Rat Poisoning

Rat poisons are commonly known as rodenticides. They are available in the form of powder and are used as bait for trapping rats. It is dangerous not just for the rodents but also for the humans and pets living in the house. Rat poison does not cause any harm when you are handling it. Rat poisoning actually occurs due to ingestion of the substance. Some of the main rat poison ingredients are warfarin, diphacinone, brodificoum, etc. These components have blood thinning properties. So, when it is consumed, it adversely affects the blood clotting ability of the body. Since the anticoagulants present in rat poisons are of very high dose, even if a small amount of rat poison enters the human body it can be extremely harmful.

Symptoms

Usually symptoms do not show up as soon as it is ingested. It may take several hours or days before they are observed. Rat poison tend to lower the level of vitamin K in the body which is mainly responsible for clotting of blood. For this reason, different types of abnormal bleeding like bleeding gums, nosebleeds, traces of blood in urine can be observed. Bruising occur quite easily. One may get bruises in areas around the watches, rings or waistbands. There are high chances of internal bleeding as well.

It has an adverse effect on the digestive system. When a large amount of rat poison is consumed, then vomiting or diarrhea may start immediately. However, in case of small scale ingestion, the gastrointestinal problems develops over a period of time. In this condition, patients suffer from indigestion quite often. Most of the time, it is a bloody diarrhea which is accompanied by severe abdominal cramps and excessive sweating.

Some general symptoms that can be seen due to rat poisoning are lethargy, shortness of breath, restlessness, hair loss, chills and fever, etc. Excessive thinning of blood often causes dizziness. It can be so severe that one may find it difficult to stand up. Rat poisoning can lead to some really serious health complications. Nerve damage, liver failure, heart attack are some of them.

Treatment

As the symptoms of rat poisoning develop over a period of time, it is very difficult to identify the cause of poisoning. If there is recurrent external bleeding, then the doctor needs to be consulted. When it is accompanied by dizziness, breathing trouble or signs of heart attack, then the patient must be rushed to the emergency room. Do not try to treat the patient at home. When you suspect that there is rat poisoning, it is advisable that you keep a copy of the rat poison label with you when you take the patient to the emergency room. Activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac are often used for the treatment in humans. Vitamin K are also prescribed to improve blood clot formation. Some patients may require blood transfusions.

After a child has consumed rat poison, he or she may not show any immediate symptoms unless and until it is a large amount. So, parents wrongly assume that no serious harm has been caused to the child. This is a misconception and the child should be rushed to the doctor without delay. In order to avoid rat poison side effects it is advisable to consult pest control professional for availing safer options for rodent control. They are suitably equipped and have the necessary skills to exterminate rats without causing any harm to humans and pets.