What is argyria?

Argyria is a condition caused by prolonged contact with silver or consuming silver in food and fluids. Less commonly, excessive and prolonged use of drugs containing small amounts of silver may also lead to agyria, as well as the use of silver during certain surgical and dental procedures. The exposure to silver can be seen as discolored patches on the skin blue-gray to gray-black in color. The mucous membranes lining the eyes (conjunctiva) and inside of the mouth (oral mucosa) may also have this discoloration. Overall argyria is a rare condition in this day and age and usually does not have any serious health effects beyond the skin discoloration. It is nevertheless important to understand that in very large doses, silver ingestion can be fatal.

continue reading Argyria (Silver Toxicity)

What is heat illness?

Heat illness or more correctly heat-related illness is a broad term to describe any disturbance that arises in the body as a result of heat. It is commonly known as excessive body heat or hyperthermia. As the temperature rises there are various symptoms that will be seen as a result of the heat. There are many different forms of heat illness and the symptoms may vary but the most extreme type, heatstroke, is potentially life threatening. Every year heatstroke causes the deaths of thousands of people across the world. It is more likely when there is a heat wave in a place where people are not accustomed to dealing with uncharacteristically high temperatures. Death is more likely in babies and the elderly.

continue reading Heat Illness (Excess Body Heat Sickness)

What is an electrical shock?

An electrical shock is an injury that occurs when the body comes into contact with a source of electrical energy. The severity of the electrical shock is dependent on several factors such as the :

• the voltage of the electrical source,
• the type of current – direct or alternating current, and
• the type of power source.

Electrical shock injuries in children are more likely to be seen in the home environment while adult injuries are usually in the work environment, particularly in factories and when handling heavy machinery. Apart from the factors relating to the power source, a person’s overall state of health can also determine the outcome of an electrical shock. Effects of the injury can range from electrical burns to death. Prompt medical attention following the incident can prevent a fatal outcome in certain instances.

continue reading Electric Shock Injury and Electrical Burns First Aid

What is alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a serious problem that can occur with drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages in a short period of time. The quantity of the alcohol consumed and its byproducts after being metabolized may be toxic to the body. It can therefore result in several systems in the body shutting down and eventually failing, sometimes even leading to death. There are several different types of alcohol which should be differentiated from each other as some are not fit for human consumption. These other types of alcohol can be toxic in even small doses.

Types of Alcohol

The term alcohol can sometimes be confusing because it is a group of substances that are chemically similar. Ethanol is one type of alcohol and is usually found in alcoholic beverages. Although humans can consume ethanol, in large doses especially if this is ingested over a short period of time, it can be toxic. The other types of alcohol may not be meant to be consumed, but may be ingested accidentally or intentionally. The more common types of alcohol that may be consumed by humans, other than ethanol, is methanol, isopropanol or ethyl glycol.

continue reading Alcohol Poisoning and Toxicity with Different Types of Alcohols

With the increasing use of ecstasy (MDMA) as a recreational drug, overdosing is fairly common. Ecstasy is an illicit drug, often used in combination with other drugs, which greatly increases the risk of toxicity. There is no such thing as a safe dose of the drug and even a minimum amount can produce toxicity and death. It is not just about individual sensitivity and dose, but also the substances added to bulk up the drug (“cut” it) that may contribute to this toxicity. There is no antidote for ecstasy poisoning.

The Drug Ecstasy

Ecstasy or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a semi-synthetic psychoactive drug which possesses both hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. Ecstasy is a “designer” amphetamine and contains chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine, as well as a hallucinogen such as mescaline. This causes feelings of euphoria, emotional intimacy, increased sensuality, and loss of inhibition, as well as distorted sensory perceptions.

continue reading Ecstasy Effects, Toxicity and Death, MDMA Overdose Symptoms