Poisoning is caused by exposure to a harmful substance. This can be due to swallowing, injecting, breathing in, or other means. Most poisonings occur by accident. Immediate first aid is very important in a poisoning emergency. The first aid you give before getting medical help can save a person's life. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local
emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. After rescuing a victim from danger, check their airway, breathing and circulation. If there is a visible obstruction of the upper airway which can be removed easily, then follow the procedure for doing so; once that has been accomplished, follow the most recent guidelines for CPR. Millions of poisonings are reported to United States poison control centers every year. Many result in death. It is important to note that just because a package does not have a warning label does not mean a substance is safe. You should consider poisoning if someone suddenly becomes sick for no apparent reason. Poisoning should also be considered if the person is found near a furnace, car, fire, or in an area that is not well ventilated. Symptoms
of poisoning may take time to develop. However, if you think someone has been poisoned, DO NOT wait for symptoms to develop. Get medical help right away. CausesItems that can cause poisoning include:
SymptomsFirst AidSeek immediate medical help. For poisoning by swallowing and some inhalations: Check and monitor the person's airway, breathing, and pulse. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
For inhalation poisoning: Call for emergency help. Never attempt to rescue a person without notifying others first. If it is safe to do so, rescue the person from the danger of the gas, fumes, or smoke. Open windows and doors to remove the fumes.
Do NotDO NOT:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalYour local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does not need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After doing first aid steps at home, you may need to go to the emergency room. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. At the hospital you will have an exam. You also may need the following tests and treatments.
PreventionBe aware of poisons in and around your home. Take steps to protect young children from toxic substances. Store all medicines, cleaners, cosmetics, and household chemicals out of reach of children, or in cabinets with childproof latches. Be familiar with plants in your home, yard, and vicinity. Keep your children informed, too. Remove any poisonous plants. Never eat wild plants, mushrooms, roots, or berries unless you very familiar with them. Teach children about the dangers of substances that contain poison. Label all poisons. DO NOT store household chemicals in food containers, even if they are labeled. Most nonfood substances are poisonous if taken in large doses. If you are concerned that industrial poisons might be polluting nearby land or water, report your concerns to the local health department or the state or federal Environmental Protection Agency. Some poisons or environmental exposures do not require large doses or contact to cause symptoms and injury. Therefore, it is very important to get treatment right away to avoid serious harm. The outcome will depend on the type of poison the person came in contact with and the care received to treat the exposure. ReferencesGummin DD, Mowry JB, Spyker DA, Brooks DE, Osterthaler KM, Banner W. 2017 Annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 35th annual report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2018;56(12):1213-1415. PMID: 30576252 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30576252/. Meehan TJ. Approach to the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 139. Nelson LS. Acute poisoning. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 2/12/2021 Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What are four signs a person has been poisoned?When to suspect poisoning. Burns or redness around the mouth and lips.. Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner.. Vomiting.. Difficulty breathing.. Drowsiness.. Confusion or other altered mental status.. Which of the following is a sign of poison?stomach pain. drowsiness, dizziness or weakness. high temperature. chills (shivering)
What are 6 signs of being poisoned?Moderate signs of poisoning in humans include the following:. Blurred vision.. Confusion and disorientation.. Difficulty in breathing.. Drooling.. Excessive tearing.. Fever.. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Loss of muscle control and muscle twitching.. What's the first sign of being poisoned?General poisoning symptoms include the following. Headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, perspiration, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, thirst, moodiness, soreness in joints, skin irritation, eye irritation.
|