Intoxication of the body - symptoms in adults and children

Constant slagging of the body leads to chronic poisoning. When harmful substances accumulate, the organs are no longer able to neutralize them, and intoxication occurs. The main impact of neutralization falls on the liver and skin; toxins are also removed with mucus from the bronchi. Symptoms of intoxication of the body manifest themselves in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and general poor health.

Intoxication is a dangerous state of the body. Systems malfunction when in contact with chemical dyes and certain medications (for example, for the treatment of cancer). If the functioning of the kidneys or thyroid gland is impaired, self-poisoning occurs.

Causes and mechanisms of intoxication

Endogenous

I. can be caused by toxic products formed in the body during various diseases (allergic diseases, burn disease) and extreme conditions. Endogenous poisoning includes poisoning by waste products of bacteria in the body. In some cases, I. becomes the leading pathogenetic factor that determines the development of the wedge, patterns (uremia, toxic infections, thyrotoxicosis, toxic diphtheria, toxic dyspepsia, etc.).

Exogenous

I. can develop as a result of the resorptive effect of poisons when they come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes, inhalation of vapors or aerosols, or entry into the gastrointestinal tract. tract. The nature of exogenous I. depends on toxicity (see), physical-chemical. properties and amount of poison entering the body (see Poisoning). An important role is played by the state of the body, age, gender and individual characteristics, which influence, in particular, the kinetics of poison metabolism in the human body (see Pharmacokinetics). In some cases, the source of oxygen is not the substance itself that enters the body, but the products of its metabolism.

According to the conditions of occurrence, a distinction is made between domestic and professional poisoning, poisoning caused by toxic substances (see), rocket fuel components, technical fluids, and radioactive substances (see Incorporation of radioactive substances). Among household poisonings, the greatest importance belongs to food poisoning (bacterial toxins, poisonous mushrooms, plants), as well as drug poisoning, the causes of which are either an overdose of a drug, or an erroneous medication, or, in some cases, increased individual sensitivity of the body. Professional I. can occur when working in industrial production and agriculture, where in technology. the process uses or produces harmful substances in cases of non-compliance with protective measures and safety regulations.

Acute poisoning occurs when toxic substances enter the body in obviously toxic doses and are characterized by an acute onset and pronounced symptoms of poisoning. Chron. I. occurs during prolonged systematic exposure of the body to small doses of toxic substances; this can occur in industrial conditions, as well as in everyday life.

Alcoholic alcoholism occupies a special place (see Alcohol intoxication).

The mechanisms of both endogenous and exogenous I. have much in common, since in both cases the damaging factor is a toxic agent. In addition, I. caused by an exogenous factor can be realized endogenously; for example, poisoning with anticholinesterase poisons such as physostigmine (see) or phosphacol (see) mainly comes down to autointoxication with acetylcholine (see), which accumulates in synaptic formations due to the cessation of its enzymatic hydrolysis.

Substances that accumulate in the body during various diseases and cause endogenous P. include chemicals. compounds of various nature: products of transformation of amino acids (phenol, cresol, indole, skatole, putrescine, cadaverine), fats (beta-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid and acetone). Active proteins, adenyl nucleotides, histamine, serotonin, kinins and other physiologically active substances that are released in significant quantities when cells and tissues are damaged are also important. In infectious diseases, there is an accumulation of bacterial toxins and other waste products of microbes, as well as tissue breakdown products.

The main cause of I. in transplantation conditions is graft-versus-host reaction (see Immunological incompatibility). When I. occurs in various extreme conditions, for example, with burn disease, trauma (see Burns, Traumatic toxicosis), suppression of the detoxifying ability of the reticuloendothelial system is of pathogenetic importance, and therefore the accumulation of E. coli endotoxin occurs in the body, causing microcirculation disorders (cm.). There is also stimulation of non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, as a result of which toxic products accumulate in the body, which causes a change in the permeability of these membranes. In case of radiation injury, in addition, there is an accumulation of lipid and quinone-like toxins, the damaging effect of which on cells leads to the accumulation of histamine and other physiologically active products of protein breakdown in the body (see Radiation damage). A decrease in the content of the natural inhibitor of chain oxidative reactions, tocopherol, in tissues is important for the development of vitamin D in vitamin E deficiency and neoplasms.

The mechanism of I. mainly consists in the damaging effect of an endogenous or exogenous toxic agent on certain cellular structures and disruption of metabolic processes in the body. In some types of I., cell damage may have the character of necrosis (for example, when exposed to carbon tetrachloride on the liver), however, in most cases, reversible changes occur at various levels of the body from subcellular to systemic, which lead to shifts in homeostasis (see) in connection with metabolic disorders. Thus, the membrane toxic effect of aflatoxins (see), some bacterial toxins (see), saponins (see) is based on a violation of the structure of phospholipids and the formation of intermediate hydrolysis products. In I.'s mechanisms, not only the direct effect of toxic substances on certain functions is important, but also neurohumoral and reflex influences, as well as involvement in patol. process of various organs and systems. With chronic I. certain chemicals. compounds that alkylate the phosphate groups of nucleic acids (nitrosoethylurea, ethylmethane sulfonate, etc.), their mutagenic effect may occur (see Mutagens); with I. certain cyclic hydrocarbons (3,4-benzpyrene, etc.) - carcinogenic effect (see Oncogenic substances).

I.'s development is opposed by the body's detoxifying systems, which provide chemicals. transformation of toxic substances into less toxic or soluble substances that can be eliminated from the body (oxidation, hydrolysis, methylation, reduction and formation of paired compounds and other processes). These processes occur with the participation of the body's enzyme systems, which ensure the neutralization and metabolic transformations of toxic substances (see Detoxification). Poisons entering the bloodstream enter the liver, which is a powerful detoxifying barrier, through the portal vein, and are partially neutralized there. I. develops when toxic substances enter the body in quantities exceeding the capabilities of detoxifying systems, or when they are inferior.

Varieties

Depending on the reasons for its occurrence, intoxication of the body can be of the following types:

eating disorder is the most common type of disorder. Accompanied by frequent bouts of vomiting and goes away on its own after a few days;
liver or alcohol intoxication – caused by drinking alcohol, which is poisonous to the body. Since the main function of the liver is to neutralize poison, it is the liver that is affected;
cancer intoxication - occurs due to the destructive effect of the tumor, as well as from intensive treatment, which, in fact, kills not only the tumor, but the entire human body;
tuberculosis intoxication - reduces human immunity and that is why the body is susceptible to toxins. Often diagnosed in children;
lead intoxication – in small quantities it does not cause harm, but when accumulated it causes damage to health;
medicinal;
intoxication during pregnancy.

In addition, each type can exist in three forms:

acute – when a large amount of toxins enters the body, it is necessary to detoxify as soon as possible;
subacute - characterized by a retreat of the symptoms of the previous degree, but the body still needs to be cleansed;
chronic – signs of poisoning are constantly repeated. It is a consequence of insufficient or improper treatment of the acute form. The main reason is living in a polluted place, often next to factories.

Clinical course

According to the clinical course, I. is divided into acute and chronic. The severity of I. is determined by the size of the toxic dose and the reactivity of the body. Accordingly, I. are classified as mild, moderate and severe.

The wedge, manifestations of endogenous and exogenous I. have their own characteristics. The course of endogenous I. is largely determined by the nature of the underlying disease. So, for example, diffuse toxic goiter (see Diffuse toxic goiter) is characterized by persistent tachycardia, weight loss, exophthalmos - symptoms of the toxic effect of an excess amount of thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis). With hron, uremia (see), phenomena of inflammation are noted in places where nitrogenous wastes are released; in the larynx, pharynx, yellow-kish. tract, accumulations of urea crystals (“uremic powder”) are found on the skin. With chronic, endogenous I., patients note malaise, irritability, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea; exhaustion occurs and the body's resistance decreases. In some cases, endogenous I. can occur in the form of severe acute poisoning (vomiting, stupor, coma). This course is typical for acute renal failure, hepatargia, toxemic shock, and acute burn toxemia.

The course of exogenous poisoning is determined mainly by the toxicodynamics of the poison, its dose, the method of entry into the body, and the functional state of the body. The selectivity of the action of various poisons determines the occurrence of certain syndromes: bronchospasm, toxic pulmonary edema, convulsions, etc. Severe exogenous I. can occur with impaired breathing, hemodynamics, predominance of renal and liver failure, and a coma may be observed; in case of poisoning with certain poisons, intoxication psychoses are possible (see).

With prolonged exposure to poisons in low concentrations (often below minimally toxic doses), nonspecific symptoms initially appear in the form of various dysfunctions of the predominantly nervous and endocrine systems, later symptoms of specific systemic lesions are added (for example, manganese parkinsonism, osteoporosis due to chronic conditions, poisoning with fluoride compounds and etc.). Chron. I. with certain neurotropic poisons of selective action can be accompanied from the very beginning by specific symptoms (miosis in case of poisoning with muscarine, eserine and similar substances, dry mouth and mydriasis in case of poisoning with atropine). Sometimes in the process hron. And. rapidly occurring symptoms (eg, lead colic) may occur.

Symptoms

Some types of this pathology have their own symptoms. So, the symptoms of alcohol intoxication are:

loud, incoherent speech;
active facial expressions;
increased appetite;
change in heart rate.

These are symptoms of the first, initial stage of intoxication. After a certain time, which is individual for each person, these signs are replaced by other indicators - increased fatigue and lethargy.

The second stage appears:

frequent mood changes;
irritation;
aggression;
speech becomes less intelligible;
inability to maintain balance;
bouts of vomiting;
after sleep, a person feels exhausted, lethargic and complains of a severe headache.

The most severe degree of liver intoxication manifests itself:

unintelligible muttering;
strong swaying from side to side;
inability to hold in urine and feces;
stupor.

If you do not stop a person from drinking alcohol in time, it can lead to a coma.

Symptoms of tuberculosis intoxication:

irritability and weakness;
migraine;
caries;
decreased or complete lack of appetite;
increased sweating at night, which causes sleep disturbance;
pale skin color.

Such signs are observed in the acute type of pathology. In chronic tuberculosis intoxication, the following prevail:

developmental delay;
constant rapid heartbeat;
memory loss;
conjunctivitis;
fast fatiguability;
weight loss due to refusal of food.

Indicators of cancer intoxication:

weakness;
critical decrease in body weight;
profuse sweating;
gagging;
severe pain and dizziness;
apathetic state;
sleep disturbance or complete absence;
aversion to food.

Other symptoms of body intoxication:

unstable psyche;
heat;
decreased level of performance;
disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
dermatic skin problems;
the skin becomes less elastic;
nails often break;
dull hair.

These are just general symptoms of intoxication - the symptoms may be different for each individual person (depending on the characteristics of the body).

General principles of treatment

The general principles of treatment are the removal and neutralization of toxic substances from the body and the normalization of functions. In cases of endogenous I. treatment of the underlying disease and its complications is necessary. Exogenous poisonings are treated in accordance with the principles of treatment of poisonings; taking into account the specificity of the toxic agent, it is neutralized (see Antidotes). To neutralize poison in the stomach, adsorbents and chemicals are used. antidotes. Gastric lavage or vomiting helps remove toxic substances from the body. For purulent inflammation and sepsis, detoxification measures are used - washing purulent cavities, active aspiration of their contents, infusion therapy, antibiotics and proteolytic enzymes; sometimes the focus that caused I. is surgically removed. Reducing the concentration of toxic substances in the blood is achieved by hemodilution (see), drinking plenty of fluids, drip administration of drugs that improve the perfusion of tissues and organs with blood and improve renal blood flow, as well as fast-acting diuretics. In some severe cases, intensive therapy (see) and resuscitation (see); as a method of extrarenal blood purification, exchange blood transfusion (see), peritoneal dialysis (see) is prescribed.

Due to the fact that specific means of neutralization are known only for a few exogenous poisons, antidotes fiziol are more often used. action, which is based on functional antagonism and competitive displacement of poison from the biochemical. systems (eg, eliminating the toxic effects of muscarine with atropine). Symptomatic remedies are also used.

With I. of microbial origin, as well as with I. venom from snakes and other poisonous animals, the use of antitoxic serums, which are most effective in the initial period and especially as a means of prevention, is important (see Antitoxins).

Diagnostics

Diagnosing this pathological condition of any type will not be difficult for a specialist, since such a disorder has characteristic signs, especially in the case of liver intoxication, tuberculosis and cancer. For additional diagnosis of tuberculosis intoxication, the following is carried out:

thorough analysis of the symptoms of the disease;
examination of the patient;
bronchoscopy;
CT and radiography of the lungs.

To confirm cancer intoxication, the patient must undergo:

general blood analysis;
chest x-ray;
Ultrasound of organs affected by cancer;
examination by a gynecologist;
urine test for hormones;
ECG.

In cases of alcohol and tuberculosis intoxication, it is important to determine the stage of the disorder.

Exodus

Endogenous I. aggravates the course of the underlying disease, therefore it is a serious prognostic sign; the course of the underlying disease often depends on the timeliness of detoxification therapy. With exogenous poisoning, the outcome usually depends on the dose of poison; if the dose is detailed (see Toxicity) or approaches it, I. is acute and severe. However, promptly taken energetic measures aimed at removing and neutralizing the poison and maintaining basic body functions, in most cases, allow the patient to be saved.

First aid for intoxication of the body at home

What can you do before the doctor arrives? Please note that this is not about treatment, but only about emergency first aid. Correctly performed first aid not only improves the patient’s well-being and facilitates his further treatment, but can also save his life. If obvious clinical signs of acute intoxication are detected, it is recommended to proceed as follows.

Step 1. Regardless of the suspected reasons, completely eliminate human contact with toxic chemical compounds. This applies, first of all, to intoxication with various poisonous gases. The person should be quickly taken out into fresh air. If intoxication occurs as a result of food poisoning, including poisonous mushrooms, excessive doses of medications, etc., then you need to empty the stomach contents as quickly as possible. The patient is given a large amount of water and vomiting is induced. It is recommended to repeat the procedure several times.

The patient should be given a lot of water

Step 2. Administration of cleansing enemas. Only boiled water with a temperature between 36–40°C should be used. The enema is repeated until clean water appears after emptying. This technique will prevent the absorption of toxins by the gastrointestinal tract.

Cleansing enema

Step 3. Give the patient sorbents. Activated black or white carbon is most often used. More modern drugs can also be used; a short list will be given below.

White coal

Important. Observe the correct dosage of activated carbon; one tablet is taken at the rate of 10 kg of the patient’s weight. Smaller doses will not give a positive effect.

Step 4. Lay the patient on the bed, if the urge to vomit continues, then tilt his head to the side. Give him some light tea without sugar.

This is where home help ends; you need to wait for the doctor to arrive. Constantly monitor changes in the patient’s condition; the doctor will need this information during the initial diagnosis.

No one is immune from food poisoning, but by adhering to some basic rules, you can reduce the risk of food poisoning

Prevention

To avoid problems, you should follow these recommendations:

Eat properly. Do not eat food with dyes and preservatives.
Drink purified water and fresh foods.
To refuse from bad habits. You should not smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs.
Take medications correctly.
Use personal protective equipment when working with chemicals.
Choose environmentally friendly materials. This applies to the choice of clothes, shoes, furniture.
Use natural cleaning products.
Use high-quality cosmetics.

Chronic intoxication is considered a very dangerous condition, which has an asymptomatic course for a long time. To cope with this disorder, it is important to establish the provoking factor and select effective therapy.