poison
any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions.
Millions of cases reported in USA.
poison may act as irritant or corrosive destroying skin and other body tissues.
toxin
poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants or animals.
poisonous gas
can act as a suffocating agent, displacing air.
systemic poison
causing harm to the entire body or to an entire body system.
this poison can critically depress or overstimulate the CNS, causing vomiting and diarrhea, prevent rd blood cells from carrying O2 or interfere with the biochemical processes of the in the body at cellular level.
effect and extend of damage will depend on the nature of the poison , its concentration, and sometimes how it entered the body. This factors vary in importance depending on the patient age, weight, and general health.
4 types of poison
-
ingested poison
- inhaled poison
- absorbed poison
- injected poison
food poisoning
can be caused by several different bacteria that grow when exposed to the right condition.
food poisoning caused by bacteria: symptoms may occur a day or so after ingestion.
food poisoning caused by toxins usually symptoms within hours of ingestion.
signs and symptoms: vary somewhat, frequently includes diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
prevention: wash hands and any surfaces the food touches.
adsorption
allows substances to attach to its surface
activated charcoal
substance that adsorbs many poisons and prevents them from being absorbed by the body.
It is not an antidote.
allergic reaction
exaggerated immune response.
the reaction is unpleasant but not dangerous
anaphylaxis
severe or life threatening reaction in which blood vessels dilate, causing drop in BP and the tissues lining the respiratory system swell, interfering with the airway
course of an allergic reaction
there is no way to predict the exact course of an allergic reactions. severe allergic reaction most often take place immediately but may be delayed 30 min or more.
A mild allergic reaction may turn into anaphylactic shock in a matter of minutes
Airway may swell and close off in minutes.
be prepared to manage airway and administer epinephrine if so advised by medical response.
difference between anaphylaxis and mild allergic reaction
to be considered a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, the patient must have either respiratory distress and symptoms of shock.