Some useful tips about poisoning

Aug 26, 2018 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists, News

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Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Poisoning is a significant problem in Guyana and worldwide. According to WHO data, in 2012 an estimated 193,460 people died worldwide from unintentional poisoning. Of these deaths, 84% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly a million people die each year as a result of suicide, and poisoning accounts for a significant number of these deaths.
It is estimated that deliberate ingestion of pesticides causes 370,000 deaths each year worldwide. Animals including snakes also have poison, in the form of their venom.
Today we will talk about poisoning in general. Hopefully this will to educate you so that you can contribute to minimizing deaths and injuries from poisoning.

WHAT IS POISONING?

Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances such as our daily medications are poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. Others such as cleaners are dangerous only if ingested. Children are particularly sensitive to even small amounts of certain drugs and chemicals. Poisoning often occurs from an accident or a planned action.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF POISONING?

The effects of poisoning depend on the substance, amount, and type of contact. Your age, weight, and state of health also affect your symptoms.
Possible symptoms of poisoning include:
• nausea and/or vomiting
• diarrhea
• rash
• redness or sores around the mouth
• dry mouth
• drooling or foaming at the mouth
• trouble breathing
• dilated pupils (bigger than normal) or constricted pupils (smaller than normal)
• confusion
• fainting
• shaking or seizures (fits)

WHAT CAUSES POISONING?

There are a number of substances that are harmful and can cause poisoning. These include:
• household products and personal care products, like nail polish remover and mouthwash, which is harmful to children
• cleaning products and detergents
• paint thinner
• pesticides and bug spray
• lawn chemicals, such as herbicides, fertilizers, and fungicides
• metals, such as lead
• mercury, which can be found in old thermometers, batteries and mining
• prescription and over-the-counter medicines when combined or taken the wrong way
• illegal drugs
• carbon monoxide gas
• spoiled food
• plants, such as poison ivy and poison oak
• venom from certain snakes and insects.

HOW IS POISONING DIAGNOSED?

This usually depends on the poison that you are exposed to. Doctors will examine and speak with you to help figure out the poison. Sometimes this is not enough and tests have to be performed to help find the poison. Most poisons can be detected in your blood or urine. Sometimes other tests will have to be performed to see how the poison has affected your organs.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP PREVENT POISONING?

The best way to prevent poisoning is to avoid contact with harmful substances. Below are some guidelines you should follow.
• Keep all household substances out of the reach of children. You should put them in high or locked cabinets. This includes medicine, cleaning products, and other harmful chemicals. You also can childproof your house with safety locks and guards.
• Wear protective clothing, like gloves, when you use cleaners and chemicals.
• Avoid using pesticides, paint thinner and similar chemicals inside the house or garage. Try to find non-chemical solutions. If you do use these chemicals inside, keep the area well aired.
• Don’t mix chemicals. They may become poisonous when mixed. Bleach and ammonia are one example. When you mix them together, they create a deadly gas.
• Keep medicines and chemicals in their original containers.
• Label everything inside your medicine cabinet.
• Get rid of old or expired medicines and household products..
• Follow all product label directions.
• Have all gas-, oil-, and wood-fueled appliances serviced regularly. Be sure they are well vented.
• Never run your car in the garage, other than when you are coming or leaving.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Regularly test and replace the batteries.
• If you feel the urge to ingest a poisonous substance because of your situation, take a step back and think about what you are about to do. Speaking with someone responsible will often help and also make you realize that taking your life is not the solution.

HOW IS POISONING TREATED?
Treatment depends on the person and the type of poisoning. In this situation, try your best to stay calm. The first step is to get away from or remove the poison if you can. If the poison is in the air, move to a safe place with fresh air. If the poison is on the skin, rinse it off with water and remove nearby clothing. If the person swallowed the poison, do not try to induce vomiting. This approach is no longer recommended.
Try to get to the nearest medical facility if you are showing any symptoms of poisoning or you suspect that you have been exposed to a poison. There are antidotes for some poisons and getting them early prevents complications, including death.
The sooner you recognize poisoning symptoms, the better the outcome. However, the lasting effects of poisoning vary. It depends on the substance, amount, and type of exposure. Your age, weight, and state of health also affect your outcome. Poisoning can cause short-term effects, like a skin rash or brief illness. In serious cases, it can cause brain damage, a coma, or death.

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