Signs and symptoms are affected by the type of exposure:
(1) ingestion
(2) inhalation or exposure to vapor or dust
General clinical findings:
(1) CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma
(2) seizures
(3) flaccid muscles or atony
(4) nystagmus
(5) fixed pupils
(6) tachycardia
(7) hypotension
Signs and symptoms seen with ingestion:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) diarrhea
Signs and symptoms seen with inhalation or exposure to gas:
(1) respiratory toxicity if inhaled that may include dyspnea, tachypnea, apnea or noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
(2) nasal or bronchial irritation with cough
(3) ocular irritation with conjunctivitis or blurred vision
Laboratory findings:
(1) cyanide may be detectable in the blood
(2) metabolic acidosis with lactic acidosis
(3) increased anion gap
During resuscitation in the Emergency Department health care workers may:
(1) report a pungent odor
(2) develop nausea and vomiting (due to release of hydrazoic acid in the patient's breath. Hydrazoic acid boils at normal body temperature, see Ellenhorn page 1384).
Azides are potentially explosive compounds (see chapter on laboratory safety) and the patient may have injuries from an explosion.
