Poisoning

Abstract

This chapter begins by describing the approach to the poisoned patient, including airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. Differential diagnoses and those that should be excluded are explained. Diagnostic clues and symptom complexes are tabulated. Different poisons are then covered in turn, with their general and clinical features and management strategies detailed. A second section on substance abuse follows. The presentation and management of commonly abused drugs are described, alongside a dictionary of street names.