What is acetaminophen or paracetamol?

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is one of the most common agents used for intentional self-poisoning because of its easy availability. It is the active ingredient found in many over the counter (OTC) and prescription drugs used as an analgesic (pain reliever) or antipyretic (for reducing fever). Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is also found in combination with other drugs in various preparations.  N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a specific antidote for paracetamol poisoning and is most effective when given within 8 hours of ingestion.

continue reading Acetaminophen Toxicity (Paracetamol Poisoning) Information

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other salicylates are present in many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs which are used as analgesics (pain relievers), antipyretics (for controlling fever), and anti-inflammatory medicines. Due to its antiplatelet effect, aspirin is prescribed in low doses for prevention of heart attack, stroke, and blood clot formation, and also after a heart attack to prevent future episodes of myocardial infarction. Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the more serious side effects of aspirin use.

continue reading Salicylate (Aspirin) Poisoning, Acute / Chronic Toxicity, Symptoms

Poisoning is a common medical emergency seen in both children and adults. Prompt treatment is often a matter of life or death and the measures that are first undertaken, even by a person that is not medically trained, can greatly alter the outlook. In most cases the poison is self-administered. Self-poisoning may be broadly categorized as suicide, accidental self-poisoning, and deliberate self-harm. In the majority of cases, poisoning in adults is intentional and self-inflicted, more often as a means of seeking attention or manipulating someone rather than for actual suicidal purposes. In young children, particularly below 5 years of age, most cases are accidental.

continue reading Poisoning (Children, Adults) Substances, Symptoms, Management

Compound fractures are not just a type of fracture, but have a completely different entity, when it comes to managing their symptoms and complications. Not only are they prone to develop several complications, but they have some peculiar symptoms, which if noted, herald the onset of a multitude of interventions by several specialist surgeons. Treatment measures have to be tailored according to the type of compound fracture and the patients general condition to tolerate them. An unsuitable match between these variables can even lead to outcomes more disastrous than the initial injury.
continue reading Compound Fracture – Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications

Sudden and severe breathlessness is extremely distressing if it arises for no known reason and persists for even a few minutes. Breathlessness includes shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing or discomfort when breathing that restricts the breathing rate and depth. While an acute shortness of breath is expected with sudden emotional stress or strenuous physical exertion, this rarely lasts for a prolonged period of time.

Emergency Signs and Symptoms

Sudden and severe breathless should be treated as a medical emergency if it is accompanied by :

• Pallor (paleness of the skin) or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips and skin)
• Unexplained sweating
• Chest pain
• Dizziness and/or fainting spells
• Abnormal breathing sounds

The presence of even one of these features along with the breathlessness should warrant the need for immediate medical attention. Even in the absence of these signs and symptoms, acute severe breathlessness should be investigated if it persists for more than a few minutes. Psychogenic causes may, however, present with no other signs and symptoms apart from breathless but there is usually a history of depression or anxiety or it is preceded by severe emotional stress.

continue reading Sudden Severe Breathlessness Causes and Emergency Signs