SYMPTOMS. A condition of spasm resembling Tetanus, but more convulsive and paroxysmal, with distressing suffering, retention of mental faculties, livid face, opisthotonus, rigidity of the abdominal muscles, and death in from twenty minutes to two hours, from spasm of the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles.
TREATMENT. If the patient be seen before the spasms set in, the stomach should be immediately cleared by an emetic. Warm milk copiously, and castor oil should be given. Before the jaw s spasmodically closed, the tube of a stomach pump should be introduced into the oesophagus, and a flexible catheter into the larynx, both being secured against compression by the teeth. The poison can thus be removed, antidotes given, and, if necessary, artificial respiration performed. This should be continued long and patiently. Dr. W. H. Burt records a case of poisoning by Strychnine, in which the spasms were most frightful, and the respiration nearly suspended, cured by Verbascum Vir., the tetanic spasms being soon relaxed, and the patient well in three days. Nearly a teaspoonful was immediately given, afterwards two drops every ten minutes. Ac. Hydrocyan. I may also be tries.
34. Poisonous Fungi (Fungi Venenati).
Poisoning from these substances is not often difficult to detect: if the symptoms occur after a meal at which mushrooms have been eaten; and if several persons are attacked at the same time, after partaking of such a meal, the suspicion of mushroom poisoning scarcely needs further confirmation. Should the symptoms of irritant poisoning confirmation. Should the symptoms of irritant poisoning occur soon after a meal at which no mushrooms have been eaten, ptomaine poisoning must be thought of, especially if shell fish or sausages have formed any part of the meal. Some fungi act as narcotics and rapidly; others as irritants and slowly. Poisonous fungi have an astringent, styptic taste, and a disagreeable pungent odour.
SYMPTOMS. Chiefly those of bowel irritation colic, vomiting, and purging with great depression. The symptoms are sometimes felt within a few minutes after the fungi have been eaten, but in general not for several hours; the active principle apparently not being digested till it reaches the duodenum, so that it is absorbed by the bowels, and not by the stomach. Sometimes symptoms of coma predominate, at other times choleraic symptoms.
TREATMENT. If a patient be seen soon after the poison has been ingested, emetics are of great value; if not till the poison had passed the stomach, purgatives must be employed to expedite its removal from the system. Poultices, etc., may be applied to the abdomen, and stimulants may be requires.
35. Ptomaines.
Poisons generated in the course of decomposition, and taken inadvertently in preserved meat, sausage, etc., the symptoms produced are generally vomiting and purging, cramps and collapse.
TREATMENT. Emetics, purgatives, hot applications.
36. Spanish Fly (Cantharis.)
SYMPTOMS. Poisonous doses of Cantharides produce burning in the throat, pain in the abdomen, vomiting of bloody mucus, strangury, bloody urine, priapism, sometimes aphrodisia, diminution or suppression of urine, and, finally, convulsions and death.
TREATMENT. If vomiting have not already taken place, and emetic should be given, but not oils. To relieve the strangury left after the poison had been ejected or eliminated, oleaginous and demulcent injections into the bladder are useful; a warm bath is also a valuable auxiliary. Subsequently, the administration of Camphor will remove the urinary difficulties consequent on an over dose of Cantharides.
37. Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide (Carbonic Acid Gas).
Carbon Monoxide gas is given off in the fumes from slow combustion stoves, from burning charcoal or coke: it is also present in coal gas (illuminating gas). One per cent. f it in the atmosphere will soon prove fatal.
SYMPTOMS. Heaviness in the head, dizziness, noises in the ears, quickened pulse and respiration, dilated pupils, cold surface: finally coma (sometimes also convulsions) and death. The gas combines with the haemoglobin of the blood, giving the blood a characteristic rosy red colour, noticeable after death; by so combining it prevents the haemoglobin form acting as a carrier of oxygen and so asphyxiates the victim. Treatment should consist of artificial respiration and inhalations of oxygen; stimulants should be given and warmly applied. Chronic poisoning from this gas is not uncommon in badly ventilated rooms heated by gas stoves or slow combustion stoves, when the fumes are allowed to escape, even in a slight measure. Headache, malaise, Anaemia, even peripheral neuritis and psychic disturbances may occur. The treatment is obviously to remove the patient to better surroundings till recovery, and stop the leakage of gas.
Carbon Dioxide Gas may be present in coal mines, and in the neighborhood of lime and brick kilns, and may cause symptoms of asphyxia in such cases.
Treatment consists in removing the patient and practicing artificial in respiration. The gas is given off in respiration, and may accumulate in crowded assemblies, causing headache, nausea and giddiness. Free ventilation is the remedy.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."