Poisoning emergencies happen when substances that have a detrimental effect on the body are introduced by one of four routes: ingestion (eating), inhalation (breathing), absorbtion (through the skin or eyes) or injection (usually through an insect bite or sting). Treatment for poisoning often involves contact a poison control center to determine if a poisoning has occurred and what to do about it.
Last Tuesday night our carbon monoxide detector went off. Too make a long story short, my husband's throat is so swollen. Is it possible that (his sore throat) is from the effects of carbon monoxide or could it be a cold coming on?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the "Great Imitator" because it mimics other medical conditions. To help others understand the vastly different ways carbon monoxide poisoning can look, readers share stories of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a nearly undetectable gas capable of being deadly, even in very small amounts. Treatment requires emergency services or a visit to the emergency department. Recognizing carbon monoxide poisoning is vital to getting help in time.
Never mix bleach and ammonia together. The combination could be deadly. Bleach and ammonia mixed together can overwhelm you even when used outside.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of poisoning worldwide. Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cannot taste, smell or see. It comes from incompletely burning gas, wood, propane, or a number of other fuels. Carbon monoxide is present in smoke, motor exhaust and smog, just to name a few.
Lead is a heavy metal that was used for centuries in all manner of household products and building materials. Until as late as the 1970's, lead was a component in many items commonly found in the home and garage. The biggest sources of lead in the general public included lead pipes, leaded gasoline, and house paint. Contamination was rampant until lead was banned from these products.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers offers these tips for common household poisonings.
There are several household items that can lead to poisoning. It is very important to keep children away from these substances and to use caution when working with possible poisons.
Most rat poisons use blood thinners to cause internal bleeding in rats, mice, and other rodents. Touching rat poison is safe, but ingesting it can lead to bleeding. Learn symptoms and first aid for rat poison.
Pesticides are chemicals that kill unwanted insects and animals. If pesticides get onto humans, they can kill us. Learn to recognize pesticide poisoning.
Drinking too much alcohol leads to hangovers and sometimes heartache. Learn about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol.
Holiday decorations often include flowers and shrubs. Unfortunately, while these items are pretty, many of the most popular are toxic to humans or pets. Here is a list of popular holiday plants and their toxic effects.
An acutely intoxicated victim requires a diligent assessment. Alcohol may mask certain medical conditions and alcohol intoxication appears similar to many life-threatening conditions. Chronic alcohol consumption causes damage to the body that leaves alcohol abusers more susceptible to certain medical conditions. Regardless whether a victim is simply intoxicated for a single incident or is a chronic alcohol abuser, certain adjustments for assessment and treatment will have to be made.
Carbon monoxide is a nearly undetectable gas capable of killing in very small amounts. Treatment requires emergency services or a visit to the emergency department. Recognizing carbon monoxide poisoning is vital to getting help in time.
Do you know what to do if one of your friends becomes unconscious?
Most food poisoning is not actually poisoning at all. Food poisoning is caused by foodborne bacteria.
