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Hair spray poisoning
Definition This poisoning is from breathing in (inhaling) hair spray. Poisonous Ingredient - Denatured alcohol
- Carboxylmethylcellulose
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone
- Hydroflurocarbon
- Propylene gycolsince
Where Found Symptoms - Breathing difficulty
- Burning pain in the throat
- Blurred vision
- Burns to the eye
- Rash
- Low blood pressure
- Stupor
- Coma
Before Calling Emergency Determine the following information: - The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- The time it was inhaled
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 U.S. 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. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. See National Poison Control center. 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: - Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, epinephrine, or prednisone)
- Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days.
- Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
In severe cases, the patient may be admitted to the hospital. Expectations (prognosis) How well the patient does depends on how fast the poison was diluted. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage can continue to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the product is swallowed. Death may occur up to a month after the poisoning. Review date: 3/8/2006 Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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