy. As a rule, the use of an antidote in identifying the characteristic signs of poisoning by poisons is due to the ability of this compound to interfere with the action of the toxin at the molecular level. So, the antidote from Greek is translated as anti dotum - “given against”. The task of using antidotes is to save lives and maximize the health of those who have undergone acute poisoning.
Treatment of poisoning with antidotes, according to the WHO classification, allows them to be divided into groups according to the urgency of action.
- group A includes substances, the use of which is necessary within half an hour after interaction with the poison;
- group B includes substances used within 2 hours after poisoning;
- group C includes substances, the use of which is possible within 6 hours after interaction with the toxin.
First aid for poisoning is carried out, as a rule, in the order of mutual and self-help. This implies that in most cases, in the first minutes, or even hours after exposure to a toxic substance on the body, saving the patient's life directly depends on his actions and the behavior of others.
Surprisingly, but the correctness of first aid in case of poisoning with toxic substances often determines the success further treatment and outcomes. This is due to the fact that with the right assistance, the damaging effect of exposure to toxic compounds can be significantly reduced.
First aid for poisoning depends on the predominant route of injury. So, when toxic substances enter through:
- organs of the respiratory system - it is required to evacuate the patient from the affected area, ensuring the patency of the respiratory tract;
- skin - the patient needs to be evacuated from the affected area, as well as the treatment of the affected integuments in accordance with the properties of a particular substance;
- digestive system - gastric lavage is required without a probe, provided that the patient is evacuated from the affected area (with the exception of poisoning with concentrated acids and caustic alkalis).
If, in case of damage to the respiratory organs, irritation of the conjunctiva of the eyes or the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx occurs, they must be washed with plenty of water.
First aid measures for poisoning also include cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The implementation of this set of measures is possible only in conditions where nothing threatens the life and health of the person providing assistance.
Alcohol poisoning - how to speed up the recovery of the body
Alcohol poisoning, in most cases, occurs without the provision of specialized assistance and can result in a number of serious complications, up to death. However, this does not mean that the attention of medical personnel should be avoided when drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. First of all, a restorative complication should be given, which will prevent aspiration of vomit. You should also bring the person to consciousness (the simplest is the method using ammonia).
After the person regains consciousness, it is recommended to flush the stomach with plenty of water. The main purpose of this event is to prevent a further increase in the concentration of ethanol in the blood.
As you know, alcohol poisoning with methanol is a particular danger. The toxicity of this compound to the human body is a great danger to the preservation of health. The antidote for this toxin is ethanol, a compound found in most alcoholic beverages. Its introduction should be carried out immediately upon confirmation of the nature of the toxic substance.
Poisoning with home-made mushrooms is the basis for seeking medical help. As a rule, attempts at self-treatment not only have low efficiency, but also increase the likelihood of complications as a result of a delay in the implementation of qualified measures aimed at removing the toxin and compensating for the disorders that have arisen.
However, in case of poisoning with home-made mushrooms, the following measures should be taken:
- urgently call a doctor;
- adhere to bed rest;
- drink plenty of cool liquids (water or tea);
- take activated charcoal.
If you take timely actions aimed at eliminating the violations that caused the poisoning of home-made mushrooms, the unpleasant symptoms disappear, as a rule, in a day.
Of great importance is not only the treatment of poisoning, but also its prevention, which consists in the correct selection and processing of mushrooms.
Everyone should know about food poisoning, its symptoms and treatment. After all, if a person has symptoms of food poisoning, it is advisable to start treatment as early as possible. Almost everyone has experienced food poisoning. Peaks in the number of cases of poisoning are observed in the summer, when the air temperature is high, as well as on various holidays. Statistically, food poisoning and alcohol poisoning is the most common. Therefore, everyone needs to know about the symptoms of poisoning and, of course, about the necessary measures when they appear.
Consequences of food poisoning
Food poisoning symptoms which is hard to miss, can have very sad consequences for health, and can also pose a direct threat to life, but despite this, many people take this condition without due seriousness, relying on chance. Quite often, food poisoning is the cause of severe intoxication, disruption of the normal functioning of the kidneys, liver and pancreas. By the way, few people know that nervous irritability and ulcers, gastritis and liver disease, intestinal problems, arthritis, allergies, increased weight, and diabetes can appear after food poisoning has occurred. A person, most often, simply does not know what to do with food poisoning. But timely provided adequate urgent care often can save not only human health, but also his life. Food poisoning is difficult to confuse with anything. In most cases, it is accompanied by pain in the intestines, pain in the right hypochondrium in the region of the liver and gallbladder, vomiting, nausea, and indigestion is also observed. Often a person is disturbed by a severe headache, chills, fever and general lethargy.
Causes of food poisoning
Poisoning of the human body in most cases provokes the presence of toxins in food products, which are the products of vital activity and decay of pathogenic microorganisms. The entry of bacteria into food products occurs as a result of a violation of the technology of their manufacture and storage conditions. Also, very often pathogenic microorganisms enter the water, and with it - a human body.
The first aid that should be given in case of food poisoning is to give the patient a large amount of liquid to drink and induce vomiting. As a liquid, it is better to use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or clean salted water. You need to drink at least a liter of liquid, then by pressing your finger on the root of the tongue, provoke a gag reflex. You need to repeat the procedure until the liquid begins to come out of the stomach without food impurities. To remove toxins that have already entered the blood, you need to drink liquid often and little by little, preferably mineral non-carbonated water. To help the body restore the balance of electrolytes and water, such means as, for example, rehydron, which can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy, are capable of. You also need a sorbent, for example, activated carbon (1 tablet per 10 kg of weight). The sorbent absorbs toxic substances and promotes their removal from the body. You can also do a cleansing enema. If the state of health does not improve, you should definitely consult a doctor, because it is not known what complications poisoning can provoke.
Emergency help for poisoning
Transfer Factor can be an emergency remedy for food poisoning. In this case, even children are given 1-2 capsules every hour, and adults can take much more. Nothing but benefits! If you are interested in Transfer Factor, where to buy and how to take, you can find out on other pages of our website.
The consequences of alcohol poisoning can be quite severe. Even death is possible, therefore, if the first signs of intoxication are found, you should consult a specialist or take some first aid measures at home.
What harm does alcohol do to a person?
When drinking alcohol, many organs and systems suffer. Most of the changes are observed in the work:
- urinary system;
- vessels and heart;
- stomach and intestines;
- nervous system;
- reproductive system.
When drinking alcohol in large doses, poisoning is possible. Acute intoxication sometimes leads to death. After alcohol enters the body, its molecules are oxidized, a harmful substance is formed - acetaldehyde. This component tends to accumulate in the liver, causing its irreversible changes. The body decreases in size, its structure is disturbed and it ceases to retain harmful substances entering the body, remove excess fluid.
Chronic alcoholism leads to cirrhosis of the liver, which is a deadly disease. When drinking alcohol in large doses, the level of thinking decreases, the function of neurotransmitters is disrupted, and the quality of the signal that transmits the brain from neurons to muscles suffers.
In people who are fond of drinking alcohol, the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases increases dramatically, and the heart rhythm also goes astray. Ethyl alcohol contributes to the compression of blood vessels, resulting in impaired blood circulation.
Strong alcoholic drinks have a negative effect on digestive tract cause stomach ulcers, gastritis. If a person drinks excessively, vomiting occurs.
The harmful effect of alcohol on the body is to increase blood pressure. Oxygen is poorly supplied to the muscles and atrophy of the fundus occurs, visual acuity decreases. People who abuse alcohol are diagnosed with nervous disorders, sleep disorders. Perhaps the appearance of hallucinations. Alcohol is harmful not only for those who drink it, but also for their environment. In this state, a person can create an emergency on the road or show aggression.
Degrees of intoxication and alcohol intoxication
In humans, there are 3 stages that characterize the degree of intoxication. At the initial stage, the concentration of alcohol in the blood is 0.3-1.5%. At the same time, there are:
- impaired coordination of movements;
- confusion;
- increased sweating;
- increase in blood pressure.
The second stage is characterized by the achievement of the concentration of ethyl alcohol in the blood of 1.5-2.5%. A person in this state:
- demonstrates inappropriate behavior;
- thinks slowly;
- speech becomes incoherent.
If the concentration of ethyl alcohol in the blood exceeds 2.5%, intoxication is considered severe. This condition can be life threatening. When reaching a value of 5%, the probability of death, as a consequence of alcohol intoxication, is high. At the same time, there are:
- deep damage to the central nervous system;
- turning off consciousness;
- epileptic seizures;
- spontaneous emptying of the bladder.
The causes of alcohol poisoning can be different. They are not always associated with exceeding the permissible dosages. Poisoning can occur against the background of the use of low-quality alcoholic products containing harmful impurities.
Consequences of excessive alcohol consumption
The consequences of alcohol poisoning can lead to temporary disability or even disability. IN severe cases a lethal outcome is also possible. Alcohol poisoning, the consequences of which can significantly reduce the quality of life, leads to the following disorders:
- decreased visual acuity or even its complete loss;
- disruption of the liver;
- stomach ulcer;
- burn of the esophagus;
- nervous disorders.
The liver is destroyed as a result of regular alcohol consumption. The reproductive system suffers from alcoholism.
A hangover is a temporary deterioration in well-being. Much more serious are the consequences associated with the development of chronic and deadly diseases.
Symptoms of the development of alcohol intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is a complex of behavioral and physiological reactions disorders. It occurs as a result of the use of large amounts of ethanol. Alcohol and its decay products adversely affect the body, poison it. The reason for the development of intoxication can also be the regular use of alcohol for a long time. Harmful substances tend to accumulate in the body and cause disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems.
The following symptoms of acute intoxication are distinguished:
- facial expression changes;
- pupils dilate;
- speech becomes incoherent;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- headache appears;
- severe nausea or vomiting occurs;
- pulse slows down;
- weakness appears;
- there is a loss of consciousness;
- behavior changes.
If a person suffers from chronic cardiovascular diseases, arrhythmia may occur.
First aid for alcohol poisoning
With the development of severe alcohol intoxication, the victim should immediately receive first aid. In some cases, it is possible to eliminate the consequences of the effects of alcoholic beverages on the body at home. In this situation, doctors advise drinking plenty of fluids. It is better to give preference to clean water. You should not drink brine, as it contains acid, which slows down the process of removing harmful substances from the body.
If the victim is tormented by a headache, you need to take an Aspirin tablet. This drug has analgesic properties and neutralizes acetaldehydes.
What to do in case of alcohol poisoning when there is vomiting? The appearance of a gag reflex is a protective reaction. In no case do not need to restrain the urge. Together with vomit, poisons and toxins are excreted, and the stomach is freed from excess alcohol. Sometimes additional gastric lavage is necessary.
If there is no vomiting, doctors recommend taking Polysorb or Filtrum. But this measure is effective when the sorbent is taken no later than 2 hours after drinking alcohol. To get rid of the symptoms of intoxication, you can take a contrast shower and drink a cup of low-fat chicken broth.
How is poisoning treated?
When it comes to a severe degree of intoxication, a person should be taken to a hospital. The doctor must examine the victim and prescribe treatment, taking into account the characteristics of his condition. If alcohol poisoning has not led to loss of consciousness, the patient is given activated charcoal and a large amount of warm water, and then gastric lavage is performed.
To reduce the concentration of alcohol in the blood, experts prescribe droppers with a sterile solution of glucose, nicotinic or ascorbic acid. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to intravenous administration of solutions containing active substances. Most often used:
- Panangin;
- calcium chloride;
- Ringer's solution;
- Hemodez i Neogemodez.
The use of complexes consisting of several drugs is especially effective. If the mental state of the patient is not satisfactory, intravenous administration of a mixture of psychotropic drugs containing such active substances as Relanium, Tiapridal, Flormidal, sodium thiopental is recommended.
Treatment of poisoning with alcohol substitutes
Alcohol surrogates are liquids that contain alcohols. They are not intended for ingestion and are for technical purposes only. Once in the human body, these drinks cause acute intoxication, and sometimes irreversible changes, provoke a coma.
Surrogates may contain such poisons as metalol, butyl alcohol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol. If such impurities are present in alcohol, it poses a threat to life. Technical alcohols break down in the human body much longer and poison all organs and systems for a long time. In this case, intoxication may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- blurred vision;
- temperature rise;
- hypotension;
- dry skin and mucous membranes;
- the appearance of seizures.
If there are such symptoms, the victim should immediately be taken to a hospital hospital or call an ambulance team.
At acute poisoning The following therapeutic measures are effective as surrogates:
- gastric lavage;
- the introduction of antidotes;
- carrying out artificial ventilation of the lungs (with the development of a coma);
- the introduction of drugs to restore vision.
Gastric lavage is carried out through a probe, after which the patient is given sodium sulfate. Such procedures are repeated for 2-3 days, if necessary. Ethyl alcohol can be used as an antidote when it comes to methanol poisoning. Ethanol is administered intravenously to the victim or given to him to drink a small amount of cognac. Prednisolone, Atropine and vitamins are prescribed to maintain the body. To restore the water-salt balance, the victim is prescribed droppers.
The use of surrogates sometimes leads to damage to the walls of the esophagus and stomach. Help and treatment of a burn is offered only in a hospital setting. In this case, therapy is reduced to the following activities:
- taking painkillers (Promedol, Analgin);
- taking antispasmodics (Atropine);
- setting a dropper to restore the water-salt balance;
- taking drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric juice;
- carrying out procedures aimed at restoring the mucous membrane.
How to prevent alcohol poisoning?
To avoid alcohol poisoning, you need to be responsible for their choice and control the amount of alcohol consumed. Drinking products of dubious quality is strictly prohibited.
If a person knows that he will have to drink a little more than the norm, immediately before this, take 3-4 tablets of activated charcoal. You can also eat a plate of thick porridge or drink a glass of milk an hour before the holiday. If in the process of drinking alcohol a person notes a deterioration in well-being, it is worth refusing to continue taking alcohol.
Poisoning is a disorder of the vital activity of the human body after toxic compounds from the environment enter the bloodstream. Symptoms of the pathology are varied, depending on the type of poison and the route of its penetration: through the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract. In the absence of medical assistance, the consequences of poisoning develop, which can cause disability and even death of the victim.
Why poisoning occurs
It is impossible to predict how the body will react to a particular toxic substance. A lethal dose of ethyl alcohol for many people does not cause any harm to citizens with alcohol addiction. Or the sweetish aroma of Datura flowers can provoke severe intoxication in one person, and the other will feel only a slight headache.
Poisoning is extremely dangerous for young children and adolescents. Metabolic processes in their body proceed faster, and the vascular walls are characterized by increased permeability. This facilitates the penetration of toxic compounds into all organs and tissues.
Toxicologists classify poisons according to their degree of danger to humans and the severe consequences that develop after intoxication:
- stale, expired or unsuitable foods for newborns and toddlers;
- poisons of plant and animal origin;
- household chemicals: washing powders, bleaches, disinfectants;
- oil paints, varnishes, adhesives, solvents;
- herbicides, insecticides, growth and maturation accelerators, fungicides;
- alcoholic beverages, tobacco products;
- pharmacological preparations.
The most severe consequences for humans occur after intoxication with caustic alkalis, acids, mercury, chlorine, arsenic, and potassium cyanide. The danger of poisoning lies in the short period of time from the penetration of the poison into the body until the heart stops completely.
Clinical picture of poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning depend on the hazard class of the toxic substance, the state of human health and the way endotoxins penetrate into the bloodstream. The most severe consequences of intoxication occur when the vapors are inhaled and ingested into the gastrointestinal tract. A lethal outcome is most often stated in acute poisoning with alcohol, narcotic substances, arsenic and potassium cyanide.
Food poisoning always occurs against the background of a violation of the digestive system. After 2-3 hours, the victim develops nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and stomach pain.
The consequences and symptoms of each poisoning have their own distinctive features. But there are general signs indicating the penetration of poison into the human body:
- Hypothermia or a sharp increase in temperature, fever, chills.
- Sensation of an unpleasant taste in the mouth, increased salivation, belching with air.
- Pale skin, dry mucous membranes.
- Violation of urination, change in color and smell of urine.
- Swelling, burning, skin rashes, itching and redness.
- Decreased visual acuity, double vision, lack of reaction to light.
- Tremor of the upper and lower extremities, convulsions, epileptic seizures.
In acute poisoning with large concentrations of toxic substances, the victim falls into a deep coma. The blood supply to the brain is reduced, which provokes serious consequences for the body. A person has pulmonary edema and cardiac arrest.
Characteristics of the consequences of intoxication
It is sometimes extremely difficult to determine what kind of poison that caused the poisoning. The victim is in an unconscious state, and relatives are not aware of the events. Therefore, when providing assistance, doctors are guided by the symptoms that have arisen, making efforts to eliminate them.
As a rule, it is possible to establish the type of toxic compound in case of chronic poisoning. Often, the long-term use of pharmacological drugs leads to a deterioration in health. After conducting laboratory tests, the substance that provoked the poisoning is established.
The most severe consequences of intoxication include a decrease in the functional activity of the urinary, cardiovascular, digestive and central nervous systems of the human body.
Respiratory disorders
In acute forms of poisoning, the victims are almost always diagnosed with respiratory disorders. Such complications provoke ventilatory failure and aspiration. The effect of "sucking" develops against the background of a sharp decrease in pressure. The dangerous consequences for the human body include pulmonary edema of non-cardiogenic etiology.
Some time after poisoning, adults may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. The disease is characterized by the appearance of extensive swelling of the lung parenchyma, circulatory disorders, and a decrease in the content of molecular oxygen inside the bloodstream. Distress syndrome refers to inflammatory pathologies and often causes death.
Only timely detoxification therapy can save a person. In children, adolescents and adults, after poisoning with toxic compounds, there are consequences in the form of relapses of bronchospasm. This can cause the development of bronchial asthma or frequent off-season bronchitis.
Cardiovascular disorders
In case of poisoning with poisons of plant or animal origin, heavy metals, narcotic substances, cardiovascular complications appear. The consequences of intoxication are: bradycardia, tachycardia, arterial hypertension. Pathological conditions can completely disappear after recovery or take a chronic form.
Sometimes the victim develops oxygen starvation of brain cells, a shift in blood pH to the acid side. The tone of smooth muscle decreases, which leads to arterial or renal hypotension. The dangerous consequences of intoxication include the likelihood of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Neurological disorders
A few hours after ingestion of toxic compounds, a person may experience epileptic seizures. In the medical literature, cases of the preservation of a convulsive syndrome in a victim for several months and even years have been described. This is due to a persistent violation of the blood supply to brain cells.
With intoxication, a change in the level of consciousness is diagnosed, which manifests itself in the form of arousal, visual and auditory hallucinations, and a depressive state. Often, after treatment for poisoning, the victim remains emotionally unstable. Depression is especially dangerous, the therapy of which takes months or years.
Many people are predisposed to the effects of intoxication. For example, a person with low resistance to bacterial or viral infections is more likely to develop respiratory complications.
The consequences of food poisoning are often expressed in the acquisition of a tendency to allergic reactions. Products that were previously harmless to the body, after intoxication, cause redness or rashes on the skin. In severe cases, angioedema and anaphylactic shock are possible.
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Comprehensive treatment of food poisoning and its consequences
Food poisoning does not allow a frivolous attitude to oneself - incorrect or untimely treatment can lead to serious health consequences, and sometimes even death of the poisoned person. Treatment of poisoning requires an integrated approach, even after normalization of the patient's condition, the patient needs supervision and assistance from a doctor.
food poisoning
To get food poisoning, it is not necessary to feast on dubious chebureks from the station cafe - sometimes it is enough to eat a salad prepared by oneself, not put in the refrigerator on time, but looking quite fresh and appetizing. Bacteria in food at room temperature multiply at a tremendous rate, releasing dangerous toxins.
Any changes in the appearance of the product, foam on the surface of the liquid, sour smell should alert. In case of doubt, it is better to refuse to eat suspicious food.
Pathogens can get into food along with contaminated water, dirty dishes, poorly washed hands. Also, the cause of poisoning is often the toxic substances contained in the products, for example, dyes, chemicals that were used to process fruits during storage. Harmless berries or mushrooms picked near a busy highway may turn out to be poisonous.
An integrated approach to the treatment of poisoning involves eliminating the cause of poisoning and alleviating the patient's condition by relieving the main symptoms - vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Treatment of food poisoning at home is possible only in mild cases. If the patient's condition is significantly impaired (uncontrollable vomiting, fever above 38 degrees, severe pain in the abdomen), emergency medical care is needed. Vomiting and diarrhea are dangerous because they can cause dehydration - it is for this reason that food poisoning in young children can only be treated under the supervision of a doctor, since due to low body weight, dehydration in children develops in a matter of hours.
It is unacceptable to take drugs that stop vomiting and diarrhea - this will lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body and aggravate poisoning
High Season: Truths and Myths about Food Poisoning
But taking sorbents (activated carbon, polysorb, enterosgel) will help to quickly remove harmful substances. Plentiful drinking is also necessary, it should be boiled water or weak tea without sugar, but in no case milk, sour-milk drinks or fruit juices. You can dilute a bag of Regidron in water, this drug will help restore water-salt metabolism.
With severe pain in the abdomen, the doctor may prescribe antispasmodics. Antibiotics for food poisoning are not always necessary, and it is unacceptable to prescribe them to yourself.
Before a doctor's examination, it is better not to take any medications at all, except for sorbents, otherwise the clinical picture of poisoning may be distorted. It is impossible to take a laxative and do enemas for poisoning!
The temperature in case of poisoning cannot be brought down with medicines - manifestations of general intoxication (headache, weakness, fever) will become weaker as toxins are removed from the body. The patient must be laid down and covered with a blanket if he is shivering, but it is not necessary to put a warm heating pad on the abdomen.
Even with the cessation of vomiting and diarrhea, the improvement of the general condition of the patient, it is too early to stop the fight against poisoning. Sorbents are required to be taken within 5–7 days if antibacterial drugs have been prescribed, the duration of the course of treatment will be determined by the doctor, and it is unacceptable to interrupt or cancel them on your own.
In the acute phase of poisoning, patients usually do not have time to eat, but even when the condition returns to normal, they will have to follow a diet for several days (and possibly weeks) and not forget about the drinking regime
In the first days after poisoning, it is better to limit yourself to dried white bread, sugar-free tea and oatmeal, then you can switch to other products, but all dishes should be steamed or boiled, while avoiding milk, sour-milk products, fresh fruits and vegetables, alcohol, coffee, sweets.
Home doctor: treatment for poisoning the body
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What are the consequences of poisoning?
Hello Friend! Today we will talk about what consequences can occur in case of poisoning.
Many people underestimate this condition, for which, as a result, you can sometimes pay with your own life, so it is very important to identify the symptoms in time and provide assistance.
If this is not done, then the consequences can be very devastating for your body.
This is what we will discuss. Let's start.
What are the main consequences of intoxication and their characteristics
Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine which species a poison belongs to. The injured person may be unconscious, and relatives are completely unaware of what is happening.
Therefore, first of all, doctors focus on the symptoms and make every effort to eliminate them.
As a rule, the toxin becomes possible to determine only in chronic poisoning. Most often, the use of drugs leads to a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Special laboratory tests are being carried out to establish the substance that caused this condition.
The most severe consequences of intoxication are a decrease in urinary activity, as well as disorders in the human cardiovascular and nervous systems. Of particular note are the following violations:
In this condition, with an acute form, almost all victims have a serious respiratory failure.
This condition provokes aspiration, the pressure drops sharply.
Another dangerous consequence is pulmonary edema.
After a short period of time, an adult may develop a distress syndrome - it has clear characteristics: swelling of the lungs, impaired blood circulation, and a decrease in oxygen in the bloodstream.
This condition is the main cause of death.
Only detoxification therapy can save the victim. In children and adolescents, due to poisoning with toxic compounds, it may appear bronchial asthma.
This most often occurs when poisoning with poisons that are of animal or vegetable origin. The consequences will be very cheerful: tachycardia, bradycardia and arterial hypertension. The worst thing is that they can then take a chronic form.
Also, a person sometimes develops oxygen starvation of brain cells, and the tone in smooth muscle muscles decreases. All this can end with a hemorrhage in the brain.
A few hours after the toxic compounds enter the body, seizures develop. There were even cases when convulsions persisted in a person for several years! This is due to a disruption in the blood supply to the brain cells.
There are also changes in consciousness, expressed in excessive excitement, visual hallucinations and depression. It often happens that after the end of treatment, a person remains emotionally unstable for some time.
How can this condition be identified?
It all depends on the following factors: how dangerous the poison is, what the state of human health is, and how the harmful substance entered the body. The most dangerous cases are penetration through vapors and the gastrointestinal tract.
Deaths are most often recorded in acute poisoning with alcohol, drugs and potassium cyanide. Each has its own distinctive features, but, nevertheless, there are some common features:
1. The temperature rises sharply, fever, chills begin;
2. The secretion of saliva sharply increases, an unpleasant aftertaste, belching appears in the mouth;
3. Kazha becomes pale, and the mucous membranes become dry;
4. Urination is disturbed, the color and smell of urine changes;
5. There is swelling and rashes on the skin;
6. Decreased vision, double vision, loss of reaction to light;
7. Seizures.
If the concentration of harmful substances was very high, then the victim can easily fall into a coma. The main reason for this is a decrease in the blood supply to the brain, which entails serious consequences. A person's heart can simply stop.
What are the main causes of the disease can be identified
It is very difficult to guess exactly how your body will react to a particular poison.
It can sometimes happen that the lethal dose of ethyl for the average person is not exactly the same for someone who is addicted to alcohol.
Or, for example, the smell of dope in one causes severe intoxication, and in the second, slight pains in the head.
Poisoning is especially dangerous for babies and adolescents, since the latter have not yet fully strengthened the body and have developed immunity, while the former is generally extremely weak, so it is more sensitive to it.
There are several main types of poisons that provoke these conditions:
Spoiled foods that are not intended for human consumption;
Poisons of animal and vegetable origin;
Household chemicals: washing powder, bleach, etc.;
Paints, varnishes and solvents;
Alcohol, tobacco;
Medicines.
The most severe conditions occur if this is due to alkalis and acids, because the time from the penetration of the poison into the body and the cardiac arrest is very short.
What do you want to say in the end? Of course, you don’t want to experience this even for your worst enemy, but, alas, no one is immune from this. Surely each of us, at least once in our lives, was poisoned by something.
First of all, follow preventive measures: Choose products carefully, look at the expiration date, rinse, hide household chemicals away from small children, etc.
Yes, you may say: “Yes, this is already known”, but believe me, it is better to comply with these simple rules than to end up in a hospital bed. That's all. Good health to you, and do not get sick. Visit regularly our useful resource. Good luck!
Best regards, Team NeTraviOrganism.RU
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Poisoning: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, Consequences
What is poisoning?
A poison is any substance that harms the body. There are many types of poison, and some poisonous substances are often found in average houses and apartments. For example, medications taken contrary to recommendations can be harmful. Poison affects the body in several ways. It can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the surface of the skin. Also, any poisoning can be accidental or planned.
Symptoms of poisoning
The result and degree of poisoning directly depend on the specific toxic substance, its quantity and type of exposure. The age, weight and health of the victim also play a role.
The most common symptoms of poisoning include:
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea
- skin rashes
- redness or sores around the mouth
- dry mouth
- salivation or foaming from the mouth
- labored breathing
- dilated (greater than normal) or constricted (smaller than normal) pupils
- confusion
- fainting
- trembling or convulsions.
What are the causes of poisoning?
There are many substances that can harm the body and cause poisoning. Among those:
- household and personal care products, such as nail polish remover and mouthwash, which are extremely dangerous for children
- cleaning agents and solvents
- paint thinners
- pesticides and insect sprays
- garden chemicals such as herbicides, fertilizers and fungicides
- metals such as lead
- mercury contained in thermometers and batteries
- prescription and over-the-counter drugs taken against the instructions or in incompatible combinations
- illegal drugs
- carbon monoxide
- spoiled food
- some plant species such as poison ivy and poison oak
- the venom of certain snakes and insects.
How is poisoning diagnosed?
Poisoning is diagnosed by a doctor. First of all, he will conduct an examination and get acquainted with the symptoms. Also, to determine the exact cause of poisoning, he may prescribe a series of tests. The vast majority of poisons leave a trace in the blood and urine, but sometimes a toxicological examination may be required, carried out by examining urine or saliva for the content of the most common drugs.
Can poisoning be prevented or avoided?
The best way to prevent poisoning is to avoid contact with dangerous substances. Here are just a few recommendations:
- Keep all household chemicals out of the reach of children. Try to keep it, as well as medicines, in high, lockable cabinets. And it will never be superfluous to put locks in places where potentially hazardous substances are stored.
- Wear protective gear and gloves when handling cleaning agents and other chemicals.
- Never use pesticides, solvents or similar chemicals inside an enclosed space (house, garage). In each case, give preference to safe solutions, but if you decide to use them indoors, ensure thorough ventilation.
- Do not mix chemicals as they sometimes become poisonous. A striking example is ammonia (ammonia) and bleach, which together form a deadly gas.
- Store medicines and chemicals in their original containers.
- Make sure that the packaging of all medicines contains the names.
- Dispose of expired drugs and household chemicals, but do it in accordance with the disposal rules and regulations of the particular state.
- Carefully read the instructions for each substance and follow it.
- Regularly check the working condition of any equipment that runs on gasoline, gas or wood. Make sure ventilation is not impaired.
- Never start the car inside the garage, except when you drive out or into it.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, and be sure to change the batteries regularly.
Treatment of poisoning
Treatment depends on the person's condition and the type of poisoning. In any case, try to remain as calm as possible. First of all, get rid of the source of poisoning, if possible. If it is a poisonous gas, move to fresh air as soon as possible. If the poison comes into contact with the surface of the skin, wash it off with water and remove clothing close to the point of contact. At the same time, if the poison is swallowed, do not try to induce vomiting, as this method is no longer recommended by specialists.
If you yourself have poisoned yourself, but are conscious, or are trying to help a poisoned person, call an ambulance or poison control center immediately. Follow the operator's instructions, if any, and be prepared to provide the following information:
- age and weight of the affected person
- his home address
- the type of poison the person has been exposed to
- incident time
- a list of allergies a person has.
In some cases, the ambulance team will be able to remove the toxic substance from the human body even before it causes irreparable damage. In addition, there are antidotes for certain types of poisons that neutralize their effect. In general, treatment also involves taking steps to manage symptoms.
Consequences of poisoning
The sooner you detect the symptoms of poisoning, the higher the chances of a successful outcome. However, the long-term effects of poisoning vary depending on the specific substance, the amount, and the type of exposure. Age, weight and general health also play an important role. Short-term effects of poisoning may include skin rashes or mild discomfort. However, in particularly severe cases, exposure to poisons can lead to brain damage, coma, and death.
Questions to ask your doctor
- If a child has swallowed something dangerous, is it necessary to provoke him to vomit?
- Can I call the poison control center at any time if I have questions, or do operators only answer emergency calls?
- Damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, brain)
- Is a forensic medical examination carried out if a person died from poisoning?
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!
Diagnosis of poisoning
To prescribe the correct treatment, the doctor must first make an accurate diagnosis, find out the cause poisoning, that is, to understand what substance poisoned a person.To make a diagnosis, the doctor uses:
- questioning the patient;
- examination and clinical examination of the patient;
- laboratory test data.
Patient Interview
During the interview, the doctor clarifies the patient's complaints, and also collects information about the circumstances of the poisoning, the nature and time of the onset of certain symptoms, and so on.During the interview, the doctor may ask:
- What exactly worries the patient? In this case, you need to list absolutely all the complaints that the patient associates with his current illness.
- When did the described symptoms first appear? It is advisable to remember the exact date and ( if it is possible) time of onset of all symptoms in order.
- Did the patient vomit? If yes, how many times and with what fluid eaten by food, bile, blood)?
- Did the patient have diarrhea? If yes, how many times, what was the nature of the stool ( liquid, watery, mixed with blood, etc.)?
- What did the patient eat before the onset of symptoms? Absolutely all foods eaten within the last 24 to 48 hours matter. This is due to the fact that hidden ( asymptomatic) period of gastrointestinal infection can last more than a day.
- Has the patient been in contact with any chemicals in the last 2 to 3 days? If yes, you need to name these substances and, if possible, describe the circumstances of this contact ( when it happened, how long the person was in the vicinity of the chemical, and so on).
- Has the patient consumed alcoholic beverages in the last 24 hours? If yes, which ones and in what quantity?
- Do any of the patient's acquaintances or relatives have similar symptoms? If so, these people should also be examined, as they could also be poisoned.
- Was the patient taking any medications? If so, which ones, in what dose, who prescribed them and for what purpose? These are also important questions, since the symptoms of poisoning may be due to medication.
- Has the patient ever taken drugs? If so, which ones, how much and how long ago did you take your last dose?
- Does the patient suffer from any chronic diseases ( kidneys, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems)? This is also important to consider, since the development of poisoning or the prescribed treatment can disrupt the functions of already affected organs.
Examination and clinical examination of the patient
During the examination, the doctor draws attention to the objective signs of the disease, which could help make a diagnosis, as well as assess the severity of the patient's condition and plan further treatment.When examining and examining a patient, the doctor evaluates:
- Consciousness. Impaired consciousness can be observed in case of poisoning with psychotropic substances, drugs, alcohol or other toxins that act at the level of the central nervous system.
- The position of the patient. The patient's gait is assessed does he stagger due to dizziness, does he experience pain in the abdomen when moving, and so on). If the patient is lying, his posture in bed is evaluated. So, for example, the pose of the "embryo" ( with legs and arms pressed to the stomach) may indicate severe abdominal pain.
- The patient's body weight. Weight loss can be observed in chronic poisoning with mercury vapor or other toxins that disrupt the body's metabolism. It is also important to ask the patient if they have lost any weight in the last 2 to 4 months ( if lost - you need to clarify exactly how many kilograms and for how long).
- The facial expression of the patient. Painful facial expressions can be observed in patients experiencing severe pain.
- Condition of the skin. First of all, skin color is evaluated. Its cyanosis may indicate respiratory disorders, while pallor may indicate severe blood loss or low blood pressure. Next, the doctor evaluates the elasticity of the skin. To do this, he gathers the skin on the back of the patient's hand into a fold with his fingers, and then releases it. Under normal conditions, the crease should straighten out immediately. If this does not happen ( that is, if wrinkles remain on the skin), which indicates a possible dehydration of the body. Also, during the examination, the doctor should determine if there are any signs of intravenous drug use, chemical burns, or other damage on the patient's skin.
- Eye condition. Assessing the color of the mucous membrane of the eye ( its yellowness may indicate liver damage or severe destruction of blood cells). Also, the doctor can evaluate the symmetry of the pupils, their narrowing or expansion, reaction to light. This allows you to assess the degree of damage to the central nervous system, as well as to suspect intoxication with certain drugs.
- The state of the respiratory system. The frequency, depth and rhythm of breathing, the presence or absence of cough, as well as pathological wheezing when listening to the lungs are assessed.
- The state of the cardiovascular system. When listening to the heart, the doctor evaluates the rhythm of its contractions, and then measures the patient's blood pressure and pulse rate.
- Abdominal condition. First, the doctor examines the patient's abdomen when he lies on his back. The presence or absence of asymmetry or bloating is assessed. Next, the doctor palpates probes) internal organs with a hand through the anterior abdominal wall, while evaluating the patient's reaction. Severe pain when touching the anterior abdominal wall may indicate a severe lesion of the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs of the abdominal cavity.
- body temperature. An increase in temperature above the norm can be observed with most poisonings or intoxications.
Lab tests ( blood, urine)
After examining the patient, the doctor must make a presumptive diagnosis. To confirm it, as well as to assess the general condition of the patient, the specialist may prescribe additional laboratory tests and tests.In case of poisoning, the doctor may prescribe:
- General blood analysis. Allows you to identify blood loss, which can be observed due to bleeding ( with damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract with poisons) or due to the destruction of erythrocytes ( red blood cells) toxins that have entered the systemic circulation. In addition, a general blood test allows you to identify the presence of an infectious and inflammatory process in the body, which is observed when poisoned by pathogenic bacteria or their toxins. This will be indicated by an increase in the total number of leukocytes ( cells immune system protecting the body from foreign infections).
- General urine analysis. When examining urine, its color, density, the presence or absence of erythrocytes, leukocytes and other pathological inclusions in it, which can appear when the kidney tissue is damaged by toxins, are determined. It is also important to assess the amount of urine excreted by the patient per day ( daily diuresis), since a decrease in daily diuresis may indicate kidney damage.
- Biochemical blood tests. Biochemical analysis allows you to evaluate the concentration of various substances in the blood. Based on the data obtained, the doctor judges the functional state of the internal organs, as well as the severity of the patient's general condition. So, for example, using biochemical analysis liver function can be assessed study of liver tests, bilirubin, blood protein) and kidneys ( study of the concentration of urea, creatinine and uric acid in the blood). Moreover, the assessment of blood oxygen saturation and blood electrolyte composition ( that is, determining the concentration of sodium, potassium, chlorine and other electrolytes in it) allows you to identify certain violations of the internal environment of the body and timely correct them, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
- bacteriological research. The purpose of this analysis is to isolate pathogenic bacteria from the human body ( from the gastrointestinal tract in food poisoning). To conduct the study, the doctor may take samples from vomit, feces, or recently eaten food, which are then sent to the laboratory for detailed study. This will confirm the diagnosis, as well as select the most effective treatment.
- Serological analyses. These analyzes make it possible to determine even the smallest concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood. With the help of serological studies, a correct diagnosis can be made even if bacteriological analysis has not yielded any results.
- Drug tests. Traces of narcotic drugs can be detected both in the patient's blood and in his urine even several weeks after the last dose.
- Other specific analyses. Depending on the alleged cause of poisoning, the doctor may prescribe a wide variety of studies to detect heavy metal salts, various poisons, harmful gases, altered forms of hemoglobin in the patient's blood ( blood pigment responsible for transporting oxygen) etc.
First aid ( what to do in case of poisoning?)
The first thing to do in case of any poisoning is to prevent further entry of the poisonous substance into the body. Next, you should assess the general condition of the patient and find out if anything threatens his life.An immediate threat to life can be:
- Unconscious state. In this case, a person can choke on vomit ( if vomiting starts). Also, in an unconscious state, the tongue may fall into the throat, leading to death by suffocation. To prevent this, the patient should be turned on its side with the head tilted slightly face down and supported.
- Absence of breath. In this case, artificial ventilation of the lungs should be started immediately ( mouth to mouth or mouth to nose), because otherwise a person will die from oxygen starvation within 3-4 minutes.
- Absence of heartbeat. In this case, you should immediately begin to perform an indirect heart massage - turning the person on his back, you should rhythmically press with your hands folded into the lock on the middle of the chest ( at a frequency of about 100 times per minute). This will keep blood circulation in the brain at a minimum level, thereby preventing the death of nerve cells in it.
First aid for alcohol and food poisoning ( gastric lavage with saline solution, potassium permanganate solution, soda solution)
If there is no immediate threat to the patient's life, measures should be taken to remove toxins and toxic substances from the body. The first thing to do for this is to wash the patient's stomach. The purpose of this procedure is to remove toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract, which will prevent their further absorption into the systemic circulation.For gastric lavage, you can use:
- Salt solutions. Salt has an antibacterial effect, as a result of which it can destroy pathogenic microorganisms that are in the stomach. To prepare the solution, you need to dissolve 1 - 1.5 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of boiled water. First, the patient should drink 1 - 3 glasses of the solution in one gulp ( child - no more than 1 glass at a time). If after this vomiting does not occur on its own, it can be induced by irritation of the root of the tongue ( touch it with your fingertips). After the vomiting subsides, the procedure can be repeated 2-3 more times. It is important to note that the solution for gastric lavage should be at room temperature, that is, slightly cool. Do not use warm or hot water for this purpose, as it will dilate the blood vessels of the gastric mucosa, thereby facilitating the absorption of toxic substances.
- Soda solution. This solution also has a certain antibacterial effect and can be used for gastric lavage in case of food poisoning. To prepare the solution, 1 tablespoon of baking soda should be dissolved in 1 liter of boiled water. The flushing scheme is the same as when using saline.
- A solution of potassium permanganate ( potassium permanganate) . To wash the stomach in 1 liter of water, you need to dissolve 10 crystals of potassium permanganate. The solution should turn out slightly pink. The washing scheme is the same as when using other solutions.
Gastric lavage is absolutely contraindicated:
- Patients with impaired consciousness. They can choke on their vomit, which can be fatal. If the patient is drowsy and lethargic during alcohol poisoning, you can let him smell the cotton wool with ammonia. With mild to moderate intoxication, this can bring the patient to his senses, which will allow gastric lavage to be performed.
- Patients with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. If red or dark blood comes out with vomit or stool, this may indicate bleeding. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach, as this can provoke even more damage to the mucous membrane and increased bleeding.
- Pregnant women. Vomiting can cause damage to the fetus.
Enema for food poisoning
One of the methods of cleansing the body in case of poisoning is an enema ( the introduction of fluid through the anus into the large intestine, followed by its removal). This procedure can be effective for food poisoning and toxic infections, when bacteria and their toxins accumulate in the lumen of the large intestine, affecting its walls. At the same time, in case of alcohol poisoning, an enema is ineffective, since most of the alcohol is absorbed into the systemic circulation in the upper gastrointestinal tract.To perform an enema at home, it is recommended to use ordinary boiled water at room temperature ( not hot). Do not use saline or potassium permanganate solutions at home, as this can damage the intestinal mucosa.
The essence of the procedure is as follows. The patient exposes the lower part of the body, lies on his side, presses his knees to his stomach and wraps his arms around them. Boiled water is drawn into a special rubber heating pad or enema bulb, which is then injected into the patient's rectum ( using a special tip). After the introduction of approximately 1 liter of water, the patient should defecate, during which toxic substances will also be released from the intestines along with water. The procedure can be repeated several times until the water excreted from the intestines becomes clean, transparent).
Like gastric lavage, enema is contraindicated in the allocation of blood in the feces, as this increases the risk of developing or increasing bleeding.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
If a person has been poisoned by carbon monoxide, it should be removed as soon as possible ( or take out) from a smoky room to fresh air. If a person is unconscious, he should be laid on his back, immediately unbuttoned or torn all outer clothing ( which can tighten the chest and throat, making it difficult to breathe) and check if he is breathing. If breathing is absent or weakened, it is necessary to try to bring the victim to his senses. To do this, you can sprinkle on his face. cold water, apply pieces of ice or snow to the face ( in the winter season), lightly pat your cheeks with your palms. If the above measures are ineffective ( that is, if a person does not begin to breathe on his own), artificial respiration should be started immediately.If, after going out into the fresh air, a person is conscious, you should make him breathe as often and deeply as possible, and it is better to cough several times. This will remove excess carbon monoxide from the lungs, and will also help to enrich the blood with oxygen.
Treatment of poisoning
Therapeutic tactics in case of poisoning depends on the type of poisonous substance and the route of its penetration into the body, as well as on the severity of intoxication and the severity of the general condition of the patient. The purpose of therapeutic measures in this case is also the removal of toxic substances from the body, preventing further damage to internal organs and the development of complications.Which doctor treats poisoning?
Any doctor can provide first aid to a poisoned person ( emergency room doctor). Further ( if necessary) the patient can be placed in a hospital where several specialists will be involved in his treatment at once.Poisoning can be treated by:
- Expert in narcology- in case of poisoning with narcotic substances, medicines, alcohol.
- Infectionist- with food poisoning and toxicoinfections.
- Toxicologist- in case of poisoning with various chemicals, poisons and other substances.
- Gastrologist- with damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
- Nephrologist- with kidney damage.
- Pulmonologist- with damage to the respiratory tract and lungs.
- Dermatologist- with skin lesions.
- Neurologist- with damage to the nervous system.
- Cardiologist- with damage to the cardiovascular system.
- Hematologist- with damage to the blood system.
- Surgeon- with the development of bleeding associated with lesions of the stomach or intestines with toxic substances.
- resuscitator- with a pronounced violation of the functions of vital organs.
First aid ( PMP) for food poisoning
The purpose of first aid for food poisoning is also to detoxify the body, that is, to remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and from the systemic circulation.In order to detoxify the body, doctors can use:
- Gastric lavage through a tube. In this case, there is no need to induce vomiting, since the liquid is introduced into the stomach and removed from it through a special plastic tube.
- Purgation. Repeated enemas can also be used for this.
- Forced diuresis. If the patient's kidney function is preserved, the doctor may stimulate the formation and excretion of urine. For this, a large amount of fluid is injected intravenously ( about 1 liter), and diuretic drugs are also prescribed. As a result, there is a dilution of the blood and the removal of toxic substances from it.
- Medical therapy. Drugs are prescribed that slow down the absorption of toxins from the stomach into the blood.
Food poisoning - expert advice
First aid for acid and alkali poisoning
Poisoning by acids or alkalis ( when they enter the gastrointestinal tract) is accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. The longer the toxin is in contact with the mucosa, the deeper and more severe its damage will be. Therefore, the first thing to do in this case is to wash the stomach, thereby removing the acid ( or lye) out of him.First aid for poisoning with acids or alkalis is to repeatedly wash the stomach with cold water. For this purpose, a special probe is inserted into the patient's stomach through the nose - a tube through which fluid will be injected and removed. It is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach, causing vomiting, as this may cause a rupture of the mucous membrane or the wall of the stomach, damaged by acids or alkalis, as well as the entry of vomit into the respiratory tract, which will lead to severe damage to the lungs.
In case of acid poisoning, it is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach with soda solutions, and in case of alkali poisoning - with acid solutions. The fact is that when alkali interacts with acid, a large amount of gas is formed, which can simply break the wall of the stomach.
It is also important to note that in case of poisoning with acids or alkalis, the patient suffers from a pronounced pain syndrome. That is why before starting any therapeutic measures, adequate anesthesia should be carried out ( using narcotic painkillers).
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
The main problem with carbon monoxide intoxication is the disruption of oxygen transport due to damage to red blood cells. The goal of treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is to restore oxygen delivery to the tissues, as well as to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body. If the patient is conscious and breathing on their own, the doctor may place an oxygen mask over their face. This will increase the concentration of oxygen in the inhaled air ( from 21% to 50 - 60%), which will provide improved blood enrichment with it.If the patient is unconscious or has trouble breathing, the doctor may apply mechanical ventilation ( IVL) using a special mask or by inserting a special tube into the patient's trachea connected to a ventilator. This will maintain pulmonary ventilation at a normal level, and will also create conditions for the removal of carbon monoxide from the patient's blood.
After ensuring adequate ventilation of the lungs, the doctor should prescribe symptomatic treatment, the purpose of which is to normalize the impaired functions of vital organs and systems.
Antidotes ( antidotes) in case of poisoning with organophosphorus substances, methyl alcohol, opiates, salts of heavy metals
Antidotes are special substances that can be used to treat poisoning with certain toxins or poisons. The essence of antidotes is that they block the toxic effect of a poisonous substance, as a result of which it cannot harm the tissues of the body.Antidotes for various poisonings
poisonous substance | specific antidote | The mechanism of action of the antidote |
Organophosphates(FOS) | atropine | The mechanism of action of FOS is to block the cholinesterase enzyme, resulting in an increase in the amount of the mediator acetylcholine at the sites of transmission of nerve impulses from nerves to tissues. This is what causes the clinical manifestations of poisoning. Atropine blocks the effects of acetylcholine, thereby eliminating signs of intoxication. |
Methyl alcohol | ethanol(ethanol) | The toxicity of methyl alcohol is not caused by itself, but by-products formed when alcohol enters the body. Ethyl alcohol prevents the formation of these toxic substances, resulting in a decrease in the severity of intoxication of the body. |
Opiates |
| The toxicity of opiates is due to their interaction with specific receptors at the level of the central nervous system. Antidotes block these receptors, thereby eliminating the toxic effects of opiates. |
Heavy metal salts | Unithiol | This drug interacts with salts of heavy metals, turning them into harmless water-soluble compounds that are quickly excreted from the body. |
Medical treatment of poisoning pills and other medicines)
To combat the toxic effect of toxic substances, as well as to normalize the functions of the body disturbed by poisoning, drugs from various drug groups are used.Sorbents ( activated carbon, polysorb, enterosgel, filtrum, laktofiltrum)
Sorbents are a group of drugs that, when they enter the gastrointestinal tract, bind bacteria and their toxins, poisons, salts of heavy metals and other toxic substances, preventing their further absorption and facilitating their rapid removal from the body. In case of poisoning, sorbents should be taken only after gastric lavage, since the presence of food debris can reduce their effectiveness.Sorbents for poisoning
Electrolyte solutions ( rehydron)
If, during poisoning, the patient begins to vomit or diarrhea profusely, along with the liquid, he also loses electrolytes ( sodium, chlorine and others). The loss of a large number of electrolytes can disrupt the constancy of the internal environment of the body, which will lead to disruption of the functions of vital organs ( in particular the heart muscle and the central nervous system). That is why it is extremely important in the fight against dehydration to simultaneously restore the electrolyte composition of the blood plasma.In order to compensate for the loss of electrolytes, rehydron and other similar drugs may be prescribed ( trihydrone, hydrovit and so on). The composition of rehydron includes carbohydrates, as well as potassium chloride, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. After oral administration in small doses, the drug helps to restore blood electrolytes, and also provides a certain energy ( nutritious) action.
The drug is available in packages in the form of a white powder. To prepare the solution, the contents of 1 sachet should be dissolved in 1 liter of warm boiled water. It is recommended to take rehydron after each liquid stool or vomiting ( 50 - 100 ml), and in their absence - 50 - 100 ml every half hour. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 ml per 1 kilogram of the patient's body weight, since this may lead to an excessive supply of electrolytes into the blood, which is also accompanied by a number of adverse reactions.
Antibiotics
Antibacterial drugs are advisable to prescribe when food poisoning is caused by pathogenic bacteria. For all other poisonings, antibiotics can only be used prophylactically ( for example, to prevent the development of a bacterial infection after poisoning with acids or alkalis and the formation of an extensive wound surface on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract).Antibiotics for poisoning
Name of the drug | Mechanism of therapeutic action | Dosage and administration |
Ceftriaxone | Blocks the formation of bacteria cell wall which leads to the death of bacteria. | Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed intravenously or intramuscularly, 1 to 2 grams once a day. The course of treatment is 5 - 7 days. |
Tetracycline | Blocks the formation of proteins in bacterial cells, preventing their further reproduction. | Inside, 0.25 - 0.5 g 4 times a day. |
Vancomycin | It affects the genetic apparatus of bacteria, and also disrupts the formation of their cell walls. | Adults are prescribed intravenously 500 mg 4 times a day or 1000 mg 2 times a day. |
Painkillers
The need for anesthesia may be required in case of poisoning with acids, alkalis or other irritating substances that affect large areas of the mucous membranes, as this will cause severe pain. For the purpose of pain relief, drugs from various pharmacological groups with different mechanisms of action can be used.Pain relief for poisoning
Drug group | Representatives | Mechanism of therapeutic action | Dosage and administration |
Antispasmodics | No-shpa | Eliminates spasm of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to reduce the severity of pain in food poisoning. | Inside, intramuscularly or intravenously, 40-80 mg 2-3 times a day. |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) | Nimesil | They inhibit the activity of the inflammatory process in the tissues, thereby reducing the severity of the pain syndrome. It should be noted that most NSAIDs have a damaging effect on the gastric mucosa, as a result of which they should be used with caution in case of food poisoning and lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. | Inside, 100 mg 2 times a day. |
Indomethacin | Inside, 25-50 mg 2-3 times a day or intramuscularly 60 mg 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 14 days. |
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Narcotic pain relievers | Morphine | They act on the central nervous system, eliminating the sensation of pain. | With a strong pain syndrome, it is prescribed intramuscularly or intravenously at a dose of 5-10 mg every 4-6 hours. |
Omnopon | Intramuscularly or intravenously, 1 ml of a 2% solution 2-4 times a day. |
Laxatives
Laxatives speed up the process of bowel movement, thereby helping to remove toxins from it. For food poisoning, laxatives should be used only if the patient does not have profuse diarrhea. In this case, it is recommended to use the so-called saline laxatives ( sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate). Their mechanism of action is that they increase the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, thereby attracting water there. This helps to soften the stool and facilitate their release.Should I take antiemetics? cerucal) and antidiarrheals ( smectu) in case of poisoning?
Use antiemetics ( in the likeness of cerucal) is not recommended for poisoning. The fact is that vomiting is a protective reaction of the body, aimed at cleansing it of toxins. The mechanism of action of cerucal is that it stimulates the movement of gastric contents into the intestines, and also inhibits the gag reflex. In case of poisoning, this will contribute to the absorption of toxic substances and even greater intoxication of the body.The use of antidiarrheal ( from diarrhea) funds are also not recommended, since pathogenic bacteria with their toxins are also released along with diarrhea. At the same time, the use of drugs such as smectite may have some positive effect. The mechanism of the antidiarrheal action of this medication is that it binds pathogenic bacteria, preventing their toxic effects on the intestinal wall and helping to remove them from the intestinal lumen. In acute food poisoning, this drug is recommended to be taken orally 1 sachet three times a day for 1 week.
Treatment of food poisoning with folk remedies at home
Alternative methods of treatment can help cleanse and strengthen the body's defenses, as well as reduce the toxic effect of pathogenic microorganisms on it.For food poisoning, you can use:
- Infusion of chamomile flowers. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and also contributes to the accelerated elimination of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the infusion, 5 tablespoons of chamomile flowers should be poured into 500 ml of hot boiled water. Cool at room temperature, strain and take orally 50-100 ml 3-5 times a day.
- Decoction of oak bark. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent action ( binds toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes their removal from the body). To prepare a decoction, 100 grams of crushed oak bark should be poured with 400 milliliters of water, brought to a boil and kept in a water bath for 30 minutes. Cool, strain and take orally 50 ml 2-3 times a day or use for bowel lavage ( enemas) to remove toxic substances from it.
- Green tea. Reduces the severity of the damaging effects of toxins at the level of the intestinal mucosa, and also has antioxidant activity ( that is, it prevents tissue damage in the focus of inflammation at the cellular level).
- St. John's wort herb infusion. It has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, as well as a moderate sedative effect. To prepare the infusion, 4 tablespoons of chopped St. John's wort should be poured into 400 ml of hot boiled water and infused at room temperature for an hour. Then the infusion should be filtered and consumed orally, 1 tablespoon 3-5 times a day.
Diet ( nutrition) in case of poisoning ( what to eat after poisoning?)
The task of diet therapy in case of poisoning is to provide the body with easily digestible nutrients, as well as to prevent the traumatic effect of food products on the affected gastric mucosa. To do this, any food consumed must be well processed ( crushed). It should be taken warm not hot) form, since exposure to elevated temperatures can also have negative influence to the inflamed mucosa. In this case, you should eat 4-6 times a day in small portions, which will reduce the load on the stomach and prevent the development of vomiting.Diet for poisoning
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Is it possible to drink tea in case of poisoning?
Recommended for food poisoning green tea, as well as teas based on herbs ( rosehip, chamomile, St. John's wort and so on). These teas will help bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, thin the blood and remove toxic substances from the body. At the same time, in the initial period of poisoning, it is not recommended to consume a large amount of strong black tea, as it has a fixing effect, contributing to the retention of toxins in the intestines and their entry into the systemic circulation. You can drink black tea after the complete removal of toxins from the body, that is, at least a day after the signs of intoxication subside ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and so on).Is it possible to drink kefir in case of poisoning?
Kefir can and should be consumed during and after food poisoning, as it helps to quickly remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanism of therapeutic action of kefir is that it stimulates the development of normal microflora ( lactic acid bacteria) in the intestines. In the process of growth and reproduction, these bacteria inhibit the development of others ( pathogenic) microorganisms, thereby contributing to the speedy recovery of the patient.You can drink kefir from the first days of poisoning ( after the vomiting subsides). It is recommended to use it warmed up in small portions ( half a glass) several times during the day, but not more than 1 liter per day.
Complications and consequences after poisoning
The consequences of poisoning can be associated with the direct damaging effect of toxic substances, as well as damage to internal organs that has developed against the background of intoxication of the body.Injury to the stomach ( gastritis)
Damage to the gastric mucosa is observed with food poisoning, as well as with the ingestion of any toxic substances into the gastrointestinal tract. This destroys the mucosal barrier that normally covers the wall of the stomach, as a result of which it can be easily damaged. Damage to the mucosa is manifested by its inflammation ( gastritis), as a result of which it turns red, swells. The patient may experience severe paroxysmal pain associated with peristaltic contractions of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.After the resolution of mild poisoning, acute gastritis usually subsides without leaving any residual effects. At the same time, it is worth noting that with frequent poisoning, the development of chronic gastritis is possible, occurring with periodic exacerbations, which can be triggered by malnutrition, alcohol intake or other factors. Treatment of chronic gastritis is diet and the use of enveloping drugs that protect the gastric mucosa.
Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract in case of poisoning
Bleeding can develop in case of poisoning with acids, alkalis or other caustic substances, which, if ingested, can destroy its mucous membrane and damage blood vessels. Also, the cause of bleeding can be a rupture of the mucous membrane of the upper sections of the stomach, provoked by frequent and severe vomiting. Therapeutic tactics and prognosis in this case depend on the severity of bleeding. If it is insignificant and stopped by itself, conservative treatment measures can be dispensed with ( a sparing diet, applying ice to the abdomen, using hemostatic drugs, and so on). If massive bleeding is observed (pregnancy, it can pose a danger to the developing fetus. This may be due not only to the toxic effects of toxic substances, but also to the changes that occur in the female body during poisoning.The danger of poisoning during pregnancy is due to:
- Intrauterine fetal injury. Some toxins can pass from the mother's blood into the baby's blood, leading to developmental anomalies or intrauterine death.
- Dehydration. The loss of fluid by the mother's body will immediately affect the condition of the fetus, which may also develop signs of dehydration.
- Oxygen starvation. If the transport function of the blood is damaged by chemicals, as well as blood loss as a result of damage to the vessels of the gastrointestinal tract, the process of oxygen delivery to the developing fetus may be disrupted, as a result of which anomalies of the central nervous system may develop. In severe cases, the fetus may die.
- Injury to the fetus. During vomiting, there is a pronounced contraction of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall of the mother, which can lead to damage to the fetus. Also, the fetus can be damaged during convulsions that develop against the background of the action of various poisons and toxins.
- The risk of preterm birth. Poisoning is a strong stressthat can disrupt the hormonal background of the female body. In this case, there may be an increased formation of the hormone oxytocin, which can stimulate the contractile activity of the uterus.
- Inability to carry out full treatment. Treatment of food poisoning involves the use of antibacterial and other medications that may be contraindicated during pregnancy.