pediatric patients with acute poisoning: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of poisoning

Any substance that, upon coming into contact with the body, produces a harmful effect through a chemical reaction is called toxic. This concept is related to that of dose, since any substance can be toxic at one level and harmless at another. (1) The misuse of substances, including medications, has increased in recent years, regardless of gender, race, age, educational level, religion, or geographic region; and it is starting at increasingly younger ages. (2) This is a multidimensional problem, in which political, economic, social, educational, and cultural aspects are intricately intertwined. Numerous drugs are used to alter mood, perception, and behavior, either alone or in combination with other substances. This situation increases the risk of death by overdose and contributes to the development of complex clinical conditions. (3)

Pagina's: 52, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing