Poisoning - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. Most poisons are ingested (swallowed). The word poison comes from the Latin word- potare - meaning to drink. Children are more susceptible to lead poisoning because lead can accumulate in their nervous system as they grow and develop. Death by lead poisoning is uncommon, but dangerous levels of lead in children may cause serious health problems, including lower intelligence and poor school performance. Three of the most important causes of food poisoning are the salmonella, clostridium botulinum and staphylococcal organisms. In the United States, about 1 million people are poisoned annually, 800 of them fatally. The prognosis depends on the amount of poison absorbed , its toxicity, and the time interval between poisoning and treatment. Breathing air, drinking water, eating food or swallowing or touching dirt that contains lead can cause many health problems. In adults, lead can increase blood pressure and cause infertility, nerve disorders and muscle and joint pain. Initial treatment includes emergency resuscitation; support for the patient's airway, breathing. and circulation; and prevention of further absorption of poison.

Causes of Poisoning

The common causes and risk factor's of Poisoning:

• Drinking water contaminated by agricultural or industrial activities.
• Vitamins - especially A and D - if taken in large amounts can cause liver trouble and death.
• Medicines that contain iron (like many multivitamins).
• Infective agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Some sign and symptoms related to Poisoning are as follows:

• Abdominal pain..
• Sluggishness.
• Burns around the nose or mouth.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Double or blurred vision.
• Weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.

Treatment of Poisoning

• Mild food poisoning is treated with rest and efforts to prevent or reduce dehydration.
• In rare cases, the physician may use ipecac to cause vomiting.
• Activated charcoal is effective in eliminating many toxic substances. The specific treatment depends on the poison.
• Antiseizure medicines can be used to treat or prevent seizures.