Is it possible to get poisoned from. Poisoning. Classification of poisonings. Causes, types, symptoms and signs of food poisoning. The most common causes of this disease

Food poisoning is a fairly common pathological condition. If not properly treated, it can lead to severe and dangerous consequences. This disease is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.. In this article, we examined in detail the symptoms of food poisoning, first aid rules, situations in which you should urgently go to the hospital.

What can cause food poisoning

There are many reasons why acute food poisoning can develop. Any product, if not properly prepared or stored, can be dangerous. for the human body. The following are the main causes and risk factors for the development of food intoxication in humans:

  • Eating foods that have expired. In expired food, putrefactive bacteria begin to multiply, which are capable of producing toxins that cause an intoxication syndrome.
  • Poisoning with meat and products contaminated with bacteria that cause an intestinal infection in humans, such as salmonellosis, dysentery. Dairy and meat products are especially dangerous.
  • Incorrect and insufficient heat treatment of meat, fish and eggs can cause poisoning. Most of the dangerous microorganisms found in these products are killed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
  • Storing food at the wrong temperature. Perishable food should only be kept in the refrigerator.
  • The use of low-quality or poisonous mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning is a particularly dangerous and serious condition.
  • Poisoning with canned food develops when they are infected with botulism. If canned food is swollen, there is plaque on the surface of the food, it is forbidden to use them. Botulism is an infection that affects the food and nervous systems. It can develop only in an environment devoid of oxygen. Rolled canned food is an ideal environment for the growth of botulism.
  • Refreezing food. All food can only be frozen once. When defrosted and re-placed in the freezer, food becomes dangerous, proteins are destroyed in it, toxins and pathogens are formed.
  • Poor washing of food or hands before eating or preparing it. Also, poisoning can develop when eating food from dirty dishes.
  • Cooking by people who are carriers of intestinal infection. They contaminate food with poorly washed hands after going to the restroom. It is for this reason that mass poisoning can occur after visiting catering establishments.

Clinical picture of food poisoning


Signs of food poisoning develop within the first 6 hours after ingestion of poor-quality or contaminated foods
. Symptoms of poisoning with chicken, meat and other foods are growing rapidly. With severe intoxication, the patient's condition may worsen within half an hour.

The table below details the main signs of food poisoning, their main features.

Symptoms of food poisoningDescription and characteristics of symptoms
HeadacheIt develops against the background of intoxication. A person may develop a dull aching pain in the head, accompanied by general weakness, dizziness. The skin becomes pale.
Abdominal painPain can be localized around the entire perimeter of the abdomen or in a specific area of ​​it. So, with damage to the gastric mucosa, it is more pronounced in the epigastrium, with inflammation of the pancreas, the pain is shingles. In the case of cholecystitis or hepatitis, the pain syndrome is localized in the right hypochondrium.

Also, in acute poisoning, intestinal colic can develop - these are painful spasms that occur around the entire perimeter of the intestine.

Nausea and vomitingVery rarely, poisoning occurs without vomiting. This symptom is a protective reaction of the body, which is aimed at cleansing the body of low-quality toxic food.

The vomit may consist of food debris. Vomiting of gastric juice and bile is characteristic of severe intoxication, pancreatic damage.

After vomiting, nausea subsides for a while, the patient feels better.

In case of poisoning with poisonous mushrooms, vomiting can be of central origin, occur as a result of irritation of the vomiting center, which is located in the brain, with toxins. Such vomiting does not bring relief, most often it develops without nausea.

DiarrheaDiarrhea with food poisoning can be repeated, frequent and profuse. With salmonellosis, feces foam and have a green tint. In the case of dysentery, inclusions of mucus and blood streaks can be seen in the stool.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal cramps and large amounts of intestinal gas

hyperthermiaBody temperature during an intestinal infection can rise to 39 degrees. Hyperthermia is also characteristic of some complications of intestinal poisoning (gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis).

Light poisoning can occur at normal, unchanged body temperature.

TachycardiaWith severe poisoning and severe dehydration, an increase in heart rate develops. The heart rate may exceed 120 bpm.

There is a relationship between pulse rate and hyperthermia. With an increase in body temperature by 1 degree, the heart begins to contract by 10 beats per minute. faster.

Respiratory failureThe sick person begins to breathe more frequently and shallowly. Such changes are caused by intoxication syndrome. Mixed dyspnea may develop.
Change of consciousnessWith severe intoxication or poisoning with mushrooms, a violation of consciousness may occur. The patient may become drowsy, lethargic, lethargic. In the absence of timely assistance, it can be loaded into a stupor or coma. It is also possible the occurrence of hallucinations and convulsive seizures, similar to an epileptic seizure.

Description and manifestation of possible complications of food poisoning

Food poisoning can lead to severe complications from the internal organs. The risk of their development decreases in the case of a minimum period of time between the onset of the first symptoms and treatment.

List of pathological conditions that can complicate food poisoning, is presented below:

  • Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can be triggered by toxins and bacteria that have come in with spoiled food. When gastritis develops heartburn, vomiting, pain in the stomach, belching. Body temperature may rise.
  • Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Especially often this complication develops with the abuse of fatty foods, alcohol. Acute pancreatitis is treated only by surgery. It is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the appearance of girdle pain in the abdomen and purple spots in the navel.
  • Acetonemic syndrome - an increase in the level of ketone bodies in the blood. This condition develops mainly in children under 10-12 years of age. A characteristic symptom is the appearance of the smell of acetone from the mouth and from the urine of the child. Acitonemic syndrome is accompanied by damage to the pancreas.
  • Infectious-toxic shock is a critical condition that occurs against the background of severe intoxication and severe dehydration. The patient's blood pressure drops sharply, shortness of breath, tachycardia occurs, consciousness may be disturbed.
  • Acute renal failure can develop with the use of poisonous mushrooms. It is characterized by the development of anuria (lack of urine) and edema throughout the body. The patient has an unpleasant smell from the mouth, the skin may turn yellow.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding most often occurs when poisoning in people who suffer from peptic ulcer or chronic gastritis. Abundant vomiting and toxins can disrupt the integrity of the vessel in the submucosal ball of the stomach or duodenum. Internal bleeding is characterized by black vomit and diarrhea., pale skin, tachycardia, lowering blood pressure, hypothermia.
  • Violation of the liver or gallbladder is manifested by pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, yellowness of the skin, and temperature.

The basics of first aid before the arrival of doctors

With the development of the first symptoms of food poisoning emergency medical attention should be called immediately. By phone, inform the dispatcher of the patient's symptoms, name your exact location.

Remember that if it is not possible to call a doctor at home, you need to urgently go to the hospital yourself. Self-medication of poisoning is very dangerous. Only an experienced doctor can accurately diagnose and prescribe the correct, effective treatment, so you should contact him for help as soon as possible.


Immediately after calling the doctors, you need to start providing independent assistance.
. It can help relieve intoxication, remove some of the toxins. In the case of severe poisoning, the prognosis of the survival of the injured person depends on first aid.

The main components of first aid are listed below.

Gastric lavage

Cleansing of the stomach should be carried out as soon as possible after the first clinical signs of food poisoning appear. This procedure helps to stop the increase in intoxication and remove the remnants of spoiled food, the toxins of which have not yet entered the bloodstream.

For self-purification of the stomach at home, you should drink a liter of ordinary clean water at a neutral temperature in one gulp. Then you need to provoke a gag urge. This can be done in a “folk” way by pressing with your two fingers on the back of the tongue. In order to completely flush the gastric cavity, you need to repeat this procedure several times.

Remember that gastric lavage is strictly prohibited in the development of dark vomiting, impaired consciousness of the patient.

Previously, it was believed that cleansing the stomach is best done on the basis of a solution of potassium permanganate. According to recent research, this substance is ineffective and dangerous, can cause burns to the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus.

Colon cleansing with an enema

Enema is carried out on the basis of plain water. It is made to clean intestinal waters. The temperature of the water for washing should be at room temperature. The use of cold or warm water for enema is prohibited.

Colon cleansing is an effective method of quickly removing toxins from the body. and pathogenic microorganisms that provoked poisoning.

Plentiful drink

After washing the patient's stomach, you need to start soldering with plain or mineral water without gases. You need to drink little and often, a sip every 5 minutes. This is necessary to prevent new vomiting attacks, which at this stage of assistance will only worsen the person's condition and increase dehydration.

Sorbents

For food poisoning you can take any sorbents, such as polysorb, activated carbon, enterosgel, smectu, atoxyl. Preparations of this group quickly cleanse the intestines of toxins and pathogenic bacteria. They also reduce the severity of diarrhea, thereby preventing the loss of body fluid and the development of infectious-toxic shock.

Before taking any sorbents, you should check their expiration date and read the rules for calculating the dosage in the instructions.

What to do with the onset of gastrointestinal bleeding

If the patient has black or bloody vomiting, dark stools (melena), you need to send him to bed, place an ice pack on the stomach area.

Remember that if you suspect the development of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is forbidden for the patient to drink any liquid or medication. Such actions can increase damage to the vascular wall and increase the amount of blood lost.

Actions in case of loss of consciousness

With impaired consciousness, the patient should be placed on a flat surface. He needs to raise his legs up, and turn his head to the side. Before the arrival of the doctors, you should constantly check the presence of pulse and breathing, in their absence - immediately begin to conduct a closed indirect heart massage.

medical treatment

Ambulance doctors will conduct a quick examination of the patient and begin to treat the poisoning. First aid consists of:

  • droppers to help get rid of dehydration;
  • drugs to eliminate nausea, abdominal pain;
  • improving the functionality of the heart and the regulation of pressure, respiratory rate.

After the patient's condition stabilizes, he is immediately taken to the hospital (infection unit or intensive care unit). There he is provided with qualified medical assistance, further treatment is prescribed. Also, in parallel with therapy, an examination is carried out, which helps to determine the cause of the disease, make a diagnosis and choose the right treatment.

The length of stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the patient's condition. and his response to treatment. Only mild poisoning can be quickly cured, in which a person began to be treated in a timely manner and consulted a doctor.

Hospital treatment consists of:

  • bed rest;
  • diets;
  • drinking regime;
  • droppers;
  • antibiotics (for intestinal infection);
  • administration of anti-botulinum serum (with laboratory confirmation of botulism);
  • enzymes;
  • antispasmodics;
  • sorbents;
  • hemodialysis - with intoxication with poisonous mushrooms;
  • treatment of complications of poisoning.

After poisoning, a diet and drug therapy are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at restoring the digestive system. In this period shows enzymes, probiotics, hepatoprotectors. After discharge from the hospital, the doctor gives the patient recommendations on nutrition and regimen, may prescribe medications, and will name the date of the control visit.

Treatment of poisoning in adults at home

How to treat food poisoning at home? Diet and drugs are prescribed by a family or district therapist. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. All drugs must be agreed with the doctor.

The main components of home treatment are listed below.

Bed rest

During the treatment of poisoning the patient needs complete rest. You can not attend school, work, do household chores or sports.

Lie down in a well ventilated area. Wet cleaning should be carried out every day.

Diet and drink

Dietary nutrition is the basis of treatment. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, smoking. It is necessary to refuse rich, smoked, fatty and spicy foods.

You need to eat little and often. The size of a single serving should not exceed the size of the palm of the patient. You can eat:

  • rice, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge;
  • chicken bouillon;
  • lean chicken meat;
  • bananas, baked apples;
  • dried white bread and biscuit cookies;
  • stewed or boiled vegetables.

Antibacterial drugs

Antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor for an intestinal infection. Their must be taken strictly according to the scheme.

Antispasmodics

These drugs are taken when there is pain in the abdomen. They help to remove intestinal colic and flatulence. Antispasmodics: no-shpa, drotaverine, platifillin.

Enzymes

Enzymes are prescribed to regulate digestion and pancreas function. They are taken with meals. Preparations: Creon, Mezim, Pancreatin.

Probiotics

These drugs are prescribed to restore the intestinal microflora after poisoning and taking antibiotics. Preparations: linex, bifidumbacterin.

Prevention of poisoning

Constant prevention of poisoning will help you protect yourself and loved ones from this disease. The following are guidelines to be followed at all times:

  • When buying or using food, check the production date, inspect the packaging for integrity. It is desirable to smell meat and fish.
  • Buy food only from official and licensed outlets. Forget about spontaneous markets forever.
  • Wash your hands, utensils and food thoroughly.
  • Store food properly. Perishable foods should be kept refrigerated.
  • Do not refreeze meat or fish. This can lead to the growth of putrefactive bacteria in it.
  • Don't buy ready meals. It is best not to be lazy and cook your own food. Only in this way will you know what, how and under what conditions it is made.

Food poisoning in adults can occur for a variety of reasons. His treatment should be taken seriously. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, call an ambulance. While the doctors are coming, wash the patient's intestines and stomach, give water and sorbents to drink. Mild poisoning can be treated at home with diet and medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate. Take care of your health.

Almost every person at least once in his life faced such an acute and unpleasant disease as food poisoning. It is caused by the use of expired, insufficiently processed during the cooking process, poorly washed or poor-quality food.

As a rule, nausea, constipation and acute pain in the stomach are true companions of food poisoning.

It is necessary to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder so that you know what to do in case of poisoning. The first symptoms may appear within half an hour after eating poor-quality food, and within a few days.

But it is worth remembering that a sudden loss of appetite, accompanied by an increase in body temperature, is the first bell that something is not right with your digestive system.

Common signs of food poisoning are:

Symptoms can persist for several days, with proper treatment, the signs cease to be sharp and pronounced, gradually fading away.

Causes of food poisoning can be:

  • the use of food that has lain in the sun for a long time;
  • expired products;
  • unwashed hands;
  • inedible mushrooms;
  • poorly fried, raw or rotten meat;
  • food prepared by a sick person may be contaminated, even though it looks normal;
  • eating poorly or completely unwashed vegetables, fruits.

The most "attractive" products for the reproduction of microorganisms are:

  • dishes with fish, especially raw (sushi, rolls);
  • pickles, canned tomatoes and various vegetables;
  • jams, homemade jams;
  • raw eggs;
  • milk, cheese, cottage cheese are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria;
  • products with damaged wrappers.

Food poisoning: first aid

Most often, the patient is hospitalized almost immediately for first aid. But what can you do?

The first thing to do when one or more signs of food poisoning are found: gastric lavage. It is advisable to flush until water begins to come out instead of vomit. A 2% soda solution is ideal, but plain water will do. (Not from the tap, but always boiled!)

Drink, drink and drink again! A healthy person needs to drink up to 2 liters of water per day. A person with food intoxication needs to drink even more, up to 3 liters per day. Water helps to relieve dehydration, in addition to it, it is allowed to drink rehydron or weak tea.

It is necessary to refuse heavy and indigestible food. Please note that after poisoning, dysbacteriosis may develop (a condition in which the number of beneficial bacteria becomes smaller, and harmful, of course, more).

In any case, a visit to a doctor is mandatory, only he can prescribe the correct treatment and exclude the development of the most dangerous diseases, such as botulism (a deadly disease caused by the ingestion of botulinum bacillus exotoxin).

What to do next: medicines and alternative treatments for food poisoning

If the condition is not critical, an appeal to the doctor is not required.

With ordinary food poisoning, gastric lavage is also necessary. This can be done with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then you can drink a laxative.

Suitable 20-30 ml of castor oil, castor oil - a miracle cure for removing toxins from the body.

With diarrhea, activated charcoal will be a good remedy (for an adult: 3-4 tablets). With severe and frequent diarrhea, "Hilak Forte" and "Loperamide" are suitable. It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics and prescribe treatment with sulfonamides ("Sulgin", "Sulfazin" and others).

Folk methods of treatment:

  1. You can drink a little decoction of dill with honey 10 minutes before a meal, and it does not matter whether fresh or dry dill, it can help in any way. Recipe: you will need a small saucepan, in which you need to put a teaspoon of dill, then pour boiling water and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. After you need to let the broth cool and brew, and then add a teaspoon of honey. Drinking in large quantities is not recommended, half or a glass a day;
  2. It is not recommended for the patient to lie down, and even more so to sleep. Thanks to intensive movements, you can help your body remove toxins along with sweat;
  3. Preference in food should be given to various broths, heavy and indigestible food should be discarded;
  4. Recipe "Ginger tea": a tablespoon of ground ginger is poured with boiling water and allowed to cool for half an hour. Then, with an interval of 20-30 minutes, they drink a few sips;
  5. After poisoning, it is recommended to take activated charcoal 3 times with an interval of 20 minutes (1 tablet per 15 kilograms of weight).

In addition to the above tips, try not to eat for 24-36 hours after poisoning. Daily fasting will be able to get you back in shape much faster, you can’t return to your usual diet a day after poisoning, even if you feel good!

Food poisoning: symptoms and features of treatment in children

It happens that the whole family ate a low-quality product, but only the child was poisoned by food. This happens due to the immaturity of many body systems, which is why babies suffer diseases much harder than any adult. If food poisoning is detected, it is always necessary to consult a doctor, especially if the child is breastfeeding.

Symptoms:

  • dry skin;
  • painful pallor;
  • vomit;
  • pointed facial features;
  • drowsiness;
  • convulsions;
  • anuria;
  • diarrhea.

Often, the symptoms of poisoning disappear on the third day, and the child feels drowsiness and fatigue.

Treatment

The first step is to call an ambulance. Before she arrives, your task is to try to compensate for the lost fluid, the baby needs to drink plenty of fluids.

With diarrhea, you can start taking drugs such as Smecta, Polyphepan and Polysorb.

If the child is not yet a year old or is breastfeeding, stop feeding and drink water, always boiled.

After the condition begins to improve, you can return to breastfeeding.

If the child is older, then it is also necessary to limit food.

The ideal diet would be: oatmeal or rice porridge on the water, weak sweet tea and homemade croutons.

Food Poisoning: Diet and Basic Nutrition Principles

With a food infection, unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting occur. Most often they are uncontrolled, so the task of the diet is to restore normal water and electrolyte balance and eliminate dehydration.

The basic principles of nutrition for intoxication of the digestive system:

The diet can last about a week, and the return to normal eating occurs gradually.

Allowed foods for food poisoning:


Prohibited foods for food poisoning:

  • buns, cookies, bread;
  • semi-finished products and snacks in public catering are strictly prohibited;
  • flavored tea, cocoa or coffee;
  • mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup;
  • vegetables and fruits are also not desirable to use;
  • fatty, indigestible meat;
  • dried, smoked fish;
  • cheese, milk, sour cream;
  • seeds, chips, crackers;
  • ice cream;
  • sausage and ham.

Diet for food poisoning is the main treatment. By observing the correct diet, with all the prohibitions, you can avoid such consequences as dysbacteriosis of the alimentary tract and food allergies.

Due to non-compliance with the diet, there is a risk of gastritis.

When is hospitalization required?

In case of severe poisoning, you should consult a doctor if:

  • symptoms do not go away for about a week;
  • the pains intensified;
  • there are painful spasms, cramps in the stomach.

You need to urgently go to the hospital if you suspect such terrible diseases as botulism, staphylococcus aureus or salmonellosis. The main signs of diseases are: dizziness, constant pulling pain in the stomach, dry mouth and lips, blurred vision, loss of coordination, loss of balance, eyelids are constantly lowered, and the pupils practically do not react to light.

Treatment of such diseases is carried out only in the infectious diseases hospital, where, first of all, a serum that neutralizes the toxin will be introduced.

Prevention of food poisoning

Of course, the best treatment is prevention. And the best prevention is the observance of hygiene standards when preparing, storing and eating food.

20 tips to avoid food poisoning:


It is worth remembering that no one is immune from an eating disorder. If you see an attractive price on products, be sure to check their expiration date. It expires in a day or two, but is the price so attractive? It’s better to think about it, because it’s not for nothing that they are cheaper than good, fresh and high-quality food. Remember, don't skimp on your health!

You also do not need to purchase products whose packaging is damaged. And, of course, an unpleasant smell from food is a sign that it needs to be thrown away immediately.

And there is a lot more useful information about food poisoning in the next video.

Symptoms

  • severe nausea;
  • Frequent vomiting;
  • The presence of diarrhea;
  • elevated temperature;

First aid

Treatment

Precautionary measures

  • Each type of food should have its own cutting board. Many adults do not follow this simple enough rule, as a result of which intestinal infections from unwashed meat fall on a clean bunch of greens, and then straight into an unheated salad;

The body needs exotic

Lack of proper supervision

Major foodborne infections

typhoid wand

dysenteric amoeba

Vibrios

Brucella

Tuberculosis

foot and mouth disease

anthrax

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Food poisoning - infection or stale food?

Often, many people prefer to treat all ailments associated with the gastrointestinal system at home (especially in cases of poisoning in a child). But is it possible to cure not only food poisoning, but also severe intestinal infections or food infections in this way? How to distinguish mushroom poisoning from infectious diseases with similar symptoms?

Symptoms

Particular attention should be paid to the symptoms of the disease: unlike adults, children often do not have a sense of danger, so they may not immediately complain of a deterioration in well-being. In this case, adults are required to notice the symptoms of the disease in time:

  • severe nausea;
  • Frequent vomiting;
  • The presence of diarrhea;
  • elevated temperature;
  • The presence of heaviness or cramps in the stomach;
  • A sharp increase in the process of salivation.

First aid

If you self-diagnosed food poisoning, and a quick arrival of medical workers is impossible for some reason, then it is recommended to start treatment at home (this is especially true if the food poisoning in a child is quite serious, and you are afraid of severe intoxication of the body).

When providing first aid at home, it is necessary to clearly determine the cause of the poisoning:

  • If mushroom poisoning occurs, an immediate gastric lavage should be done with a solution of table salt (4 tablespoons per 10 liters of water) or soda (10 teaspoons per 10 liters of water). Remember that the temperature of the solution should significantly exceed room temperature (ideal conditions are 36-38 degrees): under such conditions, intestinal motility slows down and the progress of the toxic substance slows down. Due to this, the visiting doctors will be able to cure the patient much faster;
  • For other types of poisoning, the treatment will be similar: washing (usually a low concentration of potassium permanganate is used) with the obligatory induction of vomiting (it is enough to irritate the root of the tongue) until the flowing liquid has no impurities. After that, give the patient enterosorbents and provide conditions for maximum rest and warmth (if necessary).

Remember that an ambulance must be called for sure, you can’t dismiss the phrases “we will treat it ourselves”, “I myself treat all poisonings”, “I treat all diseases with herbs” and so on. A completely harmless poisoning can go into a more severe stage that you simply cannot cure at home (especially when it comes to the lives of children with weakened immune systems).

Treatment

All additional drugs (except enterosorbents) should be prescribed by the attending physician. Even if you remember that the last time the treatment required taking a certain medication, do not rush to take it in this situation: from taking a medication that does not correspond to the situation, you may have a fever, symptoms of an allergic reaction may appear, and a process is also possible. vomiting or diarrhea. All this will not only not help to cure the patient, but will also significantly complicate the treatment.

Remember that in no case should children and adults be taken to local herbalists and healers who speak general phrases like “I treat all poisonings with conspiracies”, “I treat any intestinal infections in an hour”, “I treat poisoning from a photograph” and so on.

These “magicians” will not be able to cure the infection in a child, and you will lose precious time during which the infection will spread throughout the body, making treatment difficult.

Precautionary measures

Of course, no one wants to end up in a hospital bed because of such a ridiculous disease. Most people are simply embarrassed to call their boss or colleagues with the phrase “I am treating poisoning” or “I am treating an intestinal infection that I picked up through my own carelessness.” So how can you prevent possible poisoning? Everything is extremely simple: you must follow a few simple rules:

  • Follow basic hygiene rules when preparing food, store purchased products properly;
  • Always check visual, olfactory and taste qualities of dishes. If the food smells rotten, has an unpleasant or sour taste, has a slimy coating or a new texture, then this should be a clear reason to throw the dish in the trash can;
  • Do not be greedy, afraid to throw away a slightly rotten fruit: when treated even at home, food infections or intestinal infections will cost you much more. Health cannot be saved;
  • Mushroom poisoning is especially dangerous, so throw away swollen or expired cans without regret;
  • Try not to buy perishable products with an expiring shelf life in supermarkets. Perhaps they will cost much less, but you can pay dearly with your health: even the mildest and most harmless intestinal infections contribute to fever and the development of other symptoms of poisoning;
  • Fruits and vegetables, as well as eggs and fish, should be washed with particular care - there are a huge number of cases when adults and experienced people have received serious intestinal infections due to a small piece of shell that has fallen into a ready-made pot of soup or salad;
  • Pay attention to the condition of kitchen towels and sponges - they often serve as sources of infection. According to the rules, sponges are recommended to be changed every 1-2 weeks, and towels should be washed daily at a high temperature;
  • Each type of food should have its own cutting board. Many adults do not follow this simple enough rule, as a result of which intestinal infections from unwashed meat end up on a clean bunch of greens, and then straight into a salad,

    not processed at high temperature;

  • For the above reason, you should not store all types of food in one compartment of the refrigerator without using sterile trays;
  • Dishes prepared at home cannot be stored at room temperature for more than three days;
  • The catering establishments you visit must have the appropriate infection-free certificates. In addition, after a certain period of time, they must be sanitized at a high temperature. If there are no institutions in your city that have such documents, then you should eat only at home (especially if there are small children in the family who are most susceptible to infection).

Particular attention should be paid to summer holidays: according to statistics, it is during this period that both the number of infections and the number of victims increase significantly. What is it connected with?

The body needs exotic

This applies to both adults and children. Arriving on a long-awaited vacation in an exotic country, tourists forget about the basic safety rules. However, intestinal infections do not doze off and immediately manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea and fever, spoiling the whole impression of the rest (few people like to lie down during the holidays, answering relatives with the phrase from the series “I got sick on vacation, now I don’t go anywhere and treat the disease ”). The younger generation should be especially carefully monitored: children have a bad habit of dragging everything into their mouths. And if in your home country, having noticed a sign of infection in a child (for example, the presence of diarrhea), you could take him to a doctor, then it will be quite expensive to take children for examination abroad.

Lack of proper supervision

This rule is especially true for health camps where children are taken for treatment. At home, all food is carefully checked and stored at a certain temperature. In the conditions of the camp, the staff consists of a minimum number of adults who, due to the huge number of children, simply do not have time to follow the products collected for a small trip. At home, the child will immediately have a desire to complain to his parents about the strange taste of juice or fruit, but in the camp he will be ashamed to do this.

Since the symptoms of poisoning are similar to some of the symptoms of sunstroke, and adults do not have much time to make a diagnosis, the necessary treatment may not even begin, and the ambulance called may arrive too late - the child has a very fast metabolism. It is extremely difficult to cure serious poisoning in camp conditions: there is no special equipment.

Also, it is in the camp that mushroom poisoning often occurs: a child walking in the forest has a desire to collect familiar boletus. But instead of them, he can easily put a toadstool or a false honey agaric in a basket. Then the baby forgets about the basket, leaving it in the sun (in such conditions, even edible mushrooms can go bad). The child’s hands are rarely washed, so he can automatically lick his fingers with which he collected poisonous mushrooms or berries - in this way the infection easily enters the body.

High fever is a gateway to infection

Treatment of infection is especially difficult in warm developing countries. If at home the infection spread slowly, then in a hot country the infection process is much faster (this is due to an increase in metabolism). Treatment of the disease in a developing country is extremely slow, as local doctors try to cure the disease with ineffective drugs.

Major foodborne infections

These diseases are caused by viruses and various microorganisms:

typhoid wand

Causes typhoid fever - a disease that is extremely difficult to cure, but easy to prevent: you just need to thoroughly disinfect the surrounding objects (the stick will die very quickly when boiled).

dysenteric amoeba

Causes dysentery, especially common in children. The main method of spread is dirty hands (from them the amoeba easily enters the external environment).

Vibrios

They cause cholera, which is extremely difficult to cure. This disease affects only people, so during outbreaks of the disease, the main recommendation was to avoid prolonged contact. The main environment for spread is dirty hands, food and water. Also, a fly can be a carrier of the disease - which is why it is recommended to thoroughly ventilate the room and throw away the food on which the flies were found.

Brucella

Cause brucellosis, which is dangerous to all living beings. The main carriers are artiodactyl animals. Usually, the routes of infection are the skin or the nasopharynx (which is why you should not stroke all the goats you meet in an unfamiliar place).

Tuberculosis

This disease is very difficult to cure and prevent. That is why doctors use diagnostic methods that are mandatory for the majority of the population: skin reactions and x-rays. Since the infection is resistant to acids, it is recommended to avoid any contact with an infected person.

foot and mouth disease

The main source of the disease is cattle, the secretions of which contain the virus (it can remain viable for weeks).

anthrax

This disease is much easier to prevent than to cure. The main ways of infection are sick animals (during direct contact with them), or their corpses (both when cutting them, and when eating poorly processed meat).

Symptoms and first aid for poisoning by combustion products

Symptoms and treatment of dairy poisoning

Bitterness in the mouth in case of poisoning with food and poisons

Symptoms of food poisoning

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Food poisoning. Symptoms and methods of treatment.

If toxic substances enter the body, then a painful condition occurs, which is called poisoning. I must say that among all types of poisoning, food occupies only a small part, approximately 1%. Food poisoning can be characterized by the most acute condition of the body, which can appear as a result of the ingestion of a stale product.

The most common is such food poisoning, the types of which are associated with poisoning from the use of wild poisonous plants, poisonous mushrooms, conditionally edible mushrooms that have been subjected to improper heat treatment, as well as stale and expired food. Alcohol poisoning is quite common.

Poisoning of bacterial origin can be divided into intoxications and toxic infections. The first type usually includes botulism, intoxication with staphylococci. The second type includes salmonellosis, as well as those diseases that cause E. coli.

From the moment of eating unsuitable or expired products, food poisoning develops. Its symptoms are usually the following: long and painful vomiting and nausea, severe diarrhea, which in such poisoning is usually watery, and in its composition there are pieces of the food that has not had time to be digested. All this can last a day or three, after which it gradually fades away. However, abdominal pain and general weakness may remain.

After the first signs of food poisoning, it is recommended to immediately rinse the stomach with a solution of baking soda, or plain warm water. This must be done until clean water appears. Until the complete disappearance of signs of poisoning, the patient should drink at least 3 liters of lightly salted liquid per day. By the way, in addition to salt, you can add baking soda to the liquid at the rate of 1 teaspoon per liter of water and sugar (2 teaspoons per liter).

After eating poisonous herbs or mushrooms, poisoning also develops. Symptoms are as follows: there is a lack of saliva in the mouth, which causes dryness, the skin of the face turns red, sometimes a person may experience clouding of consciousness and even visual and auditory hallucinations. The heart beats quite often, but breathing quickens at first, and then it becomes very difficult for the patient to breathe. If you do not take any measures to provide assistance, then a fatal outcome may occur within a day.

Very often, those people who do not know the measures in the use of alcohol also have alcohol poisoning. Its symptoms are a cross between those of poisonous plants and bad foods. Those. a person initially experiences strong excitement, but after a while his face turns very pale, the person becomes ill and even loss of consciousness is possible. In this case, you can help by washing the stomach, after which the patient should be overlaid with heating pads and give him a plentiful but hot drink such as coffee or strong tea.

Another type of poisoning is chemical poisoning. Particularly manganese. In general, manganese is a very important element for our body and is present in almost all of its organs and tissues. If the body lacks manganese, then the work of the reproductive and nervous systems may be disrupted, memory will deteriorate, etc.

However, an excess of manganese in the body also does not lead to anything good. As a rule, manganese poisoning is quite common in those people who are engaged in the extraction of ore or are employed in chemical production processes, i.e. electroplating, welding, etc. Therefore, manganese can also cause poisoning. Its symptoms are as follows: severe weakness in the body, pain in the lower back or in the limbs, drowsiness, frequent pain in the temporal bone, urination disorder, insomnia, sexual weakness, tearing from the eyes.

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Tips for Treating Food Poisoning at Home - Emergency Help

Food poisoning is not uncommon in modern life. The reason may be the use of low-quality or stale foods and dishes, food contaminated with dangerous microorganisms if the sanitary and hygienic rules of preparation are not followed.

Especially often there are poisonings in the hot season. The first signs of poisoning usually appear after a few hours, but sometimes the incubation period lasts up to 1-2 days.

If the damage to the body is not severe, then the symptoms increase gradually; expressed by vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness and fever.

Severe poisoning manifests itself abruptly and may even be accompanied by paralysis (with botulism or intoxication with mushroom poisons). In this case, immediate medical attention is required. And the treatment of milder poisoning is possible at home, subject to all the rules and recommendations.

Symptoms and signs

Although poisoning can be of various origins: caused by microbial flora, viruses or protozoa, or arising from exposure to toxic substances (plants, heavy metals, fungi), the symptoms of pathology have a number of common features.

The first thing to be aware of is the incubation period. It is extremely small in case of poisoning - from 2 to 6 hours, after which pronounced manifestations follow.

Symptoms of poisoning will be present in all persons who have consumed poor quality food.

Typical symptoms include:

  • A sharp increase in temperature, which varies from 37.5 degrees to 40;
  • Lack of appetite, weakness and malaise;
  • Intestinal disorder in the form of diarrhea;
  • Painful sensations in the abdomen, which are paroxysmal in nature;
  • Bloating
  • The phenomena of nausea, as well as vomiting;
  • The skin is covered with cold sweat;
  • Blood pressure may drop sharply.

If poisoning with various poisons has occurred, then more severe symptoms may appear in the form of vision problems, diplopia, disorders of the brain (hallucinations, coma).

Among other things, the victim may have decreased muscle tone, hypersalivation, paralytic phenomena, paresis. The patient may lose consciousness.

Against the background of severe vomiting and diarrhea, a large amount of liquid will leave the human body, which will be reflected in the following signs: visible mucous membranes and skin will become dry, body weight will decrease, and the amount of urine excreted will decrease.

In some clinical cases (with minor poisoning), the symptoms disappear on their own and do not harm health. In other situations, the signs of poisoning increase in the next 1-2 days. And if not provided with proper assistance, they can cause significant harm to health.

Treatment in children

You can help your child in case of poisoning on your own at home, but it will not be superfluous to contact a specialist for help.

The main goal of treatment will be to replenish the lost fluid by the baby's body. To do this, the child is given to drink a large amount of liquid: every 10 minutes you need to take 1 tablespoon of either warm tea, or fruit drink or 5% glucose solution.

If diarrhea is present, enterosorbents such as Microsorb or Smektu should be used. If in the feces - blood, mucus or feces have a changed color, then doctors prescribe antibiotics.

You can drink children from the age of 5 with chamomile infusion, rosehip broth.

In the first few hours after poisoning, it is strictly forbidden to give the child anything to eat. When acute manifestations subside for a week after poisoning, it is better to feed the child with light food like soups and broths.

In an adult

If an adult is suspected of poisoning, an ambulance should be called before rendering assistance. The principles of home treatment are as follows:

  • Washing the gastrointestinal tract with a solution of soda or potassium permanganate. Rinsing should be carried out until only water comes out without any food residue;
  • The use of enterosorbents. Among them, activated carbon, Enterosgel, can be distinguished. These medicines are washed down with plenty of water;
  • If drinking causes another attack of vomiting in the victim, then in this case the sorbent is diluted in water and given to the person in small portions every 5 minutes;
  • In a plentiful drink include sweet tea (possible with lemon), saline, fruit drinks;
  • From the intake of food should be abandoned until the moment when the acute symptoms do not come to naught.

It is forbidden to use antibiotics, various tinctures, sulfonamides until the doctor arrives.

General principles of treatment

Although mild food poisoning does not pose a serious threat to health, and calling an ambulance is by no means necessary, certain measures must be taken. Treatment should always be directed towards:

  1. elimination of intoxication and rapid elimination of toxins from the body;
  2. prevention of dehydration;
  3. restoration of damaged intestinal microflora;
  4. normalization of the digestive system with the help of sparing nutrition.

Symptoms of food poisoning with proper treatment usually subside after 1-3 days.

If vomiting, diarrhea and weakness do not stop for more than three days, even if they are not very pronounced, there is a suspicion of an intestinal infection, which requires medical attention and careful diagnosis.

Providing first aid at home

It is necessary to take therapeutic measures to eliminate intoxication from the onset of the onset of symptoms and not wait for everything to go away on its own. The sooner assistance is provided, the more successful and faster the treatment will be completed.

First you need to do a gastric lavage. To effectively remove toxins from the body, reflex vomiting is not enough, so you need to drink plenty of warm water.

You can dissolve salt, soda, or potassium permanganate (in low concentration) in a liquid - these substances have a disinfecting property.

However, in the absence of natural urges to cleanse, you should not actively provoke vomiting - most likely, a poor-quality product is already in the intestines.

In case of poisoning and the diarrhea and vomiting that inevitably accompany it, a huge amount of fluid is lost, which is fraught with a strong deterioration in well-being due to the leaching of salts and valuable trace elements from the body. Therefore, the prevention of dehydration is an important rule in the treatment of poisoning.

After each episode of vomiting, a glass of liquid should be prescribed, but always in small sips. Ordinary boiled water or mineral water without gas with the addition of salt and sugar is suitable. For a liter of water, you need 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and a dessert spoon of salt. In no case should you interfere with the natural cleansing of the intestines. While unpleasant, uncomfortable, and painful, diarrhea is nature's surefire way to eliminate harmful toxins.

And taking Loperamide or Imodium only slows down such an important process, which is a common mistake in the treatment of poisoning.

For at least one day after intoxication has made itself felt, it is necessary to refrain from eating. It is not difficult to do this, because the appetite is already reduced or absent.

The fact is that incoming food is a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, which may still be present in the digestive tract.

In addition, after suffering stress, the digestive system does not work properly, and you should not overload it.

Self-prescribing medications is highly discouraged. If the measures taken have not reduced the severity of the symptoms, then you should contact a specialist who will prescribe pharmaceuticals.

Help of folk remedies

Folk recipes against poisoning help to alleviate unpleasant symptoms, normalize the digestive tract and improve well-being. However, their use will only be effective for mild or moderate poisoning after an acute period of intoxication. Ginger. Ginger tea perfectly eliminates nausea and heartburn. You should drink it three times a day after meals in the recovery period after poisoning. Honey with ginger juice helps with inflammation and pain.

One spoon is enough for one dose. And chewing raw ginger promotes better digestion of food by increasing the acidity of the stomach.

Lemon. This fruit has high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Citric acid is detrimental to the remaining bacteria in the digestive organs after washing.

Lemon juice can be drunk 2-3 times a day for a tablespoon, adding sugar. Or prepare home-made medicinal lemonade: dilute the juice of one fruit in a liter of warm water. Herbal teas. Herbal tea, in addition to restoring the water balance in the body, helps recovery.

So, mint infusion reduces intestinal spasms, meadow tea and comfrey root expel infections, and chamomile tea helps with nausea. Basil. This herb is an excellent remedy for eliminating infections.

Basil juice with false honey should be consumed several times a day. Or you can put a few drops of basil oil in a liter of water, mix, shake and drink in small portions throughout the day.

There is another interesting recipe: add basil leaves to natural yogurt, a pinch of black pepper and sea salt. Use up to 4 times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.

In the recovery period after acute poisoning, food should be sufficiently high in calories, but light and well absorbed.

You should eat everything boiled - potatoes, rice, various cereals on the water, lean meat. Dairy products are best kept to a minimum. Completely exclude for a week or more alcoholic beverages, hot spices, marinades and smoking. It is also better to refrain from fried and fatty foods, any fast food.

What can you eat after poisoning?

Food after poisoning should be fractional. Best of all, vegetable soups and vegetable purees, low-fat broths, cereals (rice, buckwheat) made on water are best suited for the daily diet. Mashed potatoes may be on the menu, but should not contain milk or butter.

Dairy products during this period should be neglected. A small amount of homemade crackers is allowed.

Decoctions of rose hips, currants and blueberries, green tea are still relevant.


The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is poisoning?

Poisoning- This is a pathological condition in which bacteria, any toxins or other toxic substances enter the human body. These substances can enter the body in various ways ( with food, inhaled air or through the skin), however, all of them certainly cause damage to various organs and disruption of their functions, which is accompanied by corresponding clinical manifestations and creates a danger to human health and life.

Classification of poisoning

In clinical practice, it is customary to classify poisoning according to several criteria. This helps doctors determine the cause of the disease, as well as make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Depending on the route of entry into the body, there are:

  • Food poisoning- when toxins or poisons enter the human body along with the food taken ( through the gastrointestinal tract).
  • Poisoning through the respiratory tract- when the toxin enters the body with the inhaled air ( in the form of steam or gas).
  • Percutaneous poisoning- when toxins enter the skin or mucous membranes of a person, and through them are absorbed into the systemic circulation.
  • Poisoning, in which the toxin is administered directly intravenously or intramuscularly.
Depending on the type of poisonous substance, there are:
  • food intoxication ( food poisoning) - in this case, the disease is caused by eating foods that have been contaminated with any dangerous bacteria or their toxins.
  • Gas poisoning- develops when inhaling any toxic gases.
  • Chemical poisoning- chemicals include various toxins and poisons, which under normal conditions should not enter the human body.
  • Poisoning with caustic substances ( acids or alkalis) - allocated to a separate group, due to the peculiarities of their clinical manifestations.
  • Medicine poisoning- develops with improper use of drugs.
  • Ethanol poisoning ( alcohol, which is part of all alcoholic beverages) - also allocated to a separate group, which is explained by the specific effect of alcohol on the human body.
Depending on the rate of development of symptoms, there are:
  • Acute poisoning- develops with a single intake of a large dose of a toxic substance into the body and is accompanied by the rapid appearance and rapid development of clinical symptoms.
  • chronic poisoning- occurs with prolonged intake of small doses of toxin in the body and may be asymptomatic for some time, but ultimately also leads to dysfunction of vital organs and systems.

Causes, types and pathogenesis ( development mechanism) food poisoning, infections and toxicoinfections

As follows from the above, poisoning can develop when various pathogenic bacteria enter the body, as well as toxic substances produced by them ( in the latter case, we are talking about toxicoinfection). Each of these substances can affect the tissues and organs of the body in its own way, causing corresponding changes in them, which is accompanied by characteristic clinical manifestations and requires specific treatment. That is why it is extremely important to determine the type of poisonous substance in a timely manner and begin treatment. This will prevent the development of complications and save the life of the patient.

spicy food ( intestinal) poisoning in an adult ( expired food, meat, fish, eggs, milk, cottage cheese)

Acute food poisoning food intoxication) is a group of diseases in which, along with food, a person swallows any microorganisms ( bacteria, pathogenic fungi) or toxins released by pathogenic microorganisms. If such bacteria or their toxins enter the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract), they affect the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, leading to the appearance of classic signs of poisoning ( abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and so on). Moreover, these toxins can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal mucosa and enter the systemic circulation, affecting distant organs and leading to complications.

Food poisoning can be caused by:

  • Spoiled meat. Meat is an ideal breeding ground for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria ( staphylococci, salmonella, E. coli and others). These bacteria may be present in meat products initially ( for example, if the slaughtered animal was infected with some kind of infection). In this case, infectious agents or their toxins ( bacteria released into the environment during growth) can enter the human body through the consumption of insufficiently processed food ( that is, undercooked or undercooked meat). At the same time, bacteria can develop in already cooked but improperly stored meat. If it is kept out of the refrigerator for several hours or days, the number of pathogens in it may become sufficient to cause a foodborne infection.
  • Fish. Fish poisoning can occur for the same reasons as meat poisoning ( i.e. improper processing and improper storage of fish products). In addition, some exotic varieties of fish may contain toxic substances ( e.g. pufferfish, groupers, barracudas). In this case, the clinical manifestations of poisoning will depend on the type of poison that has entered the body. For example, the poison contained in fugu fish can cause paralysis of all muscles and respiratory arrest, which, without medical help, will inevitably lead to the death of a person. In other cases, the symptoms of poisoning may be similar to common foodborne infections.
  • eggs. The risk of egg poisoning is increased if waterfowl eggs are eaten ( ducks, geese). The fact is that salmonella bacteria may be present in some polluted water bodies. It can get into the meat and eggs of waterfowl, and with them ( with improper heat treatment, that is, with the use of raw eggs or soft-boiled eggs) can enter the human body. Having penetrated into the intestine, salmonella releases a special toxin that affects the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall, causing clinical manifestations of intestinal infection ( diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.).
  • Milk. Poisoning from fresh domestic milk can occur if the animals that produce it ( goats, cows) are kept in unsanitary conditions. At the same time, various pathogenic bacteria may be present in the udder area of ​​animals ( staphylococci, E. coli and so on) that will enter the milk during milking. If you drink such milk in its raw form, there is a high probability of developing food poisoning. Moreover, it is worth noting that some animals can be carriers of pathogens of particularly dangerous infections. So, for example, when drinking cow's milk, you can become infected with brucellosis, an infection caused by pathogenic microorganisms ( brucella) and accompanied by damage to many body systems.
  • Cottage cheese. Cottage cheese, like any lactic acid product, is an ideal breeding ground for various pathogenic bacteria. If the product is left out of the refrigerator for a long time, the number of bacteria in it increases significantly ( this is facilitated by a high ambient temperature, at which the rate of reproduction of bacteria increases). If you eat such cottage cheese, signs of an intestinal infection may appear.

Poisoning by poisonous plants ( bleached, hemlock), mushrooms ( pale grebe, fly agaric), berries ( belladonna, wolfberry)

Many plants contain substances that are toxic to the human body. The use of such plants or their fruits ( in particular, wolf berries - belladonna, wolfberry) in food may be accompanied by symptoms of food poisoning, as well as other specific manifestations ( depending on what toxin was contained in the eaten plant).

Poisoning can be caused by eating:

  • Beleny. The toxicity of this plant is due to its constituent substances, in particular atropine and scopolamine. When ingested, they cause general weakness, dry mouth, intense thirst, emotional and motor agitation, and dizziness. In severe cases, vision and breathing problems, loss of consciousness, convulsions, and death may occur.
  • Hemlock. The toxicity of this plant is due to its constituent substance - koniin. This is a strong poison, which, when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, is quickly absorbed through the mucous membrane and enters the bloodstream, affecting the central nervous system. This is manifested by progressive paralysis, in which a person loses all types of sensitivity, and also cannot move his arms or legs. The cause of death is usually paralysis of the respiratory muscles, causing the patient to stop breathing.
  • Pale grebe ( fly agaric). A toxin found in some fly agarics ( in particular in pale grebe) has the ability to hit ( destroy) cells of the liver and other tissues of the body, which is accompanied by a violation of the functions of vital organs and systems. Without timely assistance, a person may die from cardiovascular or liver failure.
  • Belladonna berries. Belladonna berries also contain atropine and scopolamine. Their poisoning has the same symptoms as henbane poisoning.
  • Wolfberry berries. Toxic substances of the wolfberry ( meserine and daphne) are found in all parts of the plant ( in fruits, root, leaves). When eating fruits, these toxins cause a burning sensation in the mouth. Then there is severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, in severe cases, convulsions occur.

Botulinum toxin poisoning

The cause of the disease is a toxin produced by the microorganism Clostridium. Disputes ( inactive forms) of this pathogen can persist for a long time in soil, silt, animal carcasses, and so on. Once in the human body, clostridia do not in themselves cause the development of infection, since they can only multiply under anaerobic conditions ( that is, in the absence of oxygen). Botulinum toxin infection can occur when eating poorly processed canned food ( vegetable, meat) prepared at home. In this case, in a hermetically sealed jar, clostridia begin to actively multiply, releasing botulinum toxin into the environment, which is one of the most powerful poisons known to mankind.

After entering the human gastrointestinal tract, botulinum toxin is not destroyed by acidic gastric juice, as a result of which it is easily absorbed through the mucous membrane. Entering the systemic circulation, this toxin reaches the tissues of the central nervous system and affects them, as a result of which characteristic clinical manifestations of the disease occur.

Botulinum toxin poisoning can manifest itself:

  • occasional vomiting and abdominal pain in the first hours after eating the contaminated product);
  • respiratory failure;
  • visual impairment;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • muscle weakness;
  • urination disorders and so on.
Without timely assistance, a person may die due to respiratory failure and the development of respiratory failure.

mold poisoning

Molds are fungal microorganisms that can grow on or inside various foods. When eating moldy foods, fungi can enter the gastrointestinal tract and lead to symptoms of poisoning ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). This is due to the fact that many fungi secrete so-called mycotoxins, which have a negative effect on various body systems.

In addition, some molds have antibacterial activity, that is, they destroy various bacteria. Under normal conditions, the intestines of a healthy person contain many bacteria that take part in the process of digestion. When mold poisoning occurs, these bacteria can be destroyed, resulting in impaired or slower digestion of food. It can also lead to bloating, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

It is also worth noting that mold can be poisoned through the respiratory tract ( by inhaling particles of pathogenic fungi - for example, in pulmonary aspergillosis). At the same time, pathogenic fungi affect the lung tissue, resulting in frequent coughing with the release of red bloody sputum ( hemoptysis), shortness of breath ( feeling short of breath), fever, chest pain, and so on.

Vitamin poisoning

Vitamin poisoning can be observed with their frequent use in large doses. However, the clinical manifestations of the disease may vary ( depending on what vitamin the person was poisoned with).

Poisoning can occur with an overdose:

  • Vitamin A. Since this vitamin affects the organ of vision, one of the first signs of poisoning will be double vision. Also, there may be nausea and vomiting due to the action of the vitamin on the nervous system. Patients may complain of increased drowsiness, headache, fever. Sometimes a skin rash may occur. After stopping the use of the vitamin, all the described symptoms disappear within 2 to 3 days. With chronic use of vitamin A in large doses, skin itching, hair loss, dryness and flaking of the skin can be noted.
  • Vitamin D Vitamin D poisoning can also be acute ( when taking a very large dose) or chronic ( when used in high doses for a long time). In acute poisoning, patients complain of general weakness, nausea and vomiting, headaches and dizziness. In severe cases, there may be an increased heartbeat, fever, convulsions. With chronic intoxication with vitamin D, there is a decrease in appetite, increased irritability, and indigestion ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation). If left untreated, irreversible damage to the cardiovascular, bone and other body systems can occur.
  • Vitamin C. Long-term use of this vitamin in large doses can cause damage to the central nervous system, which will be manifested by insomnia, fever and a feeling of heat, headaches, dizziness, nausea. There may also be dryness of the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body.
  • Vitamin B1. Poisoning with this vitamin can provoke a feeling of weakness or fatigue, insomnia, headaches, loss of appetite. In severe cases, there may be damage to internal organs ( kidneys, liver).
  • Vitamin B6. Chronic poisoning with this vitamin can be accompanied by damage to the peripheral nervous system, impaired sensitivity in the limbs, a tendency to develop seizures and weight loss.
  • Vitamin B12. The use of this vitamin in large doses can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland ( an organ that produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism). It has also been noted that prolonged chronic overdose may contribute to the development of malignant tumors.
  • folic acid. An overdose of this vitamin is manifested by nausea and vomiting, increased nervous irritability and insomnia, and headaches. In severe cases, there may be damage to the cardiovascular system and kidneys.
  • Vitamin E. Chronic poisoning with this vitamin is manifested by headaches, general weakness and increased fatigue, nausea, and is also accompanied by a decrease in the body's defenses ( increased risk of microbial infections).

protein poisoning

Eating a large amount of protein foods ( predominantly meat) may be accompanied by an increase in the concentration of proteins in the blood. This can lead to disruption of the functioning of various organs and systems.

Protein poisoning can manifest itself:

  • Nausea or vomiting- protein food inhibits peristalsis ( motor activity) of the gastrointestinal tract, in connection with which the digestion process is disturbed.
  • Bloating- due to impaired intestinal motility and the development of gas-forming microflora.
  • insomnia- protein food stimulates the central nervous system, in connection with which there may be a violation of the process of falling asleep, as well as increased nervous excitability or irritability.
  • An increase in body temperature– it is also associated with the excitation of the central nervous system.
  • Darkening of the urine This is due to the excretion of by-products of protein metabolism through the kidneys.

water poisoning ( water poisoning)

water poisoning ( hyperhydration), in fact, is not a poisoning. This is a pathological condition of the body, in which there is a violation of water-electrolyte metabolism. The reason for this may be severe vomiting, accompanied by loss of electrolytes ( if at the same time a person replenishes the loss of fluid with water that does not contain electrolytes), impaired renal function ( in this case, the fluid is not excreted from the body), excessive intravenous fluids, and so on. In addition, water poisoning can be observed when it is taken in excess for a short period of time. So, for example, drinking 2.5 - 3 liters of pure water for an hour can lead to overhydration, disruption of water and electrolyte balance, and even death.

salt poisoning ( sodium)

From a chemical point of view, table salt is sodium chloride, that is, it contains the trace elements sodium and chlorine. When a large amount of salt is consumed in a short period of time, a person may develop hypernatremia - a pathological condition accompanied by an increase in the concentration of sodium in the blood ( norm - 135 - 145 mmol / liter). This can lead to disruption of the functioning of vital organs, as well as provoke the development of formidable complications from the central nervous system.

One of the first symptoms of salt poisoning is thirst ( desire to drink water). This is explained by the fact that an increased concentration of sodium in the blood is recorded by special sensitive cells at the level of the brain. In order to "dilute" the blood and reduce the sodium concentration in it, the body needs to get a large amount of fluid from the outside, as a result of which a strong ( irresistible) thirst.

Other signs of salt poisoning are:

  • general weakness;
  • disorientation in time and space;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • increased neuromuscular excitability;
  • wrinkling and dryness of the skin ( due to the release of fluid from the cells into the vascular bed).
Left untreated, a person can die due to damage to blood vessels and brain tissue.

Poisoning with mineral fertilizers ( nitrates)

Nitrates are chemicals salts of nitric acid), which are used as fertilizers. Nitrates can be found in large quantities in foods that have been processed by them during the growing process. When entering the human gastrointestinal tract, nitrates turn into so-called nitrites - toxic substances that affect red blood cells, making it impossible for them to transport oxygen. At the same time, a person begins to suffer from oxygen starvation ( fatigue, headaches, dizziness). In severe cases, death is possible.

Poisoning with rat poison

In order to combat rats and other small rodents, special poisonous substances are used. After entering the body along with the bait ( food) these poisons disrupt the functioning of the vital organs of rodents, which leads to their death. It is worth noting that all these poisons are to some extent toxic to humans if they get into his gastrointestinal tract.

A person can get poisoned:

  • Naphthylthiocarbamide. If a person eats this poison, after a few minutes or hours he will have severe vomiting, as a result of which part of the toxin will be removed from the gastrointestinal tract. If the toxin enters the systemic circulation in high concentration, it can cause damage to the circulatory system, as well as the liver and lungs, which can lead to death of a person.
  • Ratindan. When ingested, the active substance of this poison can be absorbed into the systemic circulation, where it disrupts the activity of the blood coagulation system ( which normally regulates hemorrhage control). Immediately after poisoning, the patient may experience nausea or vomiting once. After a few days, there may be frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after injuries, and so on. In more severe cases, hemoptysis may occur ( coughing up blood from the lungs), as well as the appearance of blood in the stool and urine. If you do not start specific treatment, after a few days you may experience a feeling of general fatigue and lethargy, which is associated with chronic blood loss. Death can occur from a pronounced decrease in the concentration of red cells in the blood and oxygen starvation of the brain, as well as from damage to other vital organs ( liver, kidney, central nervous system, respiratory system and so on).
  • Brodifacoum. This drug also disrupts the activity of the blood coagulation system. Signs of poisoning them are similar to those of ratindan poisoning.

alcohol poisoning ( ethyl alcohol, vodka, wine, beer, surrogates)

Poisoning with alcoholic beverages can be observed when they are consumed in large quantities, as well as when drinking low-quality alcoholic beverages. It should be noted that active "intoxicating") the substance of all alcoholic beverages is ethyl alcohol ( ethanol). The rate of development of intoxication, as well as the severity of symptoms of poisoning, depends on its concentration. So, for example, the concentration of ethanol in vodka is 40%, while in beer it is up to 8-10%. It follows that the symptoms of ethanol intoxication will occur more quickly when drinking large amounts of vodka than beer or other ( less strong) alcoholic beverages.

Ethyl alcohol poisoning can manifest itself:

  • Nausea and vomiting. These are natural protective reflexes, the purpose of which is to remove excess toxic substances from the body, as well as to prevent its further intake.
  • Dizziness and confusion. This symptom is due to the effect of alcohol on brain cells.
  • Nervous excitement or drowsiness. In the initial stages of intoxication, alcohol stimulates the central nervous system ( CNS), in connection with which the patient may behave excitedly or aggressively, see hallucinations ( something that doesn't really exist) and so on. With an increase in the concentration of ethanol in the blood, the activity of the central nervous system is inhibited, and therefore drowsiness and lethargy appear. In severe cases, a person can fall into a coma - a life-threatening condition in which the patient does not respond to external stimuli.
  • Redness of the skin ( especially faces). Ethyl alcohol causes the expansion of superficial blood vessels, causing blood to flow to the skin, changing its color.
  • The presence of a specific alcoholic smell. Alcohol is partially excreted through the lungs ( in the form of vapor). The higher its concentration in the blood, the more pronounced will be the alcoholic smell from the patient's mouth. This symptom will distinguish alcoholic coma ( extreme depression of consciousness) from other diseases in which a person can also lose consciousness.
  • Breathing disorder. This may be due to damage to the central nervous system, as well as blockage of the respiratory tract by vomit ( if vomiting occurred while the person was unconscious).
It is worth noting that other chemicals can be used to achieve the state of intoxication ( alcohol substitutes - ethylene glycol, butyl alcohol, colognes and cosmetic lotions, solvents, etc.). Surrogates are more toxic than ordinary alcoholic beverages, and therefore signs of poisoning and intoxication ( nausea, vomiting, damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs) develop much faster. So, for example, after drinking only 30 ml of butyl alcohol, a person can die.

Methyl alcohol poisoning

Methyl alcohol ( methanol) is used in the chemical industry as a solvent and for other purposes. It also has a moderate intoxicating effect, but much less pronounced than ethyl alcohol. It is strictly forbidden to eat methanol, since the products of its metabolism ( in particular formaldehyde and formic acid) are extremely toxic to the body. Accumulating in tissues and organs, they can cause damage to the central nervous system, the organ of vision, the liver and the cardiovascular system, and in severe cases lead to the death of the patient. The lethal dose of methanol is 25 - 100 ml ( depending on the age and weight of the person).

Methyl alcohol poisoning manifests itself:

  • Nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness- the mechanism of occurrence of these symptoms is the same as with ethyl alcohol poisoning.
  • Paroxysmal abdominal pain- they are caused by the accumulation of by-products of methanol metabolism in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and a violation of the contractile activity of the stomach and intestines.
  • visual impairment ( up to its complete loss.) - the development of this symptom is also due to the toxic effect of formaldehyde and formic acid at the level of the optic nerve ( innervates the retina of the eye, which perceives light).
  • Loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma- develop as a result of severe intoxication of the body with formic acid, which can lead to the death of the patient within a day.

Symptoms and signs of food poisoning and toxic infections

At the initial stages of the development of the disease, the symptoms and signs of all food poisoning are similar to each other. The entry of a toxic substance into the body triggers a series of protective reactions aimed at removing it from the body. In the later stages of development, specific signs of poisoning may appear, depending on which toxin the patient has eaten ( violations of the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, damage to the liver, kidneys, and so on).

Food poisoning can manifest itself:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • diarrhea ( loose stools, diarrhea);
  • pain in the abdomen;
  • an increase in body temperature;
  • headaches;
  • dizziness;
  • body intoxication.

Nausea and vomiting

As mentioned earlier, nausea and vomiting are protective mechanisms that should slow down the entry of toxic substances into the systemic circulation. Once the toxin or poison enters the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract), it almost immediately begins to be absorbed through the gastric mucosa ( a little later through the intestinal mucosa). This leads to certain changes in the patient's blood, triggering nervous and hormonal defense reactions.

Under normal conditions, after eating, peristalsis is activated ( motor activity) gastrointestinal tract. This promotes mixing of food with digestive juices and absorption of nutrients. As soon as the body "understands" that poisoning has occurred, the motility of the gastrointestinal tract immediately stops. At the same time, food ceases to be absorbed, stagnates in the stomach and stretches it, which creates an unpleasant feeling of nausea. After that, the so-called anti-peristaltic waves appear, that is, such muscle contractions of the gastrointestinal tract that push its contents in the opposite direction ( that is, from the small intestine to the stomach, and from the stomach through the esophagus to the oral cavity). This is how vomiting occurs, the purpose of which is to remove potentially dangerous products from the digestive tract, which will prevent further absorption of toxins.

diarrhea ( loose stools, diarrhea)

Diarrhea can occur due to the activity of pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract) along with any products. So, for example, when consuming salmonella-infected ( pathogenic microorganisms) food, the toxins they produce stimulate the release of salts and water into the intestinal lumen, which is manifested by massive watery diarrhea, which can be repeated several dozen times a day. In this case, the body loses a large amount of fluid and electrolytes, which can endanger the life of the patient.

In other cases, the development of diarrhea may not be associated with the pathogen itself, but is a consequence of the development of a pathological process in the gastrointestinal tract. The fact is that after the onset of poisoning, the motility of the stomach and intestines slows down, as a result of which the digestion process is disturbed. Food from the small intestine and stomach can be removed from the GI tract by vomiting, while the contents of the large intestine remain in it. Under normal conditions, a certain part of the water is absorbed precisely through the mucous membrane of the final sections of the gastrointestinal tract ( that is, through the mucosa of the large intestine). However, due to the slowdown in peristalsis, the absorption process is also disturbed, as a result of which water and intestinal contents are released through the anus in the form of loose stools or diarrhea. Such diarrhea usually recurs 1-2 times and does not pose a danger to the patient's life, since the loss of fluid and electrolytes is not as pronounced as in the first case.

Stomach ache ( stomach, intestines)

Pain in case of poisoning may be associated with damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines. The fact is that under normal conditions it is covered with a thin layer of mucus, which protects it from the traumatic effects of food products, as well as from acidic gastric juice. In case of poisoning, the secretion of this mucus is disrupted, which leads to damage to the gastric mucosa and its inflammation ( gastritis). As a result, the patient may feel acute, paroxysmal pain in the upper abdomen, which occurs with a frequency of 1 to 2 times per minute and lasts from 5 to 20 seconds. The mechanism of pain in this case is due to peristaltic ( contractile) waves of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract). When these muscles contract, the nerve endings of the stomach wall are irritated, which is felt by the patient as a cutting, poorly localized pain ( the patient cannot pinpoint exactly where it hurts).

Drawing pains in the lower abdomen may be due to the transition of the infectious process to the large intestine, which will be accompanied by the appearance of diarrhea. Under normal conditions, the peristaltic wave is accompanied by a short-term ( for 3 - 5 seconds) muscle contraction, which helps to push the intestinal contents. With the development of poisoning, this function is impaired, as a result of which the muscular contractions of the intestine become too long ( that is, the muscles remain in a contracted state for 10 to 20 seconds or more). In this case, the metabolism in them is disturbed, which is accompanied by the appearance of characteristic pains.

Increase in body temperature

An increase in body temperature during poisoning is also a protective reaction of the body. The fact is that many pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins can only exist at a certain temperature, and when the ambient temperature rises, they die or are destroyed. That is why, in the process of evolution, this protective reaction was developed by the body - as soon as any foreign substance enters the systemic circulation, a number of biochemical processes are launched, the final result of which is an increase in body temperature.

With any food poisoning, body temperature will rise to at least 37 to 38 degrees during the first 6 to 12 hours after eating bad or contaminated food. If the body's defenses cope with the infection, body temperature returns to normal within a day. At the same time, it is worth noting that infection with some pathogenic microorganisms or toxins can be accompanied by an extremely pronounced increase in temperature ( up to 39 - 40 and more degrees).

Headache

Headache can accompany poisoning if toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract enter the bloodstream in large quantities. This activates the body's immune system, the purpose of which is to find and destroy all foreign agents that have entered the systemic circulation. During the operation of this system, so-called biologically active substances are produced that fight foreign microorganisms and their toxins. However, these substances also have negative effects, in particular a vasodilating effect. When toxic substances enter the systemic circulation, as well as when exposed to biologically active substances, an expansion of the blood vessels of the brain is noted, as a result of which part of the fluid from the bloodstream passes into the surrounding tissues. At the same time, the meningeal membrane of the brain, rich in sensitive nerve endings, is also stretched. All this leads to the occurrence of severe headaches, which can appear within the first day after the onset of poisoning and subside only after the patient's condition is normalized ( that is, after removal of foreign toxins and subsidence of immune responses).

It is worth noting that in case of alcohol poisoning, a headache also occurs due to the expansion of blood vessels and swelling of brain tissues. However, in this case, ethyl alcohol itself has a vasodilating effect ( contained in alcoholic beverages), and the body's immune system is not involved in the pathological process.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a pathological condition characterized by the loss of large amounts of fluid from the body. The cause of dehydration in case of poisoning can be frequent vomiting or diarrhea, during which a large amount of fluid is removed from the body. Moreover, an increase in body temperature can contribute to the development of dehydration, since in this case a person begins to sweat, and along with sweat, loses fluid.

Since it is not always possible to recover losses ( for example, if the patient vomits again when taking fluids), already 4-6 hours after the onset of the disease, the patient may show the first signs of dehydration. If treatment is not started on time, the body will continue to lose fluid and vital electrolytes ( chlorine, sodium and others), which over time can lead to dysfunction of vital organs or even death.

Dehydration manifests itself:

  • Decreased elasticity and dryness of the skin. Due to the fact that the liquid leaves the skin, it becomes dry and less elastic, loses its usual luster.
  • Dryness of mucous membranes. This symptom is clearly visible in the oral cavity, tongue and lips ( mucous membranes become dry, and then covered with characteristic crusts).
  • Pale skin. Due to the decrease in the volume of circulating blood, there is a "closure" of peripheral blood vessels ( especially in the skin), which allows you to maintain blood circulation in vital organs ( brain, heart, liver) at normal levels. The pallor of the skin in this case occurs due to the fact that the amount of blood in its vessels decreases.
  • Retraction of the eyeballs. Under normal conditions, a layer of adipose tissue is located between the eyeball and the back wall of the orbit. It supports and fixes the eye, preventing its damage in case of injury. During dehydration, fluid from adipose tissue is also removed, as a result of which it ( adipose tissue) becomes thinner, and the eyeballs are displaced deep into the orbits.
  • Rapid heartbeat. With moderate or severe dehydration, the volume of circulating blood decreases. To compensate for the losses and maintain the blood supply to the organs at a normal level, the heart has to pump blood at a faster rate.
  • Decreased amount of urine. As the amount of fluid in the body decreases, protective mechanisms are launched, the purpose of which is to prevent further loss of water. One of these mechanisms is a decrease in the rate of urine formation in the kidneys.

Dizziness

Dizziness can be one of the first symptoms of poisoning by certain plants and fungi, as well as poisoning with alcoholic beverages or surrogates. The reason for the development of this symptom in this case is the direct toxic effect exerted by toxic substances on the brain. At the same time, it is worth noting that dizziness can also occur with other poisonings, indicating their severe course. So, for example, with severe intoxication of the body, accompanied by dehydration ( fluid loss) and a decrease in blood pressure, there may be a violation of the blood supply to the brain cells, which will be manifested by dizziness, darkening of the eyes, or even loss of consciousness.

Body intoxication

General intoxication syndrome is a complex of symptoms that develop in the body with any food poisoning ( whatever its cause). The occurrence of this syndrome is due to the activation of the immune system and its fight against foreign agents. After removal of all toxic substances from the body, signs of general intoxication disappear ( along with the normalization of body temperature).

Intoxication of the body can manifest itself:

  • general weakness;
  • decrease in working capacity;
  • retardation of thinking;
  • drowsiness;
  • chills ( feeling of coldness in the extremities);
  • increased heartbeat;
  • rapid breathing.

Symptoms of food poisoning in children

Mechanisms for the development of food poisoning in children do not differ from those in adults. At the same time, it is worth remembering that in early childhood poisoning can develop faster and be more severe than in an adult. This is due to the imperfection of the protective forces and the immune system of the child's body, as well as its low compensatory capabilities. So, for example, after 2 - 4 bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, a child may develop dehydration, while in an adult this will not cause any serious disorders. That is why it is extremely important to timely identify the first signs and symptoms of poisoning and begin therapeutic measures without waiting for the deterioration of the baby's condition and the development of complications.

Poisoning in a child can manifest itself:

  • Tearfulness- this is especially pronounced in young children who do not yet know how to express their feelings in words ( if the child is hurt or ill, he cries).
  • Increased motor activity- the child may be restless, agitated.
  • Defensive position in bed- in case of poisoning, children also experience abdominal pain, and therefore take the characteristic “embryo” pose ( knees and elbows are pressed to the stomach, and when you try to unbend or raise them, they begin to cry).
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea- the causes of these symptoms are the same as in case of poisoning in adults.
  • An increase in body temperature- the temperature reaction in children may be more pronounced, as a result of which from the first day the temperature can rise to 38 - 39 degrees.
  • Drowsiness and impaired consciousness- these signs occur with severe intoxication of the body and require immediate hospitalization.
  • convulsions ( seizures) - they can occur when the child's body temperature rises above 40 degrees and is associated with impaired functioning of the nervous system.

Does blood pressure rise with poisoning?

Under normal conditions, blood pressure ( HELL) of a person is 120/80 millimeters of mercury. By itself, food poisoning does not cause an increase in blood pressure. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, when the patient develops severe vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, his blood pressure may slightly exceed the norm. This is due to an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity ( during vomiting), as well as the activation of the body's defense systems, one of the manifestations of which is the narrowing of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. After the vomiting subsides, the pressure usually returns to normal within an hour.

At the same time, it should be noted that in case of severe poisoning ( that is, with the development of dehydration and other complications) may experience a drop in blood pressure below normal. This is an extremely dangerous symptom, indicating the depletion of the body's compensatory capabilities. This can disrupt the blood supply to vital organs ( first of all, the brain), as a result of which a person may experience dizziness, lose consciousness, or even fall into a coma.

Can poisoning occur without fever?

Most poisonings are characterized by an increase in body temperature, but this symptom is not always found. As mentioned earlier, an increase in temperature is a protective reaction of the body that develops when foreign microorganisms or their toxins enter the systemic circulation. However, in some poisonings, the toxic agent does not enter the systemic circulation, but exerts its pathogenic effect only at the level of the intestinal mucosa. In this case, the patient may experience some characteristic signs of poisoning ( nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), but body temperature may remain normal or rise slightly ( up to 37 - 37.5 degrees).

The severity of poisoning ( mild, moderate, severe, fatal)

The severity of poisoning depends on the severity of damage to vital organs and systems that develops after the ingestion of a toxic substance into the body.

Depending on the severity, there are:

  • Light poisoning. The disease does not cause dysfunction of vital organs. Therapeutic activities can be carried out at home.
  • Moderate poisoning. The general condition of the patient is disturbed, which is manifested by moderate disorders of the functions of vital organs ( increased breathing and heart rate, fluctuations in blood pressure, increased body temperature, and so on). Although the patient's life is not in danger, the treatment of such poisoning is recommended to be carried out in a hospital, since otherwise the patient's general condition may worsen and complications may develop.
  • Severe poisoning. In this case, intoxication of the body leads to severe dysfunction of vital organs, which can be manifested by a drop in blood pressure, impaired consciousness, lack of urine ( due to dehydration and impaired urinary function of the kidneys) and so on. Treatment of such patients should be carried out exclusively in the hospital, as otherwise the risk of complications and death is high.
  • Extremely severe poisoning. In this case, the violation of the functions of vital organs is so pronounced that in order to save a person's life, he must be immediately hospitalized in the intensive care unit and begin specific treatment. Otherwise, death is inevitable.
  • Fatal poisoning. In this case, poisoning with any substances leads to the death of the patient, despite the best efforts of doctors ( if any, that is, if the patient managed to be hospitalized

The reaction of the body to these microorganisms is different for all people - some people actually get poisoned, while others do not react.

The biggest danger of food poisoning is death, which most often occurs after poisoning with mushrooms or missing fish.

There are several types of food poisoning:

food poisoning- provoke missing products (with an expired shelf life), as well as products that have been stored incorrectly or prepared in violation of sanitary standards;

toxic poisoning (non-infectious)- are caused by the ingestion of natural or chemical toxins (poison of inedible mushrooms and plants, as well as chemicals) into the body along with food.

If you suspect toxic poisoning caused by poisonous mushrooms, berries or chemicals that have entered the body along with food, consult a doctor immediately! This type of poisoning is very dangerous, so you should not treat it yourself !!!

Symptoms of food poisoning

The first signs of food poisoning appear within 2-6 hours after eating.

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

  • pain and cramps in the abdomen;
  • pale green complexion.

If you take the right first aid measures, an improvement in health should occur within a few hours. Although, some symptoms, such as -, and general weakness, may accompany the patient for several more days.

The final recovery of the body occurs within 1-3 days.

Complications from food poisoning

You can not let poisoning take its course, because. is a serious disorder of the body that can lead to:

  • changes in the level of electrolytes in the blood;
  • lethal outcome.

If there is no improvement after first aid, then you should immediately consult a doctor !!!

The cause of food poisoning can be foods and drinks containing harmful microorganisms. They can be found both in food and on it, for example, if food is taken with unwashed hands, after which it is consumed.

As statistics show, poisoning is most often caused by:

  • unwashed vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries;
  • raw water;
  • milk, spoiled dairy products;
  • spoiled meat, eggs, fish;
  • products that have undergone insufficient heat treatment;
  • foods that have been stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a long time.
  • poisonous mushrooms, berries and other plants;
  • chemicals on products with which they are processed for better preservation, or to give a presentation.

Also, food poisoning can be caused by non-compliance.

Diagnosis of food poisoning

To make a diagnosis, the doctor collects a detailed history:

  • asks the patient;
  • measures body temperature and pulse;
  • conducts a general examination for the presence and palpation of the abdomen.

The following tests are also ordered:

  • laboratory study of feces;

In rare cases, the following diagnostic procedures may be prescribed:

  • fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy;
  • colonoscopy;
  • sigmoidoscopy;
  • fluoroscopy.

In case of mass food poisoning, the sanitary and epidemiological service (SES) conducts a study of products that could cause poisoning.

Treatment of food poisoning includes taking first aid for food poisoning, recovering the body, and following certain rules of nutrition (diet) after all the measures taken.

First aid for food poisoning

1. Gastric lavage

When the first symptoms of food poisoning appear, it is urgent to rinse the stomach. This is done to remove the remnants of harmful food.

A weak solution of potassium permanganate or is excellent for washing. To prepare the product: pour literally a few grains of potassium permanganate (to a light pink color) or 1 tbsp on 2 liters of water at room temperature. a spoonful of soda.

Drink this solution and induce vomiting by pressing 2 fingers on the root of the tongue. Repeat the process until clear water comes out.

Important! If the victim of poisoning is a child under 2 years old, a person after a stroke or a heart attack, in a very weakened or delusional state, an unconscious person, then inducing vomiting at home is strictly prohibited! Such patients may choke on vomit. Vomiting in this case can only be caused by health workers under their supervision !!!

2. Eliminate toxins from the body

After gastric lavage, sorbents are taken to remove toxins from the body.

Among other sorbents, one can distinguish - coal, which we often recognize under the names: "Activated carbon" or "White coal".

These drugs reduce the absorption of harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to the removal of not only toxins, but also salts of heavy metals, alkaloids and other harmful substances.

When taking activated charcoal, proceed from the calculation: 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight. "White coal" is taken 2-4 tablets, depending on the severity of the poisoning.

2. Replenishment of fluid lost by the body

After washing the stomach and taking the sorbent, to replenish the loss of fluid in the body (after vomiting and diarrhea), you need to drink plenty of fluids.

Drink 2-3 liters of boiled liquid per day. Alternate salt solution (add 1 teaspoon of table salt per 1 liter of boiled water), sweet weak tea and chamomile decoction.

Drinking plenty of water not only restores water balance, but also helps a person warm up, and also reduces pain.

3. Other activities

Warming. Often, when food is poisoned, a person develops. In this case, it needs to be warmed up. For warming, cover the patient with a blanket, and attach a heating pad to the legs.

Diet. After first aid and treatment of poisoning, a sparing diet is prescribed, which contributes to the rapid resumption of the functionality of the digestive organs. We will look at the diet in this article a little later.

4. Medicines for food poisoning:

To restore water balance. They are used after washing the stomach to prevent dehydration of the body: "", "Oralit", "Chlorazole", "Litrozol" and others.

To restore intestinal microflora. They are used after gastric lavage: "Hilak forte", "Linex", "Mezim", etc.;

Antipyretics. They are used if the body temperature is above 37.5 degrees: "", "", etc.

Antibiotics are used only in severe cases of poisoning and are prescribed only by the attending physician.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • symptoms of poisoning persist for 3 or more days;
  • the course of poisoning becomes more severe;
  • observed, pain in the kidneys, liver or other internal organs, as well as prolonged abdominal cramps;
  • keeps;
  • there is increased sweating and a feeling of suffocation;
  • a child or an elderly person was poisoned;
  • there is a suspicion of poisoning with poisonous mushrooms, berries or fish.

After food poisoning (Food poisoning diet)

An integral part of the treatment of food poisoning is diet.

In the first days after poisoning, it is necessary to give up fatty, spicy and heavy foods, milk and dairy products, alcohol and other bad habits.

Eat small meals. Steam or boil dishes. Drink plenty and gradually return to your diet.

To fully restore the body, after food poisoning, follow some rules of nutrition:

  • the first day, when the symptoms of poisoning have disappeared, adhere to bed rest and only drink - boiled water, weak green tea, decoction, tea from (warm, you can sweeten it a little);
  • on the second day, food should be light, boiled and crushed as much as possible. Start eating with cereals and broths - oatmeal, rice porridge (on the water). Prepare vegetable or chicken broths. Don't forget to drink plenty of water;
  • on the third and fourth day you can eat mashed potatoes, rice, lean fish fillet (steamed).

Folk remedies for food poisoning

Treatment of food poisoning with folk remedies is permissible only with a mild course and only after consultation and permission from a doctor.

Dill. Pour 1 teaspoon of seeds with 1.5 cups of boiling water and let them brew for about 5 minutes. Now boil the infusion for a couple of minutes, strain, let it cool a little, and when the product is warm, add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. Take the resulting remedy instead of tea, throughout the day. The daily norm is 1 liter.

Cinnamon. Pour ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon with 1 cup of boiling water and mix thoroughly. Let the product brew for 15-20 minutes, then strain. Drink this decoction in small sips throughout the day. The daily norm is 1.5 liters.

Wormwood and yarrow. Pour 500 ml of boiling water 1 teaspoon dried and 1 teaspoon. Let them brew for about 20 minutes, then strain. Divide the resulting product into 5 servings that you need to drink during the day.

Althea root. Pour 1 teaspoon crushed ½ cup boiling water. Let the product stand for about 30 minutes, strain and add to it (to taste). Drink the resulting infusion 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon.

Flowers and leaves of marshmallow. 2 tbsp. spoons of flowers and leaves of marshmallow pour 2 cups of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3-4 hours, then drink instead of tea 3 times a day.

To prevent, or at least minimize the risk of food poisoning, adhere to the following preventive rules:

Try to buy and consume less frozen convenience foods - pizza, meatballs, fish sticks, etc.

Do not purchase or consume fish that are shriveled in appearance, or fish with white gills.

If you have allergies to certain foods, be aware of them.

In the summer, when it is hot outside, do not buy or eat sweets with cream, milk filling - cakes, tubes, eclairs, etc.

Do not drink alcohol "from under the counter", as well as cheap wines, low-alcohol drinks, energy drinks, etc. Better yet, don't drink alcoholic beverages in any form at all. this drink does not benefit a person, except for medicinal purposes, for example, red wine to increase hemoglobin levels, etc.

Change your washcloth and kitchen towel more often, keep the kitchen clean.

Which doctor to contact in case of poisoning:

Food poisoning. Video

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