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Poisoning
Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases.
Poisoning can be through ingestion through mouth, injection through stings, needles or sharps, inhalation through lungs or absorption through skin
Victims of poisoning due to corrosive chemicals will normally show swollen and stained lips, the victim may vomit, suffocate or experience shock.
Victims of nerve poisons show convulsion, delirium and become drowsy. The pupil of the eye becomes contracted and the face may become flashed
Effects of Poisons
The effects of poisons can vary widely depending on the type of toxic substance involved, the route of exposure (such as ingestion, inhalation, or contact), the amount or concentration of the poison, and the individual’s age, health, and sensitivity. Here are some general effects of poisons:
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Gastrointestinal Effects: Many poisons can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of toxic substances can lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or irritation of the respiratory tract.
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Neurological Effects: Poisons can affect the central nervous system, leading to various neurological symptoms. These may include confusion, dizziness, headache, seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, or changes in behavior.
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Cardiovascular Effects: Some poisons can affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, elevated or lowered blood pressure, chest pain, or heart attack.
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Skin Effects: Contact with certain toxic substances can cause skin irritation, redness, rash, burns, or blistering.
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Organ Damage: Long-term exposure to certain poisons or ingestion of high doses can result in damage to specific organs, such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, or nervous system.
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Allergic Reactions: In some cases, exposure to a poison can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing.
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Systemic Effects: Certain poisons can have widespread effects on the body, leading to systemic toxicity. This can manifest as generalized weakness, fatigue, malaise, or multi-organ dysfunction.
It’s important to note that the effects of poisons can range from mild to severe, and some substances can be life-threatening. Prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of poisoning to assess the specific effects, provide appropriate treatment, and minimize further harm.
If you suspect someone has been exposed to a poison, it is important to contact emergency services or a poison control center immediately for guidance on specific actions to take based on the substance involved.
Terms used in poisoning
Emetic: These are substances given to induce vomiting and to rid the stomach off the poison e.g. mustard seeds, salt water, soapy water or foam, or raw egg.
Antidote: A substance administered to render the poison harmless or to retard its absorption in the stomach e.g. milk of magnesia for acid corrosion, vinegar or lemon juice for strong alkali.
Universal antidote: A substance consisting of two parts of activated charcoal: one part of magnesium oxide: one part of tannic acid mixed. Its best kept dry until when required .it is given to the victim when the nature of the poison taken cannot been established.
Aperient or laxative: A substance given to a victim of poisoning to remove the poison by diarrhea e.g. castor oil, olive oil etc.
Demulcent. A substance given to a victim after the poison has been removed. It sooths the inflamed membrane after the victim have been given an emetic and a laxative to induce vomiting or diarrhea it includes milk, water, raw white egg etc.
First Aid For Poisoning
First aid for poisoning aims to provide immediate care to reduce the absorption and effects of a toxic substance. It’s important to note that first aid for poisoning may vary depending on the specific substance involved. Here are some general steps to follow:
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Assess the situation: Ensure your safety and the safety of the poisoned person. Remove the person from the source of poisoning if it’s safe to do so.
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Call emergency services: Dial the appropriate emergency number in your country to seek immediate professional medical help. Provide them with detailed information about the type of poisoning and the substance involved.
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Follow instructions: If you have access to a poison control center hotline, call them for expert guidance on specific first aid steps for the particular substance ingested or encountered.
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Maintain airway and breathing: If the person is unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately, if you are trained to do so. If breathing is normal, position the person on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking on vomit.
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Remove any contaminated clothing: If the person has come into contact with a toxic substance, carefully remove any contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with water for at least 20 minutes, following specific instructions provided by poison control or emergency services.
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Do not induce vomiting: In most cases of poisoning, it is NOT recommended to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by medical professionals or poison control. Vomiting can cause additional complications depending on the type of substance ingested.
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Rinse mouth (if applicable): If the person has ingested a toxic substance and is conscious, rinse their mouth with water unless instructed otherwise. Ensure they do not swallow the rinse water.
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Provide comfort and reassurance: Stay with the person and provide comfort and reassurance while waiting for professional medical help to arrive. Monitor their vital signs and be prepared to provide any additional information to the emergency responders.
It’s important to remember that first aid for poisoning should be administered cautiously, as specific substances may require specific treatment protocols. The priority is to ensure the person’s safety and access professional medical help as quickly as possible.