Food poisoning– a non-contagious disease that occurs as a result of eating food containing harmful microorganisms or substances toxic to the human body.
Food poisoning is a collective concept, as it can be caused by a number of various reasons, however, the mechanism of development of the disease, as well as its manifestation, are similar. All types of food poisoning are characterized by: general intoxication, inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, as well as frequent development of dehydration.
Types and classification of food poisoning
There are 2 main groups of food poisoning:
- Food poisoning of microbial origin
- Toxic infections (Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, E. coli, Bac. cereus, Str. faecalis, etc.)
- Toxicoses
- Bacterial (toxins produced Staphylococcus aureus, Cl. botulinum.)
- Fungal (toxins produced by fungi Aspergilus, Fusarium, etc.)
- Mixed
- Food poisoning of non-microbial origin
- Poisoning caused by poisonous plants and animal tissues:
- Plants that are poisonous by nature (henbane, belladonna, fly agaric, etc.)
- Animal tissues that are poisonous in nature (organs of fish - barbel, pufferfish, Marinka, etc.)
- Plant products that are poisonous under certain conditions (green potatoes containing corned beef, raw beans, etc.)
- Products of animal origin that are poisonous under certain conditions (caviar, milk, liver of some fish during spawning - mackerel, burbot, pike, etc.)
- Poisoning due to chemical impurities (pesticides, nitrates, compounds introduced into the product from packaging materials, etc.)
- Food poisoning of unknown cause.
Toxic infection – acute illness, an emerging field of eating food containing a large number of living microorganisms. The causative agents of toxic infections actively multiply on food products; when they enter the human body, the harmful effects are determined both by the microbe itself and by the toxins that are released after its death.
The main pathogens of food poisoning: Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, E. coli, Bac. cereus, Str. Faecalis, as well as little-studied Hafnia, Pseudomonas, Klebsiela, etc.
Toxicoses– an acute or chronic (in the case of fungal toxicosis) disease in which the development of the disease occurs due to the action of a toxin that has accumulated on food products. The pathogen itself enters the body in small quantities. For example, when cheese is aged for a long time, only staphylococcal toxin without a living microorganism can be preserved.
General mechanisms of food poisoning development
Food poisoning agents can produce toxins both in food and in the human body. Also, when the pathogen is destroyed, an additional portion of various toxic substances is released in the gastrointestinal tract. When toxins enter the human body, the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines is primarily affected, which manifests itself inflammatory reaction and violation motor activity intestines. This is accompanied by pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea and vomiting. After toxins begin to enter the blood, general intoxication of the body develops, which is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms(headache, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, etc.).
Symptoms and signs of food poisoning
The first symptoms of poisoning
How long does it take for poisoning to appear?
Regardless of the factor that caused the poisoning, the manifestations of the disease are similar and can be divided into 3 main groups of symptoms:
- Symptoms of inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa (symptoms of gastroenterocolitis)
- Symptoms of intoxication
- Symptoms of dehydration
Symptoms of gastroenterocolitis 
Symptoms arise as a result of the damaging effects of microbes and their toxins on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
- Stomach ache
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomit
Symptoms of intoxication
Intoxication occurs as a result of toxins entering the blood, which leads to various disorders in many organs and systems. Intoxication reflects the body's response to infection. The severity of the patient's condition is largely determined by the degree of intoxication.
Main symptoms of intoxication:
- General weakness
- Chills
- Headache
- Increased body temperature
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomit
How to determine the degree of intoxication?
| Symptoms | Degree of intoxication |
||
| Lightweight | Average | Heavy | |
| Weakness | Minor | Moderate | Pronounced |
| Chills | Insignificant | Expressed | Strongly expressed |
| Body temperature | Fine | Increased to 38 °C | More than 38°C or below 36°C |
| Pain in muscles and joints | No | Present in some cases | Present in a significant proportion of cases |
| Rapid breathing | No | Moderately expressed | Significantly expressed |
| Cardiopalmus | No | Moderately expressed | Significantly expressed |
| Lower blood pressure | No | Mildly or moderately expressed | Pronounced |
| Headache | No | Moderately expressed | Significantly expressed |
| Dizziness | No | Occasionally | Frequent |
| Lethargy | No | Weakly expressed | Clearly expressed |
| Convulsions | No | Sometimes | Characteristic, can be intense |
| Vomit | Up to 5 times a day | From 5-15 times | More than 15 times |
| Chair | Up to 10 times a day | From 10-20 times | More than 20 times |
Symptoms of dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration are caused by fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea.
Main symptoms of dehydration:
- General weakness
- Thirst
- Dry mucous membranes
- Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Decreased urine output
How to determine the degree of dehydration?
| Symptoms | Dehydration degree |
|||
| I | II | III | IV | |
| Fluid loss relative to body weight | Until 3% | 4-6% | 7-9% | 10% or more |
| Vomit | Up to 5 times a day | 6-10 times | 11-20 times | Multiple. Over 20 times |
| Loose stool | Up to 10 times | 11-20 times | Over 20 | Without an account, on your own |
| Thirst, dry mouth | Moderately expressed | Significantly expressed | Significantly expressed | Sharply expressed |
| Skin elasticity | Not changed | Reduced | Sharply reduced | Vivid expression |
| Voice change | No | Weakened | Hoarseness of voice | Absence |
| Convulsions | No | In the calf muscles, short-term | Long lasting and painful | Common seizures |
| Pulse | Not changed | Up to 100 beats per minute | 100-120 beats per minute | Very weak or undetectable |
| Arterial pressure | Not changed | Up to 100 mmHg | Up to 80 mmHg | Less than 80 mmHg. |
Factors indicating food poisoning:
- The onset of the disease is acute, sudden (from 30 minutes to 7 days, usually 2-6 hours)
- The disease develops simultaneously in a group of people
- As a rule, the course of the disease is short (3-5 days)
- A clear connection between the disease and the consumption of a certain dish or product
- Food poisoning is not transmitted from patient to healthy person, and this is their main difference from infectious diseases.
The main types of food poisoning depending on the product and the causative agent of the disease and some of their features
First of all, we should separately highlight diseases such as shigellosis and salmonellosis, which are essentially infectious diseases. However, they are often considered as foodborne diseases. These diseases are somewhat more severe than banal food poisoning and require close attention, especially in treatment.
Dairy product poisoning
Poisoning with milk, kefir, butter, cheese, cottage cheese...
Possible causative agents of the disease: Shigella Sonne, name of the disease shigellosis(“urban disease”, dysentery), staphylococcus, etc.
Shigella– a bacterium, shaped like a rod with a rounded end. They live on food in the soil for up to 5-14 days. Perish in the direct rays sunlight for 30 minutes, boiling instantly.
Cause:
- There are carriers of Shigella Zone infection who hide their illness and do not want to seek medical help if they do not comply sanitary rules food contamination occurs. Contamination of food products by patients occurs at various stages of collection, transportation and sale of these products.
- Insufficient disinfection or contamination of milk and dairy products directly at dairies and factories.
- Dairy products are an excellent nutrient substrate for bacterial growth.
- Sour cream, milk, cottage cheese, kefir, cream, and cheese come first as risk factors.
Symptoms
Symptoms of general intoxication:
- Onset is acute (1-7 days)
- General malaise
- Moderate headache
- Temperature is usually normal, rising to 38 °C or higher is rare
- Sudden loss of appetite
Symptoms of colitis (inflammation of the large intestine):
- Cramping pain, usually on the left side of the lower abdomen
- False urges for defecation(tenesmus)
- Frequent, scanty stools ( rectal spit) with a large amount of cloudy mucus and streaks of blood, often more than 10 times a day
Laboratory diagnostics:
- Shigella is isolated from stool
Poisoning with meat, chicken, eggs, protein poisoning
Salmonella is a common pathogen causing the so-called salmonellosis.
Salmonella- rod-shaped bacterium with rounded edges, mobile - has flagella over its entire surface.
Salmonella can survive in meat for up to 6 months, in frozen meat for more than six months, in eggs for up to 1 year or more, on eggshells for up to 24 days. In the refrigerator, being in meat, salmonella not only survive, but are also able to multiply (at low temperatures above zero). Salmonella at 70 °C dies within 5-10 minutes, but in the thickness of a piece of meat it can withstand boiling for several hours.
Symptoms of poisoning:
Type of patient:
- Pallor, possible bluishness of the extremities
Symptom of general intoxication:
- Onset is acute or acute (from 2 hours to 72 hours)
- General malaise
- Headache
- temperature rise to 38°C or higher
- Sudden loss of appetite
- In severe cases, loss of consciousness, convulsions
Symptoms of enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestines):
- Cramping pain, mainly above and around the navel
- The stool is copious, watery, up to 10 times a day, greenish or dark brown in color, foul-smelling, sometimes looks like “swamp mud.”
- There is no blood in the stool.
Laboratory diagnostics
- Salmonella is isolated from vomit and feces. In the common form, from blood and urine.
Confectionery poisoning
Poisoning is mainly caused not by the microorganism itself, but by the toxin it produces.
Most often, staphylococcus gets into food products from people suffering from various purulent diseases(furunculosis, festering wounds, tonsillitis, sinusitis). Staphylococcus multiplies well in dairy products, especially in confectionery creams, etc. During their life, staphylococci secrete a special type of toxin - enterotoxin, which causes poisoning. Enterotoxin does not change the taste or smell of food. The toxin is resistant to heat and can withstand heating up to 100 C for 1-2 hours.
Symptoms and distinctive features poisoning with staphylococcal toxin:
- Rapid onset of illness (30-60 minutes after eating contaminated food)
- Nausea, most common symptom
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Severe cutting pain in the abdomen, above the navel
- Body temperature is normal or low, rarely rises to 38-39 C, lasts several hours.
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea in 50% of cases, no more than 2-5 bowel movements per day, duration 1-3 days
- There are no blood or mucus in the stool
- High likelihood of development, seizures and loss of consciousness
Fish poisoning
If after visiting a sushi bar you feel general malaise, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea, it looks like you have been poisoned. The most common causative agents of poisoning in sushi bars are 1) bacteria from the group coli(E.Coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter), 2) Staphylococcus aureus 3) proteas, etc. Typically, such bacteria get into food if basic hygiene rules are not followed and improper storage occurs. In this case, the classic development of food poisoning occurs. Symptoms: general weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
However, there are fish poisonings that become poisonous on their own under certain conditions. For example, during spawning, milk, liver and caviar of fish such as pike, perch, burbot, barbel, and beluga become poisonous, causing severe poisoning.
There are also poisonings that occur according to the type allergic reaction. After eating fish, symptoms such as redness of the skin, itching, swelling of the face, burning in the mouth, headache, nausea, diarrhea may occur. This manifestation of poisoning is explained by the high content of substances in fish, causing symptoms allergies, such as histamine, etc. After the action of histamine ends, all symptoms disappear without a trace, after about 7-8 hours. But for your own safety, it is better to take antiallergic drugs (suprastin, cetirizine, etc.) and consult a doctor, because the development of a true allergic reaction to fish components cannot be ruled out.
Be careful when choosing fish:
- It is strictly forbidden to eat fish that has lost its scales, has a swollen belly, or has cloudy eyes.
Be careful when cooking fish:
- Fish is stored at 1 °C
- You should not defrost fish unless you have decided what you will cook. After defrosting, fish very quickly begins to deteriorate and release dangerous toxins.
Fish poisoning serious disease and in most cases requires qualified medical care.
Mushroom poisoning
Among poisonings with plant poisons, mushroom poisoning occupies a leading place.
There are more than 70 species of poisonous mushrooms in Russia, 20 of which have highly toxic properties. Throughout the year, cases of mushroom poisoning occur in every 5th Russian family. The number of victims increases during the so-called “mushroom season” from May to November. At this time, severe, sometimes mass poisonings of people occur, many of which result in death. No one is safe from poisoning; sometimes even the most experienced mushroom pickers encounter this problem.
Canned food poisoning botulism
Botulism– a severe, potentially fatal infectious disease caused by botulinum toxin entering the body. Characterized by defeat nervous system with impaired vision, swallowing, speech and progressive respiratory depression.
Read more about canned food poisoning in the article: Botulism
Emergency care for poisoning
| Do I need to call an ambulance? |
|
| Not really | Why and in what cases? |
| Yes need! |
|
Treatment of poisoning at home
The main task in the treatment of food poisoning is the removal of toxins from the body and restoration of water-mineral balance.
| What to do? | How? | For what? |
Perform gastric lavage  | See Gastric lavage | Rapid removal from the body of contaminated food residues, microorganisms and their toxins. Gastric lavage is most effective if performed for the first time hours after poisoning. |
Cleanse the intestines if there is no diarrhea.  | Take a laxative or do an enema. Saline laxatives:
| Diarrhea is a natural process of cleansing the body of harmful substances Therefore, you should give the body some time to remove everything unnecessary on its own. And you should not interfere with it, namely, immediately take antidiarrheal drugs. |
| Replace fluids and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea. | Fluid replacement is carried out depending on the degree of dehydration 2 ways to replenish fluid: 1. Orally (Per os) for patients with mild to moderate poisoning. Special solutions are used:
Dissolve 1 packet in 1 liter of boiled water (temperature 37-40 C). You should drink in small sips, 1 glass (200 ml) for 10 minutes. For best efficiency You should drink 1-1.5 liters in 1 hour. The first stage of fluid replenishment lasts 1.5-3 hours, in 80% of cases it is enough to normalize the condition. However, if losses continue, correction is carried out within another 2-3 days (stage II). At the first stage of treatment, the required fluid is calculated based on the degree of dehydration and the patient’s weight: I degree 30-40 ml/kg II-III degree 40-70 ml/kg At the second stage of treatment, the required volume of fluid is determined based on the volume of fluid lost with vomiting and diarrhea in the next day. 2. Intravenous infusion:
Severe degree - 60-120 ml/kg, 70-90 ml/min Moderate degree – 55-75 ml/kg, 60-80 ml/min | Timely replenishment of lost fluid and minerals quickly normalizes general state, accelerates the removal of toxins from the body, prevents severe metabolic disorders. Contraindications for the use of oral solutions:
|
| In most cases, the above actions are quite enough to improve your general condition and ensure a speedy recovery. However, with concomitant chronic diseases ( chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, etc.) treatment must be supplemented with some other drugs. | ||
| Take enterosorbent - a drug that binds toxins.  |
| The drugs bind microbes and their toxins. Reduce symptoms of intoxication, improve general condition, speed up recovery. |
| Reduce painful sensations |
| The drugs relieve spasms that occur during poisoning, thereby eliminating pain. |
| Protect the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines | Take astringents and enveloping agents:
| Protects the mucous membrane from irritation and damage, helps reduce pain. |
| Take an antiseptic (for severe diarrhea) |
| Has a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease. It has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiprotozoal effects. |
Take enzymes  |
| As an adjuvant therapy, given possible violations secretion of the digestive glands and insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes. |
Restore intestinal microflora  |
You can also use other eubiotics: bactisubtil (1 capsule, 3-6 times a day, before meals), linex (2 capsules, 3 times a day), bifidumbacterin forte | Normaze - lactulose included in the drug, promotes the growth of healthy microflora, thereby preventing the development of putrefactive ones. Biococktail is an ecological pure food product that normalizes intestinal microflora, binds, neutralizes and removes toxins from the body. |
| Specific treatment food poisoning caused Shigella: Antibacterial drugs:
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Some features of the treatment of poisoning caused by salmonella:
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Poisoning, treatment with folk remedies
- Bath or sauna will help actively remove toxins from the body.
- Dill decoction with honey. For 200 ml of water 1 tsp. dry herbs or 1 tbsp. fresh greens. Boil for 20 minutes over low heat, cool, add boiled water to the initial volume, then add 1 tbsp. l. honey. It is recommended to drink the decoction 30 minutes before. before meals 100 ml . Dill has an analgesic effect, relieves spasms, accelerates the elimination of toxins due to increased urination. Normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract. Honey relieves inflammation, has bactericidal properties, binds toxins, and contains a healing composition of vitamins and minerals.
- Marshmallow infusion. 1 tbsp. chopped marshmallow root, pour 200 ml of boiling water, close the lid and leave for 30 minutes. Strain, drink 1 tbsp. before meals 4-5 times a day.
Althea relieves inflammation, envelops and protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines from damage, reduces pain and discomfort in the intestines.
- Ginger tea. Pour 1 tsp. ground ginger 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Drink 1 tablespoon every 30 – 60 minutes. Ginger actively binds toxins and promotes their elimination. Has antibacterial properties, eliminates spasms, strengthens immune mechanisms body.
- Water with lemon juice, rosehip tea, rowan berries. Drinks contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is involved in the processes of neutralization and removal of toxins. In addition, other vitamins and minerals found in drinks well replenish micro and macroelements lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
- During the day, instead of food, it is recommended to consume decoctions of rice and flaxseed. Prepare rice water: 1 part rice to 7 parts water, boil for 10 minutes, take 6 times a day, 1/3 cup.
Decoctions have enveloping effect protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, reduce inflammation, and prevent the absorption of toxins. Flax seeds are not inferior to activated carbon in binding toxins. Decoctions normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Diet for poisoning, what can you eat?
Patients are prescribed a gentle diet. Foods capable of causing mechanical or chemical exposure on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines (smoked meats, canned food, hot and spicy dishes, milk, raw vegetables and fruits). For the first days of illness, diet No. 4 is recommended, then as diarrhea stops, diet No. 2 is prescribed, after which they switch to diet No. 13.
Diet No. 4
Diet with limited fat and carbohydrates and normal content proteins. Products that have a mechanical and chemical effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa (milk, sweets, legumes), products that enhance the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines, as well as products that stimulate gastric secretion and bile secretion (sauces, spices, snacks) are excluded.
- Free liquid 1.5-2 liters
- Energy value– 2100 kcal
- Diet 5-6 times a day
- Dishes are boiled or steamed.
- Recommended: soups, non-concentrated broths, boiled lean fish, water porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal), mashed potatoes, jelly, cottage cheese, dried white bread, cookies, tea, rosehip infusions, blueberry jelly.
- Exclude: bakery and flour products, milk and dairy products, legumes, fruits and vegetables, sweets, fatty meats, fish, canned food, soups with cereals and vegetables.
Take enzyme preparations such as Mezim, Panzinorm 1 tablet. during meals, in order to help the still weak digestive system. Take 7-14.
Poisoning prevention
- Correctly determine the suitability of a product for consumption; refuse “suspicious” products, especially if:
- Product has expired or is about to expire
- The seal of the packaging is broken
- The smell, taste, color of the product has changed
- Uncharacteristic consistency of the product (heterogeneous, layered)
- The appearance of bubbles when stirring, sediment at the bottom, lack of transparency, etc.
- Don't experiment with eating raw eggs
- It is better to refrain from snacking on the go from stalls
- During this time, put food in the refrigerator.
- You should not defrost food in the place where you will cook it later.
- It is good to heat-treat foods, especially meat, fish, and eggs. Do not marinate foods at room temperature.
- Protect products from contact with insects, rodents and other animals that may be carriers of harmful microorganisms.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Wash for at least 20-30 seconds with soap, preferably under warm water.
- Keep kitchen utensils clean. Kitchen surfaces should be wiped down both before and after cooking.
- Be sure to wash vegetables and fruits well before eating.
Poisoning occurs when poison enters the body, which can be any substance that has a harmful effect, and sometimes even leads to death. It is important to remember that poison can enter in various ways: through the mouth, lungs, skin (more often in children), mucous membranes (eyes, nose, etc.), insect and snake bites. First aid and treatment of poisoning largely depend on how the poison entered the body, as well as on the condition of the patient.
First aid tasks for poisoning:
- Stop or limit the flow of poison into the body.
- Remove any poison that has already entered as soon as possible, if possible.
- Provide the victim with a safe environment.
- Bring the victim to his senses, if necessary, carry out artificial respiration And indirect massage hearts.
- Take the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.
First aid can be provided both by strangers and by the victims themselves. It often turns out that timely first aid in the treatment of poisoning helps save lives. According to statistics, in the vast majority of cases, household poisoning accounts for 97-98%, while industrial poisoning accounts for only 2-3%.
Household poisonings are divided into alcohol intoxication, domestic accidents and suicidal poisonings undertaken intentionally. More than 500 toxic substances are described in the literature.
Main signs and symptoms of poisoning
- nausea, vomiting
- cold sweat
- chills
- convulsions
- sudden lethargy
- drowsiness
- loose stools;
- headache and dizziness.
- oppression respiratory function and disturbances of consciousness (in severe cases)
- drooling and/or lacrimation
- burns around the lips, on the tongue or on the skin
- strange behavior of the victim
What to do in case of poisoning, depending on the route of entry of the poison:
In case of poisoning alcohol, poor quality food, mushrooms, poisonous plants and their fruits, and other poisons, When poison enters the body through the mouth. If the victim is conscious, he is given a large amount of liquid to drink, then vomiting is induced by pressing on the root of the tongue (for persons over 6 years old) with fingers, the procedure is repeated until the rinses are clean.
After gastric lavage, crushed activated carbon (1 tablet per 10 kg of weight), smecta and other sorbents are used in the treatment of poisoning. You can take white clay, a saline laxative.
The victim is placed in a recovery position - on his side (so that he does not choke on vomit), and his legs are warmed with heating pads. Give plenty of fluids (tea and water are suitable for this).
An emergency medical team is called as soon as possible to hospitalize the victim, as his condition may worsen. It is advisable to save and give to the doctor the substance that poisoned the patient.
In case of poisoning with acids (vinegar) and alkalis, it is impossible to rinse the stomach.
In case of gaseous poisoning chemicals (carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, ammonia, bromine vapor, hydrogen fluoride, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, etc..),When the poison enters the body through the lungs when inhaled. According to the frequency of gas poisoning, poisoning carbon monoxide occurs more often than poisoning with other gaseous poisons. Carbon monoxide is formed when any type of fuel is burned: gas, oil, kerosene, wood or coal.
In case of poisoning carbon monoxide, the victim must first be taken to Fresh air, provide him with a comfortable horizontal position, free from restrictive clothing.
It is necessary to rub the victim’s body, then wrap him warmly, apply warming pads to his legs, let him smell cotton wool with ammonia, if the victim is conscious, he can rinse his throat and mouth with a soda solution. In case of absence of breathing or its significant weakening, artificial respiration must be started .
Regardless of the degree of poisoning, the victim is hospitalized in a hospital in case complications from the nervous and respiratory systems arise later;
In case of poisoning by toxic substances penetrating through skin covering (some poisonous plants, chemical solvents and insect repellents - FOS - organophosphorus compounds (karbofos, dichlorvos, etc.)), the poison enters the body through the skin and mucous surfaces.
If a toxic substance gets on the skin, you need to remove this substance from the surface of the skin as quickly as possible with a cotton or gauze swab or rag, being careful not to smear it on the surface of the skin.
After this, the skin should be washed well with warm water and soap or a weak solution of drinking (baking) soda, and treat the affected area on the skin with a 5-10% solution of ammonia. If there is a wound, such as a burn, apply a clean or sterile wet bandage. Next, rinse the stomach twice with a 2% solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 glass of water).
Then you should drink 0.5 cups of a 2% solution of baking soda with the addition of activated carbon or saline laxative. The victim is given strong tea to drink. Wait for the ambulance team to arrive.
If a toxic substance gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with a stream of water with your eyelids open. Rinsing should be thorough for 20-30 minutes, since even a small amount of a toxic substance that gets into the eyes can cause deep damage. After rinsing the eyes, apply a dry bandage and immediately consult an eye doctor.
What NOT to do
- do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious
- do not induce vomiting in pregnant women
- do not induce vomiting in those with a weak heart or convulsions
- do not induce vomiting in case of poisoning with petroleum products, acids, alkalis
- do not give a laxative in case of poisoning with petroleum products, acids, alkalis
- Don't give soda!
- Do not give acid in case of alkali poisoning and vice versa!!!
You can go to a description of first aid for each specific type of poisoning by clicking on the subheading you need in the content.
In case of poisoning with any poisons, it is very important to provide first aid in a timely manner. Each toxic substance has its own mechanism of action, therefore first aid may differ significantly.
In any case, in case of poisoning, you need to call ambulance!
If you are not sure what exactly caused the poisoning, proceed according to the following general scheme.
- Break contact with the poison.
- If the substance gets into the stomach, drink salted water and induce vomiting, then take enterosorbents.
- Call an ambulance. Even if hospitalization is not required, they will help you assess the condition of the victim and give the necessary recommendations.
Important! Monitor your breathing and pulse. In case of severe poisoning, cardiac arrest or cessation of breathing may occur. In this case, you need to start resuscitation.
If you know the type of toxic substance, then before the doctor arrives, refer to the instructions below.
First aid for poisoning with poisonous gases
The most common type is household gas poisoning. In second place are poisonings due to accidents at work.
First aid for food poisoning
First aid for poisoning with pesticides
In case of poisoning by chemical industry products (except alkalis and acids), agricultural poisons - insecticides, herbicides and others, if they enter the stomach, you need to do the following.
- Induce vomiting, rinse the stomach with a weak pink solution of potassium permanganate (8-10 glasses).
- Take a saline laxative ( Glauber's salt, magnesia). Attention! Oil preparations should not be used as a laxative ( Castor oil and so on), since many pesticides in this group are highly soluble in fats.
- Call an ambulance and be sure to tell them the name of the poison and the active ingredient (indicated on the package).
- Drink plenty of fluids.
First aid for poisoning with acids and alkalis
Poisoning with concentrated acids and alkalis is accompanied by burns of the mucous membrane and severe pain in the esophagus and stomach.
First aid for drug poisoning
Most medications have their own antidotes, so when contacting a doctor, it is advisable to provide the name of the medication and the dose the victim took. Taking enterosorbents for acute poisoning:
- "Enterosgel" - 2 tablespoons;
- "Polysorb MP" - 3 tablespoons;
- “Polyphepan” - 2 tablespoons;
- “Smecta” - 2 sachets;
- activated carbon - 1–2 tablets per 10 kg of body weight.
First aid for alcohol poisoning
Important! In case of alcohol poisoning, you should not take paracetamol and drugs based on it (Citramon and others); it is better to take aspirin.
First aid for contact of poisons with the skin
First aid for skin contact with acids or alkalis
- If the chemical gets on your clothing, remove it immediately.
- Rinse the damaged area under running water for at least 10 minutes. The water should be warm.
- If acid gets on the skin, wash the damaged area with a weak alkali solution: 2% soda, lime water.
- If alkali gets in, rinse with a 2% solution of weak acid - boric, citric, ascorbic, vinegar.
- In case of severe damage, apply a sterile bandage and consult a doctor.
- In case of contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, rinse with water for 20–30 minutes, apply anti-inflammatory drops eye drops(sulfacyl sodium). If the poison is irritating, apply a bandage and consult an ophthalmologist.
First aid for respiratory and (or) cardiac depression
Restoring position: the victim is placed on his right side, his head is turned to the side. Right hand bend at the elbow and place it under the head. Left leg bent at the knee.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs during fires or when exhaust gases accumulate in a confined space.
- Remove the victim from the gas effect area and provide oxygen flow.
- Ensure that clothing does not interfere with breathing.
- Apply cold to your head and chest.
- If loss of consciousness occurs, give ammonia a sniff.
- Monitor breathing and, if it stops, perform artificial respiration.
- If the victim is conscious, give plenty of fluids, preferably tea or coffee.
First aid for mushroom poisoning
First aid for botulism
Botulinum toxin is a very potent poison. Therefore, if you suspect poisoning from canned food or non-perishable food products, seek medical help immediately! While the ambulance is on its way, take the following measures.
- Drink plenty of water with baking soda(2 tablespoons per liter), induce vomiting. Repeat several times.
- Take a saline laxative (magnesia - 1 ampoule per half liter of water, Glauber's salt).
- After 30 minutes, if the ambulance team has not arrived by this time, give the victim any enterosorbent.
- If cardiac and/or respiratory arrest occurs, perform resuscitation until function is restored or until emergency services arrive.
When providing first aid, it is important to first protect yourself and the victim from the effects of poison, then assess the patient’s condition and only then begin measures to provide first aid.
Poisoning occurs when toxic components are introduced into the body. This concept means penetration pathogenic organisms or toxic substances through the respiratory system, mouth, skin. The most dangerous is poisoning from animal products, confectionery, mushrooms, and chemicals. To prevent serious health problems, you need to know how first aid is provided for food poisoning, and what you can do at home before medical services arrive.
Poisoning options
The following types of poisoning are distinguished:
- food;
- mushrooms (this option is placed in a separate category);
- medicines;
- pesticides;
- alcoholic;
- carbon monoxide, ammonia vapor.
In the process of aggressive exposure to toxic substances and toxins, all systems suffer human body, but most of all the negative impact is on the digestive, respiratory and central nervous systems. The consequences of poisoning are often very serious, including the death of the patient. It is professionally provided first aid that will help save a person and his health.
First steps in case of poisoning
It doesn’t matter which drug became the main irritant and provoked the poisoning, there is a certain algorithm of actions:
- avoid contact with dangerous components;
- try to remove poison from the body as quickly as possible;
- carry out resuscitation actions, if necessary;
- maintain respiratory function;
- call qualified help.
It is important to obtain information about what exactly was the cause of the current condition. This will help health workers build the correct algorithm for therapeutic measures.
Despite the huge number of poisoning options, food poisoning remains the leading one. Let's look at what to do if a food toxin enters the body.
Various types of food poisoning
Acute food poisoning is a natural response of the body to the introduction of pathogenic organisms along with food. The reaction to the penetration of bacteria and toxins is specific for each individual person. The greatest risk of food poisoning is death. This can happen due to poisoning from fish products and mushrooms. Poisoning can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
The following types of food poisoning are distinguished:
- Food poisoning - occurs when consuming products that have expired, as well as those that have been stored in violation of standards.
- Non-infectious toxic poisoning occurs when natural or synthetic toxins enter the body through food. This can be poisons from dangerous berries, mushrooms and chemicals.
Toxic poisoning must be treated only in a hospital setting. This type of poisoning is very dangerous with serious health consequences.
What medications should you take for poisoning?
Symptoms of food poisoning
Considering the product that caused the poisoning, three main groups of symptoms can be distinguished. These are symptoms of dehydration, intoxication, inflammatory process in the organs of the digestive system.
Let's look at each spectrum of symptoms in more detail.
When lesions of the gastrointestinal tract appear, the following painful symptoms are identified:
- nausea, vomiting;
- abdominal pain;
- discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of intoxication increase gradually, with toxins penetrating the bloodstream and spreading throughout organs and systems.
The severity of the patient's condition depends on the degree of intoxication. The leading symptoms are the following:
- weakness;
- lethargy;
- nausea;
- chills;
- rapid breathing;
- aches in muscles and bones;
- headache;
- increased heart rate;
- drowsiness.
Symptoms can be expressed to a greater or lesser extent, based on this, they distinguish mild, moderate and severe stage poisoning.
Dehydration is manifested by the following symptoms:
- rare urination;
- stomach upset such as diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting;
- tachycardia;
- dry mucous membranes;
- indomitable thirst;
- pronounced weakness.
There are four degrees of dehydration, which are determined by the severity of the main symptoms.
First aid if food poisoning occurs
Everyone has experienced food poisoning. Most likely, the reasons for this condition are the consumption of low-quality food.
The disease begins acutely: an hour to an hour and a half after the toxin enters the body. The person experiences discomfort in the abdomen, vomiting, headache. In the severe stage, the intensity of vomiting and diarrhea increases, the condition worsens, and loss of strength appears.
To improve the victim’s condition, the following set of measures must be implemented:
- It is important to urgently rinse the stomach. To do this, prepare a weakly concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. The victim should drink about a liter of liquid and induce vomiting. To do this, press on the back of the tongue with a spoon or finger. This is done until the patient begins to vomit. clean water, without admixture of food residues.
- The victim must be given an adsorbent. There are many high-quality drugs, but one of the most effective is still Activated Carbon. The dosage calculation is simple: one tablet per ten kilograms of weight. If a person weighs seventy kilograms, he will need to take seven tablets medicine. In addition to coal, Polyphepan, Sorbex, Smecta, and Enterosgel are widely used.
- Regardless of whether there is diarrhea or not, it is recommended to do an enema to cleanse the lower intestines. If for some reason it is impossible to do an enema, you can take saline solution. The effect of drinking will occur in about an hour.
- The patient needs to be warmed, as he will most likely feel chills. For these purposes, wear warm socks and wrap them in a warm blanket.
- To replenish lost fluid, it is recommended to give the patient something to drink. If drinking liquid provokes vomiting, you need to drink in small doses, a teaspoon at a time.
- Do not feed the victim. After washing the stomach and stopping vomiting, you are allowed to drink warm tea or coffee.
Mushroom poisoning
This situation can happen if unfamiliar mushrooms were eaten, if a poisonous specimen gets into the basket, or if edible but spoiled mushrooms are consumed. It is possible to get poisoned by mushrooms if you consume the product out of season (in hot summer weather). Eating toadstool is especially dangerous. Fatal outcome can happen even if there is only one dangerous mushroom among the edible ones. Prolonged heat treatment does not destroy the toxic substances of toadstools.
How does Smecta work against vomiting in children?
The first symptoms of poisoning may appear a couple of hours after eating mushrooms. Signs of intoxication increase rapidly: a person suffers from debilitating vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain in the abdomen and head. Symptoms of disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system appear: motor restlessness, convulsions, hallucinations. The period of excitement is replaced by decreased activity, lethargy, and indifference. There is a decline in cardiac activity, a drop in blood pressure to critical levels, a decrease in body temperature, and symptoms of obstructive jaundice. If professional assistance is not provided, there is a high probability that the victim will die. First aid is the most important action before the medical team arrives:
- it is important to rinse the stomach with a solution of potassium permanganate as quickly as possible and induce vomiting;
- It is advisable to add drugs - adsorbents - to the solution;
- the patient is given an enema and given laxatives;
- after the main manipulations, it is necessary to warm the patient and give a hot drink;
- the victim must be taken to the hospital as quickly as possible; the outcome of the poisoning largely depends on this.
The essence of home therapy
The main goal of home treatment is to remove toxins and balance the water-alkaline balance. After cleansing the stomach and intestines, you need to think about replenishing lost water and minerals. This can be done in two ways: orally and intravenously. For mild and moderate conditions, it is recommended to use special solutions “Regidron”, “Citraklukosol”, “Glucosolan”. Special composition medications will help replenish lost minerals and fluid. 1 drug is selected.
To reduce painful sensations, take enterosorbents (“White Coal”, “Enterosgel”, “Polysorb”), antispasmodics (“No-shpa”, “Duspitalin”), protective agents for the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract (“Kassirsky Powder”).
For diarrhea, it is recommended to take the antidiarrheal drug Intestopan, Inetrix. To restore the microflora, the enzymes “Mezim”, “Festal”, “Panzinorm” and preparations with microflora “Biococktail NK”, “Normaze” are recommended.
About neutralizing alcohol in the body
When providing urgent assistance it is forbidden:
- give the patient carbonated water;
- try to induce vomiting in an unconscious patient in the presence of convulsive contractions of any intensity;
- give yourself an antidote to neutralize toxins;
- Give laxatives if you are poisoned by chemicals.
Almost always, the patient must be treated in a hospital, and if the doctor insists on hospitalization, it is wrong to refuse this.
You should definitely call for medical help if:
- victim - Small child under three years of age, a pregnant woman or an elderly person;
- the condition is characterized by repeated diarrhea or uncontrollable vomiting, deterioration of the general condition;
- the patient has severe concomitant diseases;
- atypical manifestations are added.
Poisoning is a fairly serious condition that can lead to the most tragic consequences, so do not self-medicate, get qualified help.
The body's reaction to these microorganisms is different for all people - in some people poisoning actually occurs, in others there is no reaction.
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:
— foodborne diseases– provoke missing products (with expired expiration dates), as well as products that were improperly stored or prepared in violation of sanitary standards;
— toxic poisoning (non-infectious)– caused by the ingestion of natural or chemical toxins into the body along with food (poison of inedible mushrooms and plants, as well as chemicals).
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 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, your health should improve 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 of food poisoning
You can't let poisoning take its course, because... This 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, you should immediately consult a doctor!!!
Food poisoning can be caused by 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 and then consumed.
Statistics show that poisoning is most often caused by:
- unwashed vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries;
- raw water;
- milk, spoiled fermented milk products;
- spoiled meat, eggs, fish;
- products that have not undergone sufficient 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 that are used to process them for better preservation or to give them a marketable appearance.
Also, the cause of food poisoning can be non-compliance.
Diagnosis of food poisoning
To make a diagnosis, the doctor collects a detailed medical history:
- interviews the patient;
- measures body temperature and pulse;
- conducts a general examination for the presence and palpation of the abdominal area.
Tests are also prescribed:
- laboratory examination of stool;
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 an investigation of the products that could cause the poisoning.
Treatment of food poisoning includes taking first aid for food poisoning, restoring the body, as well as following certain nutritional rules (diet) after all the measures taken.
First aid for food poisoning
1. Gastric lavage
When the first symptoms of food poisoning appear, it is necessary to urgently rinse the stomach. This is done to remove any remaining junk food.
A weak solution of potassium permanganate or is excellent for washing. To prepare the product: pour literally a few grains of potassium permanganate (until light pink) or 1 tbsp into 2 liters of water at room temperature. spoon of soda.
Drink this solution and induce vomiting by pressing with 2 fingers on the root of the tongue. Repeat the procedure until clear water comes out.
Important! If the victim of poisoning is a child under 2 years old, a person after a stroke or heart attack, in a very weakened or delirious state, or an unconscious person, then inducing vomiting at home is strictly prohibited! Such patients may choke on vomit. Vomiting in in this case Only medical workers under their supervision can call!!!
2. Removing toxins from the body
After gastric lavage, sorbents are taken to remove toxins from the body.
Among other sorbents we can highlight carbon, which we often recognize under the names: “Activated carbon” or “White carbon”.
These drugs reduce the absorption of harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract and promote the removal of not only toxins, but also salts. heavy metals, alkaloids and other harmful substances.
When taking activated carbon, 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 gastric lavage and taking the sorbent, drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to replenish fluid loss in the body (after vomiting and diarrhea).
Drink 2–3 liters of boiled liquid per day. Alternate brine(add 1 teaspoon of table salt to 1 liter of boiled water), sweet weak tea and chamomile decoction.
Drinking plenty of fluids not only restores water balance, but also helps a person warm up and also reduces pain.
3. Other events
Warming. Often, when food is poisoned, a person develops. In this case, it must be warmed up. To keep warm, cover the patient with a blanket and apply a heating pad to the legs.
Diet. After first aid and treatment of poisoning, a gentle diet is prescribed, which helps to quickly restore the functionality of the digestive organs. We will look at diet a little later in this article.
4. Medicines for food poisoning:
To restore water balance. They are used after gastric lavage to prevent dehydration of the body: "", "Oralit", "Chlorazol", "Litrozol" and others.
To restore intestinal microflora. Used after gastric lavage: “Hilak Forte”, “Linex”, “Mezim”, etc.;
Antipyretics. Apply if 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.
See your doctor immediately if:
- symptoms of poisoning persist for 3 or more days;
- the course of poisoning becomes more severe;
- observed, pain in the area of the kidneys, liver or other internal organs, as well as prolonged abdominal cramps;
- holds ;
- there is increased sweating and a feeling of suffocation;
- a child or an elderly person has been poisoned;
- there is a suspicion of poisoning with poisonous mushrooms, berries or fish.
After food poisoning (Diet for food poisoning)
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 a lot and gradually return to your diet.
To fully restore the body after food poisoning, follow some nutritional rules:
- the first day, when the symptoms of poisoning have disappeared, stick to bed rest and only drink - boiled water, weak green tea, decoction, tea from (warm, can be sweetened a little);
- on the second day, food should be light, boiled and chopped as much as possible. Start eating with cereals and broths - oatmeal, rice porridge (with water). Prepare vegetable or chicken broths. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids;
- on the third and fourth days 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 for mild cases 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 slightly, and when the product is warm, add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. Take the resulting product instead of tea throughout the day. The daily norm is 1 liter.
Cinnamon. Pour ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into 1 cup of boiling water and mix thoroughly. Let the product sit for 15-20 minutes, then strain. Drink this decoction in small sips throughout the day. The daily norm is 1.5 l.
Wormwood and yarrow. Pour 500 ml of boiling water, 1 teaspoon dried and 1 teaspoon. Let them sit for about 20 minutes, then strain. Divide the resulting product into 5 servings to drink throughout the day.
Marshmallow root. Pour 1 teaspoon of chopped ½ cup boiling water. Let the product sit for about 30 minutes, strain and add to it (to taste). Drink the resulting infusion 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon.
Marshmallow flowers and leaves. 2 tbsp. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over spoons of marshmallow flowers and leaves. Leave to brew 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 purchase and consume less frozen semi-finished products - pizza, cutlets, fish sticks, etc.
Avoid purchasing or eating fish that look wrinkled or have white gills.
If you have allergies to certain foods, be aware of them.
In the summer, when it is hot outside, do not purchase or eat sweets with cream or milk filling - cakes, straws, 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, because... this drink does not benefit humans, except for medicinal purposes, for example, red wine to increase hemoglobin levels, etc.
Change your washcloth and kitchen towel more often, and keep your kitchen clean.
Which doctor should you contact if you are poisoned?
Food poisoning. Video
