How poisons enter the body and its clinical features- Poisoning
A poison is a substance that, if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, can cause temporary or permanent damage or even death. Poisoning is a condition caused by introduction of harmful substances into the body by injection, ingestion, or inhalation. A poison may be taken by a person accidentally, for suicidal purpose, or be given to a person with homicidal purpose. Once a poison enters the body, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and exerts its actions. The clinical features depend on the poison and its method entry
How poisons enter the body
A poison may enter the human body by any of the following routes.
- Oral route: swallowed poisons get absorbed through the walls of the digestive tract.
- Injection; poisons injected by intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular route enter the blood stream rapidly. Snakes and insects may inject their venom into the skin by biting.
- Inhalation: poisonous gases may be inhaled. They get absorbed through the alveolar epithelium into the pulmonary capillaries. Examples are carbon monoxide, chemical vapors, fumes from fire, and exhaust engines.
- Through skin: chemicals like corrosives and pesticides may get absorbed through intact.
