What are the methods for detecting nitrite poisoning?

To determine whether nitrite poisoning has occurred, scientific testing techniques can be used, with the help of advanced medical testing equipment to conduct a detailed analysis of the blood. In addition, other related examinations are also required, such as head CT, electrocardiogram, etc. Through these tests, the degree of nitrite poisoning can be confirmed so that a reasonable treatment plan can be formulated.

How Doctors Diagnose Nitrite Poisoning

(1) It is mainly based on the patient's special cyanotic symptoms, combined with a history of excessive intake or accidental ingestion of industrial nitrites;

(2) Confirmation is by measuring the methemoglobin content in the blood and the nitrite content in the remaining food.

What tests do patients with nitrite poisoning generally need to undergo?

In addition to measuring the methemoglobin content in the blood, depending on the condition, it is possible to check blood routine, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, blood gas analysis, liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and head CT to clearly rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

When is it necessary to obtain a head CT scan in a patient suspected of nitrite poisoning?

In reality, many patients do not suffer from just one disease. They often go to the doctor for a certain disease but are unaware that they have another disease. When a patient with nitrite poisoning becomes unconscious or has other conditions such as coma, a head CT scan is required to determine whether the patient has concurrent diseases such as cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage.

Why should patients suspected of nitrite poisoning be given an electrocardiogram and chest X-ray?

When a patient suspected of nitrite poisoning develops symptoms of dyspnea, the doctor will determine whether the patient also has pneumonia, bronchitis, pneumothorax, heart failure, etc. based on the results of lung auscultation. If necessary, an electrocardiogram or chest X-ray will be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Why should patients suspected of nitrite poisoning be tested for blood routine, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin?

Many patients with nitrite poisoning have intestinal bacterial infections. Especially when the patient is in shock, it is urgent to find out whether the patient's shock is caused by poisoning or infection so that a targeted rescue plan can be specified. Blood routine, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin will show obvious abnormalities in bacterial infection, which are reliable indicators of whether the patient's body has bacterial infection.

What role does blood gas analysis play in diagnosing nitrite poisoning?

Blood gas analysis is to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide content in the blood. Nitrite poisoning is blood poisoning with normal oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures, while heart failure and respiratory failure can cause hypoxia and/or carbon dioxide retention.

What is the purpose of testing liver function, kidney function, and electrolytes in case of nitrate poisoning?

When nitrite poisoning occurs, the patient may suffer from internal environmental disorders such as abnormal liver and kidney function, electrolyte imbalance, etc. due to hypoxic metabolism, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., which may cause the body's functions to not function normally. Timely testing and understanding of the patient's internal environment can guide the adjustment of the fluid replacement treatment plan and correct the internal environmental disorder in a timely manner.