What is Poisoning?
Poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to a substance that can cause illness, injury, or death. This exposure can happen through ingestion, inhalation, injection, or skin contact.
Common Types of Poisoning
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Chemical poisoning: Household products, pesticides, cleaning agents
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Medication overdose: Prescription or over-the-counter drugs
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Food poisoning: Contaminated food or drinks
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Carbon monoxide: Colorless, odorless gas
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Plant poisoning: Toxic plants and mushrooms
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Immediate Signs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Burns around mouth or skin
- Excessive drooling
Other Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
Emergency Response
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Call Emergency Services Immediately
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Contact Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US)
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Gather Information:
- Substance involved
- Amount exposed to
- Time of exposure
- Patient's symptoms
Prevention Measures
- Store chemicals and medications securely
- Keep products in original containers
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
- Read labels carefully
- Teach children about poison hazards
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Breathing difficulties occur
- Unconsciousness
- Severe pain or burning
- Suspected poisoning in children
- Unknown substance exposure
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on:
- Type of poison
- Method of exposure
- Severity of symptoms
- Time since exposure
Common Treatments Include:
- Activated charcoal
- Antidotes (when available)
- Supportive care
- Decontamination procedures
Follow-up Care
- Follow discharge instructions carefully
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Monitor for delayed symptoms
- Review prevention strategies