Poisoning
Poisoning involves ingesting or coming in contact with substances that damage your body. Typical poisons include household and industrial chemicals, drugs, exhaust fumes, plants, metals or spoiled food.
The dangers of poisoning vary widely, from minor annoyances to coma and death. Typical signs of poisoning include rashes, vomiting, redness around the mouth and nose, chemical odors and burns. Empty pill bottles, unresponsiveness and difficulty breathing are also signs. If the person is not breathing, start CPR and call for help immediately.
Since poisons work in different ways depending on the amount and type ingested, it is important to consult with a doctor or a poison control center to seek advice for treatment.
Recently Answered
- Q How do I store medications to avoid accidental poisonings?
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Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineTo avoid accidental poisonings from medications, it is important to have a special, truly childproof medicine storage area in your home. Realize that kids always have and always will stick things in their mouths without thinking. All medications,... Full Answer
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- Q What forms can poison take?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIn order to know when and how to treat someone who has come into contact with a poisonous substance, you must first be familiar with what a poison is. Poison comes in four forms: solids (such as pills or tablets), liquids (such as gasoline), sprays (such... Full Answer
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- Q Are poinsettia plants toxic?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency MedicineThe answer is a resounding no! Every year kids or pets are rushed into the ER and countless calls come into Poison Control Centers around the country for ingestion of some part of the popular holiday plant. However, according to the American Association... Full Answer
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- Q Should someone with symptoms of alcohol poisoning see a doctor?
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- Q What symptoms of industrial waste poisoning are caused by benzene?
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- Q How do I manage my radiation poisoning on a daily basis?
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- Q How do medications treat poisoning?
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Many poisons are treated by swallowing activated charcoal. The charcoal enters the digestive tract and attaches to any of the poison has not yet been absorbed. This way, it can't get into the blood and harm the person. In some cases, there... Full Answer
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- Q What does "blood alcohol level" mean for alcohol poisoning?
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- Q Can alcohol poisoning have any complications?
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- Q Can eating stop or slow the process of alcohol poisoning?
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