Toxicosis in adults: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Gynecologist

Temisheva

Yakha Akhmedovna

45 years of experience

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the Association of Gynecologists and Endoscopists of the Russian Federation, member of the Endometriosis Association, member of the Society for Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, member of the European Society of Gynecology

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Pregnant women often suffer from a particularly form of poisoning of the body - toxicosis. The pathology is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women experience poisoning of the body with fetal products. This pathology manifests itself with a wide range of symptoms. Modern medicine can eliminate the disease.

Toxicosis in pregnant women: manifestation of the disease

Toxicosis is poisoning. The fetus secretes products inside the woman's body. The latter begins to perceive the work of the fetus as hostile. As a result, symptoms of poisoning appear.

Signs of toxicosis in pregnant women:

• constant nausea and strong morning gag reflex;
• increased drowsiness;
• constant weakness and low performance;
• constant mood swings of a drastic nature;
• dislike of strong odors.

The pathology manifests itself during the first trimester of pregnancy. But not all women observe it. Why this happens - there is still no exact answer. Over time, the phenomenon itself disappears. But some people experience toxicosis in the late stages of pregnancy. This is a more dangerous form of toxicosis as it can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. Observation by specialists in a hospital will be required.

Symptoms of the pathology appear gradually after conception. At the beginning, loss of appetite and increased irritability are observed. The disease is gradually getting worse. But for one woman only a few symptoms are characteristic, and not all at once. And so for everyone.

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Origins of the development of pathology

During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in the female body. This is a natural process.

Modern science is not able to give an exact answer about the development of toxicosis. Each woman develops this disease individually. It all depends on the immunity and physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body. High-quality therapy requires an individual approach.

The emerging fetus produces waste products and produces toxins. The disease is not terrible and you should not be afraid of it. The task of the expectant mother is to alleviate her situation in the possible ways.

Additional reasons for the development of toxicosis:

• growth of the placenta;
• protecting the body from the effects of an actively growing fetus;
• presence of chronic diseases;
• unstable psychological state of the pregnant woman;
• genetic predisposition;
• pregnancy with multiple fetuses;
• great age of the pregnant woman.

The development of toxicosis is accompanied by a considerable number of factors. It is difficult to independently try to determine the source of the problem and how to influence it. Specialists of JSC “Medicine” (clinic of academician Roitberg) will help a woman get rid of feelings of discomfort and turn the initial stage of pregnancy into pleasure.

What causes toxicosis?

The question of the etiology of toxicosis remains open at the moment.
Scientists continue to find new auxiliary provoking factors that can affect the development and nature of the problem. The most justified and proven theory of the progression of toxicosis during pregnancy is the formation of a “pregnancy center”, which regulates the physiological processes of the corresponding period. Against this background, the salivary, vomiting and vasomotor centers are activated, provoking the occurrence of traditional symptoms.

Factors that provoke or intensify the manifestations of toxicosis:

• Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been statistically proven that most women suffering from gastritis, duodenitis or other gastrointestinal diseases tolerate toxicosis worse.
• Chronic stress. Emotional stress causes additional stimulation of the above centers with the progression of the clinical picture.
• Bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse).
• Age of the expectant mother. Clinically, toxicosis is more severe in women under twenty and after thirty-five years of age.
• Genetic predisposition.

The occurrence of these changes is based on the active restructuring of the woman’s body to a new state of fetal development in the womb. A fertilized egg that is implanted in the uterine cavity causes a cascade of biochemical reactions. In 90% of cases, this process is accompanied by a deterioration in the woman’s condition.

Risks of toxicosis

Despite the natural origin of the disease, it carries risks. They are associated with the course of pregnancy and the quality of gestation. The disease can also negatively affect the general condition of a woman.

Risk factors for toxicosis in pregnant women:

• lack of quality sleep;
• constant overwork;
• lack of a power supply system.

The fetus requires additional resources from the female body for development. But the body does not rest and does not receive quality nutrition for the growth of the fetus.

There are several degrees of early toxicosis in pregnant women:

• mild degree. Vomiting no more than 5 times a day. Loss of body weight no more than 3 kg;
• average degree. Vomiting up to 10 times a day. In 2 weeks, a woman can lose up to 10 kg of weight. Unsatisfactory general condition;
• severe degree. Vomiting more than 25 times a day. Loss of body weight more than 10 kg. Development of liver and kidney failure, general degradation of the body.

Observation of a general deterioration in well-being and active manifestation of symptoms is a reason to consult a specialist. Vomiting and not eating deprive the fetus of important nutrients.

Consequences

Vomiting, in addition to discomfort, causes a lot of other unpleasant consequences for any person. For a pregnant woman, it is dangerous because the fetus itself can suffer. Dehydration is the first and obligatory consequence of the body’s vomiting reaction. Severe vomiting, which prevents food from remaining in the body, sometimes triggers the process of tissue destruction from the inside due to lack of nutrients.

When vomiting bile during pregnancy, the acids irritate the stomach, which leads to inflammation, and subsequently the development of serious diseases. It is worth stopping the vomiting as soon as possible with the help of a doctor or on your own.

Risks of complications

The effect of toxicosis on a pregnant woman’s body depends on the degree of development of the disease. The first degree is harmless to the woman’s body and occurs naturally. In some cases, the second degree does not pose a threat. In a normal course, by 14 weeks the symptoms disappear.

The third degree is dangerous for the health of the woman and the fetus. The body becomes dehydrated and exhausted. Women are at risk of developing complications:

• heart and kidney failure;
• pulmonary edema;
• falling into a coma due to exhaustion;
• placental insufficiency in late stages of pregnancy;
• delay in fetal development;
• risk of premature birth.

Toxicosis in pregnant women is not always mild. The health of the fetus is in the hands of the mother and father. As symptoms of the disease develop, the risk of complications increases proportionally.

Liver dysfunction

Liver disease can also cause these symptoms. During this period, the load on the liver increases significantly. This is fraught with exacerbation of chronic pathological processes. With the development of viral hepatitis, vomiting is accompanied by yellowing of the skin and eyeballs, urine becomes dark, and stool becomes light.

In some cases, the development of toxicosis is a predisposing factor to exacerbation of liver diseases . It is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible and determine the cause.

Contact a specialist

You should not rely on your own strength to overcome toxicosis in the early stages and its consequences. Specialists from JSC “Medicine” (academician Roitberg’s clinic) believe that pregnancy should be comfortable. Despite the absence of a threat from a mild form of the disease, you should still see a doctor.

Factors that determine an urgent visit to a doctor in the center of Moscow in case of toxicosis in pregnant women:

• vomiting more than 5 times per day. Due to regurgitation of nutrients, the body develops exhaustion and dehydration;
• the number of urinations decreased and the urine became darker in color. During vigorous activity, dizziness is observed;
• abdominal pain;
• vomiting when eating food and lack of food for more than 12 hours;
• weight loss exceeds 2.5 kg per week.

The listed factors of toxicosis reflect serious problems with the body. Delaying time will lead to even bigger problems.

Causes of vomiting bile

In fact, there are many causes of bile vomiting and they cannot always be identified without examination. One of them is a long break between meals. Gastric juice causes spasm of the smooth muscles of the digestive system, and then the reflux of bile into the stomach and vomiting of its contents. Why vomits bile during pregnancy:

1. Toxicosis. The most likely cause of nausea with bile is the first trimester, during which the woman suffers from toxicosis. It is recommended to reduce the intervals between meals to improve your condition.
2. Cholecystitis. If a pregnant woman has a chronic gallbladder disease, then during pregnancy it risks getting worse. Discomfort after eating, for example, after lunch or in the evening, will tell you about cholecystitis.
3. Pancreatitis. For many expectant mothers, pancreatic inflammation develops during pregnancy. Experts explain it simply - the uterus compresses the organ. Pancreatitis can be caused by poor diet.

In addition, there are other reasons for vomiting bile during pregnancy. Intestinal infection, parasitic infection of the body, liver pathologies, inflammation of the cecum (or in other words, appendicitis), increased acidity.

Pashkova Alla Valerievna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, candidate of medical sciences.

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It is imperative to pay attention to accompanying symptoms. With toxicosis at 8-16 weeks, nausea and vomiting are more often observed on an empty stomach. When cholecystitis worsens, discomfort bothers you after eating. In addition, the patient notices malaise and pain in the right side.

Visit or doctor's visit: preparatory activities

Poor health, constant low blood pressure and vomiting require preparation before visiting the medical center on your own. You should relax before going to the hospital.

Loved ones need:

• make an appointment for the pregnant woman in advance;
• organize delivery in the most comfortable conditions by car or taxi in the shortest possible time;
• promptly pick up the pregnant woman from the clinic.

If acute problems arise, you should wait until the doctor comes to your home. Ambulance is an effective measure in the fight against toxicosis, since the patient may be unable to move independently.

Cholecystitis

Attacks of acute cholecystitis can also be accompanied by similar symptoms. Cholecystitis and pregnancy are closely related. The inflammatory process in the gallbladder is complemented not only by painful sensations, but also by vomiting with bile. It is important not to confuse such signs with toxicosis.

But such phenomena differ from toxicosis in that they do not appear on an empty stomach, but after eating food. Fatty, spicy and fried foods can provoke an exacerbation of the disease. Also, attacks are accompanied by pain and discomfort.

Treatment should be prescribed only by a specialist, using drugs prescribed by a gastroenterologist. They must be legal and safe while waiting for the baby.

Diagnostic measures of toxicosis

Obvious symptoms do not give the right to independently diagnose toxicosis during pregnancy. The patient should be examined by a specialist. Doctors from various fields of our multidisciplinary medical center in the center of Moscow treat diseases. This depends on the strength of the disease and the presence of additional pathologies.

• Gynecologist. Qualified specialists will tell you how to deal with toxicosis using medications and other means. The pregnant woman will be explained the causes of toxicosis and how long toxicosis lasts. The doctor will listen to the symptoms of toxicosis of the pregnant woman and accurately outline the clinical picture. Toxicosis of the first pregnancy should not cause fear to patients either - the gynecologist’s task is to give confidence to future mothers. There is also the opportunity to ask a specialist about the timing - when toxicosis ends.
• Severe toxicosis and the presence of complications require an in-depth study of the patient’s condition by other specialists. Our clinic offers the opportunity to undergo examinations by a physiotherapist. The doctor will tell you how to alleviate toxicosis and reduce its effect on other organs.
• Personal problems will be resolved by a psychologist. A specialist will help resolve family problems until toxicosis ends. The psychologist will tell you how to combat toxicosis.

The family and the pregnant woman themselves should prepare in advance for the period when toxicosis begins. This is done at the stage of pregnancy so as not to unnecessarily irritate the woman. JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg) provides a full range of medical services for pregnant women in the Central District.

Treatment methods

Severe manifestations of the disease require specialized medications. Self-medication can be harmful, so you should definitely consult with specialists from JSC “Medicine” (clinic of academician Roitberg). This way there will be no risk of harm to the fetus.

Treatment principles:

• mild form does not require treatment. It all comes down to observation;
• elimination of vomiting;
• choleretic drugs relieve symptoms and improve liver function;
• other prescribed medications will help get rid of muscle spasms, eliminate abdominal pain, lower blood pressure and overcome general weakness.

Medications are prescribed by qualified doctors based on test results. Conclusions and treatment based on them that are not supported by research are dangerous to health.

Home measures to combat toxicosis

Folk remedies can alleviate mild forms of the disease. The pregnant woman and her relatives should take care to follow proven methods.

Home methods for treating toxicosis:

• good sleep;
• regular long walks;
• eating small portions, but often;
• refusal of fatty and salty foods;
• remove all foreign and unpleasant odors in the home that cause irritation;
• favorable psychological environment.

Don't give in to stress and overwork. Controlling your emotions will help you achieve a happy meeting with your newborn. Folk remedies will help you easily tolerate a simple form of toxicosis.

Toxicosis during pregnancy: myths and misconceptions

There are established opinions regarding the manifestation of toxicosis. Not all of them are true. You should not listen to public opinion.

• If you feel nauseous, it will be a girl. Vomiting is a symptom of intoxication due to fetal development. It doesn’t matter what gender he will be.
• In a strong organism, the manifestations of toxicosis are more powerful. Here it’s rather the opposite – a strong body is able to cope with the problems that arise.
• Toxicosis cannot be cured. The phenomenon cannot be completely cured, but the pregnant woman’s condition can be significantly alleviated.

Only specialists can give accurate answers to questions.

How to help a pregnant woman

It is often recommended to rinse the stomach to get rid of food debris and bile, and then stick to the diet.

Svirid Nadezhda

Obstetrician-gynecologist

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In the early stages of pregnancy, emptying the stomach on your own is dangerous for the fetus!

Specialists begin rinsing only after an injection of magnesium, which prevents miscarriage. If you have nausea with bile, you should drink as much water as possible (in small sips) to prevent dehydration.

In addition to water, it is permissible to drink mineral water, rosehip decoction, and dried fruit compote. You should forget about carbonated drinks - this will only provoke a new attack. If gagging bothers you too often, it is advisable to drink tea with cinnamon or mint.

Many drugs are prohibited for pregnant women, but you can always use activated carbon or Polysorb. They cleanse the body and also stop eating disorders. No solutions of potassium permanganate, antiemetic drugs! If your health worsens, you must call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. Treatment of cholecystitis, pancreatitis and other diseases in pregnant women is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Vomiting of bile during early pregnancy does not require treatment. It is enough to start eating right, drinking more clean water, and resting for the symptoms to subside. In the second trimester, toxicosis should disappear completely, and with it the bitter taste in the mouth from bile. Until this time, it is recommended to resort to means that alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman: lemon, crackers, mint candies.

Preventive measures

Prevention measures are aimed at preventing the occurrence of side effects of toxicosis. It is important for a young mother to control herself throughout the day.

Useful tricks:

• absence of sudden movements, especially in the morning;
• split meals with lots of snacks;
• cumin or regular chewing gum prevents vomiting;
• high intake of vitamin B6 contributes to the absence of vomiting4
• only light food in the diet;
• drinking large volumes of liquid per day in small portions;
• drinking mint decoctions.

Prevention will improve your well-being. The phenomena of toxicosis, if the daily routine is followed, will practically not disturb the young mother.

Hungry stomach

In the morning or during the day, an attack may occur if food does not enter the stomach for a long time. If there are too many breaks between meals, the body suffers. When food is absent from the stomach and acid continues to be produced, the smooth muscles of the abdominal cavity begin to contract. Secretion enters the stomach cavity, causing vomiting along with juice.

More often, this condition is observed in the mornings in the first trimester of pregnancy. During pregnancy in the second trimester, this condition usually ends on its own and does not require special treatment. It is recommended to avoid long breaks between meals; meals should be divided - often, but little by little.