Nitrite poisoning
Nitrites are salts of nitrous acid. Nitrites are widely used in the chemical industry for the synthesis of a number of organic compounds, in the textile and food industries (in the processing of fish and meat products).
For humans, nitrous acid salts are toxic.
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How does nitrite poisoning occur?
Poisoning by nitrites is observed when workers employed in hazardous work violate safety regulations. Domestic nitrite poisoning occurs when sodium nitrite is mistakenly used instead of table salt.
Nitrites are able to penetrate inside through the gastrointestinal tract and by inhalation, as a result of inhalation of air with a high content of dust of nitrous acid salts.
Nitrite poisoning can also occur when eating plant foods with a high content of nitrates - nitric acid salts. In the body, nitrates are metabolized to form toxic nitrites. A toxic substance is excreted through the kidneys.
Nitrite belongs to a group of central nervous system toxins. They have a pronounced vasodilating effect, which is caused not only by paresis of the vasomotor center of the brain stem, but also by a direct effect on the tone of the vascular walls ("nitrite effect").
Nitrites are powerful methemoglobin formers. They contribute to the conversion of ferrous iron, which is part of hemoglobin molecules, into ferric iron, as a result of which erythrocytes lose their ability to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. As a result, the victim develops circulatory-blood hypoxia, oxygen deprivation of tissues, primarily of the central nervous system, increases.
Poisoning symptoms
With the rapid intake of high doses of nitrites (or nitrates) into the body, acute poisoning develops. It is characterized by:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- nausea;
- pain in the epigastric region;
- a feeling of tightness or tightness in the chest area;
- “someone else's hand” symptom;
- redness of the skin of the face, which is quickly replaced by cyanosis;
- recurrent disturbances of visual function;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure;
- increasing tachycardia;
- disturbances of consciousness.
In severe poisoning, a coma develops rapidly, generalized convulsive seizures occur, and death may occur against the background of increasing acute oxygen deficiency.
Nitrite poisoning can also be chronic; prolonged contact with a toxic substance in a low concentration leads to their development. Such poisoning is usually observed in chemical workers and is manifested by the following symptoms:
- increased fatigue;
- general weakness;
- decrease in mental and physical capacity for work;
- insomnia or other sleep disturbances;
- pulling pains in joints and muscles;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- numbness of the fingers;
- increased skin dryness and cracking;
- increased fragility of nails;
- skin rashes, often in the form of blisters;
- yellowing of the skin of the palms.
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First aid for nitrite poisoning
In case of inhalation nitrite poisoning, the victim should be evacuated to fresh air as soon as possible.
If the poison enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract, first aid begins with gastric lavage. You should drink at least ½ liter of warm water or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate, and then induce vomiting by irritating the root of the tongue. So only people who are conscious can wash the stomach.
The victim should be provided with rest and fresh air.
When is medical attention needed?
If you suspect nitrite poisoning in all cases, an ambulance should be called immediately. The injured are hospitalized in the toxicology department, and in a serious general condition - in the intensive care unit, bypassing the emergency room.
In case of nitrite poisoning, oxygen therapy is mandatory. At the same time, inhalations of humidified oxygen with carbogen alternate (a mixture of 30% carbon dioxide and 70% oxygen).
To restore the transport ability of hemoglobin, a 1% solution of methylene blue is injected intravenously - this substance is a specific antidote for nitrite poisoning.
Improvement of metabolic processes in tissues is achieved through the use of hypertonic solutions of glucose and vitamins, in particular ascorbic acid.
For severe nitrite poisoning, exchange transfusion may be required.
To stimulate the respiratory center, the appointment of respiratory analeptics (Lobelin, Corazol, Cordiamin, Cititon) and / or psychostimulants (Caffeine) is indicated.
Prevention
For the prevention of industrial nitrite poisoning, it is important to follow safety rules:
- Technological equipment must be sealed.
- Be sure to use personal protective equipment (overalls, respirator, gloves).
- At the end of the work shift, you must take a shower and hand over your work clothes to the laundry.
- Eating and smoking are prohibited in the workplace.
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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!
