Aspirin poisoning can occur after ingesting aspirin or other similar drugs. The dose required to cause an acute case of aspirin poisoning is relatively large. It is important to note that steady aspirin poisoning can develop accidentally by using the medication repeatedly at lower doses.
Adults, particularly the elderly can develop aspirin poisoning progressively after several weeks of use. The dosage of aspirin suitable for those with coronary artery disease to minimize the risk for heart attack is too small to trigger gradual poisoning.
The highly toxic form of aspirin is methyl salicylate. This is a component of products such as solutions and liniments utilized in hot vaporizers. Other less toxic sources include the over-the-counter products that contain bismuth subsalicylate which can result to poisoning after several doses.
What are the indications?
The initial symptoms of acute poisoning include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing
If the poisoning is severe, the individual can end up with lightheadedness, hyperactivity, fever, confusion, drowsiness, seizures, kidney failure, damaged muscle tissue and difficulty breathing. - Sweating
- Ringing in the ears
If the poisoning is severe, the individual can end up with lightheadedness, hyperactivity, fever, confusion, drowsiness, seizures, kidney failure, damaged muscle tissue and difficulty breathing.
The indications of gradual aspirin poisoning develop over days or weeks. The usual symptoms include mild confusion, drowsiness and hallucinations. Other symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Build-up of lactic acid in the blood
- Hypoxia (low oxygen in the blood)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
- Seizures
- Brain swelling
Management
A sample of blood is taken to measure the level of aspirin in the blood. The measures of the blood pH and the level of carbon dioxide or bicarbonate in the blood can also help the doctor determine the severity of the poisoning. The tests are typically repeated a number of times during treatment to reveal if the individual is recovering.
Activated charcoal is administered as soon as possible which reduces the absorption of aspirin. In moderate to severe cases of poisoning, fluids that include sodium bicarbonate are administered intravenously.
Unless there is damage to the kidneys, potassium is added to the fluid. Take note that the mixture moves aspirin from the bloodstream into the urine. If the condition of the individual becomes worse despite other treatments, hemodialysis is used to eliminate aspirin, other forms of salicylates as well as acids from the bloodstream. In addition, other symptoms including fever or seizures are treated as needed.