What is intoxication?
Poisoning is an undue exposure to a substance or product, by ingestion, inhalation, injection or contact with the skin or eyes, which can cause changes in the body and cause poisoning or even death.
What are the main causes of intoxication?
Poisoning can be caused by:
- taking medicines, if taken in higher doses than those prescribed by the doctor
- excessive or improper consumption of alcohol and drugs.
- use of cosmetics and hygiene products, e.g. hair dyes
- Use of cleaning products, especially bleaches, grease removers and pipe cleaners. In addition to poisoning, some of these products can cause severe burns
- Pesticide use: Some of these products are absorbed through the skin
Are intoxication and poisoning the same thing?
Nope. Intoxication is the term used to designate mild changes or symptoms that result from contact or exposure to a wide variety of products or medications. Poisoning, often called acute poisoning, is the most serious effect of such contact or exposure.
What are the main symptoms of poisoning?
The symptoms of poisoning vary depending on its cause. They may include:
- shortness of breath
- headache
- changes in vision
- nausea
- Vomiting
- diarrhoea
- fast or slower heartbeat
- dizziness
excessive sweating - fever
- redness on the skin
- skin wounds
What should I not do in case of poisoning?
In case of poisoning, you should never induce vomiting without having been instructed to do so by a health professional.
What should I do if I have taken my blood pressure medication twice?
You should drink fluids (water and/or tea) in small sips. If you lie down, when you get up you should sit in bed for 1 or 2 minutes, in order to avoid falling if you feel dizzy.
What is acetaminophen poisoning?
It is a situation that results from the ingestion of this drug in higher doses than recommended. The consequences vary depending on the dose ingested.
In any case, contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.What should I do if a child has drunk a bottle of acetaminophen (Ben-u-ron®) or ibuprofen (Brufen®)?
You should immediately call CIAV – 800 250 250. You will be told how to proceed and whether or not there is a need to go to the hospital.
How long should I monitor a child who has drunk a bottle of acetaminophen (Ben-u-ron®) or ibuprofen (Brufen®)?
It will depend on the circumstances: the dose you took, whether you vomited or went to the hospital.
If you have any questions, please contact CIAV – 800 250 250.
What should I do in case of poisoning with cleaning products?
In case of contact with cleaning products on the skin or eyes, you should wash immediately with running water.
If ingestion has occurred, it should not induce vomiting. Drink 1 or 2 sips of cold milk.
You should contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.What should I do in case of bleach poisoning (sodium hypochlorite)?
In case of contact with skin or eyes, wash immediately with running water.
If ingestion has occurred, it should not induce vomiting. Drink 1 or 2 sips of cold milk.
You should contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.What should I do in case of ammonia poisoning?
If you inhale a product with ammonia you should:
- rinse exposed areas (e.g. eyes, face, arms) under running water
- Apply saline solution to the nostrils
- Airing the house
If you have difficulty breathing, call CIAV – 800 250 250
.What to do in case of cooking gas poisoning?
In case of poisoning with cooking gas, you should immediately open the windows and doors to ventilate the house. If you experience any symptoms, call CIAV – 800 250 250
.If anyone has lost consciousness, call 112.
How long should I supervise a child who has drunk detergent?
How long a child who has drunk detergent should be supervised depends on the circumstances, including:
- The type of detergent
- the dose ingested
- whether you vomited or not
- went to the hospital
If you have any questions, please contact CIAV – 800 250 250.
What is a digitalis intoxication?
Digitalis are medicines used in the treatment of heart disease.
Digitalis poisoning is a set of symptoms that may arise in patients receiving digitalis, following an increase in the daily dose or other circumstances that may decrease their elimination.
If you have vomiting, vision changes or symptoms that raise doubts, please contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.What is a coumarin poisoning?
Kumarin poisoning is a condition that can occur in patients taking medicines (e.g. warfarin) to prevent blood clots.
Nosebleeds, blood in the urine, or bruising on the skin may occur.
In these cases, you should contact the CIAV – 800 250 250 or 112 in the most serious cases.
What is acetylsalicylic acid poisoning?
It is a situation that results from the ingestion of this drug in higher doses than recommended. The consequences vary depending on the dose ingested.
In any case, contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.What is ethyl acid poisoning?
It is a clinical condition that usually results from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Symptoms depend on the type of drink, the dose ingested, and the person themselves. They are fundamentally:
- nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in behavior
In the most severe cases, it can even lead to coma.
What is benzodiazepine poisoning?
It is a set of symptoms that result from the high consumption of this type of medication. They can cause more or less marked drowsiness, physical and psychological dejection, or other more serious symptoms that require medical observation.
In any case, you should contact CIAV – 800 250 250
.Can people with poisoning breastfeed?
It depends on each case, as there are medications/substances that are eliminated through breast milk.
If in doubt, contact your doctor or call CIAV – 800 250 250
.
Source: Poison Information Center (CIAV)