I have been exposed to organophosphates and have been experiencing muscle weakness, spasms in my legs and arms, shortness of breath, seizures, and blurry vision. Please help.

Q. What is the treatment for organophosphate poisoning?

Answered by
Dr. Florilyn Joyce Chulsi Bentrez
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Apr 06, 2023 and last reviewed on: May 02, 2023

Hello doctor,

I have been exposed to organophosphates as I contracted a professional fumigating service to remove roaches in my apartment, but it left a powerful smell that I tried to eliminate. I exposed myself to the antidote, which was an organophosphate, over one and a half weeks. Now I have been experiencing light muscle weakness, light spasms occasionally in my legs and arms, shortness of breath, seizures, and a bit of a blurry vision. The symptoms got worsened two days ago. Yesterday I went to the hospital, did a tomography of my lungs and a blood test, and everything was normal. What course of action should I take to recover from this? Am I in any serious trouble?

Thank you.

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Do you have the brand name of the chemical agent? Can you share a picture? How many days was the interval between exposure and your symptoms? Organophosphate poisoning has acute or short-term effects such as salivation, lacrimation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Intermediate effects include weakness and respiratory insufficiency. Long-term effects include confusion, and memory lapses neuropsychological effects. If it has worsened, kindly go back to the emergency room now for evaluation, especially for the seizures and difficulty in breathing.

Thank you.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

The insecticide is called DDVP (dichloro vinyl dimethyl phosphate). I had the symptoms from the first day I exposed myself. They worsened the last time I was there when I spent a bit longer than usual trying to clear the smell. The symptoms I described are very light in intensity. I can still do my daily activities, but I am concerned they will become sequelae and not heal. Right now, I feel a light involuntary movement in my head and near my hands and feet.

Thanks.

#

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, DDVP (dichloro vinyl dimethyl phosphate) is an organophosphate. Please monitor symptoms because if it is progressive, you must be admitted.

I hope this information will be helpful.

Thanks.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

If I am admitted, what will I go through? What exactly are the prognostics?

Thanks.

#

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You might be given Atropine depending on the documented symptoms and will be observed and monitored. Oxygen will be given if you have difficulty breathing.

I hope this information will be helpful.

Thanks.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Is shortness of breath related to thyroid issues?

.. read your query and from what you have mentioned it appears that you have hypothyroidism. From your tests, I would suggest that you decrease the dose of Thyronorm to 75 mcg once daily. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and change   Read full

Is my blurred vision related to the dose of Metoprolol?

Will masturbation affect eyesight ... If this blurred vision persists, consult a local ophthalmologist and get eyesight checked ...   Read full

I am suffering from extreme muscle weakness.What may be the reason?

have a family history of dementia, and I'm approaching menopause. Given these risk factors, what proactive steps can I take to support my cognitive health during and after menopause? Are there any specific lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, or preventive measures that may help reduce the risk of developing dementia?   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Neurologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.