Poisoning with acids: sulfuric, citric, hydrochloric, nitric, orthophosphoric

Today, acid poisoning occurs more and more in medical practice. This is due to the fact that acids are increasingly being used in various fields of human activity. The most dangerous toxic acids are widely used in industry and research, in laboratories. In agriculture and everyday life less toxic, non-safe acids are used. Even cooking, preserving, food products, drinks can not do today without the addition of acids.

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Statistics

Recently there has been a tendency to increase the number of household poisoning. In a year for every 100 000 people there are approximately 200 poisonings, and this is approximately 5% of patients. Of particular interest is the fact that cases of criminal poisoning have recently increased in Russia. Every fifth patient who has received poisoning enters the department in a critical condition. In the structure of poisonings, 80% are accidental poisonings, suicide poisoning accounts for 18%, and only 2% of poisonings are due to poisoning on the background of professional activity. On average, for every 100,000 inhabitants a year 120 poisonings occur, which resulted in recovery and 13 deaths.

Risk factors

The risk of poisoning in the first place are exposed to people whose professional activities are associated with contact with acids. They can easily be poisoned by vapors, excess salts in the air. If the hood is exhausted or the room is not well ventilated, the risk of poisoning increases significantly.

People who suffer from alcoholism, substance abuse and drug addiction, mentally unbalanced persons and people prone to suicide are also at risk. With them, accidents occur most often, or they use acids for intentional poisoning. The greatest number of poisonings is observed in people who lead an immoral lifestyle, disadvantaged families. Also in the risk group should include people who turn to different psychics and healers, use sedatives, or those infusions and broths of an unknown composition, which gives the medicine man. Even the illegal termination of pregnancy by various amateurs often results in poisoning with some kind of acid. Children are at risk as well, because of their curiosity they often enter into the acid if they are hidden in an inadequately secure place.

Pathogenesis

At the heart of pathogenesis is tissue damage by a chemical agent that has toxic properties. Such an effect is an injury that disrupts the integrity, as well as the organic and functional state of the body. Violations begin with a molecular and cellular level. In this case, the basic biochemical processes in the body are violated, cellular structures and components are damaged. The cells cease to function and die. This entails an inflammatory process in the tissues, and then their acute necrosis.

The defeat of tissues already entails serious consequences, as the activity of internal organs is disrupted, all vital signs change. The body goes into a state of stress, organ and multiple organ failure develops. Because of the powerful edema, hyperemia and necrosis, there is a lack of vital organs, intoxication and dehydration, a violation of metabolism, electrolyte balance, resulting in the body dying.

Acid poisoning in children

Children are motivated by cognitive activity, so everything new that they will be able to find, they will certainly taste, smell. This often becomes causative poisoning. In children, poisoning develops much faster than in adults, the risk of death is higher. To prevent poisoning in children, it is necessary to hide acids and other toxic substances as far from children as possible. It is also important not to leave the kids unattended for a long time.

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Acute acid poisoning

Acute poisoning occurs as a result of acid or other poison entering the stomach, and then into the blood. Acute poisoning develops at different times. It all depends on what kind of acid got inside. Some acids can have toxic effects after a few seconds. Others cause hidden processes that appear only after 5-6 days.

Poisoning is also different. It all depends on the type of acid. Most common symptoms for all acids are the defeat of the digestive tract, burns, excessive salivation and tearing. The person begins to choke and faints. The strongest edema develops. If the poison is a neuro-paralytic action, it can paralyze smooth muscles, which will result in the failure of breathing and other vital functions. In this case, a person dies if not to provide first aid. With any poisoning of assistance, it reduces to neutralizing poison, anesthetizing, maintaining vital signs and further hospitalization for the necessary treatment.

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Kinds

Depending on the cause and the place where the poisoning occurred, all poisoning by acids is divided into three types: casual, industrial and household. Separately, several other types of poisoning are singled out, which arose relatively recently, this poisoning, which was the result of a medical error, criminal, intentional and suicidal. According to another classification, poisonings are divided into 4 types: single, group, multiple and mass.

Sulfuric acid poisoning

Sulfuric acid is a dangerous chemical component with toxic properties. In case of poisoning with sulfuric acid, 2 possible scenarios are possible. In the first case, a man is etched with a liquid reagent, in the second case in pairs. Poisoning in pairs is no less dangerous than getting liquid into the body. Sulfuric acid has a high toxicity. The lethal dose is already 0.18 mg / l.

Poisoning most often occurs in the workplace, where the worker is dealing with this acid. At work it is important not only to observe safety measures, but also to be able to provide first aid, since often life can be saved only in the first minutes after getting the substance into the body. Sulfuric acid can be poisoned only by direct contact with it. The question of which of the forms of poisoning is more severe: in pairs or liquid, is still unanswered.

Sulfuric acid poisoning has very specific symptoms that can not be confused with other symptoms. Poisoning by vapors and fluid manifests itself in different ways. Poisoning by steaming is indicated by severe burns to the eyes and mucous membrane, damage to the skin of the face. Blood from the inflamed nasal passages, often the nose bleeds. On the mucous there are erosions and ulcers, which gradually also begin to bleed. Then the throat starts to hurt, there is a strong throat spasm. Rapid edema develops that covers the airways and causes suffocation. Gradually, the poison penetrates through the skin and the respiratory tract into the blood, where it affects blood cells, in particular, red blood cells. Hemoglobin is released, severe hypoxia and acidosis develop. If you do not help at this stage, the person will die.

If a liquid acid poisoning has occurred, the consequences will be more severe. The poison enters immediately into the blood, and an additional chemical burn develops. Symptoms appear following: dyspeptic disorders, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea. Vomiting is profuse, with a sharp pain, spasm. In vomit masses can be observed a large amount of blood, brown inclusions. If the acid is highly concentrated, salivary salivation develops. At the same time, a person throws into a fever, trembling develops. It can cause liver damage and heavy bleeding.

In parallel, edema of the lungs, larynx develops, the respiratory tract is affected. This leads to suffocation and loss of consciousness. If the function of blood is severely impaired, the internal organs are affected and the vital signs change.

The skin becomes blue, swelling and spasm also appear. A person can lose consciousness, fall into a coma. Cramps develop. This leads to a violation of the heart. Appear arrhythmia and pain in the sternum. All this is amplified by a painful shock.

If help is not provided in a timely manner, a person will die. First of all, it is necessary to neutralize the effect of acid. To do this, you need to know where it went. If ingested give a drink of any fat or enveloping agent that will protect the walls of the stomach from further erosion. It can be a glass of milk, or vegetable oil, egg white, a piece of butter.

If the outer covers, or the eyes, are affected, you need to rinse with warm water as soon as possible. Then you need to drip your eyes with a 2% solution of novocaine, which removes swelling and pain. Then the damaged eyelid is processed fat: Vaseline, butter, fat cream. The outer surface is treated, and ointment is placed in the eyelid itself.

If the acid has got on the skin surface, it is necessary to rinse the damaged area with a large amount of running water. Rinse for a long time, at least 10 minutes. It is recommended to use soap immediately, as it contains alkali, which neutralizes the effect of acid. After that, a bandage of bandage and gauze is applied to the affected area. The dressing must first be treated with a solution of soda. If necessary, instead of soda, use a solution of novocaine, which reduces pain.

After first aid, the patient is rushed to hospital, hospitalized and further treated. Treatment includes anesthesia: injections of novocaine. To prevent infection and sepsis, a course of antibiotic therapy is conducted. Assign hormonal drugs to relieve the inflammatory process and normalize the body. When the internal organs are damaged, appropriate symptomatic therapy is performed. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. In emergency cases, surgical operations are performed.

Prevention is reduced to observance of safety precautions, accuracy when working with acids. It is necessary to observe precautions, wear protective clothing, use extractor. At home, it is recommended not to store such a toxic agent that will avoid accidents.

Poisoning with citric acid

Citric acid is considered a food additive, however, cases of poisoning by it are becoming more frequent. Usually citric acid is in every house, stored in a conspicuous place. Everyone can take it, it can be confused with another remedy. Often children take citric acid, remaining without supervision of adults, ingested in large quantities, which leads to poisoning. Also found in nature in the composition of many fruits and vegetables, in cosmetics.

Poisoning with citric acid can be suspected if the person has severe pain in the esophagus, stomach. All this is accompanied by a headache and dizziness, vomiting. Violated the work of the intestines, the skin becomes pale, and sometimes, conversely, turns blue.

Gradually, the condition worsens: heart rate increases, blood pressure decreases sharply. Cramps may develop. If at this stage, do not provide first aid, a person can lose consciousness and fall into a coma. The peculiarity of this type of poisoning is that the symptoms develop slowly, gradually. Therefore, you can timely notice violations and seek help. Before the coma, the patient comes extremely rarely. At a chemical burn of a skin there is a sharp reddening of a skin, a boring. All this is accompanied by a sharp pain.

The first help is that the patient needs to put ice on his stomach. This leads to narrowing of the vessels and slowing down the absorption of the poison. You can not make a person wash or cause vomiting, because citric acid dissolves easily in water, can cause a repeated burn of the esophagus, will begin to be absorbed into the blood more quickly, which will significantly worsen the condition. After contact with skin, wash thoroughly with water, wash with soap. The patient needs to ensure complete rest and promptly call an ambulance.

In the hospital, the main treatment is carried out. The patient is prescribed symptomatic therapy, adsorbents, painkillers. If necessary, the stomach is washed. If there is bleeding appoint funds that stop bleeding. If necessary, surgery is performed, blood transfusion.

The most dangerous complications are bleeding, especially internal, a violation of kidney and liver function, pain shock, stopping breathing and cardiac activity.

The poisoning with hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid is a strong toxic agent. The picture of poisoning is similar to the picture of poisoning with other acids, so it is often difficult to diagnose and accurately determine the type of acid that caused the poisoning. It is used in laboratory conditions, as well as in production. Therefore, the main poisonings are industrial. Most often there is a poisoning in pairs, because even with the working exhaust the vapors inevitably evaporate and settle.

Poisoning indicates suffocating cough, headache, pain in the eyes, stuffiness of the nose and ears. Irritation of the mucous membranes is observed. If no measures are taken in this case, the poisoning becomes chronic. This leads to the destruction of teeth, to disorders of the stomach, intestines. In case of contact with skin, a chemical burn occurs. The severity of the burn depends on the degree of damage and concentration. If there was contact with a large amount of acid, massive massive swelling develops. If you get into the oral cavity, first of all, the tongue, the sky, the larynx, then only the esophagus and intestine are burned. Burns are accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, often with impurities of blood.

A dangerous complication is the development of toxic shock, inflammation and infection. If you do not provide first aid, develops toxic hepatitis, a malfunction of the nervous system, severe lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, which is difficult to combat. Such complications remain for life.

Lime water will neutralize the acid. It is necessary to give it a small amount to drink to the victim. If such a tool is not at hand, warm tea or milk will do. The victim should be wrapped up as warmly as possible and quickly call a doctor. With external burns, the affected area is washed for a long time with a lot of strong water. After that, wipe with a solution of soda, which neutralizes the effect of acid. A clean bandage is applied to the surface.

If hydrochloric acid hits the respiratory tract, its effect should be neutralized by inhaling a 2% solution of soda.

Poisoning with nitric acid

It is often used in production in laboratories. Also poisoned are professional swimmers who swim at great depths. The fact is that there are large concentrations of vapors of this acid. It is for this reason that the first signs of poisoning are already observed at a depth of more than 60 meters: dizziness, memory impairment and coordination. Nitrogen vapors first have an intoxicating effect, like alcohol there is a light euphoria. Deepening, poisoning intensifies, hallucinations develop, inadequate behavior. At a depth of more than 100 meters, narcotic sleep can develop.

Pathogenesis is not fully understood, but many experts believe that this action is due to the accumulation of gas molecules in nerve cells.

At the appearance of the first signs of poisoning, you should immediately provide first aid. It is to quickly climb up if a person is at a depth. In the laboratory or technical room, as soon as possible, avoid the possibility of exposure to fumes: ventilate the room, turn on the hood, and remove the victim to fresh air.

Prevention is the timely provision of fresh air, compliance with safety rules when working with acids in the room. It is also important to conduct preventive examinations among swimmers in order to identify among them those who have increased sensitivity to nitric acid vapor.

Poisoning with orthophosphoric acid

The acid is considered food, it is a permitted supplement known under the E338 marker, which is a part of many food products. In general, it negatively affects the state of our health. If the dosage is exceeded, even poisoning is possible.

When poisoning occurs a violation of the ratio of acids and alkalis in the body, which leads to an increase in acidity, a violation of the composition of crayfish. The normal functioning of the stomach, intestines is disrupted. Can develop heartburn, a violation of appetite. Usually a person loses weight and energy, sharply grows thin. Gradually, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and dizziness are associated. If the acid in its pure form gets on the skin, a chemical burn, burning sensation develops. If inhaled, burning occurs, breathing is disturbed. With prolonged inhalation, mucosal lesions occur. It changes its structure, thickens, puffiness develops. Throat pershit, there is a stuffy nose, shortness of breath.

The most dangerous complications are a change in the blood formula, the structure of the teeth, and the inhibition of respiratory function.

When the first signs of poisoning appear, neutralize the effect of the acid, causing vomiting. After this, the patient is given an enveloping agent - for example, milk, a raw egg. Wait for the doctor's arrival. In case of burns, the affected areas of the skin are treated with soap and water. Wash should be at least 10 minutes, then apply a bandage of soda. Upon the arrival of the doctor, further therapy is carried out, the patient is hospitalized.

Poisoning with ascorbic acid

This drug, also known under a different name - vitamin C. However, this acid can also be poisoned. Most often, poisoning is a consequence of an overdose. Especially often children are poisoned by consuming an excessive amount of delicious ascorbic acid with glucose. Overdosing can also occur with simultaneous intake of vitamin C and other agents that also contain this vitamin. The most common is chronic poisoning, which is not clearly expressed, and many take it for an allergic reaction.

On acute poisoning with ascorbic acid can indicate diarrhea, heartburn, severe allergic rashes, headache, vomiting. Also significantly increases excitability, the nervous system suffers, there is an unexpected aggression.

Complications of poisoning are a violation of the pancreas, kidney disease, gastritis and peptic ulcer. Overabundance of ascorbic acid leads to chronic vitamin B deficiency. Women may have a menstrual cycle. Blood coagulability is often violated and blood pressure rises. Especially dangerous is poisoning during pregnancy, because the fetus then develops a ricochet scurvy. In the worst case, miscarriage may occur.

When poisoning it is necessary to drink as much water as possible, since the drug is easily dissolved in water and is excreted with the kidneys. With a single admission of a large dose of the drug should be called vomiting. When you take 20 grams or more, you should wash your stomach. After that take sorbents, which will purify the body of toxins. The best option is smect, or activated charcoal. It should be a few days to drink plenty of water. Usually this type of poisoning ends safely and does not entail serious consequences. Deaths are virtually unknown.

Poisoning with acetylsalicylic acid

Poisoning indicates nausea, vomiting, chest pain, loss of coordination. More serious consequences include alkalosis, acidosis and multiple organ failure. A large number of gases, electrolytes, salicylates are found in the blood. It is on the basis of these data in the analysis and confirm the diagnosis. Activated carbon is used immediately. In severe cases, hemodialysis and alkaline diuresis are performed. Poisoning can develop with a dosage of 150 mg. The danger of this poisoning is that in the blood can be formed bezoar, which is difficult to remove and are able to maintain poisoning for a long time, to keep toxins in the blood. Chronic poisoning is rarely diagnosed. It can only occur in the elderly. Acute occurs as a result of taking a large dose of the drug. Especially dangerous is poisoning for children, it can even have a lethal outcome.

At the heart of pathogenesis is a violation of cellular respiration and nervous regulation of basic physiological processes. The acid-base balance is violated, which requires urgent measures. It is necessary to call an ambulance. If you do not provide timely treatment, it can end in a lethal outcome. Poisoning indicates nausea, vomiting, high fever. In neglected cases there is disorientation, convulsions, multiple organ failure.

The patient is urgently allowed to drink activated charcoal. Give every 4 hours until the charcoal appears in the stool. The rest of the treatment is performed during hospitalization. Control blood indicators, basic biochemical parameters. With hyperthermia, external cooling is performed. You may need hemodialysis.

Oxalic acid poisoning

The main signs of poisoning are burning in the mouth, pharynx, abnormalities in the esophagus. There is a sharp pain, spasm, vomiting begins with blood. Diarrhea with impurities of blood is also often present. This can lead to fainting and fever. Violated urination, slows the pulse, develops weakness. The final stage is a coma. Sometimes patients immediately fall into a coma without any precursors.

The difference from poisoning with other types of acids is that there is practically no damage to the esophagus and stomach, and there are no burns either. It can also occur in a lightning form, in which the patient immediately loses consciousness and dies. In acute form, the patient falls into a coma, subacute symptoms described above develop slowly. Death can occur as a result of damage to the kidneys and liver, which are considered as complications.

If the clinical picture is difficult to determine what kind of poisoning has occurred, a urinalysis is performed. In it, crystals of oxalic lime are found, which is presented in the form of envelopes. Treatment consists in repeated carrying out of gastric lavage. To do this, use lime water. Also apply ice, spend anesthesia. Next, standard symptomatic and supportive therapy is performed.

Poisoning with folic acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. It must necessarily be part of the diet, because the human body is not self-produced. Many people in the body develop a lack of this substance, so it must be taken in the form of tablets. Often an overdose leads to poisoning. However, cases of poisoning are rare, because for this you need to take a dose that is 100 times higher than normal.

When an overdose occurs intoxication. Especially often, similar phenomena are observed during pregnancy. Chronic poisoning is more common, which develops as a result of prolonged use of the drug. This leads to the birth of children who have an increased tendency to bronchial asthma and frequent colds. People who take the drug in high dosages develop coronary insufficiency and myocardial infarction, as well as numerous pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Children often develop epileptic seizures, increased excitability, and also sharply reduced levels of cyanocobalamin in the blood.

The danger of poisoning is that latent anemia can develop. This is accompanied by neurological disorders. With chronic poisoning, anemia progresses.

Overdose indicates the appearance in the mouth of a bitter metallic taste. Violated the activity of the nervous system, heart, stomach, intestines. A person has sharp mood swings: increased excitability, irritability can be replaced by apathy, sadness. From the digestive tract develops a dyspeptic syndrome, a rash on the skin, sleep is dramatically disturbed, seizures and epileptic seizures occur. There are changes in behavior. In severe cases, there is a disruption of the structure and function of the kidneys, as well as a deficiency of zinc and B vitamins.

The treatment is quite simple. It is necessary to immediately stop taking medicines, drink at least 3 liters of water. After this, you should induce vomiting and rinse the stomach. This will prevent further absorption of the drug into the blood. Enterosorbents are then given. The most commonly used are activated carbon, enterosgel, sorbex. Usually this is enough, and serious health effects are not observed. Despite this, you need to call an ambulance to provide further assistance and possible hospitalization. In pregnancy, long-term therapy is carried out, aimed at restoring the water balance with the help of infusion infusions. According to the indications, symptomatic therapy is used.

To prevent poisoning, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor and do not exceed the recommended dosage of the drug. Alternative ways can be used: it is possible to fill the deficiency of folic acid with food.

Poisoning with salicylic acid

Signs of poisoning can be severe headache, dizziness, increased excitability. In severe cases, paralysis of smooth muscles, damage to the respiratory center can develop. The severe consequences of poisoning include a violation of the biochemical cycle, a change in the blood formula. Acidity can develop, vessels are affected. You may need hemodialysis. Often poisoning ends in a fatal outcome, especially among children.

When the first signs of poisoning appear, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible. Before her arrival, you need to provide the patient with peace, give a drink an enveloping agent, for example, jelly, milk, raw egg. This will prevent further absorption of substances from the stomach into the blood. Then there is further help. If necessary, anesthesia is performed. Symptomatic treatment aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the disease is performed. Additionally, infusion therapy, hemodialysis may be required.

Poisoning with formic acid

The peculiarities of poisoning with formic acid consist in the fact that at first the acid damage of the stomach gradually develops imperceptibly. Then the symptoms appear: the death of the affected cells. Usually the latent period lasts several weeks. Severe complications can develop: metabolic acidosis, intravascular hemolysis, intravascular coagulation. Urgent resuscitation is required. At a poisoning at children most often a lethal outcome is not observed, as the liquid is unpleasant to the taste, due to which children do not take a large amount inside.

Deaths are most often observed with suicidal drug use. Especially often these means are taken by Indians. Also this method of suicide is common in Europe.

Formic acid is also used in industry, in the painting of wool, in cosmetic procedures to remove hair from the body, in the manufacture and painting of rubber. Toxic intake dose should be at least 10 grams. Poisoning leads to the appearance of persistent edema of the nasopharynx, pharynx, and oral cavity. This is accompanied by pain in the neck, back, and stomach pain appears shortness of breath, bloody vomiting. Later, bleeding opens, there are lesions of the kidneys, liver, stomach. Quite often ends in a fatal outcome. If you can survive, patients have intravascular coagulation, spasms, lesions of the esophagus and stomach, which have a long time to be treated. Often the disease is accompanied by corrosive phenomena in the stomach, micturition and perforation of the mucous membrane. Usually, death occurs within 36 hours after poisoning. Displays in about 2.5 hours. At the heart of the pathogenesis is a violation of the processes of blood coagulation, as a result of which numerous hemorrhages and hemorrhages are observed. Necrotizing tissues takes place in the stomach. Necrosis reaches the deep layers, in particular, to the muscular membrane.

On the development of poisoning indicates a feeling of pain, burning in the mouth. Later, nausea, vomiting, burning of the esophagus, stomach are connected. Concomitant signs are conjunctivitis, edema of the nasal mucosa and throat, erythema, hyperemia. If you do not provide first aid, there is bloody vomiting, blisters, the esophagus and stomach can swell. After a few days, heart palpitations may appear, people breathe more often. On the body there are bruises, heart rate is increasing. In this case, there is a retention of urine for several days, or complete absence of urination. There comes a necrosis of mucous membranes, a blood disorder, a person can lose consciousness and fall into a coma.

When diagnosed, laboratory tests show numerous changes in blood composition, basic biochemical parameters. Changes occur in the urine. A characteristic feature is that formic acid is found in the blood, which is a direct sign of poisoning. For differential diagnosis, toxicological studies are also carried out. With the help of gastroscopy, you can find lesions of the walls of the esophagus, stomach. Similar changes can be detected during X-ray examination.

First, the stomach is washed, the action of the acid is neutralized. Milk is used for neutralization, but not alkali. As a result of the neutralization reaction, a large amount of water and carbon dioxide is released between the alkali and the acid. But the most dangerous is that the reaction occurs with the release of heat, as a result of which a strong chemical and thermal burn is possible. Activated charcoal is not used because it can enhance mucosal inflammation

Further treatment is aimed at stabilizing the condition. Patients with signs of poisoning are hospitalized. Treatment is conducted in the intensive care unit. Constant monitoring of heart rate, respiration rates is carried out. Always near there must be a source of pure oxygen, since there is a high probability of developing pulmonary edema or a larynx, as a result of which choking may occur. Venous catheterization is performed, venous pressure is periodically measured, and measures are taken to stabilize blood circulation.

In critical situations, blood transfusion may be necessary. In many cases, peritoneal dialysis is used. If oppression of the respiratory function occurs, intubation and artificial ventilation of the lungs, oxygen therapy. To eliminate anuria, mannitol is administered. Particular attention is paid to the condition of the eyes, the skin. Control the blood condition, basic parameters. Periodic X-ray examination is carried out to control the gas composition of the blood and lungs. Continuous monitoring of fluid intake and removal is also carried out. If necessary, measures are taken to increase the amount of fluid in the blood. Alkalinization of urine and other biological fluids.

Formic acid has found wide application in light industry, in the production of soaps, varnishes, perfumes. This is the strongest organic acid, which leads to severe poisoning, which often ends lethal. Irritant effect on the body, causes a chemical burn. Toxicosis occurs by inhaling vapors, getting on the skin, and also when the liquid penetrates inside. Damage to the skin is formed due to painful blisters that do not disappear for a long time.

Phosphoric acid poisoning

This acid is highly toxic. It is formed as a result of oxidation of phosphorus, causes moxibustion.

Poisoning is observed in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute - occurs as a result of getting a single large amount of acid in the body. Chronic poisoning is caused by long-term exposure to the body of phosphoric acid, its vapors and most often observed in the production. The intake of fluid inside may be accidental, or deliberate, for the purpose of suicide. When ingested, internal organs are affected, primarily the liver, which neutralizes toxins.

The first signs appear 30 minutes after taking the acid. An hour later, severe form and death are already developing. The peculiarity of this type of poisoning is that there is abundant vomiting, diarrhea. At the same time, vomit and stool masses, due to the high content of phosphorus in them, glow in the dark. There is also severe pain and burning in the abdomen, headache, dizziness. This condition can last for several days, with the defeat of internal organs. Parenchymal hepatitis, which is difficult to treat, develops. There is hemorrhagic diathesis. Sometimes there are dystrophic processes in the liver and diffuse lesions appear. The critical state is usually characterized by high excitability and hyperactivity, which are subsequently replaced by a sharp loss of consciousness and a coma.

When poisoning is necessary as soon as possible to provide first aid to the victim. Immediately need to induce vomiting, in order to clean the stomach of acid and prevent further absorption of it into the blood. Then, the stomach is washed to clean water using 0.1-0.2% solution of copper sulphate. Enter salt laxatives, such as Epsom salts, and others. In no case should milk or fatty substances be given, as they promote the dissociation of the acid to phosphorus, the dissolution of phosphorus and its transfer to the blood.

You can use the antidote that is taken internally. This substance is called Tum. To prevent (rather slowing the development of hepatitis) lead a large amount of glucose, vitamin therapy is carried out. In the recovery period, blood transfusion is performed in small amounts. Symptomatic treatment is carried out: when allergic reactions occur, antihistamines are prescribed, hemorrhage therapy is performed with haemostatic therapy, cardiac agents are prescribed for cardiovascular pathology. There is a therapy aimed at restoring kidney and liver function.

When phosphoric acid hits the skin, it is necessary to immerse the affected area completely in water, or even better - in a 5% solution of copper sulphate. Then, the mechanical removal of damaging substances that affect the skin is performed. Then apply a sterile bandage. The lethal dose is 0.05-0.15 g.

Chronic poisoning develops gradually, occurs as a result of the ingress of vapors through the nose or mouth. Is manifested by constant pain in the teeth, jaws. As a rule, a person simply turns to the dentist, and does not suspect a possible poisoning. Then pains in a stomach or belly, a stomach similar to a gastritis join. The pain may be acute or aching. Gradually, the normal activity of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, there are dyspeptic disorders, vomiting, unstable stools. The appetite decreases, the person loses body weight, the diseases of the liver, gall bladder gradually join. Jaundice appears, internal bleeding may open. At autopsy, pathologists discover a fat degeneration of the internal organs, liver, kidneys. The heart and blood vessels also suffer.

Prevention of poisoning consists in minimizing the use of phosphoric acid. It is recommended that it be replaced as much as possible by other means, whenever possible. Also, when working with phosphorus, all precautions must be followed, to monitor the sealing of production processes, and to establish an effective ventilation system in the room. It is important to observe personal hygiene measures. After working with acid, wash hands and face thoroughly, brush your teeth. It is necessary to undergo regular medical examinations. To prevent poisoning, it is also recommended to take ascorbic acid, calcium, vitamin D.

In acute poisoning, repeated gastric lavage is carried out, laxatives, cleansing and therapeutic enemas are administered. You need a lot of alkaline drink and use a lot of mucous solutions. Vitaminotherapy is also indicated.

With chronic poisoning, symptomatic therapy and vitamin therapy are performed.

Lactic acid poisoning

Lactic acid is a very dangerous acid with toxic properties, which belongs to the group of carbolic acids. It is formed in the human body as a result of hemolysis, and is also a product of the exchange of anaerobic microorganisms, which are representatives of the normal microflora of the human intestine. It is especially intense in muscles with prolonged and heavy work.

The amount of lactic acid in the body normally indicates normal carbohydrate metabolism. The main processes occur in the liver. In some diseases and pathological conditions, the amount of acid can increase. For example, with intense muscle contractions, convulsions. With hypoxia, there is also a sharp increase in the amount of lactic acid in the body. An increased amount of acid develops in some tumors, metabolic disorders.

With a high content of lactic acid in the blood may come intoxication. With intoxication with lactic acid, benign tumors can pass into malignant, cancerous. This is due to the fact that during oncological processes, intensive glycolysis occurs in the degenerated cells and tissues. The process occurs with an intensive release of energy, due to which the active unimpeded growth of the tumor takes place. The load on the liver, kidneys increases, resulting in hepatitis, cirrhosis, renal and heart failure, as well as anemia. In connection with the increase in glucose in the blood, which occurs in parallel with the increase in the level of lactic acid, diabetes mellitus develops.

With an increase in glucose and lactic acid, the alkaline reserve of blood decreases, and the amount of ammonia increases. This leads to a violation of the respiratory function, muscle weakness, disorders of the nervous system and psyche.

Lactic acid is also used in industry, as well as for disinfection of rooms, treatment rooms, wards. It is part of the antifungal drugs, which treats the walls of buildings, rooms, infected with a fungus. It is used as a cauter. Often there are cases of poisoning by vapors of this acid. The pathogenesis and clinical picture of poisoning is no different from the cases when natural lactic acid is produced in the body.

Lactic acid is also used as a food additive to food, canned food, conservation. It is allowed for use in unlimited quantities, because it is a natural product and is considered a relatively safe product that does not adversely affect a person. Nevertheless, cases of poisoning are not uncommon.

When poisoning develops cramps, headache, tremor, trembling in the body. A person becomes covered with a cold sweat, can lose consciousness. It is necessary urgently to call an ambulance, to give the patient to drink warm water or weak tea without sugar. It is important to cover the person, immobilize and leave him in complete rest before the arrival of doctors.

After the appropriate symptomatic therapy, correction of metabolic disorders. The blood counts are monitored. Special therapy may be required to restore the liver, blood transfusion.

Poisoning with storage acid

Sulfuric battery acid is a product that is used for the production of electrolytes, or lead-acid batteries. Has a high toxicity. In contact with skin and mucous membranes, a severe burn occurs, if ingested, acute poisoning occurs. With prolonged systematic inhalation of fumes, chronic poisoning can develop.

If the acid has got on the skin, it should be washed off with water as soon as possible. Then you can limit the defeat to a first degree burn. There is burning, redness. If timely help is not given, heavier burns can develop, with damage to the deeper layers of the skin.

If the liquid is transfused, protective glasses should be used, otherwise splashes may provoke a burn of the eye.

When ingested through the oral cavity, the substance is rapidly absorbed into the blood. This gives a sweetish taste in the mouth, profuse salivation, nausea, vomiting. At occurrence of the first signs of a poisoning, it is necessary to give the patient a fatty substance, milk which will a little reduce toxicity of substance. Then immediately call an ambulance.

The danger of the substance is the weakening of smooth muscles and the rapid development of suffocation. In this case, you need to give the victim a sniff menthol. In a critical situation, a tracheotomy is performed. If you do not provide assistance for several hours, the stomach breaks down and strong bleeding develops. Death comes either from suffocation, or from gastric pathology.

Poisoning by Hydrofluoric Acid

Hydrofluoric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, which has toxic properties. It is used in the aluminum industry, for the production of silicate glass, etching silicon. It is part of various mixtures and polishes for the electrochemical industry.

Has a slight narcotic effect in poisoning. Has a powerful effect on the digestive system. When inhaled, it irritates the mucous membranes and skin, causing burns accompanied by painful spasms. Later there are erosions, ulcers that can bleed. Has a complex action. Also negatively affects the embryo, causing various mutations. It can provoke an oncological disease. Contaminated environment, refers to the second class of danger.

The peculiarity is that when you hit the surface of the skin immediately there is no sharp pain. The substance is quickly absorbed, after which it has a toxic effect on the entire body. After this, a chemical burn is formed on the injury site, which is accompanied by pain and severe swelling. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but about a day after getting on the skin.

Upon inhalation of hydrofluoric acid vapors, it becomes difficult to breathe, blood pressure drops, edema and nasal congestion, and hyperemia of the mucous membrane are observed. Choking may occur within 15 minutes. Before the doctor arrives, flush the affected area with plenty of water.

When acid gets inside, through the mouth there is a burn of the esophagus, stomach. There may be a bleeding. In the lungs, liquid is listened, a person can suffocate from pulmonary edema, lose consciousness or fall into a coma. It is necessary to monitor blood counts, pulse, pressure and respiratory rate.

Complication can be a violation of calcium metabolism, resulting in heart failure. In the therapy of poisoning, calcium glucanate is often used, which allows to restore the ion balance and normalize the metabolism. In severe cases, calcium chloride is injected through the arteries.

Treatment is aimed at stabilizing vital signs, neutralizing the effect of acid. After this, symptomatic treatment is performed.

Poisoning with glyphosate acid

It is a derivative of the amino acid glycine. Used as a herbicide for spraying plants. It is considered a substance with a low degree of toxicity. However, in practice poisoning happens to them quite often. The pathogenesis is based on the development of oxidative stress and apoptosis of preadipocytes. There are data that can have a carcinogenic effect, causes chromosomal mutations.

Antidote for acid poisoning

Antidotnaja teparija is used for neutralization and treatment of acid poisonings. This is a specific therapy aimed at neutralizing toxic effects by administering an antidote. Through various reactions, the antidote blocks the action of the toxin on the body. An antidote is effective when  acid poisoning  is in its early stages. Each acid has its own antidote. Often in the role of an antidote are sorbents, which purify the body and remove toxin. The basis of the action of the antidote are various mechanisms. Some of them inactivate the substances and take them out, others - inactivate the enzymes, affect the structure and metabolic properties of toxic substances. Some act by reactivating the enzymes or entering into antagonistic relationships with them.

Details about treatment read in this article.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24],