Poisonings

The poisoning It is a clinical pathological state that appears due to the action of a toxic substance that is introduced into our body. The toxic substances that can cause intoxication are multiple, highlighting:

• cleaning products, such as detergents, polishes.
• medications, such as aspirin, digoxin.
• the alcohol.
• carbon monoxide, such as in fires or with damaged heaters.
• different drugs of abuse
• some mushrooms and.

There are several ways in which a toxic substance is introduced into the body to cause intoxication: the most frequent is the oral route, although we must also remember the inhalation, and the venous route. The cause of poisoning may be accidental, or it may be the result of attempted self-harm.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms presented by the person who has an intoxication can be very varied, especially depending on the toxic substance causing the poisoning, highlighting:

• At the neurological level, the person may have mild symptoms such as dizziness or instability, or more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma, or muscle paralysis.
• At the respiratory level, we can find a cough, an increase in respiratory rate, or shortness of breath.
• At the cardiac level, we must look for an alteration in the heart rate, or the heart rhythm, or one.
• At the level of the digestive tract, a person with an intoxication can suffer from a simple gastroenteritis, to an intestinal stoppage or severe liver failure.
• At the level of the sense organs, we can find blurred vision, or tinnitus.
• At the level of the skin, we can appreciate from hives, erythema, peeling of the skin.

It is important know what is the substance that has caused the poisoning, and since the most frequent route of entry is oral, we must remember what we have recently eaten or taken, and the time that has elapsed since its ingestion.

What should we do?

Given the suspicion of poisoning, we must go to a health center where a doctor will conduct an interrogation to determine which is the toxic substance, a physical examination of the person to determine their clinical status, they will be given the appropriate complementary tests such as urine for the determination of toxins.

In the event of intoxication due to ingestion of a toxic substance, what we must do is, while waiting for the emergency medical services:

• Observe respiration and circulation; If the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be started and, if the cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers are known, they should be started.
• Check that the person has ingested any poison; observe the smell of possible chemicals or look for a container or food nearby.
• Call the Spanish Poison Center.
• If he vomits, the respiratory tract must be cleared by cleaning the mouth and throat of the intoxicated person with a piece of cloth. You can save the vomit in case it needs to be analyzed to find out what toxic substance you have taken.

In case of poisoning by inhalation of a toxic substance, what we must do is, while waiting for the emergency medical services:

• Remove the victim from the gas, and open the windows and doors to let the smoke escape.
• Breathe fresh air deeply several times and then hold your breath as you enter the room. It is advisable to place a wet piece of cloth over the nose and mouth.
• DO NOT light matches or use lighters.
• Observe respiration and circulation; If the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be started and, if the cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers are known, they should be started.

What should we not do?

Before a person we suspect is intoxicated:

• We should not give him drinks by mouth if he is unconscious.
• We should not induce vomiting, unless indicated by the toxicology unit.