Poisoning

Poisonings (Intoxications): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Toxin removal Preservation of vital functions (vital functions while awake, respiration and circulation). Recovery Therapy recommendations In addition to symptom-based therapy, specific treatments are required for poisoning (where antidotes/counterpoisons are available): Primary toxin removal Application of medical charcoal (activated charcoal: see below) – within the first hour after ingestion of a noxious agent … Poisonings (Intoxications): Drug Therapy

Poisonings (Intoxications): Diagnostic Tests

Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle). Measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification in … Poisonings (Intoxications): Diagnostic Tests

Poisonings (Intoxications): Prevention

To prevent intoxications (poisonings), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Drug use Drugs, unspecified Disease-related risk factors. Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98). Poisoning by medicines, drugs, biologically active substances. Poisoning by substances used primarily for non-medical purposes. Caution in the home Carbon monoxide poisoning from … Poisonings (Intoxications): Prevention

Poisonings (Intoxications): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate intoxications (poisonings): Disturbances of consciousness up to unconsciousness Neurological disorders such as: Seizures Pupillary disturbances Hallucinations Extrapyramidal disorders (disturbances in the course of movement). Cardiopulmonary (“affecting the heart and lungs”) disorders such as: Respiratory disorders up to respiratory arrest Cardiovascular disorders up to cardiac arrest Cardiac arrhythmias, unspecified … Poisonings (Intoxications): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Poisonings (Intoxications): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) The following poisonings are common: Alcohols (esp. ethanol (ethanol); T51.-). Inorganic substances (T57.-). Gases, vapors, fumes, unspecified (T59.-) Poisons ingested with food (plants (esp. aconite/aconitine), fungi (orellanus, tuberous leaf fungus), etc.; T61.-, T62.-). Carbon monoxide (T58) Contact with poisonous animals (esp. insect bites; T63.-). Food (especially alcoholic beverages) Medications (T36.-T50.-): Drugs* … Poisonings (Intoxications): Causes

Poisonings (Intoxications): Therapy

Suspected intoxications: Immediately call 911! (Call number 112) Often poisonings are treated purely symptomatically. General notes Bring everything that can help determine the cause of poisoning: Medication or medication packaging Food scraps Vomit Products that may be the cause of poisoning General measures Always pay attention to self-protection! Contact the Poison Information Center (Poison Control: … Poisonings (Intoxications): Therapy

Poisonings (Intoxications): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of intoxications (poisonings). Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints) [self or external anamnesis]. What symptoms … Poisonings (Intoxications): Medical History

Poisonings (Intoxications): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: Assessment of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes [puncture marks?, central cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g., tongue)] Respiratory tract … Poisonings (Intoxications): Examination

Poisonings (Intoxications): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose) Blood gas analysis (ABG) If necessary, incl. determination of the carboxyhemoglobin (CO hemoglobin, CO-Hb) or methemoglobin (MetHb) value – if carbon monoxide poisoning (CO poisoning) is suspected. Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, … Poisonings (Intoxications): Test and Diagnosis