Poisoning happens when one takes into his/her body stuff that damages their cells and body organs that injures their health.
Poisoning can be through swallowing, inhaling, through bites or can be injected to your skin through cuts and syringes. Most substances become poisonous if only they are taken in big quantities or if taken as an overdose.
Some of the substances can be so toxic that even if they are consumed in smaller quantities the results can be fatal. Such substances which may include inhaling carbon monoxide can lead to death.
Statistics show that poisoning accounts for more than 100,000 NHS hospital admissions in the UK at least every year.
Types of poison
There are many different kinds of poisonous substances that include household products, medicines, plants and berries. Alcohol and tobacco can also be poisonous though most people do not really know that.
The common causes of poisoning are accidental and happen mostly in the home. It is especially common with kids under the age of five.
Most of the cases usually have minor effects for example stomach aches and general first aid can help the victim. For those with severe cases, such us difficulties in breathing, dizziness or life threatening symptoms, they might need to be rushed to hospital; fatal cases are generally rare.
Some of the causes
Causes may include products around the home such as medicines when taken in overdose, cleaning products such as Jik and disinfectants, cosmetics such as shampoo, nail removers, and garden products such weed killers.
Other causes include insects and snakes. Most of the plants in the UK are harmless, and if consumed, they will cause minor effect like stomach upsets. Some types however, can cause some more serious problems, so it is important to dread harmless plants.
Food can also cause problems if it goes stale, moldy or if it is contaminated with bacteria.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the substance and the amount you have taken but the general signs may include stomach pains, drowsiness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, burns around the mouth, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, over production of saliva and chills among others.
Treatment
Being poisoned can be life threatening. They deserve quick medical attention especially if they have swallowed poisonous substances. If you suspect that a person has been poisoned and they look unconscious, you should try to make them wake up and you must also encourage the person to stay with their mouth open just incase they may feel like vomiting and spitting.
You should also wipe the vomit and have their head pointing down to allow any remaining vomit to escape without chocking them. You should also avoid giving them food or drinks as it can only make the condition worse.
You should remember to seek for medical intervention when the situation is more serious and cannot be handled at home. The patient should not be surrounded by many people to allow fresh air to penetrate especially if they have difficulties in breathing.
