Symptoms of food poisoning. Food poisoning causes irreparable harm to the body What does poisoning affect

Human physiology is such that for normal life we ​​need food. Once inside the body, it turns into elements that give us everything we need for a full life. Unfortunately, food does not always contain only useful material, cases of accidental ingress of harmful and dangerous microorganisms and chemical elements.

Most often, poisoning occurs at festive feasts and during summer heat. During this period, food deteriorates quickly, often even a refrigerator cannot provide long-term storage. All these factors provide fertile ground for the rapid reproduction of microbes. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, they get ideal conditions for their life and are happy to settle down here. Here they actively release toxins which, getting into the blood, cause poisoning of the whole organism.

The person begins to feel general weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea begin, the head hurts and the temperature may rise, pain often occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. The greater the damage by toxins, the stronger the manifestation of poisoning.

Most often, staphylococcal bacteria are affected; room temperature is enough for them to actively reproduce. Through food, pathogens of dysentery, typhoid, streptococci and enter our body.

After suffering poisoning, dysbacteriosis, indigestion and chronic intestinal infections often occur. According to recent studies, food poisoning makes itself felt throughout life. They can cause diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and kidney failure. Toxins produced by bacteria primarily damage the kidneys. Salmonella is often one of the causes of arthritis. Experts warn that poisoning should be taken more closely.

Food poisoning especially affects children, the elderly, and those who already have digestive tract diseases. The first symptoms of food poisoning will appear approximately 2 to 4 hours after a meal contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. With the manifestation of poisoning, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence, further treatment will depend on this.

The most severe condition is botulism. Infection with it occurs through the consumption of meat and canned food in which these bacteria were located. Moreover, for their destruction, boiling these products is not enough, bacteria can die at a temperature of more than 120 degrees. Botulism affects the nervous system, weakens vision, swallowing, and paralysis of various muscles can occur. If in such a patient everything is left to chance, a fatal outcome may occur in a few days.

The first thing to do with symptoms of food poisoning is to induce vomiting and gastric lavage. For washing, the patient should drink liquids as much as possible in the form of plain non-carbonated water, a weak solution baking soda or permanganate. Remember that 10 - 12 hours after poisoning, the patient's condition may worsen, as the most active action of toxins will begin.

At the first sign of illness, call an ambulance, and in a hospital, apply possible methods of treatment.

Poisoning by chemicals is possible under a variety of circumstances. Most often, toxic effects are caused by household chemicals (for washing, cleaning, washing dishes, etc.) or fertilizers - if they are handled carelessly, as well as medicines, paints and chemical compounds used in production.

Adults get chemical poisoning when dangerous compounds are misused; as a result of a violation of safety regulations at the place of work, or in criminal cases - in case of attempted murder or a suicidal attempt.

Children run the risk of being poisoned out of curiosity, exploring the world and not having sufficient knowledge about what can and cannot be drunk, sniffed, opened, and so on, here we are almost always talking about the negligence and oversight of adults.

What are the symptoms of poisoning?

How does chemical poisoning happen? It depends on what type of substance itself is and how it got into the body.

There are several such ways: breathing, esophagus, skin and mucous membranes. Since in many cases this is the determining factor for the occurrence of certain symptoms, consider external signs poisoning in each case.

Chemical poisoning

When toxic substances are inhaled, the upper respiratory tract is primarily affected, and symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing,
• cough,
• acute respiratory failure - slowing or stopping breathing,
• chemical burns of the upper respiratory tract,
• noticeable pallor or bluish tint to the skin,
• lacrimation or, conversely, dryness of the mucous membrane of the eyes,
• disorientation, hallucinations,
• loss of consciousness,
• changes in the rhythm of the heart (slow or fast heartbeat).

Chemical poisoning through the esophagus

When using toxic chemicals inside, the damage depends on the nature of the chemicals themselves: alkalis and acids produce a chemical burn, the rest of the compounds are absorbed in the stomach and intestines, starting their toxic effect when they enter the blood. In these cases, the following symptoms are observed:

• severe pain in the throat and stomach,
• chemical burn of the mucous membrane of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, stomachs and intestines,
• nausea,
• vomiting, including black in color with internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines,
• indigestion and diarrhea,
• black mushy stools with internal bleeding,
• dehydration of the body due to loss of fluid during vomiting and diarrhea.

Poisoning by chemicals that come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes

When poisons get on the skin, the nature of the lesion also depends on the nature of the chemicals: alkalis and acids leave a burn, highly toxic damaging substances are absorbed and penetrate into the blood through the skin, affecting directly the work internal organs and systems. The following symptoms may be observed:

• traces of burns of varying degrees at the site of contact with the skin (from redness to blisters or skin corrosion),
• allergic manifestations: redness, rash, spots, etc.,
• strong pain,
• respiratory and cardiac arrhythmias.

General symptoms and manifestations

Others are also noted clinical manifestations and symptoms of chemical poisoning, common regardless of the method of penetration of the poison:

• toxic shock,
• anaphylactic shock,
• disruption of the central nervous system,
• loss of consciousness (coma is also possible),
• difficulties in the work of the heart up to its stop,
• destruction of red blood cells and severe anemia,
• acute renal failure,
• acute liver failure,
• pancreatitis.

First aid: what to do in case of chemical poisoning?

All these manifestations can develop instantly or appear gradually, after hours or even days. That is why time is always precious - it is necessary either to react very quickly, or not to miss the development of formidable consequences. And this means that adequate first aid in this case is difficult to overestimate.

So, what to do if you suspect chemical poisoning?

• First, immediately seek medical help, self-medication in this case can end tragically. Describe to the emergency dispatcher the signs you are seeing and follow his instructions, if any.
• Secondly, it is necessary to examine the scene, especially if the victim is unconscious, or it is a small child who cannot explain what exactly happened. Often it is not possible to accurately determine the substance that caused the poisoning, and sometimes it is dangerous to wait for the results of tests in a hospital - you can lose time or start to provide assistance incorrectly. Therefore, packages, vials, boxes found nearby can facilitate the work of both doctors and forensic specialists (if this is their case).
• Thirdly, it is necessary to immediately stop the effect of the poisonous substance: take the victim out into the air in case of poisoning with chemical vapors, or wash the substance off the skin in case of poisoning with liquid or crystalline chemicals.
• If a poisonous substance has been ingested, but it is not known, ensure:
  • Prompt delivery of the victim to the hospital.
  • Vomiting and gastric lavage with salted water or a weak solution of soda or potassium permanganate (except in cases of acid and alkali poisoning - vomiting and rinsing through the mouth will only aggravate the situation).
  • Taking funds that envelop the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus (this is necessary to reduce their absorption capacity and reduce the flow of poison into the blood) - protein, milk, starch, Almagel - except for cases of oil poisoning.
  • Taking absorbents that will bind and remove toxins from the body (activated carbon, Polysorb, Smecta, etc.)
• If it was possible to identify the poisonous substance, and you know the toxin for sure, proceed to first aid, which depends on the type of poisonous substances.

Drug poisoning

Useful and necessary drugs from our first aid kit can cause trouble if a child gets to them, an elderly person takes medicines uncontrollably, or medicines were chosen as a means of suicide. Since how many drugs - so many side effects from an overdose, and age plays a big role in the severity and nature of the poisoning, it is impossible to give specific recommendations without establishing the drug that caused the poisoning. However, one thing is for sure: the most dangerous to life are powerful analgesics based on opiates, antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics (barbiturates). First of all, they can cause depression of the central nervous system, heart, respiration and provoke a lethal outcome. Therefore, it is very important to inspect the scene of the incident in order to identify the drug as accurately as possible, and immediately organize the transport of the poisoned person to the hospital.

Alcohol poisoning and its surrogates

Alcohol is ethyl alcohol in varying concentrations, depending on the type of drink. It acts on the central nervous system as a neurotoxin, leading to severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart. But even more dangerous are alcohol substitutes - alcohol-containing household chemicals, perfumes, and so on. Often this is already methyl alcohol, which causes fatal poisoning or irreparable consequences in the form of blindness and deafness immediately after ingestion.

Signs of severe alcohol poisoning are a characteristic odor, unconsciousness or coma, a weak thready pulse, a sharp drop in body temperature and sticky sweat, convulsions, constriction of the pupils.

The following are offered as first aid:

• do gastric lavage
• sniff ammonia to bring to consciousness,
• create fresh air
• let take absorbents,
• provide the body with warmth (warming rubbing, warm clothes, etc.)

Poisoning by caustic substances - acids and alkalis

Alkalis and acids cause chemical tissue burns. Symptoms are visible burn marks on the skin or mucous membranes (black or white - from sulfuric acid of various concentrations, yellow - from nitric acid), acute pain, signs of internal bleeding - vomiting with blood or black clots, black stools. Acetic acid also destroys blood cells (erythrocytes), in connection with which one can observe pallor and yellowness of the skin (caused by an increase in bilirubin levels).

First aid comes down to:

• abundant washing of the damaged area with clean water,
• treatment of the skin or mucous membranes with a two percent solution of baking soda,
• if the acid is taken orally, drink more ordinary drinking water to reduce the concentration of the substance and soapy water to neutralize the acid,
• if alkali is drunk, water is also useful, and even better acidic drinks (for example, water with lemon or cranberry juice),
• you can also drink enveloping substances (milk, protein) to protect mucous membranes,
• in no case should you induce vomiting and do not wash the stomach, and also do not give soda, which will cause the formation of carbon dioxide, swell and injure an already damaged stomach.

Solvent and hydrocarbon poisoning

Gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, acetone, ether - all these are solvents, they often surround us in everyday life and are sometimes stored very carelessly. These are volatile substances, therefore, they can enter the body through the respiratory tract when inhaling vapors, or they can be absorbed through the skin into the blood. They act on the central nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as on the kidneys and liver, manifesting symptoms primarily of drug intoxication and a similar condition.

Help before the arrival of doctors is:

• providing fresh air for breathing,
• washing the skin with soap, and the eyes with just clean water,
• taking absorbents and laxatives to block and remove toxins.

In order not to harm, it is prohibited:

• drink milk, sweet warm tea or eat butter, as is advised for other types of poisoning, because in this case the absorption of poisons will only accelerate;
• induce vomiting in case of gasoline poisoning - this will aggravate the situation.

Gassing

Common gas used for cooking and heating is a mixture of butane and propane, and is a dangerous toxin when inhaled, causing headaches, nausea, salivation, lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate. The pupils become narrow, the person is initially excited, then he may lose consciousness and die. To prevent this, you must:

• remove the poisoned person immediately Fresh air or create its tributary,
• provide plenty of fluids
• give sorbent,
• perform artificial respiration and indirect heart massage, if necessary, before the ambulance arrives.

Pesticide poisoning

In case of poisoning with pesticides, that is, substances that destroy harmful insects in everyday life and agriculture(herbicides, insecticides, repellents) poison enters the body mainly through negligence. The danger of such poisons is that they contain salts of heavy metals, organophosphorus and organochlorine highly toxic compounds. Signs and symptoms depend on the type of toxins involved:

• Organosphoric substances give a picture of tremor (trembling) of the muscles and tic-like twitching, paralysis, involuntary defecation and urination, constricted pupils, wheezing in the lungs, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
• Organochlorine substances (for example, dust) provoke a severe cough, sore throat, tears, thirst, nausea and vomiting, reddening of the skin, muscle weakness, kidney and liver failure, and lead to death.
• Pesticides with salts of heavy metals lead to a feeling of weakness, muscle trembling, impaired consciousness and mental state, affect the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and can lead to the death of the body.

Help in this case comes down to the following measures:

• induce vomiting if the toxin enters the stomach,
• give enveloping means,
• give absorbents,
• wash the skin with soap if the poison has got on it,
• in case of contact with eyes, rinse them with a 2% solution of baking soda.

cyanide poisoning

Cyanides are salts of cyanic acid and the acid itself. They are found in the seeds of almonds, apricots and plums: this is amygdalin. Also, cyanides are part of some paints and are used in the production of polymers and pesticides.

A high concentration of poison or type of compound often results in instantaneous poisoning when breathing stops, convulsions, pressure surges, and death occur. But there is also “slow” cyanide poisoning, which can be determined by the characteristic almond smell from the mouth, pain in the chest and head, depression of consciousness, dilated pupils, vomiting and rapid breathing. In this case, emergency first aid is to:

• take the person out to fresh air
• take off his clothes and put them in a bag (preferably without touching them with bare hands),
• wash skin with soap and rinse eyes with water,
• wash the stomach with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate,
• drink warm sweet tea (glucose blocks hydrocyanic acid),
• give a sniff of amyl nitrite,
• perform artificial respiration if necessary and you know how to do it.

Poisoning by other chemicals

In addition to those listed, there are also poisonings with other chemicals - toxic elements and their compounds that surround us in everyday life. The greatest danger is arsenic, sulfur, copper, lead, phosphorus and iodine, but we will consider them separately.

Measures to prevent chemical poisoning

• Be sure to take precautions when storing, using and transporting potentially hazardous substances, medicines, household chemicals, etc.
• Prevent any possibility of access by children to such substances, store first aid kits, cleaning products, vinegar, alcohol, gasoline, etc. in safe, completely closed places; never pour dangerous liquid substances into drink bottles that children might drink by mistake.
• Read the instructions carefully before working with hazardous substances or taking medicines, and follow all recommendations without neglecting them.

• Damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, brain)
• Is a forensic medical examination carried out if a person died from poisoning?

The site provides background 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!

Diagnosis of poisoning

To prescribe the correct treatment, the doctor must first make an accurate diagnosis, find out the cause poisoning, that is, to understand what substance poisoned a person.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor uses:

• questioning the patient;
• examination and clinical examination of the patient;
• laboratory test data.

Patient Interview

During the interview, the doctor clarifies the patient's complaints, and also collects information about the circumstances of the poisoning, the nature and time of the onset of certain symptoms, and so on.

During the interview, the doctor may ask:

• What exactly worries the patient? In this case, you need to list absolutely all the complaints that the patient associates with his current illness.
• When did the described symptoms first appear? It is advisable to remember the exact date and ( if it is possible) time of onset of all symptoms in order.
• Did the patient vomit? If yes, how many times and with what fluid eaten by food, bile, blood)?
• Did the patient have diarrhea? If yes, how many times, what was the nature of the stool ( liquid, watery, mixed with blood, etc.)?
• What did the patient eat before the onset of symptoms? Absolutely all foods eaten within the last 24 to 48 hours matter. This is due to the fact that hidden ( asymptomatic) period of gastrointestinal infection can last more than a day.
• Has the patient been in contact with any chemicals in the last 2 to 3 days? If yes, you need to name these substances and, if possible, describe the circumstances of this contact ( when it happened, how long the person was in the vicinity of the chemical, and so on).
• Has the patient consumed alcoholic beverages in the last 24 hours? If yes, which ones and in what quantity?
• Do any of the patient's acquaintances or relatives have similar symptoms? If so, these people should also be examined, as they could also be poisoned.
• Was the patient taking any medications? If so, which ones, in what dose, who prescribed them and for what purpose? These are also important questions, since the symptoms of poisoning may be due to medication.
• Has the patient ever taken drugs? If so, which ones, how much and how long ago did you take your last dose?
• Does the patient suffer from any chronic diseases ( kidneys, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems)? This is also important to consider, since the development of poisoning or the prescribed treatment can disrupt the functions of already affected organs.

Examination and clinical examination of the patient

During the examination, the doctor draws attention to the objective signs of the disease, which could help make a diagnosis, as well as assess the severity of the patient's condition and plan further treatment.

When examining and examining a patient, the doctor evaluates:

• Consciousness. Impaired consciousness can be observed in case of poisoning with psychotropic substances, drugs, alcohol or other toxins that act at the level of the central nervous system.
• The position of the patient. The patient's gait is assessed does he stagger due to dizziness, does he experience pain in the abdomen when moving, and so on). If the patient is lying, his posture in bed is evaluated. So, for example, the pose of the "embryo" ( with legs and arms pressed to the stomach) may indicate severe abdominal pain.
• The patient's body weight. Weight loss can be seen with chronic poisoning mercury vapor or other toxins that disrupt the body's metabolism. It is also important to ask the patient if they have lost any weight in the last 2 to 4 months ( if lost - you need to clarify exactly how many kilograms and for how long).
• The facial expression of the patient. Painful facial expressions can be observed in patients experiencing severe pain.
• Condition of the skin. First of all, skin color is evaluated. Its cyanosis may indicate respiratory disorders, while pallor may indicate severe blood loss or low blood pressure. Next, the doctor evaluates the elasticity of the skin. To do this, he gathers the skin on the back of the patient's hand into a fold with his fingers, and then releases it. Under normal conditions, the crease should straighten out immediately. If this does not happen ( that is, if wrinkles remain on the skin), which indicates a possible dehydration of the body. Also, during the examination, the doctor should determine if there are any signs of intravenous drug use, chemical burns, or other damage on the patient's skin.
• Eye condition. Assessing the color of the mucous membrane of the eye ( its yellowness may indicate liver damage or severe destruction of blood cells). Also, the doctor can evaluate the symmetry of the pupils, their narrowing or expansion, reaction to light. This allows you to assess the degree of damage to the central nervous system, as well as to suspect intoxication with certain drugs.
• The state of the respiratory system. The frequency, depth and rhythm of breathing, the presence or absence of cough, as well as pathological wheezing when listening to the lungs are assessed.
• The state of the cardiovascular system. When listening to the heart, the doctor evaluates the rhythm of its contractions, and then measures the patient's blood pressure and pulse rate.
• Abdominal condition. First, the doctor examines the patient's abdomen when he lies on his back. The presence or absence of asymmetry or bloating is assessed. Next, the doctor palpates probes) internal organs with a hand through the anterior abdominal wall, while evaluating the patient's reaction. Severe pain when touching the anterior abdominal wall may indicate a severe lesion of the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs of the abdominal cavity.
• body temperature. An increase in temperature above the norm can be observed with most poisonings or intoxications.

Laboratory tests ( blood, urine)

After examining the patient, the doctor must make a presumptive diagnosis. To confirm it, as well as to assess the general condition of the patient, the specialist may prescribe additional laboratory tests and tests.

In case of poisoning, the doctor may prescribe:

• General blood analysis. Allows you to identify blood loss, which can be observed due to bleeding ( with damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract with poisons) or due to the destruction of erythrocytes ( red blood cells) toxins that have entered the systemic circulation. In addition, a general blood test can detect the presence of infectious inflammatory process in the body, which is observed when poisoned by pathogenic bacteria or their toxins. This will be indicated by an increase in the total number of leukocytes ( cells of the immune system that protect the body from foreign infections).
• General urine analysis. When examining urine, its color, density, the presence or absence of erythrocytes, leukocytes and other pathological inclusions in it, which can appear when the kidney tissue is damaged by toxins, are determined. It is also important to assess the amount of urine excreted by the patient per day ( daily diuresis), since a decrease in daily diuresis may indicate kidney damage.
• Biochemical blood tests. Biochemical analysis allows you to evaluate the concentration of various substances in the blood. Based on the data obtained, the doctor judges the functional state of the internal organs, as well as the severity of the patient's general condition. So, for example, using a biochemical analysis, it is possible to evaluate the functions of the liver ( study of liver tests, bilirubin, blood protein) and kidneys ( study of the concentration of urea, creatinine and uric acid in the blood). Moreover, the assessment of blood oxygen saturation and blood electrolyte composition ( that is, determining the concentration of sodium, potassium, chlorine and other electrolytes in it) allows you to identify certain violations of the internal environment of the body and timely correct them, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
• bacteriological research. The purpose of this analysis is to isolate pathogenic bacteria from the human body ( from the gastrointestinal tract in food poisoning). To conduct the study, the doctor may take samples from vomit, feces, or recently eaten food, which are then sent to the laboratory for detailed study. This will confirm the diagnosis, as well as select the most effective treatment.
• Serological analyses. These analyzes make it possible to determine even the smallest concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood. With the help of serological studies, a correct diagnosis can be made even if bacteriological analysis has not yielded any results.
• Drug tests. Traces of narcotic drugs can be detected both in the patient's blood and in his urine, even several weeks after the last dose.
• Other specific analyses. Depending on the alleged cause of poisoning, the doctor may prescribe a wide variety of studies to detect heavy metal salts, various poisons, harmful gases, altered forms of hemoglobin in the patient's blood ( blood pigment responsible for transporting oxygen) etc.

First aid ( what to do in case of poisoning?)

The first thing to do in case of any poisoning is to prevent further entry of the poisonous substance into the body. Next, you should assess the general condition of the patient and find out if anything threatens his life.

An immediate threat to life can be:

• Unconscious state. In this case, a person can choke on vomit ( if vomiting starts). Also, in an unconscious state, the tongue may fall into the throat, leading to death by suffocation. To prevent this, the patient should be turned on its side with the head tilted slightly face down and supported.

• Absence of breath. In this case, artificial ventilation of the lungs should be started immediately ( mouth to mouth or mouth to nose), because otherwise a person will die from oxygen starvation within 3-4 minutes.
• Absence of heartbeat. In this case, you should immediately begin to perform an indirect heart massage - turning the person on his back, you should rhythmically press with your hands folded into the lock on the middle of the chest ( at a frequency of about 100 times per minute). This will keep blood circulation in the brain at a minimum level, thereby preventing death. nerve cells in him.

First aid for alcohol and food poisoning ( gastric lavage with saline solution, potassium permanganate solution, soda solution)

If there is no immediate threat to the patient's life, measures should be taken to remove toxins and toxic substances from the body. The first thing to do for this is to wash the patient's stomach. The purpose of this procedure is to remove toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract, which will prevent their further absorption into the systemic circulation.

For gastric lavage, you can use:

• Salt solutions. Salt has an antibacterial effect, as a result of which it can destroy pathogenic microorganisms that are in the stomach. To prepare the solution, you need to dissolve 1 - 1.5 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of boiled water. First, the patient should drink 1 - 3 glasses of the solution in one gulp ( child - no more than 1 glass at a time). If after this vomiting does not occur on its own, it can be induced by irritation of the root of the tongue ( touch it with your fingertips). After the vomiting subsides, the procedure can be repeated 2-3 more times. It is important to note that the solution for gastric lavage should be at room temperature, that is, slightly cool. Do not use warm or hot water, as it will expand the blood vessels of the gastric mucosa, thereby facilitating the absorption of toxic substances.
• Soda solution. This solution also has a certain antibacterial effect and can be used for gastric lavage in case of food poisoning. To prepare the solution, 1 tablespoon of baking soda should be dissolved in 1 liter of boiled water. The flushing scheme is the same as when using saline.
• A solution of potassium permanganate ( potassium permanganate) . To wash the stomach in 1 liter of water, you need to dissolve 10 crystals of potassium permanganate. The solution should turn out slightly pink. The washing scheme is the same as when using other solutions.

It is worth noting that today many experts do not recommend using a solution of potassium permanganate for gastric lavage. The fact is that in the case of preparing a too concentrated solution, poisoning by itself is possible, which will be manifested by even more severe pain in the abdomen, increased vomiting and diarrhea. Much safer and no less effective.) use ordinary saline solutions for this purpose.

Gastric lavage is absolutely contraindicated:

• Patients with impaired consciousness. They can choke on their vomit, which can be fatal. If, with alcohol poisoning, the patient is drowsy and lethargic, you can give him a sniff of cotton wool with ammonia. With mild to moderate intoxication, this can bring the patient to his senses, which will allow gastric lavage to be performed.
• Patients with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. If red or dark blood comes out with vomit or stool, this may indicate bleeding. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach, as this can provoke even more damage to the mucous membrane and increased bleeding.
• Pregnant women. Vomiting can cause damage to the fetus.

Enema for food poisoning

One of the methods of cleansing the body in case of poisoning is an enema ( the introduction of fluid through the anus into the large intestine, followed by its removal). This procedure can be effective for food poisoning and toxic infections, when bacteria and their toxins accumulate in the lumen of the large intestine, affecting its walls. At the same time, in case of alcohol poisoning, an enema is ineffective, since most of the alcohol is absorbed into the systemic circulation in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

To perform an enema at home, it is recommended to use ordinary boiled water at room temperature ( not hot). Do not use saline or potassium permanganate solutions at home, as this can damage the intestinal mucosa.

The essence of the procedure is as follows. The patient exposes the lower part of the body, lies on his side, presses his knees to his stomach and wraps his arms around them. Boiled water is drawn into a special rubber heating pad or enema bulb, which is then injected into the patient's rectum ( using a special tip). After the introduction of approximately 1 liter of water, the patient should defecate, during which toxic substances will also be released from the intestines along with water. The procedure can be repeated several times until the water excreted from the intestines becomes clean, transparent).

Like gastric lavage, enema is contraindicated in the allocation of blood in the feces, as this increases the risk of developing or increasing bleeding.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

If a person has been poisoned by carbon monoxide, it should be removed as soon as possible ( or take out) from a smoky room to fresh air. If a person is unconscious, he should be laid on his back, immediately unbuttoned or torn all outer clothing ( which can pull chest and throat, making it difficult to breathe) and check if he is breathing. If breathing is absent or weakened, it is necessary to try to bring the victim to his senses. To do this, you can sprinkle cold water on his face, attach pieces of ice or snow to his face ( in the winter season), lightly pat your cheeks with your palms. If the above measures are ineffective ( that is, if a person does not begin to breathe on his own), artificial respiration should be started immediately.

If, after going out into the fresh air, a person is conscious, you should make him breathe as often and deeply as possible, and it is better to cough several times. This will remove excess carbon monoxide from the lungs, and will also help to enrich the blood with oxygen.

Treatment of poisoning

Therapeutic tactics for poisoning depends on the type of poisonous substance and the route of its penetration into the body, as well as on the severity of intoxication and the severity of the patient's general condition. The purpose of therapeutic measures in this case is also the removal of toxic substances from the body, preventing further damage to internal organs and the development of complications.

Which doctor treats poisoning?

Any doctor can provide first aid to a poisoned person ( emergency room doctor). Further ( if necessary) the patient can be placed in a hospital where several specialists will be involved in his treatment at once.

Poisoning can be treated by:

• Expert in narcology- in case of poisoning with narcotic substances, medicines, alcohol.
• Infectionist- with food poisoning and toxicoinfections.
• Toxicologist- in case of poisoning with various chemicals, poisons and other substances.

Also in the treatment process can take part:

• Gastrologist- with damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
• Nephrologist- with kidney damage.
• Pulmonologist- with damage to the respiratory tract and lungs.
• Dermatologist- with skin lesions.
• Neurologist- with damage to the nervous system.
• Cardiologist- with damage to the cardiovascular system.
• Hematologist- with damage to the blood system.
• Surgeon- with the development of bleeding associated with lesions of the stomach or intestines with toxic substances.
• resuscitator- with a pronounced violation of the functions of vital organs.

First aid ( PMP) for food poisoning

The purpose of first aid for food poisoning is also to detoxify the body, that is, to remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and from the systemic circulation.

In order to detoxify the body, doctors can use:

• Gastric lavage through a tube. In this case, there is no need to induce vomiting, since the liquid is introduced into the stomach and removed from it through a special plastic tube.
• Purgation. Repeated enemas can also be used for this.
• Forced diuresis. If the patient's kidney function is preserved, the doctor may stimulate the formation and excretion of urine. For this, a large amount of fluid is injected intravenously ( about 1 liter), and diuretic drugs are also prescribed. As a result, there is a dilution of the blood and the removal of toxic substances from it.
• Medical therapy. Drugs are prescribed that slow down the absorption of toxins from the stomach into the blood.

Food poisoning - expert advice

First aid for acid and alkali poisoning

Poisoning by acids or alkalis ( when they enter the gastrointestinal tract) is accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. The longer the toxin is in contact with the mucosa, the deeper and more severe its damage will be. Therefore, the first thing to do in this case is to wash the stomach, thereby removing the acid ( or lye) out of him.

First aid for poisoning with acids or alkalis is to repeatedly wash the stomach with cold water. For this purpose, a special probe is inserted into the patient's stomach through the nose - a tube through which fluid will be injected and removed. It is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach, causing vomiting, as this may cause a rupture of the mucous membrane or wall of the stomach, damaged by acids or alkalis, as well as the entry of vomit into the respiratory tract, which will lead to severe damage to the lungs.

In case of acid poisoning, it is strictly forbidden to wash the stomach with soda solutions, and in case of alkali poisoning - with acid solutions. The fact is that when alkali interacts with acid, a large amount of gas is formed, which can simply break the wall of the stomach.

It is also important to note that in case of poisoning with acids or alkalis, the patient suffers from a pronounced pain syndrome. That is why before starting any therapeutic measures, adequate anesthesia should be carried out ( using narcotic painkillers).

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

The main problem with carbon monoxide intoxication is the disruption of oxygen transport due to damage to red blood cells. The goal of treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is to restore oxygen delivery to the tissues, as well as to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body. If the patient is conscious and breathing on their own, the doctor may place an oxygen mask over their face. This will increase the concentration of oxygen in the inhaled air ( from 21% to 50 - 60%), which will provide improved blood enrichment with it.

If the patient is unconscious or has trouble breathing, the doctor may apply mechanical ventilation ( IVL) using a special mask or by inserting a special tube into the patient's trachea connected to a ventilator. This will maintain pulmonary ventilation at a normal level, and will also create conditions for the removal of carbon monoxide from the patient's blood.

After ensuring adequate ventilation of the lungs, the doctor should prescribe symptomatic treatment, the purpose of which is to normalize the impaired functions of vital organs and systems.

Antidotes ( antidotes) in case of poisoning with organophosphorus substances, methyl alcohol, opiates, salts of heavy metals

Antidotes are special substances that can be used to treat poisoning with certain toxins or poisons. The essence of antidotes is that they block the toxic effect of a poisonous substance, as a result of which it cannot harm the tissues of the body.

Antidotes for various poisonings

poisonous substance	specific antidote	The mechanism of action of the antidote
Organophosphates(FOS)	atropine	The mechanism of action of FOS is to block the cholinesterase enzyme, resulting in an increase in the amount of the mediator acetylcholine at the sites of transmission of nerve impulses from nerves to tissues. This is what causes the clinical manifestations of poisoning. Atropine blocks the effects of acetylcholine, thereby eliminating signs of intoxication.
Methyl alcohol	ethanol(ethanol)	The toxicity of methyl alcohol is not due to itself, but to the by-products formed when alcohol enters the body. Ethyl alcohol prevents the formation of these toxic substances, resulting in a decrease in the severity of intoxication of the body.
Opiates	naloxone; naltrexone; nalmefene	The toxicity of opiates is due to their interaction with specific receptors at the level of the central nervous system. Antidotes block these receptors, thereby eliminating the toxic effects of opiates.
Heavy metal salts	Unithiol	This drug interacts with salts of heavy metals, turning them into harmless water-soluble compounds that are quickly excreted from the body.

Medical treatment of poisoning pills and other medicines)

To combat the toxic effect of toxic substances, as well as to normalize the functions of the body disturbed by poisoning, drugs from various drug groups are used.

Sorbents ( activated carbon, polysorb, enterosgel, filtrum, laktofiltrum)

Sorbents are a group of drugs that, when they enter the gastrointestinal tract, bind bacteria and their toxins, poisons, salts of heavy metals and other toxic substances, preventing their further absorption and facilitating their rapid removal from the body. In case of poisoning, sorbents should be taken only after gastric lavage, since the presence of food debris can reduce their effectiveness.

Sorbents for poisoning

Electrolyte solutions ( rehydron)

If, during poisoning, the patient begins to vomit or diarrhea profusely, along with the liquid, he also loses electrolytes ( sodium, chlorine and others). The loss of a large number of electrolytes can disrupt the constancy of the internal environment of the body, which will lead to disruption of the functions of vital organs ( in particular the heart muscle and the central nervous system). That is why it is extremely important in the fight against dehydration to simultaneously restore the electrolyte composition of the blood plasma.

In order to compensate for the loss of electrolytes, rehydron and other similar drugs may be prescribed ( trihydrone, hydrovit and so on). The composition of rehydron includes carbohydrates, as well as potassium chloride, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. After oral administration in small doses, the drug helps to restore blood electrolytes, and also provides a certain energy ( nutritious) action.

The drug is available in packages in the form of a white powder. To prepare the solution, the contents of 1 sachet should be dissolved in 1 liter of warm boiled water. It is recommended to take rehydron after each liquid stool or vomiting ( 50 - 100 ml), and in their absence - 50 - 100 ml every half hour. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 ml per 1 kilogram of the patient's body weight, since this may lead to an excessive supply of electrolytes into the blood, which is also accompanied by a number of adverse reactions.

Antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs are advisable to prescribe when food poisoning is caused by pathogenic bacteria. For all other poisonings, antibiotics can only be used prophylactically ( for example, to prevent the development of a bacterial infection after poisoning with acids or alkalis and the formation of an extensive wound surface on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract).

Antibiotics for poisoning

Name of the drug	Mechanism of therapeutic action	Dosage and administration
Ceftriaxone	Blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which leads to the death of bacteria.	Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed intravenously or intramuscularly, 1 to 2 grams once a day. The course of treatment is 5 - 7 days.
Tetracycline	Blocks the formation of proteins in bacterial cells, preventing their further reproduction.	Inside, 0.25 - 0.5 g 4 times a day.
Vancomycin	It affects the genetic apparatus of bacteria, and also disrupts the formation of their cell walls.	Adults are prescribed intravenously 500 mg 4 times a day or 1000 mg 2 times a day.

Painkillers

The need for anesthesia may be required in case of poisoning with acids, alkalis or other irritating substances that affect large areas of the mucous membranes, as this will cause severe pain. For the purpose of pain relief, drugs from various pharmacological groups with different mechanisms of action can be used.

Pain relief for poisoning

Drug group	Representatives	Mechanism of therapeutic action	Dosage and administration
Antispasmodics	No-shpa	Eliminates spasm of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to reduce the severity of pain in food poisoning.	Inside, intramuscularly or intravenously, 40-80 mg 2-3 times a day.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)	Nimesil	They inhibit the activity of the inflammatory process in the tissues, thereby reducing the severity of the pain syndrome. It should be noted that most NSAIDs have a damaging effect on the gastric mucosa, as a result of which they should be used with caution in case of food poisoning and lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.	Inside, 100 mg 2 times a day.
	Indomethacin		Inside, 25-50 mg 2-3 times a day or intramuscularly 60 mg 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 14 days.
Narcotic pain relievers	Morphine	They act on the central nervous system, eliminating the sensation of pain.	With a strong pain syndrome administered intramuscularly or intravenously at a dose of 5-10 mg every 4-6 hours.
	Omnopon		Intramuscularly or intravenously, 1 ml of a 2% solution 2-4 times a day.

Laxatives

Laxatives speed up the process of bowel movement, thereby helping to remove toxins from it. For food poisoning, laxatives should be used only if the patient does not have profuse diarrhea. In this case, it is recommended to use the so-called saline laxatives ( sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate). Their mechanism of action is that they increase the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, thereby attracting water there. This helps to soften the stool and facilitate their release.

Should I take antiemetics? cerucal) and antidiarrheals ( smectu) in case of poisoning?

Use antiemetics ( in the likeness of cerucal) is not recommended for poisoning. The fact is that vomiting is a protective reaction of the body, aimed at cleansing it of toxins. The mechanism of action of cerucal is that it stimulates the movement of gastric contents into the intestines, and also inhibits the gag reflex. In case of poisoning, this will contribute to the absorption of toxic substances and even greater intoxication of the body.

The use of antidiarrheal ( from diarrhea) funds are also not recommended, since pathogenic bacteria with their toxins are also released along with diarrhea. At the same time, the use of drugs such as smectite may have some positive effect. The mechanism of the antidiarrheal action of this medication is that it binds pathogenic bacteria, preventing their toxic effects on the intestinal wall and helping to remove them from the intestinal lumen. In acute food poisoning, this drug is recommended to be taken orally 1 sachet three times a day for 1 week.

Treatment of food poisoning with folk remedies at home

Alternative methods of treatment can help cleanse and strengthen the body's defenses, as well as reduce the toxic effect of pathogenic microorganisms on it.

For food poisoning, you can use:

• Infusion of chamomile flowers. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and also contributes to the accelerated elimination of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the infusion, 5 tablespoons of chamomile flowers should be poured into 500 ml of hot boiled water. Cool at room temperature, strain and take orally 50-100 ml 3-5 times a day.
• Decoction of oak bark. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent action ( binds toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes their removal from the body). To prepare a decoction, 100 grams of crushed oak bark should be poured with 400 milliliters of water, brought to a boil and kept in a water bath for 30 minutes. Cool, strain and take orally 50 ml 2-3 times a day or use for bowel lavage ( enemas) to remove toxic substances from it.
• Green tea. Reduces the severity of the damaging effects of toxins at the level of the intestinal mucosa, and also has antioxidant activity ( that is, it prevents tissue damage in the focus of inflammation at the cellular level).
• St. John's wort herb infusion. It has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, as well as a moderate sedative effect. To prepare the infusion, 4 tablespoons of chopped St. John's wort should be poured into 400 ml of hot boiled water and infused at room temperature for an hour. Then the infusion should be filtered and consumed orally, 1 tablespoon 3-5 times a day.

Diet ( nutrition) in case of poisoning ( what to eat after poisoning?)

The task of diet therapy in case of poisoning is to provide the body with easily digestible nutrients, as well as to prevent the traumatic effect of food products on the affected gastric mucosa. To do this, any food consumed must be well processed ( crushed). It should be taken warm not hot) form, since exposure to elevated temperatures can also have a negative effect on the inflamed mucosa. In this case, you should eat 4-6 times a day in small portions, which will reduce the load on the stomach and prevent the development of vomiting.

Diet for poisoning

What can be consumed?
low-fat chicken broth; fish broth; rice porridge; oatmeal; semolina; crackers; mashed potatoes; chicken eggs ( 1 - 2 per day); butter ( 50 gramsper day); decoctions of herbs ( wild rose, chamomile); fruit jelly.	fat meat; fried food; smoked meats; spices; pickled foods; sausages; fresh bread; sweet pastries; sweets; ice cream; fresh vegetables; pasta; carbonated drinks; Black tea; freshly squeezed sour juices ( lemonade, apple juice); alcohol;

Is it possible to drink tea in case of poisoning?

Recommended for food poisoning green tea, as well as teas based on herbs ( rosehip, chamomile, St. John's wort and so on). These teas will help bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, thin the blood and remove toxic substances from the body. At the same time, in the initial period of poisoning, it is not recommended to consume a large amount of strong black tea, as it has a fixing effect, contributing to the retention of toxins in the intestines and their entry into the systemic circulation. You can drink black tea after the complete removal of toxins from the body, that is, at least a day after the signs of intoxication subside ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and so on).

Is it possible to drink kefir in case of poisoning?

Kefir can and should be consumed during and after food poisoning, as it helps to quickly remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanism of therapeutic action of kefir is that it stimulates the development of normal microflora ( lactic acid bacteria) in the intestines. In the process of growth and reproduction, these bacteria inhibit the development of others ( pathogenic) microorganisms, thereby contributing to the speedy recovery of the patient.

You can drink kefir from the first days of poisoning ( after the vomiting subsides). It is recommended to use it warmed up in small portions ( half a glass) several times during the day, but not more than 1 liter per day.

Complications and consequences after poisoning

The consequences of poisoning can be associated with the direct damaging effect of toxic substances, as well as damage to internal organs that has developed against the background of intoxication of the body.

Injury to the stomach ( gastritis)

Damage to the gastric mucosa is observed with food poisoning, as well as with the ingestion of any toxic substances into the gastrointestinal tract. This destroys the mucosal barrier that normally covers the wall of the stomach, as a result of which it can be easily damaged. Damage to the mucosa is manifested by its inflammation ( gastritis), as a result of which it turns red, swells. The patient may experience severe paroxysmal pain associated with peristaltic contractions of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

After resolution of poisoning mild degree acute gastritis usually subsides without leaving any residual effects. At the same time, it is worth noting that with frequent poisoning, the development of chronic gastritis is possible, occurring with periodic exacerbations, which can be triggered by malnutrition, alcohol intake or other factors. Treatment of chronic gastritis is diet and the use of enveloping drugs that protect the gastric mucosa.

Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract in case of poisoning

Bleeding can develop in case of poisoning with acids, alkalis or other caustic substances, which, if ingested, can destroy its mucous membrane and damage blood vessels. Also, the cause of bleeding can be a rupture of the mucous membrane of the upper sections of the stomach, provoked by frequent and severe vomiting. Therapeutic tactics and prognosis in this case depend on the severity of bleeding. If it is insignificant and stopped by itself, conservative treatment measures can be dispensed with ( a sparing diet, applying ice to the abdomen, using hemostatic drugs, and so on). If massive bleeding is observed (pregnancy, it can pose a danger to the developing fetus. This may be due not only to the toxic effects of toxic substances, but also to the changes that occur in the female body during poisoning.

The danger of poisoning during pregnancy is due to:

• Intrauterine fetal injury. Some toxins can pass from the mother's blood into the baby's blood, leading to developmental anomalies or intrauterine death.
• Dehydration. The loss of fluid by the mother's body will immediately affect the condition of the fetus, which may also develop signs of dehydration.
• Oxygen starvation. When defeated transport function blood with chemicals, as well as blood loss as a result of damage to the vessels of the gastrointestinal tract, the process of oxygen delivery to the developing fetus may be disrupted, as a result of which anomalies of the central nervous system may develop. In severe cases, the fetus may die.
• Injury to the fetus. During vomiting, there is a pronounced contraction of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall of the mother, which can lead to damage to the fetus. Also, the fetus can be damaged during convulsions that develop against the background of the action of various poisons and toxins.
• The risk of preterm birth. Poisoning is a strong stressthat can disrupt the hormonal background of the female body. In this case, there may be an increased formation of the hormone oxytocin, which can stimulate the contractile activity of the uterus.
• Inability to carry out full treatment. Treatment of food poisoning involves the use of antibacterial and other medications that may be contraindicated during pregnancy.

Is it possible to breastfeed with poisoning?

Breastfeeding a child with poisoning is not recommended. The fact is that bacterial and other toxins can penetrate into breast milk, and with it enter the baby's body, causing the development of various adverse reactions and complications. In addition, with breast milk some drugs used to treat poisoning may also be released ( e.g. antibiotics). They can also enter the child's body, causing the development of allergic reactions.

Before the holidays, products are bought in a hurry, they are prepared for future use, and sometimes they are stored outside the refrigerator, because they simply forgot to put them there - it’s a holiday, after all ... And it’s just a pity, in the end, it becomes a pity to throw away treats that are not the first freshness, because so much work has been invested in them and of money…

Only one has to pay for such "frugality" seriously: after eating stale delicacies, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the intestines and stomach appear - real food poisoning.

Types of food poisoning

Diseases are caused by microbes and their toxins - protein poisons found in foods. Their pathogens get into food products when sanitary and hygienic rules for the preparation and storage of food are violated, when contaminated water is used. When contaminated food is stored at room temperature, bacteria and toxins multiply actively.

Often, products contaminated with microbes do not differ in any way from benign ones in appearance, taste, or smell.

Of meat products, the greatest danger is minced meat products, which have a large surface for the reproduction of microbes.

You also need to be careful with chicken cutlets, since salmonella often live on bird skin, which, when cut, can get into the meat.

There are also widespread poisonings caused by staphylococcus toxins, which actively multiply at normal room temperature on products such as pates, smoked meats, cream cakes, vinaigrettes, dairy products and others. These products can be contaminated from patients suffering from staphylococcal pustular diseases, negligently admitted to the preparation or sale of such food.

Dysentery, salmonellosis, paratyphoid and typhoid fever, streptococcal and staphylococcal foodborne infections, and even cholera can be transmitted through food.

Food poisoning often results in dysbacteriosis and chronic intestinal infections.

Usually, cramping pain, rumbling and bloating in the abdomen occurs 1-2 hours after microbes and their toxins enter the stomach. Diarrhea and vomiting may occur (but are optional). The most common are headache, chills, muscle aches and fever.

Botulism is the most serious food poisoning.

Poisoning with it occurs a few hours or days after contaminated products. Botulinum bacillus spores reproduce only in an oxygen-free environment - in the deep layers of meat products, in canned food and in the intestines. To kill these bacteria, boiling is not enough, heating at temperatures above 120 degrees is necessary. The poison usually affects the nervous system.

In case of botulism poisoning, after the usual onset (abdominal pain and vomiting), after a few hours, vision is weakened, a grid appears before the eyes, fog. Speech and swallowing are impaired. Then paralysis of other muscles develops. All this can lead to death in the first five days.

At the slightest suspicion of botulism infection, urgently call an ambulance to send it to the infectious diseases department. There they will introduce a special anti-botulinum serum, without which the chances of salvation are getting lower every hour.

First aid for food poisoning

If you suspect botulism, before the ambulance arrives, you need to do a gastric lavage with a weak soda or potassium permanganate solution, drink activated charcoal and plentiful hot drinks (milk, tea).

In case of ordinary food poisoning, you should also wash the stomach until clean water appears with a solution of potassium permanganate color pink with the use of artificial vomiting - drink 1.5-2 liters of potassium permanganate, followed by irritation of the root of the tongue. Take a laxative (30 ml of castor oil), or give a saline laxative (30 g of magnesium or sodium sulfate in 400 ml of water), as well as a plentiful alkaline drink for diarrhea to compensate for dehydration, activated charcoal.

After washing the stomach, you can attach a heating pad to your feet and drink hot tea. It is indicated for food poisoning taking sulfonamides (phthalazol, sulgin and others) or antibiotics (levomycitin and others).

Folk remedies for the treatment of food poisoning

• Take activated charcoal every 15 minutes for an hour, 3-5 grams. Instead of coal, specially processed clay sold in powder can be taken as an absorbent.
• Take 1-2 grams of vitamin C every hour for 3 hours.
• Drinking a decoction of dill with honey. Dill is suitable in any form (fresh, dry, stems or ground seeds). One tablespoon of fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon of dry grass, or 0.5 teaspoon of ground seeds - pour a glass of boiled water, boil for 20 minutes over low heat, cool for fifteen minutes and add boiled water to the original volume. Then add 1 tablespoon of honey. Drink a decoction half an hour before meals for half a cup a day.
• Marshmallow roots are an excellent remedy for food poisoning. One teaspoon of finely chopped roots is taken and poured with half a glass of boiled water, covered and infused for half an hour. Then it is filtered, honey is added to taste. Drink 1 tablespoon for adults, and children - 1 teaspoon, four times a day.
• Tea made from marshmallow flowers and leaves also helps with food poisoning. It is prepared as follows: 2 tablespoons of the mixture are poured with two glasses of boiling water and infused for 4 to 8 hours, then it is filtered, honey is added to taste. Take tea 3-4 times a day for half a cup 30 minutes before meals.
• good remedy is ginger tea. Pour a glass of boiling water one teaspoon of ground ginger, leave for 20 minutes, and take one tablespoon every half an hour.
• Pharmaceutical tinctures of Eleutherococcus, Astragalus and marine microalgae in powder or tablets also help to expel toxins from the body.
• Drink as much liquid as possible if you have food poisoning. It can be water with lemon juice, black or green tea, tea from rowan and (or) rose hips. It is highly desirable to abstain from food during the day. You can limit yourself to decoctions of flaxseed or rice.
• It is recommended for food poisoning not to lie down, but to walk, and the more the better. This is explained by the fact that a person, in addition to two kidneys, has a third, which is the skin. With intensive, and just walking, the body dumps poisons along with sweat, thereby cleansing itself.
• Rubbing the body with a woolen cloth is also useful, as well as a shower to wash off the released poisoning products from the skin. Remarkable in such cases, a bath or sauna, perfectly expelling toxins.

Very often, food poisoning, even without the use of drugs, disappears in a few days.

But be sure to seek medical help if:

• pain in the stomach and intestines accompanied by headache or dizziness, a rare pulse or shortness of breath;
• symptoms of food poisoning last for a week and do not go away;
• body temperature is higher than 37.5 degrees;
• severe vomiting, diarrhea persists for 1-2 days, and the use of home remedies described above does not help;
• the patient is a child or an elderly person.

In all of the above cases, it is necessary to call a doctor who will prescribe treatment.

Food poisoning prevention:

• Always wash your hands before preparing food. Wash dishes with hot soapy water after cooking fish or meat in it.
• Do not defrost meat at room temperature. Do this gradually in the refrigerator and cook immediately. You can defrost quickly in the microwave.
• Avoid raw meat, fish, eggs and raw pickled foods. Prepare these items carefully.
• Food that looks spoiled smells bad, and do not eat food from swollen cans.
• Never eat dairy products or cooked meats that have been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

Most cases of poisoning are caused by rapid reproduction in food products of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Poisoning is most often provoked by poor-quality expired products or those that were stored in inappropriate conditions or prepared in violation of sanitary standards.

Also, poisoning is often caused by plants collected and eaten out of ignorance or negligence.

Test yourself

The first signs of poisoning may appear half an hour after eating low-quality foods, but most often - after 4-6 hours, and sometimes - after a day.

Typical symptoms of poisoning: diarrhea (watery, fetid stools, with undigested food residues), severe nausea, repeated vomiting.

Also characterized by weakness, dizziness, fever, chills, heaviness or painful spasms in the stomach, flatulence, profuse salivation.

Keep in mind

Most often, poisoning is caused by dairy and sour-milk products, cakes and pastries with cream, glazed curds, soft cheese, boiled sausage, pates, eggs, homemade mayonnaise, salads dressed with mayonnaise or sour cream, tomatoes and tomato juice, soy sprouts.

First aid

At the first sign of food poisoning, it is necessary to wash the sick stomach to empty it. For washing, you can use a weak (pale pink) solution of potassium permanganate, filtered through a paper filter or four-layer gauze.

A solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of boiled water) or table salt (2 tablespoons without a “slide” per 5 liters of water) is also suitable.

The solution for washing must be prepared in advance in the amount of 8-10 liters. It must be warm (temperature - 35-37 ° C) in order to prevent hypothermia of the body, and also slow down intestinal motility, which will slow down the movement of toxic substances through the gastrointestinal tract.

At the first dose, you need to drink from 2-3 to 5-6 glasses, then induce vomiting by irritating the root of the tongue with two fingers.

The washing procedure must be repeated until the flowing water is clean.

We must try to provide the patient with complete rest, if he is shivering, wrap him up warmer.

The first day is better to refrain from eating, on the second day you can enter the broth, mashed vegetable soups with rice, slimy decoctions, gradually expanding the menu. Until complete recovery, pickled, spicy, salty and smoked foods that irritate the gastric mucosa should be avoided. The patient is advised to drink boiled water, weak sweet tea, berry fruit drinks, jelly. Carbonated drinks are prohibited.

On a note

In case of poisoning, enterosorbents are taken. These drugs bind and remove toxins, poisons, microbes and bacteria from the body, preventing the entry of toxic substances into the blood. They help relieve the symptoms of poisoning and normalize the human condition.

To prevent dehydration of the body caused by vomiting and diarrhea, special saline solutions are used to replenish fluid loss and restore the acid-base balance disturbed due to electrolyte loss. Usually they are produced in the form of powders, which must be diluted in a liter of hot boiled water. The resulting solution in an amount of 10 ml / kg of body weight should be drunk after each liquid stool in small sips, stretching the portion for an hour.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, then after each attack of vomiting, an additional solution of 10 ml / kg of body weight should be taken.

By the way

In case of poisoning (including food, but especially with drugs or alcohol), the liver suffers, because it is this organ that has to neutralize toxins and remove them from the body. Hepatoprotective drugs - herbal or containing essential phospholipids - help restore normal liver function.

Also, biologically active additives containing lecithin, amino acids, antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, selenium and chromium, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used to improve liver function.

To the doctor!

Most often, the symptoms of poisoning disappear on their own within a week, only symptomatic treatment is sufficient. However, in some cases, poisoning is dangerous. Be sure to seek medical attention if:

• against the background of intestinal and gastric disorders, the patient has a severe headache, pain in the kidneys, liver or other internal organs;
• the patient has a high temperature, severe sweating, a feeling of suffocation;
• got poisoned Small child or an elderly person;
• there is a suspicion that you were poisoned by mushrooms;
• severe vomiting, diarrhea persist for two days;
• symptoms of poisoning persist for more than a week.

SOS!

Especially dangerous are poisonings with home canned food, in which, due to a violation of cooking technologies, botulinum toxin was formed, which causes a serious illness - botulism.

Symptoms: increasing muscle weakness, frequent shallow breathing, dilated pupils, muscle paresis or paralysis, dry mouth, vomiting, loose stools, visual impairment, speech impairment, lack of facial expressions, pallor of the skin.

First of all, the muscles of the eyes, larynx, then the respiratory muscles suffer. Botulism can be fatal, so if you suspect it, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Prevention

The best food poisoning prevention is good food preparation hygiene, proper food storage, and basic vigilance.

Pay attention to the color, smell and taste of food. An unpleasant putrefactive smell, sour taste, tingling on the tongue should alert. A sign that the product is spoiled may be a change in its consistency, the appearance of mucus on its surface.

Feel free to throw away moldy foods, spoiled vegetables and fruits, even if only a tiny barrel has rotted, swollen cans and bags of juices or sour-milk products.

The jar, “rolled up” with an iron lid, should open with a characteristic pop, indicating that it has been hermetically sealed. If there was no cotton, canned food should not be eaten.

When buying, be sure to check the production dates and shelf life of products, the integrity of the packaging.

Check your refrigerator regularly.

Do not buy ready-made salads dressed with mayonnaise: they spoil very quickly.

Observe the thermal regime of food preparation.

Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, dishes and cutlery, hands before eating and preparing food.

Before cracking an egg, wash it with soap and water.

Change kitchen towels, washcloths for washing dishes more often, because pathogenic bacteria accumulate in them.

Get some cutting boards. Greens, vegetables and fruits, cheeses and sausages should not be cut on a board on which raw meat and fish were butchered.

Do not store raw meat and fish and prepared foods in the same compartment of the refrigerator.

Don't overcook a lot of food. Cooked meals in the refrigerator should not be stored for more than three days.

Be selective in your choice of food outlets.

Preparations

Remember, self-medication is life-threatening, consult a doctor for advice on the use of any medications.