Dichlorvos Poisoning - Symptoms, First Aid, Treatment, Consequences

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Dichlorvos poisoning

Chemical preparations intended for the extermination of insects have long been included in everyday life. They are used to destroy agricultural pests and insects that parasitize living quarters (cockroaches, bugs, ants, flies).

Source: ysolie.org

For many years, one of the most effective and popular means has been considered dichlorvos, which belongs to the group of organophosphorus toxic substances and can cause serious intoxication in humans.

How does dichlorvos poisoning occur?

Diflophos has a high permeability coefficient, which allows it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, biological membranes, mucous membranes and even intact skin. In this regard, the following pathways of dichlorvos poisoning are distinguished:

• inhalation (through the lungs);
• percutaneous (through the skin);
• oral (through the gastrointestinal tract).

Once inside, dichlorvos binds to cholinesterase and blocks its activity. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine at neuromuscular synapses. As a result, excess acetylcholine is deposited on the surface of postsynaptic membranes and depolarizes them.

The toxic effect of dichlorvos on the human body is accompanied by the following effects:

• muscarinic (excitation of m-cholinergic receptors);
• nicotine-like (excitation of n-cholinergic receptors);
• curariform;
• central effect on the nervous system.

Poisoning symptoms

Symptoms of dichlorvos poisoning appear within a few minutes after contact with the poison. There are several stages in the clinical picture:

1. Excitation. The victims are agitated, rushing about. They complain of severe headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Blood pressure is increased. Tachycardia, constriction of the pupils, increased sweating and hypersalivation are noted.
2. Hyperkinesis and convulsions. This stage develops after a few hours of intoxication in the absence of therapy. The victims complain of profuse sweat, shortness of breath, salivation, and visual disturbances. The urge to urinate and bowel movements are painful. Convulsive muscle twitching occurs. Some time later, excitement is replaced by stupor, and then the patient falls into a coma. The pupils cease to respond to light, the tone of the skeletal muscles is significantly increased. Due to the increased rigidity of the pectoral muscles, the excursion of the chest is limited. The salivation becomes so strong that the victim chokes with saliva. Massive moist rales in the lungs. Blood pressure is initially significantly increased, then there is a sharp decrease, up to the development of a collapse.
3. Paralysis. Paralysis of all groups of striated muscles occurs. The patient is in a coma, the pupils are sharply narrowed, there is no reaction to light. From the side of the cardiovascular system, bradycardia and severe hypotension are noted. Tendon reflexes are absent. Often, against the background of an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory failure, a lethal outcome occurs.

Source: depositphotos.com

First aid for dichlorvos poisoning

When the first signs of dichlorvos poisoning appear, it is necessary to provide first aid as soon as possible, this increases the chances of a successful outcome:

1. Remove the victim to fresh air.
2. Remove all outer clothing that may have come into contact with dichlorvos, even if there is no visible contamination on it.
3. To remove the poison from the skin, wipe them with a 2% solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon of soda in a glass of water).
4. If dichlorvos gets into your eyes, rinse them with 2% baking soda solution.

The rescuer needs to remember that dichlorvos is able to be absorbed through the skin. Therefore, first aid should be provided using protective equipment (mask, rubber gloves).

When is medical attention needed?

Dichlorvos poisoning always has a serious prognosis and therefore its treatment should be carried out only in a toxicological or intensive care unit. Therefore, in all cases of intoxication with dichlorvos, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

In the hospital, if necessary, gastric lavage is carried out through a tube (with the oral route of poisoning) and Atropine sulfate is administered. The dosage is determined by the doctor, taking into account the age and weight of the patient, the degree of poisoning. Atropinization is carried out before the appearance of dryness of the mucous membranes.

With an increase in respiratory failure, the patient is transferred to artificial ventilation. Medical support of the cardiovascular system is carried out, convulsions are stopped. For the prevention of secondary infection, the introduction of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents is shown.

Possible consequences

Dichlorvos poisoning is often accompanied by complications (occurring in the first two weeks) and long-term consequences. Complications include:

• myocardial dystrophy;
• nephropathy;
• toxic hepatitis;
• pneumonia.

The long-term effects of dichlorvos poisoning appear within three years:

• polyneuritis;
• myeloradiculitis;
• asthenovegetative syndrome.

Prevention

To prevent dichlorvos poisoning, it is important to carefully observe safety measures:

• work with a poisonous substance only in special clothing that completely covers the surface of the body (pants and a shirt with long sleeves, a scarf, a mask or respirator, goggles, rubber gloves);
• keep dichlorvos out of the reach of children, in a lockable cabinet.

Currently, there are much less toxic household chemicals that allow you to effectively deal with pests, it is worth giving preference to them, and even better, the treatment of the premises from insects should be entrusted to the SES specialists.

Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author

Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.

Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.

The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!