Organophosphate poisoning
Organophosphate poisoning
Organophosphate poisoning (pronunciation: or-guh-noh-fos-feyt poy-zuh-ning) is a type of poisoning that results from exposure to organophosphates, a group of man-made chemicals commonly found in insecticides, nerve gases, and medications.
Etymology
The term "organophosphate" is derived from its chemical structure, which contains a phosphate group (PO4) bonded to carbon (C) atoms, hence "organophosphate". The term "poisoning" comes from the Old French "poison", which means a harmful substance.
Symptoms
Symptoms of organophosphate poisoning can be categorized into three types: acute symptoms, intermediate syndrome, and delayed polyneuropathy. Acute symptoms, which occur within 12 hours of exposure, include tearing, salivation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal upset, and emesis (SLUDGE syndrome). Intermediate syndrome occurs 24-96 hours after exposure and includes weakness in the neck, shoulders, and proximal limbs. Delayed polyneuropathy can occur 1-4 weeks after exposure and includes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities.
Treatment
Treatment for organophosphate poisoning includes removal from exposure, decontamination, and medications. Medications used include atropine, which helps to counteract the effects of the poison on the nervous system, and pralidoxime, which helps to reactivate the enzyme that is inhibited by the organophosphates.
Related Terms
- Cholinergic crisis: A severe reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to certain chemicals or drugs, including organophosphates.
- Nerve gas: A type of poison that can cause death by affecting the nervous system. Some nerve gases are organophosphates.
- Insecticide: A substance used to kill insects. Some insecticides are organophosphates.
- Atropine: A medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings, some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery.
- Pralidoxime: A medication used to treat organophosphate poisoning and overdose with certain types of medication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Organophosphate poisoning
- Wikipedia's article - Organophosphate poisoning
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