Definition A bite is an injury caused by an animal, such as a mammal or insect, that breaks the skin. A sting is a puncture wound made by insects or marine animals. There is often a danger of infection from toxins or venom with bites and stings. Description In the United States, dogs surpass all other mammals in the number of bites inflicted on humans. Children face a greater risk than adults, and children...

Constipation: Summary Different people have different bowel movement patterns. These patterns vary depending on how much exercise you get, your lifestyle and your overall general health. Bowel activity is most influenced by how much insoluble fibre (such as wheat bran) you eat and fluids you drink. Some people will move their bowels 3 times daily, while other people may only move their bowels 3 times weekly....

The consequences of overdoses of tranquilizers or the ingestion of these by mistake are not as serious as in the case of barbiturates. The usual symptoms of overdose of a tranquilizer are deep sleep or unconsciousness. In occasional cases, convulsions may develop after the initial period of sleep. There may also be depression of breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. WHAT TO DO Emptying the stomach...

Death by strychnine poisoning is terrible, and the symptoms, even in cases which survive, are most alarming. Strychnine poisoning causes involuntary spasms of the muscles and generalized convulsions. Typically, the muscles contract in a way that pulls the victim's body into a grotesque arched position with head pulled backward between the shoulders. There is usually difficulty in breathing. WHAT TO DO Call...

Ant powders and roach powders often contain sodium fluoride. This white powder resembles in appearance baking soda, baking powder, or flour. Cases of poisoning therefore often result when the cook or housewife fails to read the label or carelessly stores the product with foodstuffs. If untreated, this poisoning may cause death within eight hours.  Symptoms include excessive production of saliva, abdominal...

 Phosphorus was formerly commonly contained in rat poisons and roach poison. It may also be contained in some fireworks, but those containing phosphorus are now outlawed in most states. Phosphorus poisoning causes burnin  pain in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with the taste and breath odor of garlic occur. The vomitus and later the stools and urine may appear luminous...

This group of poisons not only includes parathion but also malathion, EPN, TEPP, and OMPA. These have come into wide use for destroying insect pests in crops. Cases of poisoning usually occur among farmers who use these insecticides or among persons or children who live close to where they are used. Persons in these categories should be educated concerning the dangers of these agents and the proper means of...

Many of the insecticides commonly used about the garden contain nicotine, as in "Black Leaf 40." This is a very potent poison, interfering, as it does, with the transmission of nerve impulses. Absorption of nicotine is very rapid and causes symptoms of a hot, burning sensation in the upper digestive organs due to its local caustic action. The fatal dose is relatively small, usually causing death quickly...

The narcotic drugs are those which dull the senses, relieve pain, soothe the feelings, and induce sleep. These drugs commonly lead to addiction. They include heroin, morphine, meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene, cocaine, codeine, and opium. Although the addict develops a certain tolerance for his drug, the serious danger of overdose threatens addicts as well as non-addicts. The effect of an overdose, depending...

Mothballs and moth repellents are a frequent cause of poisoning in children because of their easy accessibility. Products which contain naphthalene may cause severe damage to liver and kidneys. Symptoms of naphthalene poisoning are cramps in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, burning pain on passing urine, discolouration of the urine (brown or black), mental depression, convulsions, and unconsciousness. WHAT TO...

Poisoning by lye is tragically common among children. Lye is contained in drain-pipe cleaner, some washing powders, and some paint removers. The first symptom is burning pain extending from the mouth, through the esophagus to the stomach. Swallowing becomes difficult. Membranes of the mouth and throat first appear white, then brown, and then ulcerated with bleeding surfaces. The victim’s pulse and breathing...

Lead may be taken into the body by eating substances which contain lead, by inhaling lead-containing fumes, or by absorption of lead through the skin. For children, the usual cause is the swallowing of dried paint, as when a teething child bites the paint on his crib or on his toys. Fortunately, lead is not used as commonly in paints now as in former years. For adults, lead poisoning is usually related to occupation-...

The usual accident resulting in this type of poisoning occurs when a child discovers a container partly filled with clear fluid and, on impulse, drinks it. The symptoms depend on the effect of the poison on the brain and on the lungs. At first there may be a stage of excitement, followed by mental depression and unconsciousness. The greatest danger comes from irritation of the lungs as the poisonous substance...

As little as three grams of ferrous sulfate has proved fatal in children. Serious shock may ensue (as late as twenty to forty-eight hours afterward) because of the corrosive effect of the poison on the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea due to the local caustic action, weakness, rapid pulse, pallor, and cyanosis may develop rapidly. WHAT TO DO While waiting for professional help, have...

Iodine is contained in a popular antiseptic preparation, Betadine, used for cuts and breaks in the skin. When such an iodine-containing preparation is taken internally, the victim becomes thirsty, pale, nauseated, and may have blood in the stool. There may be painful urination and/or convulsions. Evidences of iodine poisoning are a brownish stain on the lips and in the mouth and a yellow or blue color in the...

In as much as food is taken into the digestive organs, the mucous membranes of which are highly absorptive, it is understandable that poisoning can easily result when food contains any poisonous substance. By nature, some plant leaves, roots, and fruits contain poisonous ingredients; these in turn may be eaten by birds, animals, or fish, making their flesh poisonous. Food contaminated by germs and improperly...

Ethylene glycol is used extensively in industry as a solvent. In pure form it is used as a coolant and antifreeze for cars. It is a sweet, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid. When taken by mouth it causes a form of drunkenness but with no odor of alcohol on the breath. Symptoms include vomiting, pain in the abdomen, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure, and evidences of damage to the kidneys....

Reports from poison control centers indicate an increasing number of incidents in which children have swallowed detergents. Although the symptoms of such poisonings may be serious, actual cases of death are rare. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness, difficult breathing, mental confusion, muscle weakness, convulsions, possible collapse, unconsciousness, and death due to paralysis of the breathing muscles.   WHAT...

Commercial preparations for removing superfluous hair commonly contain thallium acetate, which is highly poisonous, or barium sulfide and sodium sulfide, which are moderately poisonous. Children are the usual victims. Symptoms appear several hours after the poison has been taken. Those involving the digestive organs include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea which may be bloody. Damage to the nervous system...

This class of insecticides includes many used in the garden and on the farm such as aldrin, benzene hexachloride, chlordane, DDE, DDT, DFDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, lindane, methoxychlor, and toxaphene. These can cause poisoning by being taken into the mouth, by being inhaled, or by direct contact with the skin. Although very few persons die of these poisons, they do cause damage to the brain and to the liver....

Chemical combinations of cyanide are present in silver polish, rodent poisons, and other preparations used about the garden. Cyanide is one of the most rapid-acting of the various poisons. Very few cases of genuine cyanide poisoning survive. Poisoning results quickly from swallowing a substance containing cyanide, from inhaling cyanide as a vapor, or by absorbing it through the skin or a small wound. With large...

Carbon tetrachloride is commonly available around the house in cleaning fluids, fire extinguisher fluid, paint remover, or as a general solvent. Poisoning may occur from drinking the fluid (usual victims, children) or by inhaling the fumes as when used for dry cleaning, or as a result of some prank. Early symptoms include headache, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea. There may be the appearance of...

Carbon monoxide is a poison gas contained in automobile exhaust and given off by improperly vented heating devices. Poisoning may occur when people least suspect danger. The symptoms include headache, faintness, dizziness, weakness, difficult breathing, and possible vomiting, followed by collapse and unconsciousness. The skin, either entirely or in patches, often appears cherry-red. WHAT TO DO Remove the...

The barbiturates include many drugs used as sedatives. These are commonly kept in a medicine cupboard or in dresser drawers. The usual victim is one who takes the medicine out of curiosity. Barbiturates are often taken by depressed. persons and with suicidal intent. An overdose of one of the barbiturates depresses the nervous system (causing stupor or unconsciousness) and causes a slowing of breathing, a fall...

Atropine eye drops and belladonna preparations occasionally cause poisoning in children. Stramonium is found in Jimsonweed (thorn apple, stinkweed) and certain other plants. The seeds are especially toxic, as they contain atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. First symptoms are burning and dryness of the mouth, flushing, fever, intense thirst, and visual disturbance (the pupils are widely dilated). Weakness,...

Aspirin is the most common cause of poisoning among young children. Symptoms may develop slowly. They include rapid breathing, vomiting, extreme  thirst, sweating, fever, and mental confusion. In severe cases there may be unconsciousness or convulsions. Because the symptoms are not distinctive, the diagnosis of aspirin poisoning usually centers around a clue that the child or other victim has taken this...

Arsenic is contained in many insecticides, rodent poisons, crop sprays, and in some paints, dyes, and cosmetics. In the usual case of acute arsenic poisoning the symptoms resemble those of food poisoning. Vomiting may occur within fifteen minutes and intense diarrhea, with watery stools, within one or more hours. There develops a sense of tightness in the throat and of intense pain in the abdomen. There may...

The group of amphetamines includes Benzedrine, Dexedrine, and Methedrine. They are used to reduce appetite and weight and to combat fatigue and depression. They are commonly involved in drug abuse under such names as "pep pills," "Bennies," and "speed.  Over dosage causes serious symptoms and possible death. WHAT TO DO Follow PROCEDURE E on this post

Ammonia is kept commonly about the house as a cleaning agent. When ammonia is swallowed, it causes burning of the mouth, of the esophagus, and of the stomach, followed by thirst and nausea. The fumes of strong ammonia, when blown in the face or when inhaled, cause severe irritation of the membranes of the eyes, throat, and air passages. WHAT TO DO Ammonia is a powerful irritant and corrosive. Follow PROCEDURE...

ALCOHOL (WOOD ALCOHOL) Methyl alcohol is commonly present in paints, paint thinners, paint removers, and "canned heat." One tragic complication of methyl alcohol poisoning is the common occurrence of blindness resulting from damage to the optic nerves. In addition to the symptoms of intoxication (drunkenness), the victim may have headache, pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and blindness. WHAT...

See also Intoxication, Alcoholic, It is this type of alcohol that is contained in alcoholic beverages as well as in many medicines prepared as 'tinctures. " Symptoms of poisoning by ethyl alcohol: drunkenness which includes an initial state of excitement, followed by depression, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. When the amount of alcohol in the body fluids becomes high, the body's vital functions...

Immediately after swallowing a strong acid the victim experiences pain in the mouth, throat, and abdomen. The membranes of the lips and mouth appear white, and there is intense thirst. If the victim vomits, the vomitus appears as "coffee grounds." WHAT TO DO Follow PROCEDURE on this post

PROCEDURE A. When the victim is unconscious. Call for trained help. Administer artificial respiration as necessary to keep the patient breathing. Do not give fluids. Do not force the unconscious patient to vomit; but if he does so spontaneously, turn his head so that the vomitus drains out of his mouth. Save the vomitus for later examination. PROCEDURE B. When the victim has swallowed a petroleum product such...

An estimated one million cases of poisoning occur each year in the United States, with 10,000 deaths. A large percentage of poisoning cases occur in children one to four years of age, the most common cause being the taking of many tablets of flavoured, chewable baby aspirin. Among adults, barbiturate medicines come first, with wood alcohol and denaturated alcohols coming second. Prevention Rather Than Cure....

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the common skin irritants among plants. Some persons are susceptible to poisoning by these plants, while others can handle them with impunity. Strangely, persons may develop a sensitivity to the irritating oils produced by these plants even after a previous period of immunity. In highly sensitive persons large areas of skin may become involved, and the individual...

Breathing of very dry air, removing of crusts from the nose, inflammation from the common cold, high blood pressure, and certain systemic disorders may cause nosebleed. In a young, healthy person nosebleed is not usually a serious problem. In an elderly or debilitated person it may even be a threat to life. In the usual case, treated properly, the bleeding stop within a few minutes. In problem cases, it may...

This term includes seasickness, airsickness, car sickness, and similar problems. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, pallor, clammy perspiration, headache, and vomiting. WHAT TO DO 1. Breathe fresh air, if possible, while you ride. When on a plane, a draft of air from the overhead vent, directed against one's face, will usually help. 2. Avoid moving your eyes from side to side as you...

(See also Cuts.) A cut is produced by a sharp instrument, whereas a laceration is made by something blunt which tears the tissues and produces a wound with uneven edges. Usually bleeding from a laceration is not as profuse as from a cut similar in size. Often the terms are used synonymously. WHAT TO DO Treatment is much the same as that for a cut. (See Cuts.) Usually with a laceration the control...

An abrasion is an injury to the skin caused by scuffing or scraping. Usually the outer part of the skin is lost and the area oozes straw-colored fluid or blood. Dirt, sand, or other substances are often ground into the injured area. Thus an abrasion has usually been contaminated, and the wound must be cleansed as quickly as possible. WHAT TO DO 1. The operator should first wash his hands with abundant soap...

In motor vehicle accidents, injuries are often multiple; several parts of the body are injured. The most commonly injured part is the head. The gravest mistake a first-aider might make here is to act too hastily. Unless the injured person is in danger from fire or oncoming traffic, it is best not to move him until adequate help is available. WHAT TO DO Keep in mind the first-aider's priorities first,...

Alcohol is a depressant, a slow-acting anesthetic. Reflexes are slowed and muscle coordination impaired. Alcohol impairs the intellectual functions by removing inhibitions and handicapping one in the exercise of judgment. With increasing concentrations of alcohol in one's body tissues, the early stage of exhilaration gives way to a depression of vital functions. The deeply intoxicated person becomes...

Those who deal with a disturbed person should be deliberately calm and positive while a physician's counsel is being sought. Realizing that the victim is not responsible for his present conduct, those caring for him will not resort to    ridicule or harshness, but will deal firmly and kindly with him. Although physical restraint and coercion are to be avoided if possible, extreme cases may...

Attention should be given first to the victim's ability to breathe; second, to control of hemorrhage; third, to the possibility that vomited material may be drawn into the air passages, and finally, to preparation for transportation to a hospital. WHAT TO DO 1. Check on the victim's breathing. If he is conscious and breathing normally, pass on to item No.2 below. If unconscious, the victim should...

Infection in a wound is the greatest enemy of healing. Infected wounds not only heal more slowly but heal with greater scar formation. Prevention. To combat infection in cuts and minor wounds, the first-aider is directed to instruction outlined under Cuts in this chapter. To prevent infection following serious injury requires that drugs which hinder multiplication of bacteria be administered to the victim...

In this condition the contents of the rectum become so dry and firm that the patient cannot move his bowels unaided. Usually there are also abdominal cramps. In the elderly, in whom this condition most frequently occurs, there may also be diarrhea. WHAT TO DO 1. Place the patient on his back in bed with a rubber sheet under his buttocks, his knees bent, and thighs separated. The attendant should put...

Hiccups are usually harmless, and will cease spontaneously. However, they may occur in connection with serious diseases. Also, in a debilitated patient, the fatigue of continuous hiccupping may endanger life.   WHAT TO DO No remedy is always satisfactory, but in most cases the ailment will respond to one of the following: 1. Apply ice to the back of the victim's neck. 2. Have the victim...

A hernia consists of the protrusion, usually of the intestine and related structures, through a weak place in the abdominal wall, commonly in the vicinity of the groin. The protruded structures pass through the muscle layers but not through the skin. A bulging mass is obvious on examination. When the weakened area in the abdominal wall fits so tightly around the protruding tissues that the blood supply to this...

In an external hemorrhage, blood escapes to the outside as when tissues are torn by a cut or by crushing injury. In internal hemorrhage, blood escapes from a blood vessel into the tissues or one of the body cavities. A person may bleed to death from internal hemorrhage even though not a drop of blood escapes to the outside. A person may lose two or three pints of blood and still survive. If a large artery...

Heatstroke (sunstroke)' is the most serious of the heat ailments, carrying a mortality rate of almost 50 percent. It often strikes the elderly and people addicted to alcohol. It may be brought on by physical exertion and is more prone to occur when the humidity is high. Direct exposure to the sun is not a necessary factor. Heatstroke involves a failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanism. Conditions...

Heat exhaustion typically develops in persons exposed to excessive high temperatures who are not accustomed to them. Symptoms include profuse sweating, dizziness, faintness, extreme weakness, paleness (opposite to the redness of skin occurring in heatstroke), brief loss of consciousness (which may resemble ordinary fainting), clammy skin (which feels cool), weak pulse, and shallow breathing. The patient's...