Aspirin (salicylates) overdose

Description

Aspirin overdose can happen accidentally or intentionally. There is acute and chronic form. Chronic overdose is more frequent in elderly.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, rapid heartbeat, uncontrolled rapid breathing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), temporary deafness, dizziness, sleepiness or hyperactivity, convulsions, coma.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Aspirin level is being determined, but it can be normal in chronic overdose. Blood test is done for measuring acid in the blood and potential kidney damage.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), pregnancy test (beta-HCG), troponin, analysis of urine and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Level of aspirin (salicylate), level of paracetamol.

Specialists

Medical Toxicology

Therapy

Treatment consists of intravenous fluids, activated charcoal orally used in order to collect remaining aspirin in gastrointestinal tract and intravenous intake of sodium bicarbonate if the level of aspirin in blood is very high. Dialysis might be necessary in more severe cases.