Poison care unit

Poison care unit is a medical facility that is able to provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances. Poison control centers answer questions about potential poisons in addition to providing treatment management advice about household products, medicines, pesticides, plants, bites and stings, food poisoning, and fumes. More than 72% of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits A poison control center is a medical facility that is able to provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances.

Poison control centers answer questions about potential poisons in addition to providing treatment management advice about household products, medicines, pesticides, plants, bites and stings, food poisoning, and fumes. More than 72% of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits.
Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life.
Most cases of poisoning happen at home and children under five have the highest risk of accidental poisoning. In around one in four reported cases, the person intentionally poisoned themselves as a deliberate act of self-harm.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms of poisoning will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, but general things to look out for include:
• vomiting
• stomach pains
• confusion
• drowsiness and fainting fits
If a child suddenly develops these symptoms, they may have been poisoned, particularly if they're drowsy and confused.

What to do

If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose or has been poisoned, don't try to treat them yourself. Get medical help immediately. for advice, if they don't appear to be seriously ill.
If they're showing signs of being seriously ill, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness or seizures (fits), request an ambulance or take the person to Hospital.
In serious cases, it may be necessary for the person to stay in hospital for treatment. Most people admitted to hospital because of poisoning will survive.

Types of poisons

Poisons can be swallowed, absorbed through the skin, inhaled, splashed into the eyes, or injected.
A medication overdose is the most common form of poisoning in India. This can include both over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, and prescription medications, such as antidepressants

Other potential poisons include:
• household products, such as bleach
• cosmetic items, such as nail polish
• some types of plants and fungi
• certain types of household chemicals and pesticides
• carbon monoxide
• poorly prepared or cooked food, and food that's gone mouldy or been contaminated with bacteria from raw meat (food poisoning)
• alcohol, if an excessive amount is consumed over a short period of time (alcohol poisoning)
• recreational drugs or substances
Snakes and insects, such as wasps and bees, aren't poisonous, but their bites or stings can contain venom (toxin).

Preventing poisoning

There are several things you can do to reduce your or your child’s risk of poisoning.
These include carefully reading the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication, and ensuring that any poisonous substances are locked away out of the sight and reach of your children.