Poisoning

A poison is any substance that, when ingested, inhaled, absorbed, or applied to the skin, or produced within the body in relatively small amounts, injures the body by its chemical action.

Poisoning can be  Accidental  Occupational  Recreational  Intentional

Severity of poisoning depends on;  Type of poison  Concentration of poison  Route of exposure

Ingested (Swallowed) Poisons They include Alkaline an acid agents that can cause tissue destruction after coming into contact with mucous membranes. Food poisoning is a sudden illness that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or drink. Botulism is a serious for of food poisoning.

Efforts are made to determine What substance was ingested, if food was ingested, did the food have an unusual odor or taste. the amount the time since ingestion signs and symptoms how soon the symptoms appear: immediate onset suggests chemical poison

Signs and symptoms Vary with the source of contamination.  Diarrhea  Nausea  Abdominal pain  Vomiting  Alteration of the level of consciousness  Convulsions (seizures)

Goals of treatment is to  determine the source and type of poison  dilution or neutralization of a caustic agent  remove the toxins  decrease its absorption

First aid 1. Call 911 2. Assess circulation, airway and breathing 3. perform CPR if needed 4. If the patient is conscious: Offer him water to dilute the offender. 5. Activated Charcoal 7. Do not induce vomiting in corrosive substance ingestion 8. Bring the offender substance to the ED to identify the toxins to give the anti-dote.

Caron Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning may occur as insidious event or as a result of attempted suicide. It exerts its toxic effect by binding to circulating hemoglobin and thereby reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hemoglobin absorbs carbon monoxide 200 times more readily than it absorbs oxygen.

Signs and symptoms 1. Central nervous system symptoms:  The person appear intoxicated (hypoxia)  Headache  Muscle weakness  Palpitation  Dizziness  Confusion  coma

2. changes in skin color: range from pink to cyanotic and pale 3 2. changes in skin color: range from pink to cyanotic and pale 3. breathing difficulty

First aid management 1. carry the victim to fresh air immediately 2. open all doors and windows 3. loosen all tight clothing 4. initiate CPR if required 5. wrap the victim in blankets to prevent chilling 6. keep the victim quiet at possible 7. don’t permit the victim to smoke

Allergies Allergic reactions are caused by a hypersensitive immune system that reacts when it is exposed to a usually harmless substance.

Causes of allergies (allergens):  Medicines Plants & animals: pet dander, poison ivy, insect stings/bites, grass, dust.  Ingested allergens: Food allergies  Inhaled anaphylactic reactions are rare, but have occurred from the inhalation of particles from rubber and latex gloves.

Signs and Symptoms:  Itching  Flushed skin  Rash Mild reactions (most common):  Itching  Flushed skin  Rash  Coughing, sneezing  Headaches  Red or watery eyes

Severe reactions  Intense rash and Intense itching  Swelling of the face, eyes, tongue, and throat.  Difficulty swallowing (because of swelling).  Increased heart rate and drop in blood pressure.  Shortness of breath, hoarseness / asthma like symptoms.  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.  Cramping and intestinal pain

First Aid: To prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the substances that cause the reactions. Treat with antihistamines  If the reaction takes place on the skin (like poison ivy) use ice wrapped in a towel and hydrocortisone cream to lessen the itching and swelling. If these things don’t help, call your doctor.

With plants is the cause, you should wash everything the person touched If you think the reaction may be due to a medication, immediately stop treatment and contact a doctor. In more severe cases CPR and oxygen may need to be administered.