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 What lifestyle changes should I make after I have alcohol poisoning?
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If you survive an episode of alcohol poisoning with no permanent damage, you will not necessarily need to make any lifestyle changes for medical reasons. However, you should evaluate why the overdose happened. For example, did you experience peer... Full Answer
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- Q How can alcohol poisoning affect my quality of life?
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Alcohol poisoning that does not result in death can have severe, life-altering health consequences. An alcohol overdose can cause coma. Breathing can be suppressed so severely that it becomes fatal. Arrhythmias and other heart problems can develop.... Full Answer
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- Q Are over-the-counter medications available for alcohol poisoning?
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There are no over-the-counter medications that can treat alcohol poisoning. In fact, there are no medications for this condition at all. Physicians can provide supportive care for someone with alcohol poisoning. A person with alcohol poisoning must be... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for alcohol poisoning?
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There is no treatment that stops the effects of alcohol poisoning and therefore "cures" it. However, physicians can provide care that supports the body as it clears the alcohol from its system on its own. It is most important to ensure that breathing is... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with alcohol poisoning?
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You cannot care for someone with alcohol poisoning on your own. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and requires professional care. You cannot "sober up" someone with alcohol poisoning by using cold showers or coffee. Never wait for someone to... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage alcohol poisoning on a daily basis?
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Alcohol poisoning is an acute, serious event that requires emergency treatment. Therefore, it is not a daily condition that needs regular management. When someone shows symptoms of alcohol poisoning (including cold body temperature, confusion, pale or... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for alcohol poisoning?
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Just as there are no medications that can stop the process of alcohol poisoning, there are also no established alternative treatments for this type of overdose. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and must always be treated as such. Cold showers and... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for alcohol poisoning?
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There is no treatment to directly stop the effects of alcohol poisoning. Instead, doctors provide care to safely support the body's functions while it processes the alcohol and clears it from its system. High on the list is ensuring a clear airway so... Full Answer
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- Q How does industrial waste poisoning affect the body?
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Industrial waste poisoning can affect the body in many different ways. Breathing toxic substances can have both short-term and long-term effects. For example, breathing a large amount of vinyl chloride, which is a chemical that is released from factories... Full Answer
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- Q Does radiation poisoning children differently than adults?
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In order to accomplish the rapid growth and development that occurs in children, cells must replicate at a higher rate than in adults. Cells that divide more frequently are at greater risk of injury due to radiation. Children are therefore more... Full Answer
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