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Poisoning with vinegar, cyanide, boric acid vapors: assistance, gastric lavage
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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Acids have become quite widespread in everyday life. Today, acids are encountered in everyday life, in agriculture, in industry, in research institutes and in practicing laboratories. Sometimes even cooking, and the usual home preservation is not without the use of acids. Hence the significant increase in traumatology patients who enter the hospital with a diagnosis of acid poisoning. The most dangerous is the ingress of acids into the body. Nevertheless, external damage to tissues and mucous membranes with acids is no less dangerous to the health and life of the patient.
Causes of the poisoning with acid fumes
There are three main reasons: poisoning in the workplace, careless handling and application for the purpose of committing suicide. In production, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements, there should be good equipment, equipped hoods, properly selected dishes and protective devices. It is necessary to wear protective gloves, masks, glasses, and sometimes even special protective suits. Neglect of the rules for the use of acids and protective equipment, irregular and careless inspections and briefings entail accidents in which it is possible not only poisoning the employee, but also mass poisoning.
In everyday life there are often poisonings due to negligence, for example, when spraying plants, processing the garden from pests, working with varnishes and paints, in construction. Many neglect elementary protection, exceed the recommended dosage, leave cans of acid open, combine them with other acids or water, leave in the sun or near a radiator. Quite often, acids are stored inaccurately, while they are spreading or poisoning vapors are released. Or the acids are simply sprayed, poured. When using acids in the food industry and cooking, the main causes of accidents are overdose, when an excessive amount of acid is poured into the product or conservation. Food acids are also often confused with non-edible acids, adding them to food. By negligence, men are often hunted, as they tend to disregard instructions and safety.
Women are most often targeted intentionally, with the goal of suicide. Today, there is also a tendency to commit deliberate poisoning by adolescents.
Symptoms of the poisoning with acid fumes
Poisoning can manifest itself in different ways depending on which acid has been affected and in what quantity. A common feature of all poisoning with acids is a pronounced local reaction, which manifests itself in the form of burns and tissue necrosis. If ingested, a burn occurs. In case of external exposure, skin lesions of different areas and depths are damaged. All this is accompanied by burning, deteriorating health, a sharp headache, pressure and pain in the sternum and heart. The complexion changes dramatically, the mucous membrane becomes over-dried, acquires a cyanotic shade. A strong, painful vomiting develops, often with impurities of blood, bleeding may open.
Quite quickly develops pain or toxic shock, a person loses consciousness, pupils cease to respond to light, necrosis of affected areas occurs. Violated cardiac and respiratory function, may develop a nervous or convulsive fit, tremor or paralysis of smooth muscles.
On severe poisoning, which occurs a few days after contact with acids or with prolonged work with them, indicates an increase in temperature, dry mouth, weakness, sometimes - delirium and hallucinations, migraines. There is a shiver in the body, panic, the pupils become dilated. Major reflexes, swallowing and even respiratory, can be violated. Blood pressure drops sharply, tachycardia occurs. In the blood appears free hemoglobin due to the destruction of erythrocytes, which leads to the appearance of a blue shade of the mucous membranes, lips, skin. Violated the entire metabolism, there is a strong intoxication, decreased diuresis. Possible edema, emphysema, the development of cardiac and respiratory failure, a violation of the heart, the discovery of external and internal bleeding.
Acid poisoning in the early stages can be indicated by impaired perception, distorted odors, taste sensations. Also develops headache, mild dizziness, nausea, pain in the temples and behind the breastbone, heart rate increases. Breathing becomes frequent, there is a feeling of lack of air. There may be a feeling of heat, or vice versa, cold, trembling, slight tremor. When burns there is a burning sensation, pain, slight redness.
Stages
Depending on the severity, there are three stages. At an easy stage there is an initial intoxication of the body or a local effect of acid on the affected organs and tissues. Minor burns are observed in the places of contact of acid with the body. Changes in the basic vital parameters do not occur: the blood does not condense, the damage to the internal organs is practically not observed.
With an average degree of intoxication, the organ that was exposed is severely affected. When food poisoning affects primarily the esophagus and stomach, with external poisoning, damage occurs to the main areas of the skin and mucous that have been in contact with the acid. A moderate intoxication develops, as a result of which the blood condenses, vital signs are violated. It ends with shock, convulsions or paralysis.
At a serious stage, not only those organs and tissues that have come into contact, but also the surrounding tissues, suffer. All walls of the esophagus are affected, erosions and ulcers appear, bleeding may occur. The result is the defeat of the entire digestive canal, as well as the respiratory tract. A person can begin to suffocate. It also develops pain or toxic shock, nervous system damage, tremor, smooth muscle failure. Ends with all acute renal or hepatic insufficiency, paralysis of the heart.
Acetic acid poisoning
A common form of poisoning, observed in everyday life, everyday life. Acetic acid has found wide application in the preparation of various dishes, marinades, sauces, as well as in preserving products. It is used for cleaning, washing, descaling, unpleasant odor.
When poisoning manifests immediately 2 effects - local and resorptive. The essence of local defeat lies in the fact that those tissues that are directly exposed to the poison are damaged. Often there is vomiting, in which bloody impurities appear. Gradually, there is absorption of the substance, a resorptive effect is observed. Intensive hemolysis of erythrocytes occurs, a large amount of free hemoglobin is released. Accordingly, anemia develops, the body loses oxygen, carbon dioxide and metabolic products cease to appear outside. Skin and mucous become blue. Cyanosis develops, which contributes to the disruption of metabolic processes in the body, disruption of the heart, kidneys and liver.
Many complications can develop that lead to suffocation and the development of respiratory failure. Danger of bleeding, which is usually difficult enough to stop. Complications develop either immediately after the poisonous substance enters the blood, or a week or even a month after the poisoning. The most dangerous are complications on the kidneys, in which kidney cells are damaged, and their gradual death occurs.
The help consists in washing the stomach, which is washed to clean water. The stomach is washed even when there is severe vomiting and blood impurities, as the main task is to remove acid from the stomach, to prevent its further absorption into the blood, to eliminate the damaging effect. Washing should be carried out within 6 hours after ingestion of the substance inside, otherwise it will be ineffective due to the fact that the acid is no longer absorbed.
Do not use laxatives. In case there was a laryngeal edema and a blockage of the respiratory tract, suffocation, one should immediately hold a tracheotomy, during which a special tube through which breathing occurs is inserted into the larynx.
Later, after the threat of life is over, they begin to conduct symptomatic and supportive therapy. They stop the pain that accompanies the lesions. To do this, use painkillers, including narcotic drugs.
When hypovolemia occurs, as well as for the removal of toxic products of hemolysis from the blood and the body as a whole, infusion therapy is performed, pouring up to 5-10 liters of solutions per day, which reduces the load on the heart muscle, and eliminates the effects of blood thickening. Introduce drugs aimed at increasing hemolysis, treatment of burns, preventing the development of infectious and inflammatory processes, removing edema. Often laser irradiation of the esophagus walls is used, hormonal preparations that prevent stenosis and bleeding are administered.
[21], [22], [24], [25], [26], [27],
Poisoning with hydrocyanic acid
Cyanic acid is a poisonous agent, which has long been used for massacres, suicides, and deliberate poisonings. The lethal concentration of this substance is only 1 mg / kg body weight. Acts very quickly. In pharmaceutical reference books, the literature is presented as cyanic hydrobromic, and in the people it is often called cyanide.
The mechanism of action is to penetrate the blood and block enzymes, which leads to hypoxia. Cardiac activity is very rapidly inhibited, changes in biochemistry are irreversible.
It can be found in the light industry, it is used for the manufacture of glass, it has silverware, zinc alloys. You can find, for example, in the composition of insecticides, herbicides, during the process of deratization. In everyday life can be found even in fruit bones.
It comes mainly through the respiratory and digestive organs. In some cases, it can even pass through the skin barrier and seep through the skin tissues. The first reaction, which occurs - violation of intracellular pressure, the blood loses trace elements. Numerous violations develop, the victim suffocates. Then there are strong convulsions with vomiting. The danger of this condition is the ingress of vomit into the respiratory tract, there is blockage and choking. If you do not provide first aid, the person will immediately die. At low concentrations, death occurs within a few minutes, and at high concentrations a person dies in a few seconds.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide assistance within a few minutes - enter the antidote and remove the poison from the body. At the same time, one must not forget the need to monitor the vital signs of a person. Then the patient is obligatorily hospitalized and provided with further treatment.
Poisoning with boric acid
It is often observed in newborns. It happens when the nursing mother processes the nipples with boric acid.
The acid is capable of localization in various parts of the body. Usually the substance is in the tissues for three days, after which it is removed from the body. This has a toxic effect on all organs that take part in its neutralization. First of all, the liver, spleen, kidneys suffer. This leads to the development of necrosis, in which the main tissue dies and is replaced by a connective tissue.
Treatment includes a replacement blood transfusion, gastric lavage. Together with this, a laxative is prescribed, peritoneal dialysis is performed, and also diuresis is maintained or forced. In especially severe cases resort to extracorporeal transfusion.
When carrying out such manipulations, it is necessary to carefully monitor the level of blood pressure. To do this, support the work of the kidneys, pour in fluids, inject epinephrine and norepinephrine, which stimulate the hormonal system. They resort to the use of glucocorticoids, which prevent the development of irreversible processes in the body. Control the parameters of blood plasma and other vital indicators by infusion infusion of supporting and stimulating solutions.
For other forms of acid poisoning, read here.
Complications and consequences
The consequences of intoxication can be different. It depends on what kind of acid the person has poisoned, and on the concentration of the substance that got into the blood. The first serious consequence that occurs when contacting acid is the development of a burn disease. When liquid enters the body through the respiratory tract, the nasal passages, nasopharynx, pharynx, trachea, larynx and lungs burn. When acid is ingested through the digestive tract, the esophagus and stomach are affected. If there was a superficial contact, the mucous membranes and the surface of the skin are affected.
Usually, poisoning is accompanied by intoxication, in which dyspeptic syndrome develops. The most serious complication is the defeat of the nervous system and respiratory center, which causes respiratory depression, paralysis, and suffocation. The most dangerous type of complications is the development of cardiac and respiratory insufficiency, irreversible damage to the kidneys and liver.
Diagnostics of the poisoning with acid fumes
To make the correct diagnosis, the doctor first of all attentively studies the anamnesis of life and illness of the patient. After this, based on the clinical picture, an anamnesis is preceded by a preliminary diagnosis. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.
On the study are taken gastric lavage, vomit. Biological and toxicological analysis is carried out. The blood test is used to detect the level of free hemoglobin in the blood, to determine the activity of the main enzymes.
If necessary, appoint instrumental studies: gastroscopy, rectoscopy, X-ray, ultrasound and others. They make it possible to identify and visualize lesions, the degree and stage of the burn and inflammatory process, and to determine the necessary treatment.
Who to contact?
Treatment of the poisoning with acid fumes
To begin with, it is necessary to neutralize the action of the poison and prevent its further absorption. After this, the patient is provided with access to fresh air. It is necessary to induce vomiting. In hospital conditions, the stomach is washed as soon as possible. Immediately introduce an antidote. For each type of acid its antidote.
Only after the threat of life has passed and the vital signs are stabilized, they begin to treat the consequences. Fighting a pain shock is being conducted. To do this, apply strong analgesics. Immediately, infusion therapy is performed, which makes it possible to fill the deficiency of fluid and ions, which occurred as a result of the action of acids. For this, a large number of supporting substances are poured. In addition, they provide a dilution of blood, which during poisoning thickens. In parallel, neutralizing therapy, hemodialysis is carried out. These procedures are aimed at removing from the blood of toxic substances and decay products that have formed during the period of inflammation.
If other symptoms occur, treatment is performed to correct them. Then the hunger is shown for several days. You can only drink water in large quantities. After this time, diet No.1a is prescribed, which should be observed for 2-3 months.
What to do with acid poisoning?
In case of poisoning with acids, you need to stop the effect of acid on the body as soon as possible. If the acid is ingested, vomiting is necessary. Then you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible, informing the operator that the patient has severe poisoning. If there is a possibility to introduce an antidote, it should be administered as soon as possible, without waiting for the doctor to arrive.
First aid for poisoning with acids
Immediately wash. If present in the emetic masses of blood, rinsing is still carried out. Before washing, premedication is performed: various pain relievers and antispasmodics are administered. This prevents further absorption of acid into the blood.
To ensure forced diuresis and alkalization of the blood, use pieces of ice, as well as various medications. This makes it possible to neutralize the effect of acids that have already penetrated the blood. Anesthetics are used painkillers and narcotics, in case of bleeding, a cold is applied to the stomach area. If necessary, blood transfusion is performed. After the condition stabilized, they begin to carry out further treatment according to the indications.
First aid for poisoning with acids
The essence of pre-medical care is to withdraw the remedy, which got into the body outside and prevent its further absorption. For this, it is easiest to induce a vomitive reflex. In order to neutralize the effect of acid, which has already penetrated into the blood, it is necessary to use an antidote. For each acid, it's your own. It is necessary to begin to act as quickly as possible, since poisoning with some acids leads to death within 1-2 minutes. Thus it is necessary to remember about necessity to watch vital signs of the patient.
However, when poisoning with strong acids, the opinion of specialists is divergent. Today, many doctors claim that it is better not to induce vomiting, because when the acid is reversed, along with gastric juice, a severe burn of the esophagus occurs. In addition, there is a sharp increase in the risk of rupture of the stomach, large blood vessels. A person can get even a heart attack or a stroke as a complication. To introduce alkalis that provide neutralization of the acid is also not worth it, since the reaction taking place in the body can provoke numerous complications, including bleeding, burns and shell ruptures. A liquid, especially water, is also not necessary, since when combined with water, a violent reaction occurs with the release of gas, which corrodes the walls of internal organs and vessels. In addition, the reaction occurs with the release of heat, which increases the chemical burn. Laxative should also not be taken, because this will only promote a deeper promotion of acid along the digestive tract and cause a burn of the entire intestine.
If bleeding occurs, if there is such an opportunity. It is recommended to prick a hemostatic. If not, a hot water bottle or a usual cold is applied to the stomach. Anesthetics are also provided. Everything must be done in the form of injections. If there is a spasm of the larynx and it is difficult to breathe, it is necessary to provide air access and give smells of menthol couples. When unconsciousness is allowed to smell ammonia.
[51], [52], [53], [54], [55], [56]
Gastric lavage during acid poisoning
Washing is carried out with a probe that is lubricated at the end with Vasilin or oil. For washing, cold water is used. Hold until the water is clear. Before washing, premedication is performed. Flushing prevents further absorption of the poison into the blood and removes acids from the stomach.
Medications
Medicines should be taken with caution. It is better to prescribe a doctor. Because any remedy in combination with acid behaves differently. Between them, a chemical reaction is possible, the consequences of which have a negative impact on the state of health.
To remove acid residues from the stomach, activated charcoal can be used, which cleanses not only the stomach, but also blood. Apply 5-6 tablets at a time. After this, you can re-accept after 5-6 hours.
To anesthetize, relieve spasms and activate the adrenal system, 1% atropine solution is administered in an amount of 0.1-1%.
For anesthesia, to calm, remove nervous and muscular overstrain, inject 2% papaverine solution intramuscularly at 0.2-1 ml.
Analgesic effect has a 1% solution of pantanol, which is administered through 0.1-0.5 ml.
Vitamins
Every organism needs a high-grade food and getting the necessary amount of vitamins. After the poisoning, during the recovery period, it is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentrations:
- Vitamin PP - 60 mg
- Vitamin H - 150 μg
- Vitamin C - 1000 mg
- Vitamin E is 45 mg.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
When poisoning physioprocedures as such are not applied. They are used mainly at the stage of recovery, with symptomatic treatment. For example, a laser is used to heal chemical burns. For deep penetration into the tissues of drugs, electrophoresis is used. To eliminate the pain symptoms apply cold procedures. Thermal procedures are used to restore and quickly regenerate various wounds. Various types of radiation affect the burn zone to prevent the inflammatory and infectious process.
Alternative treatment
To restore the body and overcome the effects of poisoning use alternative means. They are most effective in complex therapy. It is necessary to consult the doctor in advance and only after that apply any medications. Wide application was found by various strengthening and restoring agents, sorbents, herbal preparations, which help to relieve inflammation.
- Mixture restoring
For preparation it is necessary to take 200 grams of dried apricots, raisins, dried apples, prunes. Grind it all through a meat grinder. The resulting mixture is mixed with honey, add 2 tablespoons of ground ginger and the same amount of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Allow the product to stand for 24 hours. Take 1 tablespoon per day, before washing down with juice of half a lemon.
- Juice fortifying
To make juice, take a glass of pomegranate juice, add 50 ml of dogrose syrup, 50 ml of hawthorn syrup to it. All mix, add honey to taste. Drink for 1 time.
- Drink with burn disease
To make a drink take about 20 grams of sea-buckthorn berries, knead them until the appearance of oil. Pour boiling water. Allow to cool to a warm state. In the resulting tea, add 1 teaspoon of magnolia vine or half lemon juice. Drink at a time. In a day you can drink up to three cups of this tea.
[59], [60], [61], [62], [63], [64], [65]
Herbal Treatment
Herbal treatment is used as part of complex therapy for recovery after poisoning.
Well proven stevia. It promotes the rapid restoration of tissues, stabilizes cells and prevents their death. Stimulates the immune system, which significantly reduces the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory processes, and also replenishes the vitamin deficiency.
To prepare the broth, take 1 tablespoon of herbs, pour a glass of boiling water. They give the opportunity to infuse, filter. They drink during the day. You can add honey to taste.
When poisoning is often observed thickening of the blood. It is recommended for her liquefaction to take a decoction of nettle. 3-4 leaves of nettle along with the stalk are filled with a glass of boiling water, give the opportunity to brew. After the agent is infused, it is filtered and drunk. During the day, you need to drink the whole glass.
You can remove the inflammation with a decoction of chamomile. To prepare the broth, take 1 tablespoon of flowers, pour 500 ml of boiling water. They give the opportunity to brew. Drink half the glass three times a day, always in a warm form.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies have a powerful restorative effect. They are used as part of complex therapy. Before you start taking medications, you need to consult a doctor beforehand. Homeopathic remedies may not be combined with each other, or with medications. Many of them are contraindicated after exposure to acids on the body. In order not to harm yourself, you need to observe the basic precautionary measure - consult a doctor beforehand.
- Ointment after chemical burn
As a basis ointments take badger or cod liver oil. Add 2-3 drops of vitamin E to it, mix thoroughly. Ointment can be used both for external use, and for healing of wounds inside the body. Used for burns of the esophagus, stomach. For oral administration, one teaspoon of the drug is eaten 1-2 times a day. For external use - ointment is spread on the affected area of the skin, rubbed and allowed to soak.
- Elixir for regenerating
For cooking, take 1 tablespoon of stevia grass, add as many leaves of nettle, put 5-10 berries of dog rose. Pour vodka or alcohol. They give the opportunity to brew. Usually the drug is infused for 7 days. After that, you can drink 1 tablespoon three times a day.
- Decoction from the esophagus burn
To prepare the broth take 5 grams of root aira, pour boiling water. Let stand for half an hour. Then I drink 1 teaspoonful three times a day.
- Infusion from esophagus burns
To recover after a chemical burn, take about 2 teaspoons of propolis, pour a glass of vodka or alcohol. Enable to infuse for 7 days. Drink 1 tablespoon three times a day.
Surgery
After a chemical burn, it may be necessary to remove part of the stomach or esophagus. This is necessary in the event that the damage is irreversible and necrosis develops. To prevent total death of the stomach or esophagus, you can remove the affected area. This will make it possible to localize the process.
Prevention
Acid poisoning can be prevented if you work with them carefully and observe safety precautions. At the enterprise it is important to conduct briefings, train employees and demand from them the use of protective equipment. When working with acids, the extractor should work. If it does not exist, you need to open the window, ventilate the room.
When processing orchards, rooms from rodents and insects, you need to use automated tools. It is always necessary to control the level of toxic substances in the air, especially if the work is conducted with caustic and volatile substances. When preparing food and preserving, you must observe the dosage of acid. It is also important to keep food and non-food acids separately so that they can not be confused.