What To Do If You Have Been Poisoned

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Overview – What Is Poison?

• Poisons are substances that lead to injury, sickness or death
• These occurrences are caused by a biochemical activity in the cells
• Poisons can be inoculated by injection, inhaled or consumed
• Poisoning should be assumed if an individual is ill for some unidentified reason
• Poor air circulation can intensify poisoning
• First aid is crucial for causalities that have been poisoned

Causes Of Poisoning

• Medicines
• Drug overdose
• Work-related exposure
• Cleaning agents/ or paints
• Carbon monoxide gas produced from heaters
• Pesticides
• Some cosmetics
• Some domestic plants

 Symptoms

• Lips turn blue
• Skin outbreaks
• Trouble breathing
• Diarrhea
• Queasiness and vomiting
• Fever
• Headache
• Light-headedness and tiredness
• Double vision

  

• Stomach or chest pain
• Shivers
• Loss of hunger and can’t control bladder
• Lack of feeling
• Muscle jerking
• Seizures
• Paleness
• Loss of consciousness

 Treatment For Poisoning

• Get immediate medical assistance
• Try and detect the poison if you can
• Examine for signs like burns nearby the mouth, breathing trouble or nausea
• Encourage vomiting only if the poison was consumed
• In case of seizures, shield the casualty from self-injury
• If the vomit makes contact with the skin, rinse it carefully
• Place the casualty on the left till medical assistance arrives

 For Poisons Which Have Been Inhaled

• Seek immediate emergency help
• Get help before you attempt to rescue others
• Hold a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth
• Open all the doors and windows
• Take deep breaths before you begin the rescue
• Avoid lighting a match
• Check the patient’s breathing
• Do a CPR, if necessary
• If the patient vomits, take steps to prevent choking

 Steps to Avoid

• Don’t give an unconscious casualty anything to eat or drink
• Do not induce vomiting unless told by a medical expert or if the poison was consumed
• Do not give any pills to the casualty unless directed by a medic or doctor
• Do not counteract the poison with honey or lime juice

 Prevention Of Poison

• Keep medications, cleaning shampoos, mosquito repellants and paints cautiously stored away
• Keep all potentially toxic substances away from kids
• Mark the poisons in your house so you can immediately see what it is
• Avoid having toxic plants in or around your home
• Take care while consuming products such as berries or mushrooms
• Teach kids they need to be cautious and not handle toxic substances.

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