Poisoning by a paint of the child and the adult: signs, consequences

Paint poisoning is one of the frequent pathologies that causes numerous severe conditions and deaths. Poisoning happens more often, despite the fact that the fact that paints and paints have a high degree of toxicity is known to virtually everyone, including children. Most often they are poisoned quite unexpectedly, breathing in vapors. The danger is that a person does not feel any smell, or the first signs of poisoning, after which sharply pronounced intoxication occurs. The degree of severity of poisoning can be different.

[1], [2]

Epidemiology

According to statistics, the symptoms of poisoning with paint do not differ from the symptoms of other poisonings. So, for example, in all 100% of cases the strongest intoxication of the organism develops, which is accompanied by such typical signs as dizziness, headache, diarrhea and vomiting, irritation of the mucous membrane.

It is known that in 72% of cases, the cause of poisoning is non-compliance with safety regulations, irresponsible treatment of paintwork. It is also known that chronic intoxications accompanying a person's professional activity are observed in about 25% of cases.

The remaining 3% fall on accidental poisoning, the use of paint for the purpose of committing suicide. Poisoning in the provision of hairdressing services, when visiting beauty salons, spa salons, where different hair dyes are used, happen in about 0.85% of cases. When referring to professional stylists and hairdressers, poisoning happens about 3-4 times less often than when self-painting hair at home.

Approximately 25% of cases develop anaphylactic shock, in 30% the pathology proceeds with signs of sharp, acute intoxication and in about 35% of cases a delayed reaction is observed, which is nevertheless very dangerous. First of all, it is dangerous for its complications.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Causes of the paint poisoning

The reasons for poisoning can be many. For example, a person working with paint can inhale an excessive amount of it, thereby provoking intoxication processes in the body. Most often the cause of poisoning is just the inhalation of vapors, in which the paint penetrates the bloodstream through the nasal passages. Rarely, the cause of poisoning is the ingress of paint through the gastrointestinal tract.

Poisoning can be accidental or professional. At casual poisoning the person is poisoned, having inhaled a considerable quantity of a paint during work, painting of any material, walls. In the case of occupational poisoning, most often a person has a long contact with paints, as a result of which a gradual accumulation of toxins in the blood occurs, and chronic poisoning develops.

Often people are poisoned even by their own will, but let's say when the neighbor painted the apartment, and the person living with him in the neighborhood has to breathe in pairs of paint. Poisoning often happens at the construction site, near the repair and construction works.

It is also possible to poison yourself not only with fresh paint, but also with an old one, one that is removed from the walls during repair and restoration work. In this case, poisoning can be even more severe, since a fine dust is formed, which subsequently settles on the walls of the bronchi and respiratory tract, causing spasm, irritation, allergic reaction. In many countries, this type of cleaning is prohibited by law and entails criminal liability. There are even cases when the cause of poisoning is suicide. Not the best way to commit suicide, however, is observed quite often.

The reason may be insufficient control of the child's activity on the part of the parents. Children often paint with watercolors. They, too, can cause poisoning in certain cases. It is known that children love to taste everything, because they have taste, olfactory and tactile sensations are one way of knowing the world around them. Any ingress of paint into the body of the baby, especially in large quantities, can cause poisoning. Water, which is used, can lead to an increase in the effect, accelerate absorption and increase the degree of activity of the paint, as a result of which the pathological process develops much faster.

The cause may be burning paint. If the paint caught fire, the process is accompanied by an intensive release of toxin. Even if the combustion was stopped, the toxins continue to enter the environment for some time, and we continue to inhale them. The reason may be the negligence with which many people are painting. Failure to observe basic safety rules, ignoring personal protective equipment, can lead to poisoning. Also often the cause of poisoning are various cosmetic, hairdressing services, which use hair dye, eyebrows, eyelashes.

[11], [12], [13],

Risk factors

People who repair, paint and varnish work, and do not observe safety procedures, are at significant risk. This can result in poisoning not only the person who is painting, but also the surrounding people. The risk of poisoning in those people who are forced to face paints and varnishes in the course of their professional activities is significantly increased. People who paint hair with hair dye, as well as hairdressers and stylists who use different colors in their work fall into the risk group. Especially dangerous colors with a high content of ammonia.

The smell of paint causes the greatest pathological process in children and women. They develop poisoning much faster. It is often enough to inhale a small amount of fumes. Especially this trend is increasing during pregnancy. Also risk children, especially if they are left alone with their colors. They can smell them, taste them, chew them. Accidentally left paint can cause poisoning of the child. We should not forget that even ordinary watercolor paint can cause serious poisoning.

[14], [15], [16]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on the penetration of toxic substances into the body. The main way of their penetration is the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, less often - the skin. Accordingly, first of all the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is affected: a strong swelling, redness, and irritation develops.

Gradually, these substances are absorbed into the blood, the spread of toxic components throughout the body, to internal organs. As a result, all internal organs and systems are afflicted. A strong intoxication process develops, in which the normal blood composition is disrupted, the function of the heart, kidneys, and liver is disrupted. In addition, paints can exacerbate existing diseases, relapse of chronic pathologies, a powerful allergic reaction. This condition is especially dangerous for people prone to allergies, because they can develop a serious condition, up to anaphylactic shock.

In case of contact with skin, a chemical burn, irritation, or skin damage may develop. Often such lesions are irreversible, as the skin receptors are damaged and die, after which necrosis of the tissues rapidly develops.

It is quite dangerous to get into the mucous membrane: damage to its normal structure may result, as a result of which the normal functioning of the mechanisms of natural resistance is disrupted, the resistance and resistance of the organism decrease, and the normal functioning of the immune system is disrupted. This is fraught with the fact that an infection may develop, or a secondary inflammatory process, which is accompanied by infection, a constant progression of the disease. Also the danger is that the mucosa can undergo erosions and ulcers.

[17], [18], [19], [20], [21],

Symptoms of the paint poisoning

First of all, a person feels puffiness, stuffy nose, sore throat. Gradually develops a strong edema, there is a strong dizziness, a headache. A person can lose consciousness. In this case, often there are strong convulsions, seizures, profuse salivation, photophobia.

In the early stages, nausea, vomiting, and violent coordination of movements can also occur. Sharply joins the strong dizziness, often leading to loss of consciousness, as well as tachycardia. Often there are various dyspeptic disorders, there is a violation of breathing and heart rhythm.

In the worst case - the disease develops sharply, spontaneously, and is accompanied by loss of consciousness, seizures, a violation of the heart. This often happens with a tendency to anaphylactic shock, excessive severity of the allergic reaction. A person can fall into a coma.

When external poisoning, when the paint gets on the skin, or mucous membranes, the most pronounced signs of chemical burns. In this case, a pronounced local reaction predominates, which manifests itself in the form of burns and tissue necrosis. Ingestion also causes a burn. The main complaints are intense burning, deterioration of well-being, a sharp headache, pressure and pain in the sternum and heart. The complexion changes dramatically, the mucous membrane becomes over-dried, acquires a cyanotic shade. This indicates severe damage to blood, kidneys. Such a state can be a sign of the development of an irreversible state. Such a person develops a severe painful vomiting. There may be impurities of blood, which indicates the presence of latent or pronounced bleeding.

First signs

Once you have felt a slight malaise after direct or indirect contact with any paints, varnishes - this is an alarming sign. Even the slightest feeling of loss of power, a decrease in activity, the absence of apatite can serve as the first alarm bell for which it is necessary to pay attention and take appropriate measures.

It is important to pay attention to the following signs. So, if there is weakness, fatigue, excessive sweating - all are harbingers of poisoning. A person often has a chill, a cold sweat, a shiver in the body. Gradually appears and grows a sense of lack of air, puffiness. Do not ignore these signs. It is necessary as soon as possible to go to a medical institution, where they can provide emergency care. Otherwise, severe complications may develop. Up to a lethal outcome.

Also, early signs such as headache, fainting can develop. Gradually, nausea and vomiting are added, and a characteristic specific odor from the mouth appears, reminiscent of the smell of acetone. The pathology of the eyeball develops.

[22]

The temperature at a poisoning by a paint

The temperature at a poisoning by a paint is an unfavorable sign, and specifies in development of a serious intoxication syndrome, its progressing. It is often observed in the development of inflammatory processes, the attachment of infection or secondary damage to tissues and organs. In this case, it is better not to take any independent action, and as soon as possible to consult a doctor. Often complex therapy is required, symptomatic treatment is ineffective. Antipyretic, as a rule, this temperature is not knocked down.

Poisoning in children

In children, as a rule, poisoning proceeds most severely. Most often symptomatic develops rapidly, pathological processes also develop very intensively. The reason is that the metabolism in the child is very strongly developed, much stronger than in adults.

According to WHO, the number of poisonings among children in the world is rapidly increasing. Over the past 5 years, the number of poisonings among pre-school children has tripled. Unfortunately, most often the cause is an oversight from the parents. At the same time in the village these indicators are about 2-3 times lower than in the city. There is also a tendency to increase the number of poisonings among adolescents, which are committed with suicidal intentions.

The prognosis can be different, and depends on the timeliness and quality of the first aid provided, as well as further treatment at the hospital stage. The first help is given as soon as the child is taken to a medical institution, and sometimes even on the scene. It is necessary to neutralize the effect of the paint. In this case, the stomach and intestines are washed. The child is laid in bed, the condition of the nervous system is checked. With excessive oppression or excitability, appropriate symptomatic therapy is performed. At the same time it is important to bring the nervous system into tone, which normalizes metabolism and allows stabilizing the basic vital signs. The patient must be constantly monitored, as intense vomiting can occur, the condition can deteriorate sharply.

It is important not to allow further deterioration of the condition, as the child can deteriorate very quickly. For this, appropriate stabilizing therapy is provided, supporting treatment. It is important to remember that the child quickly develops a pain or toxic shock. He quickly loses consciousness, pupils cease to react to light. Such a condition can be dangerous by brain damage, hypoxia and a progressive impairment of the heart and kidneys. In some cases, necrosis of affected areas occurs.

Dangerous is a condition in which the cardiac and respiratory function is impaired, a nervous or seizure attack, tremor or paralysis of smooth muscles can develop. A serious condition can be accompanied by an increase in temperature, up to critical levels. There is also dry mouth, weakness, sometimes - delirium and hallucinations, migraines, trembling in the body. The child either loses consciousness, or starts to panic, pupils thus become expanded. Major reflexes, swallowing and even respiratory, can be violated. It is dangerous such a condition and a sharp drop in blood pressure, a tachycardia occurs. In the end, all metabolism is violated, there is a strong intoxication, diuresis decreases. Death can occur as a result of edema, emphysema, development of cardiac and respiratory failure.

Complications and consequences

Any, even the most insignificant poisoning, can have serious consequences for the body. The main manifestation is the intoxication of the body, which can have a different degree of severity. At the same time, complications associated with impaired blood composition and function are considered dangerous. Any toxic substance, negatively affects the red blood cells, the content of hemoglobin in them. As a result, oxygen transport in tissues is disrupted and removal of carbon dioxide is delayed. This can lead to the development of hypoxia, in which the tissues of the human body do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen, respectively, slowing down metabolic processes, blood circulation is disrupted.

Hypoxia can lead to serious metabolic disorders. Another consequence of hypoxia is hypercapnia. These two processes are closely interrelated. Violation of blood circulation is accompanied by the fact that the products of gas exchange (carbon dioxide) are not withdrawn from the cells, is retained in them. Excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide in tissues entails a violation of metabolic processes. Metabolism products are not discharged outside, carbon dioxide accumulates in cells and causes toxic effects. Further increase in hypoxia and hypercapnia may lead to an increase in symptoms of intoxication, the development of anemia.

Severe degree of intoxication can result in a violation of the structure and functions of the main organs and functional systems. So, there can be a violation of the functional state of the liver, kidneys, heart, up to the development of severe insufficiency and death.

In addition, the toxic substances contained in the paint are irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Have a cumulative effect, that is, accumulating in the human body, suppress the function of the thyroid gland, cause endemic goiter. Vapors and dust cause nasal bleeding, pneumonia, break breathing, cause pneumonia or asthmatic attacks. Chronic poisoning with paint entails a violation of sexual function. Has a depressing effect on the heart and blood pressure, contributes to the expansion of the vessels of the abdominal cavity. Strongly affects the nervous system.

[23], [24], [25], [26]

Diagnostics of the paint poisoning

Diagnose the poisoning mainly on the characteristic clinical picture, the main symptoms of pathology. On the basis of objective data and subjective sensations, first aid is provided. The following clinical picture usually indicates the poisoning with a paint: strong vomiting, profuse sweating, diarrhea, loss of strength and loss of consciousness, until complete collapse.

In the mouth there is an unpleasant metallic taste, vomiting occurs in combination with a suffocating cough, severe pains develop in the oral cavity and pharynx, which gradually cover the area of the stomach, the intestine. There is dizziness, excessive salivation. After a brief period of rapidity, the pulse and breathing slow down dramatically. Convulsions, collapse and death from paralysis of the heart develop. Death sometimes comes on the first day, and sometimes after a few weeks.

Only after the first aid is provided, the threat of life is over, and further diagnostics are started, aimed at identifying those pathological processes that have emerged as a result of the action of toxic substances. In this case, methods of laboratory, instrumental diagnostics are used. Differential diagnostics may be required.

[27], [28], [29], [30]

Analyzes

First of all, clinical tests are used: examination of urine, feces, blood. They can have important diagnostic value.

In the blood test, the most significant is the level of erythrocytes, hemoglobin content, as well as features of the leukocyte formula. So, a sharp decrease in hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells in the blood can indicate the development of a severe intoxication process, mainly due to substances of chemical origin. An increase in the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation can speak of the development of the inflammatory process, tissue damage. Decrease in ESR can say that intoxication is progressing, and the amount of toxins in the body increases.

Shift of the leukocyte formula to the right indicates the development of a severe inflammatory process against the backdrop of increasing intoxication of the body. This fact is confirmed by an increased level of eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils. Pay attention to the morphology of erythrocytes. In their study, the appearance of basophilic granularity can become an alarming sign, which indicates severe intoxication, a severe stage of the disease, damage to blood cells.

In the study of urine for intoxication can indicate a change in its color and odor. With intoxication, physiological proteinuria can be observed. In severe forms of intoxication, accompanied by defeat of the heart muscle, severe decompensation processes, glomerular proteinuria appears. An alarming sign is the appearance of hemoglobin in the blood. This is most often observed with severe intravascular hemolysis, resulting in the release of hemoglobin. Gradually free hemoglobin passes from the blood into the urine. Also, with poisoning, glucose in the urine can appear.

Urobilinovye bodies indicate a severe damage to the liver toxins, as well as the development of hemolytic anemia, severe degree of intoxication.

When microscopic examination of the urinary sediment can be detected leukocytes in the urine. Their increase indicates a severe damage to the kidneys with toxins, the development of acute fever or intoxication. A particularly dangerous sign is the appearance in the urine of deformed leukocytes with a thinned, loosened shell and lubricated contours, a mild granularity. Also, with severe intoxication, the cells of the renal epithelium appear in the urinary sediment.

To severe damage to the toxins of the digestive tract can indicate the appearance of feces in the stool.

[31], [32], [33], [34],

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics is used mainly at the stage of recovery after acute poisoning, if it is necessary to identify the severity of the pathological process and the degree of damage that the body has received from the effects of toxic substances. So, when the paint gets inside, the digestive system first of all suffers. Then, the active substance is absorbed into the systemic blood stream, as a result of which the activity of the heart is disrupted. Death most often occurs as a result of a violation of cardiac activity.

Therefore, the main methods of instrumental research in this case is the electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart, which allows timely detection of the pathology of the heart and the violation of its functional state. The spirogram allows you to control the frequency of breathing, the main indicators of the lungs and the respiratory system as a whole. With the help of such methods as gastroscopy, ultrasound, X-ray study, colonoscopy, the digestive tract is examined.

Differential diagnosis

The basis of differential diagnosis is the definition of a toxin, which has a leading role in the development of the pathological process. If necessary, accurately identify the toxic substance that has a toxic effect on the body, as well as its concentration, a toxicological study is conducted, and some biochemical analyzes.

[35], [36], [37], [38], [39]

Treatment of the paint poisoning

Everyone is susceptible to poisoning, so it is so important to know the symptoms of poisoning and be able to provide first aid.

Prevention

To prevent poisoning, you must follow precautionary measures and safety requirements when working with paints. People who work with paints should carefully follow the safety recommendations, use personal protective equipment, and also use preventive measures that prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body, and help them to be eliminated in a timely manner. For example, you should periodically drink sorbents (sorbex, activated carbon, enterosgel).

Young children should use only those colors that are designed for children, under the supervision of adults. Also it is necessary to explain to them the rules of using paints, including watercolors. Household and industrial paints should be stored in a place inaccessible to children.

[40], [41],

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the severity of the case and the degree of damage to important organs. Collapse, pulmonary edema is usually a formidable symptom, in which the prognosis is rarely favorable. If you do not provide first aid in a timely manner, you should not wait for a favorable forecast. If the substance is timely neutralized and removed from the body, the poisoning with paint can end safely. Complete recovery usually occurs after 10-14 days.

[42], [43], [44], [45],