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Health

First aid and treatment for methanol poisoning

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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Methanol poisoning is not uncommon at this time. There are many reasons for this. In some cases poisoning is observed in domestic conditions, in which there is an inappropriate storage of methanol, its storage in conjunction with food. Often in this way, children who like to taste everything taste.

The second cause of methanol poisoning is the abuse of alcohol, the use of low-quality and fake alcohol. Usually in falsifications ethanol (ethyl alcohol) contains methanol (methyl alcohol), which is a highly toxic compound that causes severe intoxication, a violation of the functional state of the body.

Therapy is resorted to after first aid is given, the toxic substance is neutralized and withdrawn from the body. Then comes the disintoxication therapy. Symptomatic and pathogenetic therapy is used, aimed at correcting the emerging conditions, as well as eliminating the main symptoms of pathology.

Often used analgesics of a strong character, because intoxication is usually accompanied by a strong pain syndrome. In this case, infusion therapy is used, which is in demand in almost all cases of poisoning. By infusion, it is possible to fill the deficiency of fluid and ions, which occurred as a result of the action of the poison agent. All toxic substances are neutralized and discharged outside.

A large number of maintenance substances are poured into the blood, which dilute the blood, because during the poisoning it has the property of thickening. In severe cases of pathology, hemodialysis is shown, the main purpose of which is to remove from the blood toxic substances and decay products of tissues that were formed during the period of inflammation.

Symptomatic therapy is aimed at eliminating all the main symptoms of pathology. In this case, often prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, because almost always poisoning is accompanied by inflammation, as well as tissue damage. Against the background of inflammation, an infectious process often develops, so therapy often involves the need for antibiotics. After the recovery of the body was carried out, diet therapy was used. Be sure to use a large amount of liquid. For several days you need to starve, then appoint a diet number 1a, which should be observed for several months.  

What should I do if methanol is poisoned?

When poisoning with methanol, you must first neutralize the effect of the poison, withdraw it from the body. Also, you must immediately provide first aid. As soon as possible, call an ambulance. In the meantime, the victim needs to be provided with fresh air. It is necessary to unbutton the upper buttons, remove all compressing objects.

It is necessary to clean the stomach of methanol, not allowing it to be absorbed through the walls of the gastrointestinal tract into the blood. To do this, you must induce vomiting, after drinking a large amount of water. You can also give the patient activated charcoal. If the victim is in a state of unconsciousness, he must be turned on his side in order to prevent a possible sinking of the tongue and the possibility of suffocation from vomit. After this, the patient should try to bring in feelings, giving him the opportunity to smell the cotton wool soaked with ammonia.

First aid for methanol poisoning

First of all, it is necessary to neutralize as soon as possible the action of methanol on the body and stop its further absorption into the blood. If swallowed, induce vomiting. This is usually done before the ambulance arrives. After the arrival of a doctor in a hospital, usually doing a full washing of the intestines, continuing the procedure until the formation of clean water. If there is an antidote, obligatory enter it. Gastric lavage is carried out in any case, even if there is blood, or purulent masses in the stomach. There are no contraindications to it.

Washing is usually done with preliminary premedication. To do this, use various painkillers, as well as anti-spasmodics. It is important to provide the patient with forced diuresis and alkalization of blood. To do this, apply pieces of ice, as well as various medicines. This makes it possible to neutralize the effect of acids that have already penetrated the blood. Anesthetics are used painkillers and narcotic drugs. When bleeding occurs, a cold is applied to the area of the stomach.

In severe cases, hemodialysis, transfusion may be required . To further treatment, only after the threat of life has passed, and the patient's vital signs have stabilized.

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Medications

It should be borne in mind that any medical intervention is made only after the patient's condition is stabilized and after the patient's life is not threatened. This can be achieved only after the action of the poison is neutralized, the stomach is washed. Many precautions must be followed. Therefore it is very important not to prescribe the medication yourself. You can only conduct the first first aid, after which the treatment should be selected by the doctor. It is determined by the complications and lesions that have caused methanol to the body. The doctor usually focuses on the current condition of the patient, the clinical picture of the disorders and the results of the tests when choosing the funds.

If improperly carried out further treatment, a number of complications may occur. So, self-treatment is often accompanied by gastric and intestinal disorders, disruption of peristalsis, severe pain and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, increased pressure, pulse. Often there is a headache, dizziness, tinnitus. A dangerous complication of improper intake of drugs may be a disorder of the nervous activity, the endocrine system, which entails a violation of the entire biochemical cycle. As a result, severe violations of the function of blood, the activity of the heart, liver, kidneys. There are often deaths.

The first and the main drug, which has long been used to treat poisonings, is activated carbon sorbent . It sorbs the action of poisonous substances, and removes them from the body. Take it in fairly high concentrations: 5-6 tablets every 3-4 hours in the first day, then, in the following 3 days, the dosage is reduced. Take 4-5 tablets every 5-6 hours, then 3-4 times a day.

The closest analogue of this drug is sorbex. It is also a powerful sorbent. Take the pill twice a day. Take should be with a lot of water: at least 2-2.5 liters per day.

To anesthetize, relieve spasms and activate the adrenal system, 1% atropine solution is administered in an amount of 0.1-1%.

An excellent analgesic is ketonal, which is taken 50 mg 1-2 times a day, depending on the severity of the course of the disease and the severity of the pain syndrome. It is a powerful remedy that has severe side effects. It is not prescribed for people with impaired renal and hepatic activity, with cardiac pathologies. Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage, because it can cause severe intoxication. When the first side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, occur, you need to reduce the dosage, or prescribe another drug.

Alternative treatment

Undoubtedly, alternative means are effective. But they need to be taken in the recovery period, after stabilizing the condition, normalizing the body's basic functions. It is better to consult your doctor before use. It should also be taken into account that the maximum effect can be achieved after the main treatment is performed, and when alternative drugs are included in the complex therapy.

As the main agent, a mixture is used that exerts detoxification action. For cooking, you need to boil the grain of oats until complete digestion. Drain the water, then mix the resulting gruel with honey. On a porridge of a porridge use approximately 2-3 table spoons of honey.

The second means - a decoction, which allows to restore the normal state of the mucous membrane. To prepare the broth you need to take about 100 grams of barley groats, pour it with a liter of water, boil, strain. The drug is allowed to stand for 2-3 hours, after which add the juice of squeezed lemon and 2-3 leaves of aloe. All this is mixed, drink a third cup approximately, 2-3 times a day.

Restore the forces, activate the immune system, stimulate the production of immunoglobulin mucous membranes can be with a vitamin mixture. So, for its preparation you need to pass through the meat grinder the fruits of ashberry, blackberries or blueberries. All this takes about 100 grams. In addition, add 50 grams of walnuts, dates (finely chopped, or missed through a meat grinder). All this is mixed, add about 3-4 tablespoons. You can add 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon and ginger.

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Herbal Treatment

After poisoning of any nature, cinnamon is used. It is a smart multivitamin agent, restores strength, normalizes metabolic processes. It is used after intense exposure to the stomach or intestines. This is the first remedy that is prescribed in the postoperative period, as well as after gastric lavage.

It increases resistance to infectious diseases, intoxications, inflammation of the mucous membranes. Decoction from the roots is drunk even with malaria.

Apply mainly inside, both in the form of a decoction, and in the form of infusion. Also often used water decoction of dogrose. For its preparation take about 2-3 tablespoons of rose hips, knead them in a mortar until the opening, the formation of seeds. Then pour a glass of warm water and insist for 2-3 hours. The agent is drunk on a third of the glass, previously strained through a double layer of gauze.

Salvia officinalis is practically an indispensable herb that is taken with any inflammatory and restorative processes, especially in case of inflammation of the digestive tract, to eliminate the consequences of intoxication. Has antimicrobial effect, normalizes the activity of the glands of internal and external secretion.

Well proven decoctions and infusions used for inflammation, colds, diarrhea, profuse perspiration and salivation, heartburn, during the recovery period. It can also be used in the form of infusion for long-term treatment aimed at restoring the mucous membrane and normalizing the general emotional and hormonal background, enhancing the body's ability to self-repair, resistance and endurance.

Purity is widely used in alternative medicine for various purposes. Delays the growth of some malignant tumors, reduces and calms the pain, removes warts, calluses, prevents cramps and spasms. Otozhno decoction of the roots used for baths, washings, lotions. Milky orange-red juice celandine is used to reduce warts, use instead of iodine in cuts. They are used in the form of stems, leaves and flowers.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies have proven themselves in the fight against the effects of intoxication. They are recommended to be used as part of complex therapy and after preliminary consultation with a doctor. These are the main precautions that must be adhered to unswervingly. It is also recommended to take them only after the basic therapy is carried out, especially after the action of the poison is neutralized. Despite the fact that the drugs are relatively safe, practical ones do not have contraindications, if used incorrectly, there may still be numerous side effects and consequences. The most dangerous complication is the disruption of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, headache, increased signs of intoxication. 

It is recommended to use vegetable dues prepared in the form of a decoction or infusion. Well-established collection, which includes seeds of flax, hawthorn and hips, chamomile. All components are taken in equal parts, thoroughly mixed. From the resulting mixture take 2-3 tablespoons for 2 cups of boiling water, pour, insist for 1-1,5 hours. After that, take a third cup three times a day, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of honey.

Infusion also has an excellent recovery potential. For cooking, you need to take 3 tablespoons of mountain ash, raspberry leaves, sage, hips. All this is filled with 500 alcoholic beverages or alcohol. They give the opportunity to brew for 2-3 days in a dark place. Then take 2-3 tablespoons twice a day.

The decoction of stevia and nettle has a stimulating effect. Activates the immune system, normalizes the mucous membranes, increases the body's resistance, endurance. For cooking, take a tablespoon of Stevia herb and 2-3 sheets of nettle, pour boiling water, after which they start to drink a third of the glass three times a day. If there is a lot of sediment - you can filter through several layers of gauze. Usually the decoction has a sweet taste, as stevia is an excellent sweetener, which is used in dietary nutrition, with diabetes mellitus.

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