We are in the season of celebrations, of sharing with family or friends, but it is also a time when poisoning can occur due to the intake of adulterated alcohol, hallucinogens or gunpowder itself, for which reason Dr. María del Rosario Rojas, Clinical toxicologist at the Grupo Quirónsalud Clinic, provides a series of recommendations to avoid bad times at the end of the year.
“This season there is a peak of poisoning due to white phosphorus, central nervous system depressants (benzodiazepines) and adulterated alcohol, in addition to food poisoning for the holidays, so it is necessary to take extreme care and self-care measures. with others”, says the doctor, who relates the characteristics of each of the poisonings, how to manage them and how to prevent them.
Gunpowder
Among its components is white phosphorus, with which totes, volcanoes, sparkles and little devils are made, which is why poisoning can be generated through the skin, by ingestion or by respiratory tract.
Orally: The affected person initially has gastric problems, with abdominal pain and vomiting; then bleeding appears and finally multi-organ failure that can cause death.
Fur: the affected person burns, does not wash the wound with plenty of water and poisoning is generated by absorption in the affected skin.
Respiratory: It occurs due to the smoke left by the burning of gunpowder, it affects much more people who have diseases such as asthma, which can cause irritation in the respiratory tract.
To do?
- If you got burned it is important that you wash the affected skin with plenty of water. Do not mix with soap because it can irritate you more. You should go to the medical service.
- If you had contact with the eyes or respiratory tract, you should also wash with plenty of water.
- If the poisoning is by mouth, you should not induce vomiting. Ideally, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
adulterated alcohol
“The main symptom is like a very strong hangover, more than normal. The headache increases and he can behave aggressively”, says Dr. Rojas; She also added that increased vomiting may occur and the management that should be given is in an emergency room.
Benzodiazepine poisoning
They are used to put the person to sleep and are used criminally. The victim ingests it by drink or food and the person’s will is inhibited. He has loss of consciousness.
Recommendations:
- Do not receive anything from unknown people. Don’t neglect your drink.
- Do not separate yourself from the group of friends or acquaintances with whom you went out.
- If you see any change in the drink you are consuming, do not drink it anymore.
- Take a good look at everything that is served to you on the site where you are.
- If you start to feel changes in your behavior, notify a trusted person or a close authority.
- Go to the emergency service.
Be careful with the kids
- Gunpowder and alcoholic beverages must be kept out of the reach of children.
- If you see any different behavior in minors, such as itching in the mouth or tongue, check it carefully and see if there are symptoms of gastric discomfort.
- Supervise them at all times. “It is common for children to arrive at the emergency room intoxicated by alcohol because they have taken the drinks that adults leave within their reach,” says the doctor.