Types of poison and their adverse effect

If the person has no symptoms even though he/she may have consumed the poison, then it is important to immediately reach the hospital or emergency room for poison treatment

Poison is something that kills or injures the cells/tissues through its chemical actions. Most poisons are ingested. The word poison comes from the Latin word – “potare” - assuming to drink. However, poisons can even enter the body in other ways:

•       Through inhalation [spreads via respiratory]
•       Through the skin
•        By IV injection
•        From exposure to radiation
•        Venom from a snake bite

Poisons embrace contact with extremely toxic chemicals not meant for human intake like cyanide, paint thinners, or unit cleansing merchandise.

Many substances that are meant for human consumption such as a few foods and medicines, can be lethal if consumed in excess

Foods

·         Some mushrooms are toxic

·         Drinking contaminated water

·         Food that has not been properly handled

·         Drugs

·         Drugs that are useful in therapeutic doses could also be deadly if taken in excess.

Examples include:

Drugs

Beta-blockers: Beta blockers are used to treat heart conditions (for example, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms) and other conditions, (for example, high pressure, sick headache bar, phobic disorders) In excess, they can cause problems.

Warfarin (Coumadin): Anticoagulant is the active ingredient in several rat poisons and could cause serious injury and death if an excessive amount is taken.

Vitamins: Vitamins, particularly A and D, if taken in large amounts can cause toxicity.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning are variable and there is no simple way to classify them.

·         Enlarged/dilated pupils

·         Excessive drooling/Dry mouth and skin.

·         Some increase the respiratory rate, whereas others may slow it.

·         Some are painless and few are painful

·         Some may cause loss of consciousness