tannins and Emergencies

Most clinical problems due to plant exposures result from experimentation with or overt abuse of plant parts and extracts. Plant exposures may present as complex pharmacologic problems that challenge the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of the physician. Although specific physiologic antagonists (antidotes) may exist for specific intoxications, basic decontamination and supportive techniques are often all that may be offered.

Topics: Adult; Alkaloids; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Contact; Emergencies; Gastroenteritis; Glycosides; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Liver Diseases; Magnoliopsida; Oils; Plant Extracts; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic; Resins, Plant; Tannins

Exposures to plants generate an exceptional amount of public concern, especially plant ingestions by children. Most clinical problems, however, involve older age groups as a result of experimentation with or overt abuse of plant parts and extracts. Of mounting concern is the sometimes uninformed and massive use of herbal preparations, currently widely available and in popular vogue. Plant exposures, from whatever source, may present as complex pharmacologic problems that may challenge the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of the physician. Although specific physiologic antagonists (antidotes) may exist for specific intoxications, basic decontamination and supportive techniques are many times all that may be offered.

Topics: Adult; Alkaloids; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Cyanides; Dermatitis, Contact; Emergencies; Female; Gastroenteritis; Glycosides; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Liver Diseases; Magnoliopsida; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Nervous System Diseases; Oils, Volatile; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Edible; Plants, Medicinal; Plants, Toxic; Resins, Plant; Tannins