FitSugar

Sulfite Sensitivity

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:03:00 -0800

Sulfites are sulfur based preservatives that are used to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables. They are also used to prevent black spots on shrimp and lobster. They are used to condition dough and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications.

Most (except for a few) wines contain sulfites. Yeast naturally produces sulfites during fermentation and most winemakers add sulfites to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. All wines made in the U.S. require a "sulfite" warning label. There are no such rules for wines made in other countries.

Why am I telling you all this? Because according to the FDA, 1 out of every 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites. They lack the natural enzyme to break them down. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, hives or anaphylactic shock.

Sulfites can occur naturally in foods like wine and are added to certain foods as well. Some common foods that contain sulfites are baked goods, soup mixes, jams, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit.

Look at the ingredients and you may see:

sulfur dioxide
sodium sulfite
sodium bisulfite
potassium bisulfite
sodium metabisulfite
potassium metabisulfite

These are all sulfites, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may try avoiding sulfites to see if your symptoms go away. Or you can try sulfite free food and wine.

The Connection Between Wine, Sulfites, and Headaches

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Sipping a glass of wine is supposed to make you feel relaxed, but for some people, it can cause headaches, an upset stomach, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, hives, or even anaphylactic shock. It's caused by a sensitivity to something in the wine called sulfites. It's a sulfur-based preservative that occurs naturally or can be added to food such as wine. According to the FDA, sulfite sensitivity is pretty common - one out of every 100 people has it.
Reactions can range from mild to severe.

Most wines contain sulfites, except for ones that are specifically labeled "sulfite free." Yeast, used in the production of wine, naturally produces sulfites during the fermentation process. Winemakers also add sulfites to wine to prevent microorganisms from growing. In the US, it's required that wines contain a sulfite warning label, but you won't find labels like on imported wines.

There are other foods that contains sulfites, and to learn what they are read more.

Sulfites can be found in many foods. Some shrimp and lobster contain sulfites to prevent black spots from forming, and they are also used to condition dough and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications. Sulfites may also be found in baked goods, soup mixes, jams, molasses, grape juice, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit. If you're concerned about sulfites in your foods, check the package for these ingredients: sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, or potassium metabisulfite. If you've noticed symptoms after drinking wine or eating certain foods, you may want to look for sulfite-free alternatives.

Source

Do You Have a Sulfite Sensitivity?

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

According to the FDA, 1 out of every 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites, a sulfur based preservative that occurs naturally or may be added to food. A sensitivity can develop at anytime, and reactions can be mild or life threatening. Symptoms of a sulfite sensitivity can include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, hives or even anaphylactic shock.

In 1986, the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits and veggies that would be eaten raw, but they are still found in many processed foods. Some shrimp and lobster contain sulfites to prevent black spots from forming, and they are also used to condition dough, and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications. Some other common foods that contain sulfites are baked goods, soup mixes, jams, molasses, grape juice, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit.

Look at the ingredients and you may see:

sulfur dioxide
sodium sulfite
sodium bisulfite
potassium bisulfite
sodium metabisulfite
potassium metabisulfite

Most (except for a few) wines contain sulfites. Yeast naturally produces sulfites during fermentation and most winemakers add sulfites to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. All wines made in the US require a sulfite warning label, but there are no such rules for wines made in other countries.

Fit's Tip: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to find out more information about sulfite sensitivity.

Source

Hydromorphone (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Hydromorphone (hye-droe-MOR-fone)

Treats moderate to severe chronic pain. This medicine is a narcotic analgesic. Palladone? (extended-release capsule) was withdrawn from the US market on July 15, 2005.

Brand Name(s)

Dilaudid, Dilaudid-5

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hydromorphone or sulfites. In some cases, you should not use this medicine if you are currently having trouble breathing because of certain breathing disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cor pulmonale, and emphysema.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Never use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Taking more medicine than your doctor prescribes can cause serious side effects.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Destroy any medicine that you do not need by flushing it down the toilet.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a muscle relaxer such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®). Tell your doctor if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
There are many medicines that can interact with hydromorphone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease. Your doctor will need to know if you have asthma, lung disease, or any other breathing problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a head injury, brain tumor, or stroke.
Tell your doctor if you have stomach problems, Addison's disease, thyroid problems, seizures, prostate problems, or trouble urinating. Let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or any condition that causes increased pressure in your eye. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or rhythm problems, low blood pressure, or circulation problems.
Symptoms of an overdose include: Extreme dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, and cold, clammy skin. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical care.
This medicine may contain sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause an allergic reaction. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfite in the past.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), or extreme change in behavior.
Fast heartbeat.
Tremors.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Constipation.
Drowsiness or weakness.
Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting.
Nervousness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0418

Food Review: Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Kids love fruit snacks, and my girls are no exception. I actually love them too and crave that chewy sweetness, but I don't like buying them because they're just packets of sugar. So I was excited to see that Annie's (of Annie's Mac and Cheese) now makes Bunny Fruit Snacks ($3.29). These are certified organic, made with real fruit juice, and each packet contains 100 percent of your RDI of vitamin C. They come in two flavors, Tropical Treat and Berry Patch, so I had to try them both.

If you're curious to know how they compare to mainstream fruit snacks then read more.

I love that these are bunny-shaped! So cute, and they're really fruity. The consistency is a little softer than traditional fruit snacks, and they're also a little healthier. Each color is a different flavor, and I particularly liked the Berry Patch better than the Tropical Treat. Check out the nutritional info below and know that I'd definitely buy these again if my girls (or I) get the craving.

	Berry Patch	Tropical Treat	Betty Crocker Care Bears
Calories	70	70	80
Total Fat	0 g	0 g	0 g
Sodium	45 mg	45 mg	50 mg
Carbs	18 g	18 g	21 g
Sugars	10 g	10 g	14 g
Protein	0 g	0 g	0 g
Ingredients	Organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, organic tapioca syrup solids, organic white grape juice concentrate, pectin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, color (black carrot juice concentrate), natural flavors, sodium citrate, organic sunflower oil, carnauba wax (from palm leaves).	Organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, organic tapioca syrup solids, organic white grape juice concentrate, pectin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, colors (turmeric, black carrot juice concentrate, annatto), natural flavors, sodium citrate, organic sunflower oil, carnauba wax (from palm leaves).	Fruit juice from concentrates (apple, pear,), corn syrup, sugar, modified food starch, contains 2% or less of pectin, dextrose, citric acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), sodium citrate, malic acid, potassium citrate, mineral oil, color (yellow 5, red 40, blue 1 and other color added), natural and artificial flavor, carnauba wax, sulfiting agents, beeswax.

Norepinephrine (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:51 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Norepinephrine (nor-ep-i-NEF-rin)

Treats low blood pressure and heart failure.

Brand Name(s)

Levophed Bitartrate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have a history of blood clots.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine for depression such as amitryptiline, nortryptiline, doxepin, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause an allergic reaction. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfite in the past.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma or high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have other medical problems.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blackish-color of your toes.
Chest pain.
Pain, itching, swelling, burning or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
Slow or uneven heartbeat.
Vomiting, or severe stomach pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Anxiety or headache.
Increased sweating.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5164

Isoproterenol (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Isoproterenol (eye-soe-proe-TER-e-nole)

Treats certain types of heart problems. This medicine also improves your breathing while you are under anesthesia.

Brand Name(s)

Isuprel

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to isoproterenol. You should not receive this medicine if you have certain heart rhythm problems or angina (chest pain). The medicine contains a sulfite. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites before you receive this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using steroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), methylxanthines (such as theophylline, theobromine), or aminophylline.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, seizures, or overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or asthma.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blurred vision, dizziness, or nervousness.
Chest pain or trouble breathing.
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Seizures.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache or weakness.
Nausea.
Pale skin or lips.
Sweating or mild tremors.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5151

Molindone (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:55:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Molindone (moe-LIN-done)

Treats symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental conditions.

Brand Name(s)

Moban

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to molindone.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
You may take the tablets with or without food.
Measure your oral liquid dose carefully, using a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol or take medicines that can make you drowsy such as sleeping pills, some cold or allergy medicines, tranquilizers, strong pain killers, muscle relaxants, or medicine to treat depression. Combining alcohol or medicines that cause drowsiness with molindone may make you too sedated or sleepy.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Check with your doctor before taking molindone if you have liver disease, seizures, an enlarged prostate, or glaucoma.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Some patients may have a rare side effect that includes muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, or uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. If you have questions about this or any other risks involved with taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
The liquid form of molindone contains a sulfite. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites before you take the liquid medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

High fever, muscle stiffness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Unexplained weakness or tiredness
Muscle spasms, twitching, or uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness or dizziness
Constipation
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Restlessness
Changes in your menstrual period
Swollen breasts

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0811

Streptomycin (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:54:49 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Streptomycin (strep-toe-MYE-sin)

Treats tuberculosis (TB) and other serious infections.Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to streptomycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it should be given.
Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.
An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (thigh or buttocks).
This medicine should be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IM medicine. Sometimes you, a family member, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine.
Before you have your shot, look at the medicine. The liquid should be clear.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

You should not use the medicine if it changes color or has lumps, specks, or solid pieces in it.
If you have your shots at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
If you have your shots at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles and other supplies. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Do not share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other antibiotic medicines such as amikacin (Amikin®), gentamicin, netilmicin (Netromycin®), tobramycin, or vancomycin or any "water pills" such as Lasix® or Edecrin®. These medicines taken with streptomycin may increase the risk of hearing problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

This medicine may cause hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or if you have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
Your doctor may want to test your hearing regularly while you are taking streptomycin. Tell your doctor if you already have hearing problems before you are given this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.
If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Streptomycin taken during a pregnancy may cause hearing problems in an unborn baby.
If your infection does not improve or if it gets worse while taking this medicine, call your doctor.
This medicine may contain a sulfite. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to sulfites or have asthma.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Dizziness or trouble standing, vomiting
Ringing or roaring noises
Feeling pressure in your ears
Trouble hearing or any changes in your hearing
Trouble seeing or any changes in your eyesight
Burning, tingling, or numbness in your face
Rash or hives
Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Urinating less than one cup in a day

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild diarrhea
Nausea or upset stomach
Pain where the IM shot was given

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0741

Photographic fixative poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:59:42 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Photographic fixatives are chemicals used to develop photographs.

This article discusses poisoning from swallowing such chemicals.

Alternative Names

Photographic developer poisoning; Hydroquinone poisoning; Quinone poisoning; Sulfite poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydroquinones
Quinones
Sodium thiosulfate
Sodium sulfite/bisulfite
Boric acid

Photographic fixative can also break down (decompose) to form sulfur dioxide gas.

Where Found

These chemicals are found in products used to develop photographs.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Burning pain in the throat
Blurred vision
Burns to the eye
Coma
Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
Low blood pressure
Skin rash
Stupor
Vomiting

Home Treatment

Seek immediate emergency medical help. Give water or milk unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Contact Poison Control for further guidance.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Fluids by IV
Medicines to treat symptoms
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well the patient does depends on how much of the poison was swallowed and how quickly the patient received medical help. Swallowing these products can cause severe effects on many parts of the body. The faster treatment is received, the greater the chance of recovery.

Review Date: 10/24/2007

Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002732