Toxicosis in adults: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Lukyanova

Yana Sergeevna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, endosurgeon Member of the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy Member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

Make an appointment

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.

Are you experiencing symptoms of toxicosis?

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease. Don't delay your consultation - call

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.

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.

How to survive?

There are no common recipes for all: we are all different and the cause of toxicosis is different for everyone. But there are still rules that help most women:

• Get more rest and sleep. Sleep whenever possible and when your body asks. A woman with severe toxicosis almost always benefits from a 5-day sick leave.
• Avoid long breaks in eating. Eat light and high-calorie foods every 3 hours. Bananas, dates, dried fruits, and sweet yogurt often help. It's not scary if there is a bun or cookies. All this is quickly digested, absorbed and gives you energy. But it is better to abstain from meat, fatty fish and multi-ingredient dishes (for example, Olivier salad). This is difficult food to digest and assimilate. You'll have to experiment with fiber. During pregnancy, constipation often occurs due to a relaxed intestine - in company with the uterus. And in this case, coarse raw fruits and vegetables will trigger peristalsis and regulate stool, but for some they cause gas formation and unpleasant colic in the stomach. So you have to try.
• Very often, nausea is especially pronounced in the morning, after sleep. This is due to the long fasting interval. To smooth out the sensation, try to have a light snack just before bed. If you get up at night to go to the toilet, chew half a banana or a cracker on the way. And in the morning, when you wake up, before getting out of bed, eat yogurt, cottage cheese, and a bun. Lie down for another 20 minutes. Then get up, have a light breakfast, and only then brush your teeth.
• The more dehydrated the body, the greater the intoxication. Start drinking warm, hot, good quality water in small sips. Definitely between meals, not during. For taste, you can first add lemon or lime, you can buy mineral water in glass at the pharmacy and drink it, preferably stirring it and releasing the gases from the bottle. But if you haven’t drank water before, or drank very little of it, then you shouldn’t suddenly start drinking more of it.

Drug treatment of early toxicosis also takes place, but only in severe forms!

And most importantly, remember, this condition, although disgusting, is temporary, absolutely safe for both you and the child. Very soon it will go away on its own. And you will no longer feel like a weakened, sick pregnant woman, but will feel your pregnancy as a big, important and very joyful “business”.

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.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

At the initial stage of pregnancy, toxicosis is most often mild and does not require treatment. If the frequency of vomiting increases, this should be reported to a specialist. It is recommended to consult a gynecologist for disorders characteristic of severe toxicosis:

1. Lethargy, weakness, drowsiness that occurs during normal rest and sleep.
2. Lack/decreased appetite.
3. The appearance of bad breath, which is not associated with errors in hygiene procedures.
4. Change in urine. It becomes cloudy, dark, and has an unpleasant odor. Its daily amount decreases.
5. The appearance of swelling (especially in the legs).
6. Weight loss with proper nutrition.
7. Yellowness of the mucous membranes and sclera.
8. Dry skin on the body and hands.

Your doctor may suggest additional testing. After assessing the data obtained, you can select a course of therapy or recommendations to alleviate the woman’s condition.

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.

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.

Sources

1. Vomiting of pregnant women. Wikipedia.
2. Vishnevskaya E.E. The influence of the mental state of a pregnant woman on the development of early toxicosis // Journal of obstetrics and women's diseases. year 2014. No. 5.
3. Vishnevskaya E.E., Mozgovaya E.V., Petrova N.N. Characteristics of personal psychological characteristics and mental state of pregnant women with early toxicosis // Journal of obstetrics and women's diseases. Volume 63, No. 5. year 2014.
4. Dubskaya O., Bondarenko L., Chernykh G. Early toxicosis in pregnant women: treatment options / Medical scientific and practical portal “Attending Physician”. 2007

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.

How can inpatient treatment help?

Staying in a hospital may be necessary, since frequent vomiting may cause dehydration, metabolic disturbances, a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, a decrease in urine output, and constipation. If measures are not taken in time, a violation of water-salt, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, acid-base and vitamin balance, and the functions of the endocrine glands may develop. All this can negatively affect the development of the baby, because it is in the first trimester of pregnancy that the laying and formation of all the main organs and systems of the baby occurs.

Therefore, do not refuse hospitalization under any circumstances if your doctor recommends it.

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.

Toxicosis requires the attention of a doctor

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important; it is at this time that the baby develops all its internal systems and organs. Therefore, any health problems with the mother are not a very good foundation for such an important “construction”. In addition, behind the external manifestations of toxicosis - nausea and vomiting - more serious problems may be hidden, in most cases obvious, sometimes hidden, identified only with the help of laboratory tests. These could be, for example, various skin lesions, convulsions, in the most severe cases - jaundice in pregnancy, bronchial asthma in pregnancy, disorders of water-salt balance, metabolism, etc.

Therefore, close monitoring by a doctor of the condition of the expectant mother experiencing toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy is necessary. This is the most important rule, which should not be neglected under any circumstances.

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.

Prevention measures

The main task in case of toxicosis is to prevent its side effects. To do this, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. Avoid sudden movements and bending (especially in the morning).
2. Break up your meals and include snacks.
3. Drinking tea with lemon (ginger, chamomile) and a few crackers, chewing gum, and mints will help prevent vomiting.
4. It is better to have breakfast in bed if nausea usually occurs in the morning.

Walking, avoiding chocolate, popular TV shows and loud music, and a positive attitude can reduce the manifestations of toxicosis and benefit mother and child.