Poisoning

Corrosive poisoning results from ingestion, inhalation, or contact with strong acids or alkalis that cause chemical burns to tissues. Injury begins immediately after exposure and may progress for hours to days.

Inhalational poisoning occurs when toxic substances are absorbed through the respiratory tract after inhalation of gases, vapors, fumes, aerosols, or particulate matter. Because the lungs have a large surface area, thin alveolar membrane, and rich blood supply, inhaled toxins rapidly enter systemic circulation, often producing life-threatening effects within minutes.

Dermal and ocular toxic exposures occur when chemicals, biological toxins, industrial agents, or household products directly contact the skin or eyes.

Ingestion is the most common route of poisoning worldwide. Toxic exposure should be suspected in any patient presenting with unexplained altered mental status, metabolic derangement, or multi-system symptoms, regardless of a reported history of ingestion.

Poison is any substance (liquid, solid, gas), that is harmful to the body, when ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed through the skin. It is estimated that about 7 in 100,000 people in Tanzania die due to unintentional poisoning.
Pesticides were important cause of poisoning in the east Africa region followed by snake bites. Otherwise, poisoning is under-reported and data are very scarce in Tanzania.