Poisoning or intoxication is a pathological dysfunction caused by various types of poisons (toxins). These toxins mostly enter the human bloodstream and can cause severe symptoms of illness. If left untreated, poisoning can often lead to death. It can be concluded that if poisoning occurs, a doctor or hospital should be consulted as soon as possible.
What is poisoning?
Poisoning is the ingestion of a toxic substance in quantities that can be life-threatening or at least very risky to health, leading to complications and permanent damage. The trigger of poisoning can be any substance that has a significant negative effect on human health and can, for example, result in the failure or impairment of organs. The life-threatening circumstances of poisoning usually result from these circumstances. Typical and frequently occurring poisonings in humans are mushroom poisoning and food poisoning. But also poisoning by contaminated water is not rare. The venom of a snake or other animals can also cause poisoning in humans.
Causes
Any substance that can cause poisoning affects different chemical circuits in the human body. The basic process begins when the toxic substance interrupts the biochemical reaction process, for example, by binding to a receptor instead of the body’s own substance and preventing the process from working. This form of poisoning often occurs when the toxin paralyzes the nerves – that is why severe damage occurs, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest, which can be a cause of death. Other toxins are harmful because, for example, they block the muscle cells and cause the heart and respiratory muscles to fail, causing the person to die. Poisoning occurs whenever enough harmful substances are present in the human body to cause symptoms. For some substances, even the smallest amounts are sufficient, as in the case of botulinum toxin. However, poisoning can also result from other substances that are not toxic in themselves, but can cause poisoning if they burden the body in excessive amounts – they include iron, arsenic and ethanol, for example.
Common poisonings
- Food poisoning
- Alcohol poisoning
- Mushroom poisoning
- Snakebite poisoning
- Salmonella poisoning
- Heavy metal poisoning
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Depending on the type of poisoning, the symptoms that occur can be very different. On a poisoning often indicate complaints of the gastrointestinal tract such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. Headaches can occur as accompanying complaints. In addition, dizziness, sweating and cramps as well as circulatory collapse can be considered as symptoms of poisoning. Toxins that act through the skin or mucous membranes often cause paralysis and increased salivation. A skin rash may develop. Depending on the toxic substance, signs of poisoning show up at different rates. After a snake bite, signs of poisoning such as shortness of breath, paralysis and sweating can occur within seconds. Poisoning can cause physical defensive reactions such as fever. Severe poisoning can lead to impaired perception and even unconsciousness. Untreated poisoning can cause cardiovascular failure or respiratory arrest. Poisoning can also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue as well as lassitude. Symptoms often occur after food poisoning. Unwashed, injected fruit or chemical substances used for preservation can cause nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. More severe reactions of the body may occur due to mushroom poisoning. Violent symptoms such as paralysis, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations may occur in addition to stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Fish poisoning can cause abdominal cramps and massive gastrointestinal distress, as well as chills and fever. Alcohol poisoning is accompanied by symptoms such as impaired balance, impaired consciousness, nausea and vomiting.
Complications
Poisoning can lead to very severe symptoms and, in the worst case, death of the affected person. However, death usually occurs only if the poisoning is very severe and continues to be untreated. The individual symptoms also depend strongly on the exact type of poisoning, so that no general prediction can be made here. The affected person feels unwell and there is an inner restlessness or confusion. Vomiting or nausea can also occur as a result of the poisoning and have a very negative effect on the quality of life of the affected person. Patients may also suffer from severe pain or discomfort in the male and intestinal areas. Furthermore, in severe cases, poisoning leads to loss of consciousness. Sometimes blood poisoning may also occur.Treatment always depends on the type of poisoning. Although no complications occur, the patient’s life cannot be saved in every case. In the case of mild poisoning, there is usually a positive course of the disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
If discomfort and sudden changes in health appear after consuming food, there is cause for concern. In case of malaise, an internal weakness or dizziness, a doctor should be consulted. Stomach cramps, diarrhea or rapid changes in blood pressure indicate a health condition that needs to be investigated and treated. If discoloration, general dysfunction or disturbances in mobility are apparent, this should be clarified by a physician. In severe cases, an ambulance service must be alerted. In the case of poisoning, there is a risk of sudden death of the affected person. Until the arrival of an emergency physician, first aid measures are to be taken by persons present. If the health changes occur although no food or liquids have been consumed, gases or other harmful substances may be in the air. There is also a need for quick action, since the toxins enter the organism through respiration and are equally harmful. If there are muscle cramps, vomiting or a collapse of the circulation, the affected person needs help. Loss of consciousness, loss of vision, and speech disorders should be presented to a physician as soon as possible. Itching, swelling or pain should be understood as warnings from the body. If existing symptoms increase in extent and intensity or if new symptoms appear, a physician is needed.
Treatment and therapy
Poisoning is a serious condition because the body is showing dangerous symptoms and is probably unable to carry the toxin out of the body or eliminate it on its own. Therefore, treatment usually consists of either administering an intravenous antidote in the hospital to block or destroy the trigger of the poisoning or pumping out the stomach to remove the remnants of the substance carrier from the body. Improvement of the poisoning should be seen within a few hours, and symptomatic treatment can be given in parallel. The problem with poisoning, however, is often to identify the poisonous substance that causes it – in the case of a snake bite, for example, it is not always obvious which substance is responsible. Other poisonings also occasionally show general symptoms that would suggest various poisonings and illnesses unrelated to the toxin.
Prevention
Prevention of poisoning is something every adult can take into their own hands. For example, caution should be exercised with trace elements such as iron and other metallic substances – if taken as dietary supplements, they can be overdosed with good intentions. In the case of children, adults must place special emphasis on preventing poisoning and, for example, prevent them from eating colorful but poisonous berries outside or playing with cleaning agents in the house. These are the causes of most poisonings requiring treatment in children – because they do not know which substances are dangerous for them, and usually do not listen to adults who warn them. Care should also be taken when giving children supplements, as an overdose can result from good will. Likewise, unfamiliar mushrooms should not be eaten. Clean water, especially in tropical countries, usually has to be bought, as the tap water does not meet our European standards.
Aftercare
Follow-up care after poisoning depends on the type and severity of the poisoning. In any case, the patient must be observed for several days to weeks after the incident. In cases of severe poisoning associated with serious physical symptoms, inpatient hospitalization is indicated. The attending physician regularly checks the patient’s general condition and initiates further measures if necessary. The physician clarifies the complaints and, if necessary, also obtains information about the background of the poisoning. Follow-up care is usually provided by the physician who has already taken over the treatment of the poisoning. Depending on the type of poisoning, this may be the family doctor or a specialist. In the case of severe poisoning, initial treatment is often provided by the emergency physician and follow-up care is provided by the clinician. If the poisoning was caused intentionally, for example by overdosing on a drug or excessive alcohol consumption, therapeutic counseling may also be necessary, among other things. Which measures are appropriate in detail depends on the type of poisoning and the circumstances that led to it and must be decided on a case-by-case basis.
What you can do yourself
In the event of poisoning, the first thing to do is to remain calm. The affected person should sit down calmly and dial 911. Depending on the type of poisoning, various measures can then be taken to relieve the symptoms of poisoning and, at best, flush out the toxin. If the eyes are affected, the palpebral fissure should be rinsed with lukewarm water. Poisoning involving the skin must also be treated with lukewarm water and soap. Clothing that has come into contact with the toxic substance must be removed in any case. In case of vomiting, the affected person must be kept in a prone and head-down position and stabilized. If the poison has been swallowed, vomiting must be avoided. In case of unconsciousness, the emergency physician should be called. The affected person must be placed in the recovery position and monitored. Suitable antidotes from specialist shops are medicinal charcoal and defoaming medicines. Administration is best done in consultation with poison control or medical personnel. If necessary, it may be permissible to ingest fluids to promote flushing of the toxin. An internal medicine specialist can tell you the exact measures to take in the event of poisoning. Individuals who are exposed to toxins in their professional or personal lives should learn about first aid measures ahead of time.
