Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that can cause poisoning through ingestion, skin exposure, or inhalation. Symptoms include burning throat, swelling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lung damage. Severe cases can lead to heart, liver, and kidney failure, seizures, shock, or coma. Immediate medical attention is necessary, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Paraquat, also known as dipyridilium, is an extremely toxic herbicide. The herbicide is very poisonous. Paraquat poisoning typically occurs from direct overexposure to the chemical. Most commonly, poisoning occurs after the chemical has been ingested, although inhaling the chemical and exposing it to the skin can be just as poisonous and harmful to a person’s health.
An individual can get paraquat poisoning by accidentally ingesting the chemical. Skin can be exposed if paraquat comes into direct contact with a cut. Also, exposure can occur if the chemical enters an item of clothing and seeps out. Inhaling the chemical can cause a condition known as Paraquat lung. Lung damage caused by poisoning can lead to scarring and stiffness in the lung tissue.
If a person ingests paraquat, their throat typically begins to burn immediately. Also, both the throat and mouth may start to swell. Vomiting can be induced rather quickly in a person with paraquat poisoning. There may also be severe abdominal pain, an abnormally fast heart rate, and muscle weakness. Shortness of breath can be another complication.
Paraquat poisoning can cause low blood pressure, abnormal electrolyte levels, and even nosebleeds. Complications can get pretty serious quickly. Some people with this type of poisoning may have seizures or go into shock or a coma. A person who has had paraquat poisoning may be in danger of developing other significant health problems in the hours or days to come. For example, heart damage or failure, as well as liver and kidney failure can develop in individuals who have this poisoning.
If a person develops paraquat poisoning from inhaling the chemical, a series of lung tests may be done. This can be done to see if the lungs have been severely damaged and to what extent. Chest X-rays may also be taken to visualize the lungs. Doctors may order various blood tests as well. In many cases, a creatinine test will be required to examine kidney function.
A large amount of paraquat exposure can be fatal, particularly if the chemical is ingested. For this reason, whenever there is noticeable contact with the chemical, you should seek immediate medical attention. If paraquat gets on the skin, it should be washed thoroughly and contaminated clothing should be discarded quickly. Treatment for paraquat poisoning typically involves treating symptoms. When using this form of treatment, the most serious symptom will generally receive the most attention first.
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