Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?

Q: Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?

Hello： If you have acute symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your medications and relevant information directly to the emergency room for medical treatment. <br>If the acute phase has passed and you are concerned about potential liver or kidney function impacts, you can br

If you experience poisoning symptoms after taking traditional Chinese medicine and are concerned about potential sequelae, you should consult a specialist in toxicology or visit an emergency medicine department?

On the evening of March 10th, Sunday, after taking traditional Chinese medicine, I experienced facial muscle and tongue numbness, blurred vision, chills, dizziness, and excessive salivation.
I was unable to stand, and my family reported that I had episodes of confusion and fainting multiple times, one of which resulted in me accidentally fainting and hitting my head against a cabinet, causing swelling and pain in the left posterior part of my head.
Throughout the night, my family continuously gave me water, which made me vomit in an attempt to expel the contents of my stomach and the traditional medicine.
However, since there is no toxicology department available in the Hsinchu area, I only consumed plain steamed buns and plain water after regaining some consciousness on the afternoon of March 11th, Monday, and continued to sleep without seeking medical attention until the evening when I felt more alert.
However, I am concerned about whether such poisoning could lead to any long-term effects on my liver or kidneys.
What type of specialist should I consult in this situation?

Zhang Yuge, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/03/12

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine

Hello: If you have acute symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your medications and relevant information directly to the emergency room for medical treatment.
If the acute phase has passed and you are concerned about potential liver or kidney function impacts, you can bring your medications and relevant information to a general internal medicine appointment to discuss with your physician.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Gao Qingyun, Attending Physician, Family Medicine Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2013/03/12

More Info

If you are experiencing symptoms of herbal medicine poisoning, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Given your symptoms—facial muscle and tongue numbness, blurred vision, chills, dizziness, excessive salivation, and loss of consciousness—it is advisable to consult a specialist in toxicology or a medical professional in emergency medicine.
In the United States, emergency departments are equipped to handle acute poisoning cases, including those from herbal medicines. When you arrive at the emergency room, the medical staff will assess your condition, perform necessary tests, and provide immediate treatment to stabilize your health. They may also consult a toxicologist, who specializes in the effects of poisons and toxins, to evaluate the specific herbal substance you ingested and its potential effects on your body.

Herbal medicines can sometimes contain potent compounds that may lead to adverse effects, especially if taken inappropriately or in excessive amounts. Symptoms like those you described can indicate a serious reaction, and it is essential to rule out any potential damage to your liver or kidneys, as these organs are crucial for detoxifying substances in the body.
In your case, since you mentioned that you experienced a significant incident of fainting and hitting your head, it is also important to monitor for any neurological symptoms. A visit to a neurologist may be warranted if you continue to experience headaches, dizziness, or any other concerning symptoms following your incident.

As for the concern about potential long-term effects on your liver or kidneys, these organs can sometimes recover from acute toxicity, but this depends on various factors, including the type and amount of substance ingested, the duration of exposure, and your overall health. Blood tests can help assess liver and kidney function, and your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

In summary, if you suspect herbal medicine poisoning, you should:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care facility.

2. Consult Specialists: Depending on your symptoms, you may be seen by emergency medicine physicians, toxicologists, or neurologists.

3. Follow-Up Care: After initial treatment, ensure you have follow-up appointments to monitor your liver and kidney function and any neurological symptoms.

Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential poisoning. Your health and safety are paramount, and timely medical intervention can prevent complications and ensure a better outcome.

Similar Q&A

Which Specialist Should I Consult for Health Issues from Unknown Herbal Medicine?

Hello, I have psoriasis and a family history of lupus in my mother. For certain reasons, I have been taking unknown traditional Chinese medicine for six months. Now, if I want to know whether this medication has had any adverse effects on my health, which medical specialty should...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Family Medicine
You can start with a general physical examination at a family medicine clinic, primarily to check for any abnormalities in liver and kidney function. For further evaluation, you may need to visit a toxicology department; however, most general hospitals do not have a toxicology de...

Navigating Complex Health Issues: Which Specialists to Consult?

Hello Dr. Liao: I would like to ask about my mother, who has low potassium levels, frequent liver and gallbladder inflammation, and elevated bilirubin levels. Recently, she has also been experiencing persistent coughing leading to lung inflammation and frequent muscle cramps. Whi...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your mother's condition, based on the two main issues described, it is indeed advisable to prioritize evaluation and management by the nephrology and gastroenterology departments. Further assessment and examinations will be conducted based on the physician&#...

Seeking Medical Advice: Which Specialty to Consult for Unexplained Symptoms?

Hello: My mother, Chen Li-Man (A201736404), informed me a few months ago that she has been experiencing a sensation of oily granules between her teeth, which felt like small pebbles. Initially, we thought it was a psychological issue, but a few days ago, we discovered that the su...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the information in your letter, it is currently not possible to determine the cause of the symptoms presented or to make a diagnosis. You should have already arranged for several basic blood tests, and no specific abnormalities were found. As for the saliva analys...

Which Specialist to See for Organ Function After Drug Overdose?

Hello Doctor: Recently, due to certain reasons, I was unable to control myself and took a large amount of medication at once, approximately over ten pills, including cold medicine, pain relievers, sleep aids, and various other medications. This situation lasted for about 2 to 3 w...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Any option is fine, including family medicine, but please use medications cautiously.