Question

A child accidentally ingested some fruit which he plucked from a tree while playing . After the ingestion of the fruit , he presented with restlessness, painful swallowing, photophobia, dry skin , urinary retention and elevated body temperature. What is the possible poisoning and the appropriate antidote for it?

• A. Datura & Physostigmine
• B. Yellow oleander & Physostigmine
• C. Datura & Pralidoxime
• D. Yellow oleander & Pralidoxime

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The symptoms presented by the child include restlessness, painful swallowing, photophobia, dry skin, urinary retention, and elevated body temperature. These symptoms align with anticholinergic toxicity. A common cause of such toxicity is ingestion of plants containing tropane alkaloids, such as those found in Datura species.

Explanation of Symptoms:

• Restlessness: Central nervous system excitation is a result of central anticholinergic effects.
• Painful swallowing (dysphagia): Due to reduced secretions, causing a dry throat.
• Photophobia and dilated pupils (mydriasis): Atropine-like effect that causes paralysis of the ciliary muscle.
• Dry skin: Result of inhibited sweat production.
• Urinary retention: Smooth muscle relaxation in the bladder.
• Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia): Reduced perspiration and vasodilation.

Given the symptoms, the likely causative agent is the anticholinergic plant Datura.

Antidote:

For anticholinergic toxicity, the appropriate antidote is Physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, which increases the concentration of acetylcholine in synaptic clefts, thereby counteracting the anticholinergic effects.

Conclusion:

Thus, the correct diagnosis and treatment option is Datura poisoning and Physostigmine as the antidote.