Intoxication is a pathological condition caused by exposure to toxins of various origins. In this case, there is a violation of the vital activity of the body, a deterioration in well-being, damage to many organs and systems, and sometimes death. The severity of a person's condition depends on what kind of poison and in what quantity entered the body, the duration of its exposure and the body's resources for recovery. To date, several million different toxins are known that can have a negative impact on human he alth. In this article, we will look at how to recognize the onset of intoxication, the causes of its development and possible treatment options.
Classification of poisoning
Depending on the method of penetration of toxic substances into the body, it is customary to distinguish two types of intoxication:
- Endogenous. The formation of toxins occurs in the body itself.
- Exogenous. Poisonous substances come from outside.
Endogenous and exogenous intoxication of the body can cause dangerous consequences for the body. Very importanttimely treatment.
Also, experts distinguish several forms of the disease, which depend on the duration of contact with a toxic substance.
- Subacute intoxication. Occurs when a person is exposed to a toxin again. There is a violation of the functionality of the body.
- Acute exogenous intoxication. It is caused by a short-term contact of a person with a toxic substance. Symptoms are more pronounced than in the previous form.
- Super sharp. The most dangerous form of poisoning. It occurs when a large amount of toxic substances enter the body. Can cause serious damage to the central nervous system, and sometimes death in a very short time.
- Chronic exogenous intoxication. Appears with prolonged contact with toxic substances. It happens that a person does not even imagine about it, thereby losing time for treatment. Symptoms are rather weak, clinical manifestations are erased.
The routes of entry of toxic substances
Since exogenous intoxication involves exposure to toxic substances from the outside, it is possible to identify the main routes of their entry into the human body.
- Respiratory organs. Vapors of harmful substances are inhaled.
- Digestive organs - with poor nutrition.
- When exposed to the skin. For example, with insect bites, snakes.
Features of poisoning
Exogenous intoxication is a pathological condition in which the occurrence of poisoningoccurs due to the ingestion of toxic substances from the environment. The poisoning process can develop rapidly with all the accompanying symptoms or be slow.
It depends on what kind of toxin affects the body, how long it lasts and what the response of the person's immune system will be. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), exogenous intoxication is under the code T36-T78.
Possible causes
The main causes of symptoms of exogenous intoxication is exposure to toxic substances. Consider the most common of them.
- Smoky air.
- Poor quality or spoiled products.
- Drugs.
- Alcohol
- Some drugs. In this case, exogenous intoxication according to ICD 10 will be under the code T36-T50.
- Poor-quality working conditions (for example, in hazardous industries).
- Animal poisons.
- Heavy metals.
- Chemical elements.
- Mushrooms.
- Household chemicals.
- Arsenic.
- Selenium.
- Pesticides and nitrates used in the agricultural industry.
- Acid and alkali.
It happens that the development of intoxication is not associated with the substances themselves, but with the products of their processing in the body.
Symptoms
Signs of exogenous intoxication are numerous and depend on many factors. Consider the mainthem:
- The way the toxin enters the body.
- The frequency of its impact.
- Concentration of poisonous substance.
- The determination of the properties of the toxin is of great importance in exogenous and endogenous intoxications.
- The body's response to a toxic product.
Symptoms should include the following conditions:
- Headache.
- A sharp increase in body temperature to high values. But when poisoned with certain drugs, the temperature can drop significantly.
- Body ache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Chills.
- Allergic reactions.
- Bad breath.
- Heartburn.
- flatulence and stool disorder.
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- Shortness of breath, cough, shortness of breath.
- Changes in blood pressure.
- Increased sweating.
- Cyanosis.
- In especially severe cases, there are signs of damage to the central nervous system. These include dizziness, convulsions, impaired speech and motor activity, confusion and fainting.
It is worth noting that poisoning with some poisons has peculiar features by which a toxic substance can be identified.
Signs of chronic exogenous intoxication will be somewhat different from those listed above. These include:
- Frequent headaches.
- Depression.
- Sleep disorders.
- Heartburn, stool disorders.
- Nervousness.
- Changes in body weight.
- Fatigue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing intoxication is not difficult. It is more difficult to determine the source of this condition. For this, a set of diagnostic measures is used, which includes the following procedures:
- Examination of the patient and taking a clinical history.
- Listening to the heart rate.
- Measuring blood pressure and heart rate.
- Research of the fundus.
- ECG.
- General analysis of urine and blood.
- Biochemical blood test.
- Performing special tests.
First aid
Poisoning is a dangerous condition, which in some cases can lead to serious consequences in a short time. In this case, timely treatment is important. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know how to provide first aid before the ambulance arrives.
- First of all, you need to thoroughly wash your face and rinse your eyes. The procedure should be performed carefully so as not to provoke damage.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Induce vomiting.
- Cold must be applied to the area of the digestive tract.
It should be noted that the above methods of first aid are not suitable for everyone. This will depend on the source of the pathological condition. Therefore, you should consult a doctor (for example, by calling an ambulance).
Treatment
Treatment for intoxication includesincluding conservative therapy and diet. Therapy in most cases consists of several stages, which include:
- Removal of poison that has not been absorbed.
- Removal of poison that has already entered the body. Serums and antidotes are used for this.
- Carrying out all the necessary procedures to remove intoxication.
- Remediation.
Detoxification methods include:
- Plentiful drink.
- Gastric lavage. In a hospital, the introduction of a probe through the esophagus is used. With first aid recommended drinking plenty of water and inducing vomiting. Then you need to take sorbents.
- Reception of adsorbents.
- Intake of enzymes.
- Antioxidants.
- Oxygen therapy (treatment with oxygen).
- Blood transfusion. Required for alcohol or vinegar poisoning.
- Hemosorption.
If the doctor diagnosed mild poisoning and a significant improvement in the condition, the patient is left for home treatment with the definition of a therapy plan. If the condition stabilizes, blood and urine tests should be taken after a few days to confirm recovery.
Diet plays a big role in eliminating the symptoms of intoxication, because the body needs to restore lost nutrients and energy. At the same time, food should be high-calorie, but at the same time easy to digest and not irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.
Need for resuscitation
Sometimes there aresituations where resuscitation is needed. These include hyperacute form of poisoning and chronic unspecified exogenous intoxication.
Let's consider in more detail the signs of pathological conditions and resuscitation actions used in each specific case.
- Hypothermia. May occur in case of nitrate poisoning, in which vasospasm occurs and, as a result, a decrease in body temperature.
- The defeat of the respiratory system. Possible depression of the respiratory center, there may be a retraction of the tongue. Spot therapy needed.
- Hyperthermia. Body temperature can reach up to 41 degrees.
- Disorders of the digestive system. In this case, bleeding from the digestive tract can occur and prolonged loose stools appear. Such conditions can lead to dangerous consequences. Urgent help needed.
- The occurrence of convulsions leading to respiratory disorders and brain hypoxia.
- Development of liver and kidney failure, which can lead to hepatitis and jaundice.
If the patient lost consciousness before the arrival of the ambulance, it is necessary to lay him on a flat surface and turn his head to one side. Remove excess clothing and provide access to fresh air. Constantly check breathing and pulse. If they stop, chest compressions should be performed until the ambulance arrives.
Possible consequences
Severe intoxication can affect many organs and systems of the body. The most common complications fromexposure to toxins include:
- Dehydration.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Renal and liver failure.
- Pneumonia.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Shock.
- Pulmonary edema.
- Mental disorders.
- Tissue damage.
- Impaired water and electrolyte balance.
- Brain damage.
- Development of coma and death.
Prevention
Toxins that can cause poisoning of the body are numerous. Therefore, preventive measures will cover many factors of their development.
- Use only quality water and food.
- Before taking medicines, you must read the instructions and check the expiration dates.
- Timely detection and treatment of chronic and infectious diseases.
- Don't eat unknown mushrooms.
- Before going into the forest, you must wear protective equipment.
- When working with toxic substances, you must follow safety rules.
It is important to remember that for the safety of children it is necessary to remove all hazardous substances from their reach.
Conclusion
Exogenous intoxication can lead to dangerous and sometimes irreparable consequences. If poisonous substances enter the body, it is necessary to provide first aid as soon as possible. If the poison was removed from the body as soon as possible, dangerous consequences can be avoided. In the absence of treatment or its untimeliness, serious consequences are unlikely to be avoided.
Whencompliance with preventive measures and a he althy lifestyle, the likelihood of poisoning is minimized. If intoxication of the body could not be avoided, there is no need to self-medicate.
