Poisoning by pesticides and agrochemicals. Poisoning First aid for poisoning with mineral fertilizers

is a popular balcony and indoor flower in many apartments: it is unpretentious in care, grows quickly and pleases with abundant lush flowering for a long time. To support the plant during its flowering period, you should be attentive to the care and give it the necessary fertilizers.

General rules for caring for geraniums and fertilizing

To ensure a comfortable existence for geraniums, it is important to choose suitable home conditions:

• a small pot (a heavily overgrown root system will lead to a large mass of green leaves and a decrease in flowering);
• fertile soil;
• good drainage, as geraniums are very sensitive to stagnant water;
• well-lit sunny place;
• regular feeding.

When fertilizing, the season is taken into account: in spring and summer, top dressing is carried out 1 time in 2 weeks, top dressing is removed in winter. It is permissible to introduce half of the usual dose of stimulants in the middle of the winter months. Care should be taken in the choice of fertilizer preparations, since geraniums do not need organic top dressing. For its flowering at home, mineral fertilizers are required, the main of which are potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Usually they are applied in equal proportions, but by the beginning of flowering, the nitrogen dose is reduced and the amount of potassium applied is increased.

If separate fertilization is not possible, you should use ready-made mineral complexes that contain additional minerals. Particular attention should be paid to the content of iodine, to which geranium responds with increased flowering. You can not apply liquid fertilizers without first watering the earth - this will lead to burns and the death of the roots. Geraniums are fed an hour after the main watering.

Additional minerals for geraniums

In order for geranium to bloom profusely, in addition to the three main mineral components, magnesium sulfate is additionally added. The combination of sulfur and magnesium actively stimulates the formation of inflorescences, making flowering permanent.

To prepare an aqueous solution for top dressing, 15 g of the drug is diluted in 5 liters of water and watered with soil in a pot. The water used to prepare the solution at home should not be colder than 20 ° C - this will allow the crystals to dissolve completely and be absorbed by the plant in a larger volume.

The combination of magnesium with other minerals is also ambiguous, it should be borne in mind that it helps in the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but at the same time reduces the rate of calcium absorption.

In order for the plant to maintain healthy growth, additional calcium supplements should be carried out, or the application should be divided.

An equally important mineral element for abundant flowering is iodine. It accelerates the formation of inflorescences and increases the number of buds. To prepare the solution at home, it is enough to dissolve 1 drop of iodine in a liter of warm water. It is enough to add 50 ml of the prepared iodine solution to one geranium bush. When watering, the liquid should not fall on the trunk of the plant; top dressing is applied along the walls of the pot.

Features of the care and fertilizer of geraniums

Start laying the necessary nutrients should be from the moment of transplantation. Geranium has a negative attitude to this procedure, so they usually do it in the form of transshipment into a pot of a slightly large volume. If ready-made soil is used for planting, then magnesium sulfate and nitrogen can be added to the soil with care. If the composition is prepared independently, then a full range of mineral fertilizers is laid in order to provide the plant with a proper start for healthy growth and abundant flowering. For the main fertilizer, granular top dressing of prolonged action is suitable. They mix with the soil during the transplanting process, and then slowly dissolve, giving off nutrients over several months.

In order to safely grow a flower from cuttings, it is recommended to use a solution of glucose or heteroauxin for stimulation. Use with caution for rooting some varieties of royal geraniums. In this case, it is possible to replace it with another stimulant, yeast or nettle solution. A yeast solution at home is easy to prepare from 100 g of raw materials and 1 liter of warm water.

When applying fertilizer, it is important to observe the dose: if the leaves turn yellow and become stunted, this indicates that an excessive amount of nitrogen fertilizer was applied, and it makes sense to reduce the dosage.

Nitrogen is good in the early stages, when the plant has undergone spring pruning and needs intensive nutrition to build up the green mass of the leaves.

At home, geraniums can be fed with milk formula by dissolving 100 ml of milk in a liter of water. Use alternating with regular watering. Ash mixed dry with soil will help replenish potassium reserves; or ash solution added as an auxiliary top dressing.

For the abundant flowering of the plant, complex means and feeding systems are not required. It is enough to provide the flower with nutrient soil, and in the spring and summer, give a full range of mineral fertilizers, paying close attention to watering with iodine. Reasonably dosed top dressing, which includes, in addition to the three main components, also magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, iodine, will provide the owner of the geranium with abundant flowering at home, throughout the year.

Acute poisoning with nitrates is rare, but intoxication with these compounds can be severe, even resulting in the death of the patient. Especially dangerous are nitrate poisoning in children under the age of one year.

Nitrates are salts of nitric acid. In a clinical context, poisoning with nitrates and nitrites is considered, since in the human body the former are able to turn into the latter. The latter compounds are more toxic to humans.

Why are nitrates dangerous?

Poisoning occurs most often when using plant products that have received a large dose of nitrogen fertilizers. Wells and other drinking water also pose a danger if nitrogenous compounds from the soil enter it.

Intoxication can occur due to accidental ingestion of nitrogen fertilizers. So, if 3.5 grams of potassium nitrate enters the stomach, it is possible that poisoning is fatal.

The list of products, the use of which most often causes poisoning with nitrates and nitrites, is as follows:

Once in the body, nitrates disrupt the movement of oxygen in the blood and the processes of tissue respiration. As a result, a lack of oxygen develops and a violation of the functioning of all systems and organs, and in the first place - the cardiovascular system. Among other things, they have a vasodilating effect, which causes a drop in blood pressure and further aggravates the state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

Signs of nitrate poisoning

Symptoms of nitrate poisoning largely depend on what the poison entered the body with. When eating toxic vegetables and fruits, the first signs appear after four hours.

In severe cases, there are violations of the functioning of the nervous system: pain in the back of the head, dizziness, drowsiness or anxiety, coordination disorder, convulsions and coma.

If intoxication occurs as a result of drinking water with a high content of nitrates, then the first symptoms will appear within an hour. In this case, diarrhea is usually absent.

In practice, there are also cases of subacute nitrate poisoning. There are signs of a hypoxic state of tissues: shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, cyanosis of the skin.

Nitrate poisoning in children

Children can be poisoned by the accidental use of nitrogenous fertilizers, the preparation of milk mixtures with poor-quality water, the content of nitrates in complementary foods, vegetables, and fruit juices.

When nitrate poisoning in children, the symptoms are more indicative of damage to the circulatory and nervous systems:

• blue lips and nails;
• dyspnea;
• decreased mobility;
• with severe hypoxia - impaired coordination, convulsions.

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are less pronounced and may be absent. The clinical picture may be similar to toxic pneumonia.

First aid

What to do in case of nitrate poisoning? If there is no disturbance of consciousness, then it is necessary to induce vomiting. To do this, drink two or three glasses of a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate or salted water. After cleansing the stomach, take any drug from the group of enterosorbents:

• Polysorb MP;
• Enterosorb;
• Activated carbon.

After the nausea stops, you can drink strong sweet tea with lemon. To speed up the excretion of nitrates from the body, you need to drink plenty of fluids!

In case of digestive disorders, a sparing diet is used: harmful foods are excluded, attention is paid to cereals and stewed vegetables, lean boiled meat. Green tea, pickles, sauerkraut, bread kvass help to recover from illness. Alcohol - exacerbates the toxic effect.

In severe cases, nitrate poisoning will require medical attention. You should immediately call an ambulance if:

• there are signs of damage to the nervous system;
• vomiting and diarrhea do not stop;
• severe shortness of breath develops;
• blood pressure drops, darkens in the eyes.

Treatment of nitrate poisoning

In case of nitrate poisoning, treatment includes a set of measures to eliminate hypoxia, restore hemoglobin, and accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body.

Solutions of methylene blue, ascorbic acid, glucose, sodium thiosulfate are administered intravenously. Administer oxygen therapy.

They also use drugs to maintain cardiac activity and restore tissue respiration: coenzyme A, cocarboxylase, B vitamins, insulin.

Chronic poisoning and long-term consequences

The body is largely able to compensate for the harmful effects of low doses of nitrates. The mechanism of action of this poison has been studied mainly in relation to water. By creating a state of prolonged hypoxia, nitrates cause disturbances in all tissues. The growing tissues of the embryo are especially sensitive to a lack of oxygen - nitrates can have an embryotoxic and teratogenic effect on the fetus in the womb, although this property has been proven only for domestic animals. Also in veterinary practice, the effect of nitrates on miscarriages in sows, sheep, cows and other animals has been revealed.

In children, chronic hypoxia causes a lag in mental and physical development, increased nervous excitability, disruption of the heart and blood vessels, and a decrease in immunity to infectious diseases.

How to avoid nitrate poisoning

A surge in poisoning occurs in the spring - the period when the first greenhouse products reach the shelves, and in the middle of summer - the beginning of the ripening of gourds. Prevention of nitrate poisoning consists in eating quality foods and drinking water.

As a result of improper use of nitrogen fertilizers, nitric acid compounds - nitrates - can accumulate in soil and water. They pass into vegetables and fruits and enter the human body. Nitrate poisoning develops, the symptoms and treatment of which are similar to nitrite and nitrosamine poisoning. The processes of supplying tissues with oxygen are disrupted due to the transition of hemoglobin to an inactive compound - methemoglobin. Outwardly, this is manifested by cyanosis of the lips and nails, shortness of breath, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, impaired cardiac activity, and headaches. Severe poisoning causes severe hypoxia (lack of oxygen), convulsions, and coma can lead to death. Particularly sensitive to nitrates are children under the age of one year and people with chronic cardiovascular diseases.

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?

Classification of poisoning

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.

• 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.

• 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

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

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)

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

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.

mold poisoning

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. If mold is poisoned, these bacteria can be destroyed, resulting in disruption or slowing down the process of 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, as a result of which 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

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

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 release of by-products of protein metabolism through the kidneys.

water poisoning ( water poisoning)

salt poisoning ( sodium)

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).

Poisoning with mineral fertilizers ( nitrates)

Poisoning with rat poison

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)

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).

Methyl alcohol poisoning

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

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

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)

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 excreted 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)

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

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

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

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

Body intoxication

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

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?

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?

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

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, it is recommended to treat such poisonings in a hospital, 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

Chemicals used for one purpose or another in agriculture, when ingested by an animal, can cause severe chemical poisoning. These substances include: first of all, superphosphate containing calcium fluoride; potassium and sodium nitrate, which forms toxic substances - nitrites; Parisian greens and other arsenic preparations; copper sulfate.

The reasons. The most common causes of poisoning are:

1) uncontrolled, careless storage of chemicals when animals have unhindered access to them

and eat them;

2) improper use of chemicals (in non-crushed form) for fertilizing the soil, as a result of which conditions are created for poisoning by them;

3) animals ingesting treated seed grains and green plants in fields/orchards and orchards shortly after they have been treated with chemicals to control agricultural pests;

4) their contamination of feed and drinking water;

5) drinking arsenic solutions prepared for anti-mite baths and left unattended, etc.

Signs. Common to poisoning with these chemicals is a severe course of the disease with a predominant lesion of the digestive organs. The most characteristic signs are loss of appetite, and in artiodactyls - chewing gum, significant salivation, colic, diarrhea and vomiting, general weakness and depression, weakening of cardiac activity.

In addition, in case of poisoning with superphosphate and other fluoride compounds, cyanosis of visible mucous membranes, muscle tremors and convulsions are often observed; in case of arsenic poisoning - bloody stools and dilated pupils, and in case of poisoning with saltpeter (nitrites) - a decrease in body temperature, suffocation, trembling, unsteady gait, then an unconscious state due to severe depression of the central nervous system.

Treatment. The main task is to remove from the body and neutralize the toxic substance. As a rule, caffeine or camphor is injected under the skin of all animals to maintain cardiac activity. Useful gastric lavage through a tube and giving inside vegetable oils in order to remove toxic substances, after which enveloping agents are prescribed in the form of mucous decoctions. Glucose and 0.85% sodium chloride solution are injected into the vein.

In case of poisoning with superphosphate and other fluoride compounds, gastric lavage is best done with a 0.5-1% solution of tannin and administered orally with 1-2%, and in a vein with a 10% solution of calcium chloride.

In case of poisoning with copper sulphate, the stomach is washed with a 0.1% solution of ferrous-cyanide potassium (yellow blood salt), and burnt magnesia is given inside: large animals - 10-25 g per dose, small cattle - 5-10, pigs - 2-5 g, as well as milk, mucous decoctions.

In case of arsenic poisoning, the stomach is washed with an aqueous suspension of activated carbon or a 2% solution of burnt magnesia, and an antidote against arsenic is given inside - arsenic antidote: for large animals - 250-500 ml, for small animals - 1-2 tablespoons per reception.

Arsenic antidote is prepared as follows: take 100 g of iron sulfate and dissolve in 300 ml of water; then post. another solution is added foamy to it, consisting of 20 g of burnt magnesia and 300 ml of water. The mixture is shaken vigorously and given only fresh.

First aid for poisoning with household chemicals

Many household chemicals pose a danger to humans. In order to avoid poisoning with them, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules for their storage and use.

HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDES are substances designed to kill harmful insects. Among them, organophosphorus compounds (chlorophos, dichlorvos, karbofos) are the most common. These drugs can cause severe poisoning in humans if they enter the body through the respiratory or digestive tract.

Inhalation poisoning is characterized by dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, increased sweating, and mental agitation. When organophosphorus compounds enter the stomach, vomiting, mucus discharge from the mouth and nose, loose stools, headache and retrosternal pain, and profuse sweating appear.

Severe poisoning is characterized by constriction of the pupils, a slowing of the heart rate, the development of muscle weakness, a decrease in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. A person has convulsions, breathing is disturbed, it may stop.

If signs of poisoning appear, you should urgently call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the doctor, it is necessary to take the victim to fresh air, rinse the open areas of his body with water, and wash his eyes, mouth and nose with a 2% solution of baking soda (a tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water).

To wash the stomach, give him to drink 2-3 liters of this solution and induce vomiting by pressing a spoon on the root of the tongue. It is also advisable to give the victim 4-5 tablets of activated charcoal and lay him down without a pillow, turning his head to one side. With a sharp difficulty in breathing, begin to do artificial respiration, after clearing the upper respiratory tract of saliva and mucus. If the victim is unconscious, it is not recommended to do gastric lavage without a doctor.

VINEGAR ESSENCE when ingested, it causes a burn of the mucous membrane of the lips, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, and in severe cases, also the stomach and even the intestines.

With an extensive burn of the digestive tract, shock may develop. Initially, the patient is excited, his blood pressure rises. Then this state is replaced by lethargy, blood pressure drops, breathing quickens, becomes weak and frequent, cold sweat appears. Vomiting with an admixture of blood may begin, which indicates esophageal-gastric bleeding.

Sometimes vinegar essence can get into the respiratory tract and cause them to burn. In such cases, the voice becomes hoarse, breathing becomes difficult, a cough appears, the lips and skin of the face, neck, and fingers turn blue. Choking may even develop, as the victim is not able to breathe air well.

Particularly severe poisoning with vinegar essence (their sign is urine staining red) can lead to disability or even death.

VINEGAR can also cause a burn of the digestive tract, but less pronounced than vinegar essence.

Often in everyday life use NON-ORGANIC ACIDS. If swallowed by mistake, they can cause severe damage to the esophagus and stomach, which is often accompanied by shock and esophagogastric bleeding.

AMMONIA, getting inside, causes severe burns of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach. This is characterized by swelling of the lips, tongue, difficulty swallowing and breathing.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, PERHYDROL are also capable, once inside, of causing a burn of the digestive tract.

If poisoning with any of the listed caustic liquids occurs, consult a doctor immediately. Delay threatens with serious consequences, even if a person has swallowed a small amount of liquid. If the victim is able to drink, then in case of poisoning with acidic poisons (for example, acetic acid), give him 2-3 glasses of cold milk before the doctor arrives, and in case of poisoning with alkaline poisons (ammonia, bleach) - more lemon or orange juice. In no case should you wash his stomach yourself and do not induce vomiting in him, as the reverse flow of caustic fluid from the stomach through the esophagus can aggravate his burn. For hoarseness, difficulty breathing, inhale baking soda (a teaspoon of soda in a glass of warm water) and olive or peach oil using a standard inhaler. The patient must be put to bed, raising his head and upper body with pillows.

First aid for poisoning with mineral fertilizers

Poisoning from mineral fertilizers and other chemicals usually occurs during agricultural work. When preparing chemicals for use, the air of the working area is polluted with their dust and vapors, which adversely affect the human body. Hydrogen fluoride and its compounds are the most dangerous, especially in high ambient temperatures or in enclosed spaces.

Severe poisoning occurs when mineral fertilizers accidentally enter the body through the mouth. Appear pain in the abdomen, nausea, dizziness, weakness, or, conversely, an excited state, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea. In some cases, there is a disorder of breathing and cardiac activity.

At the first sign of poisoning, it is necessary to call an ambulance, and before it arrives, take measures to cleanse the stomach. The victim should be allowed to drink two or three glasses of a solution of baking soda (half a teaspoon per glass of water) and, pressing a finger or a spoon handle on the root of the tongue, induce vomiting in him. This procedure should be repeated three or four times.

In cases where harmful substances enter the body through the respiratory tract, the victim feels a burning sensation and sore throat, coughs, nausea, and pain in the eyes. It must be taken to fresh air or transferred to a warm, ventilated room and changed into other clothes. If necessary, it is necessary to cover and warm it. Be sure to call an ambulance)).

If the skin is irritated, it is necessary to wash the affected areas with plenty of warm water and soap, change underwear and outerwear.

When chemicals get into the eyes, pain, lacrimation appear. In this case, you should immediately rinse your eyes with a solution of soda (an incomplete teaspoon per glass of water): with a cotton swab moistened with this solution, treat the eyes in the direction from the outer corner to the inner.

QUESTIONS AND TASKS

1. What insecticides are used in everyday life? Name the characteristic signs of poisoning by them and the procedure for providing first aid.

2. Why are vinegar essence, table vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide dangerous? What are the signs of poisoning with these substances and the rules for providing first aid?

3. Why are mineral fertilizers dangerous? Name the signs of poisoning by them and the procedure for providing first aid.