Poisoning with various chemicals is always dangerous for the body. This applies to medicines, detergents, gasoline, kerosene, vinegar, etc. All of these substances not only damage the digestive tract, but also have a toxic effect on other systems. Unfortunately, situations when these harmful chemical compounds mistakenly enter the body sometimes happen. Therefore, you need to know the answer to this question: "What will happen if you drink gasoline or another substance?" You also need to have an idea of how to provide first aid to a person in this situation.
Why is gasoline dangerous?
As you know, gasoline is a substance used as fuel for cars. In addition, it is used for other purposes. For example, to wipe surfaces contaminated with paint, etc. Gasoline contains substances that adversely affect the human body, therefore, safety precautions must be observed when handling it. This applies not only to employees of gas stations, but also motorists. In addition, the substance can enter the body of the child. The answer to the question "What happens if you drink gasoline?" depends on how much fuel was consumed, and how much time has passed since it penetrated the digestive tract. It is worth remembering that this chemical is toxic and by inhalation. Therefore, a long stay near its fumes is also dangerous.
Causes of gasoline in the body
In most cases, this substance is in the body of children and gas station workers. The former swallow fuel accidentally, for the sake of interest or because of a desire to drink. The substance enters the body of gas station workers when they try to suck it out of the hose. Also, fuel is often swallowed by people repairing a car and spending time in a garage. This does not happen intentionally, but by chance. Fuel can be confused with juice or drink.
Another reason for gasoline to enter the body is the suicidal tendencies of unbalanced people. This fuel is used infrequently for a similar purpose. Nevertheless, hospital poisoning is sometimes encountered with adolescent poisoning with this substance.
Another group of people exposed to toxic effects are those who are interested in what happens if you drink gasoline. In some cases, it turns out that they are mentally unbalanced. It is worth remembering that you need to use gasoline only if necessary. In no case should such experiments be carried out. It is also important to comply with safety regulations when working with this substance.
Symptoms of Poisoning
The clinical picture of gas poisoning depends on how it got into the body. When staying in a room saturated with the smell of this fuel for a long time, its vapor is inhaled. Poisoning can occur in mild and severe degrees. It depends on the concentration of vapors in the respiratory tract. With a slight intoxication in a person, the following symptoms appear: nausea, weakness and dizziness, tachycardia, agitation of the nervous system.
Timely assistance and staying in the fresh air will help to get out of this state. Severe intoxication has the following symptoms: convulsions, loss of consciousness, fever and hallucinations. In this case, urgent hospitalization of the patient in the intensive care unit is required. In cases where a person accidentally drank gasoline, other symptoms bother him. Their severity depends on the residence time of the fuel in the body, as well as on its amount. The clinical picture of gasoline poisoning may include the following manifestations:
- Vomiting with an admixture of blood.
- Severe pain in the abdomen and behind the sternum.
- Diarrhea.
- Hepatomegaly.
- Headache.
- Yellowing sclera.
What will happen if you drink gasoline: harmful effects on the body
Since gasoline is considered a toxic substance, it has an adverse effect on various organs and systems. Its damaging effect depends on the mechanism of penetration. With prolonged contact of gasoline with the skin, a chemical burn develops. In addition, fuel penetrates through the epidermis into the circulatory system. Inhalation of the substance leads to blockage of the bronchial tract, causing respiratory failure.
Another option for the penetration of fuel into the body is the oral route. This happens if you drink gasoline. The consequences may be as follows: the substance burns the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. As a result, the epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and stomach is destroyed. If help is not provided on time, the mucous membrane of the esophagus is also burned.
Regardless of the way gasoline penetrates, its prolonged presence in the body leads to the absorption of the substance into the blood. This causes a general toxic reaction: damage to the liver, nervous system.
What to do if you drank gasoline: first aid for poisoning
Gas poisoning is a common toxicity. People often come to the hospital with the appropriate symptoms. In some cases, parents call the ambulance station to ask what to do if the child drank gasoline. In these cases, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, without panic.
It should be remembered that inducing vomiting does not apply to measures to remove gasoline from the body. It only creates additional complications - the ingress of fuel into the respiratory system. Until the ambulance arrives, the patient can drink a glass of water or milk. This will lead to dilution of gasoline, as a result of which its concentration will decrease. You can also use apple smoothie for this purpose . With a high concentration of gasoline, gastric lavage is necessary. In order not to damage the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the probe is inserted through the nose. After washing, it is recommended to drink activated carbon to reduce toxic effects.
Help in a hospital
If gasoline is absorbed into the blood, gastric lavage will not help relieve intoxication. If the patient has symptoms such as a convulsive state and loss of consciousness, it is necessary to immediately deliver him to the hospital. After examination, the patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit and intensive care unit. There, doctors monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, diuresis) and carry out drug treatment. To remove intoxication syndrome, the patient is injected with saline, glucose. In case of severe damage, a blood transfusion is necessary.
Prevention of poisoning with gasoline and other chemicals
So that the question of what to do if you drank gasoline does not arise, you must treat this substance with caution. This is especially true for employees of gas stations, motorists. It is worth knowing that it is impossible to suck out gasoline from a hose! You should also carefully monitor the children, do not leave fuel in accessible places.