Antifreeze poisoning consequences

Antifreeze Characteristics

This liquid is used in car engines or similar machines. What it does is cooling of the engine and removing heat when outer conditions are warm or hot, or prevent freezing of the liquids inside the engine when outer conditions are likely to cause it. Therefore, this liquid has no other purposes than in industry and with means of transportation or work. Nevertheless, small children and pets often get poisoned after consuming this toxic substance. They do it because of the sweet taste this liquid possesses. Therefore, lured by the taste, they get poisoned and their lives become potentially endangered as antifreeze, when consumed, may even be lethal. Interestingly, this liquid only becomes poisonous after being degraded in liver. Then, it is able to inflict serious liver and kidney damage, among other things.

Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning

When poisoned by antifreeze one goes through several stages, each one worse than the one before it. The first stage involves being in a state similar to alcohol intoxication. Therefore, the main symptoms of this stage are nausea, dizziness, uncoordinated movements and slurred speech as well as vomiting. In worst case scenarios, one may even fall into a coma, once exposed to this state long enough. This, initial stage of antifreeze poisoning happens during the first 12 hours of exposure.

After a period of 12 to 24 hours of getting poisoned by this liquid symptoms gradually get worse. At this stage, one suffers from hypertension, increased heart rate and severe muscle spasms. Hyperventilation is also a sign here, and the victim may experience his or her organs to cease functioning. This stage, unless one is administered with antidotes for the consumed poison, can very easily be fatal.

The final stage involves the toxin getting into all parts of body. This happens after the first day of exposure to the poison. Here, kidneys are affected the most, manifesting through inability to urinate, and blood in urine beforehand. Taking into consideration that kidneys are at stake here, one may feel pain in his or her lower back as well.

Possible Treatment

Once you have noticed the symptoms, or have seen someone drinking antifreeze, take him to the doctor's immediately. Timely action is crucial in order for one to be successfully cured. You need to know the type of the antifreeze consumed, the time of the accident and other important data, valuable for the doctor. After examining the patient and establishing the amount of poison consumed, he or she prescribes the right treatment. It can be treated with dialysis, stomach washing, medications, or some other approaches.