Poisoning
(see also Blood Poisoning and Food Poisoning)
Symptoms
Symptoms of poisoning vary considerably depending on the substance. Swallowing corrosive substances found in drain and toilet cleaners causes severe burns in the throat and esophagus. If the substance was strong enough and the amount substantial, shock can develop quickly. Even if shock is avoided, the condition may still be life-threatening. Immediate reactions are choking, followed by a burning sensation, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and coughing. If severe enough, it can cause a coma. Pneumonia often occurs as a result of swallowing these substances.
If poisoning occurs from an overdose of medication, usually the body will attempt to get rid of the drug. This produces nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. If the heart and circulatory systems are affected, symptoms usually include dizziness, breathing problems, heart racing, exhaustion and shock.
Food poisoning will cause symptoms similar to a stomach flu. Poisonous mushrooms are highly toxic to the liver and are often lethal. If vomiting and diarrhea appear several hours or days after eating mushrooms, emergency treatment should be sought immediately.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas which cannot be detected unless it exists with other gases. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are easy to miss, since they can be mistaken for a flu. Overwhelming fatigue, head-aches, nausea and vomiting are characteristic signs. If several people sharing a room suddenly develop the same symptoms, poisoning must be considered. In severe cases, the face becomes a cherry red color, but this does not always occur. Since carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to treat after it is detected, prevention is vital.
Poisoning Causes
Young children are the most common victims of poisoning, which can often be prevented by keeping all cleaning agents, petroleum products and medications locked away. Cleaning agents and other toxic substances should never be put into another jar, where they can easily be mistaken for another substance. Strong cleaning agents such as drain and toilet cleaners are particularly harmful, but even dishwashing liquids can be lethal if swallowed. Household poisoning can be caused by petroleum products, such as paint thinners, kerosene, lighter fluid, mothballs and furniture polish. Household and outdoor plants can be highly toxic for children and pets. Keeping the phone number for the poison control center handy can save time in an emergency.
Another common cause of poisoning is taking medications too often. Usually these are over-the-counter medicines which are considered safe but are given too frequently for a fever or cold. These types of overdoses are also difficult to treat because they occur slowly over a period of days. The same substance found in Aspirinâ„¢ is in wintergreen oil, sometimes used as an aromatherapy for colds. Acetaminophen, widely thought of as a safe alternative to Aspirinâ„¢ is another frequent source of poisonings, though the symptoms of nausea and vomiting do not occur until a full day or two later and, if allowed to continue, lead to a life-threatening liver failure.
Poisoning Nutrition
If poisoning is due to medications, alcohol or plants, induce vomiting by drinking three cups of warm water or juice. Do not add salt to the water and do not drink milk, as these react adversely with the poison. The intestinal tract also needs to be emptied. Even if diarrhea has already set in, take two teaspoons of Epsom salts dissolved in a glass of water. If the cause is poisoning from gasoline, acids or cleaning fluids, do not actively induce vomiting. Again, do not drink milk.
Poisoning Nutritional Supplements
Lactobacillus acidophilus and other friendly bacteria help restore balance to an upset intestinal tract. Take them for as long as necessary. The antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium promote tissue healing. There are supplements available which contain these in combination. Charcoal tablets effectively absorb toxins in the body, including poisons. Induce vomiting after ingestion of charcoal to expel toxins.
Daily dosages:
Acidophilus combination, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.
Antioxidant formula, as recommended on the label
Charcoal capsules, 10–20 tablets until recovered
Poisoning Herbal Remedies
While waiting for emergency help, herbal remedies will provide relief and help detoxify the body.
Sarsaparilla is a powerful blood purifier and is considered to be a potent antidote for the toxic effects of any strong poison. Make a medicinal herbal tea by pouring 3 cups of boiling water over 3 tsp. of herbs; steep for ten minutes; cool and drink up to 3 cups daily. Alternatively, use 30–50 drops of tincture in half a glass of water and drink slowly.
Poisoning Homeopathy
For symptoms of food poisoning, see that section.
Poisoning Tissue Salts
See these sections for symptomatic relief: colds, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, liver problems, pneumonia, stomach pain and vomiting.
Poisoning External/Physical Therapies
If breathing has stopped, apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while waiting for the doctor.
Do not give liquids to someone who is unconscious, as the patient can gag and suffocate, or develop pneumonia.
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning from car exhaust fumes and of fumes from gas stoves and furnaces in the home with the aid of detection devices is highly recommended. Remember not to keep your car running in closed spaces, such as the garage or during traffic jams in tunnels.
Poisoning Other Suggestions
Emergency Self-Help:
Identify the substance and call the poison control center to obtain specific instructions, unless you are familiar with emergency procedures for that particular substance.
Poisoning Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)
C Extra (Natural Factors)
Chlorophyll (Natural Factors)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)
Activated Charcoal (Nature's Herbs)
Herbal Remedies
Dr. Dunner Sambu Kit (Flora)
Maria's Alcohol-Free Swedish Bitters (Flora)
Maria's Original Swedish Bitters (Flora)
Flor-Essence (Flora)
Medicinal Tea: Biliv Tonic (Flora)
Salus Gallexier Herbal Bitters (Flora)
Sarsaparilla Root (Nature's Herbs)
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