What are the symptoms and treatment options for azidose (azide poisoning) and its potential relation to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 22, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Azide poisoning (azidosis) requires immediate emergency medical attention, as it can progress rapidly and be fatal within hours if untreated, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, seizures, and potentially coma. The treatment involves immediate decontamination, supportive care, and specific antidotes including sodium nitrite (300mg IV over 5-10 minutes) followed by sodium thiosulfate (12.5g IV) 1. Some key points to consider in the management of azidosis include:

  • Rapid onset of symptoms due to inhibition of cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria, blocking cellular respiration and causing rapid cellular hypoxia.
  • Importance of supplemental oxygen, fluid resuscitation, and management of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate as crucial supportive measures.
  • Potential for severe hypertension or hypotension, which might theoretically contribute to vascular complications, although there is limited clinical evidence establishing a direct causal relationship between azide poisoning and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH).
  • The need for immediate emergency medical attention, given the rapid progression and potential fatality of azide poisoning if left untreated. In terms of SAH, it is essential to note that:
  • SAH is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, with symptoms including severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and potentially loss of consciousness.
  • The diagnosis of SAH involves noncontrast head CT, which is highly sensitive in the first 3 days after the event, and lumbar puncture if the CT is negative but clinical suspicion remains high.
  • Treatment of SAH focuses on securing the aneurysm, either through endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping, and managing complications such as vasospasm and hydrocephalus. Given the complexity and severity of both azide poisoning and SAH, it is crucial to prioritize immediate medical attention and follow evidence-based guidelines for management, as outlined in recent studies and guidelines 1.

From the Research

Azidose Symptômes

  • Les symptômes de l'azidose (empoisonnement à l'azide) ne sont pas directement abordés dans les études fournies.
  • Cependant, il est important de noter que l'azidose peut présenter des symptômes tels que des troubles respiratoires, des nausées, des vomissements, des maux de tête, et dans les cas graves, une perte de conscience ou même la mort.

Relation avec l'Hémorragie Sous-Arachnoïdienne (SAH)

  • L'Hémorragie Sous-Arachnoïdienne (SAH) est une condition grave qui peut survenir suite à la rupture d'un anévrisme cérébral, entraînant une hémorragie dans l'espace sous-arachnoïdien 2, 3.
  • Les symptômes de la SAH incluent une céphalée soudaine et sévère, une perte de conscience, et des déficits neurologiques 2.
  • Le traitement de la SAH implique souvent une intervention chirurgicale ou endovasculaire pour occlure l'anévrisme, ainsi que des soins de soutien pour gérer les complications potentielles telles que le vasospasme cérébral et l'œdème pulmonaire neurogénique 2, 4, 5.

Traitement et Complications

  • Le traitement de la SAH vise à occlure l'anévrisme, à contrôler les complications, et à prévenir les dommages cérébraux supplémentaires 2, 3.
  • Les complications potentielles de la SAH incluent le vasospasme cérébral, l'œdème pulmonaire neurogénique, et les crises d'épilepsie non convulsives 4, 5, 6.
  • La prise en charge de ces complications nécessite une approche multidisciplinaire, incluant des soins intensifs, une surveillance étroite, et des interventions médicales ou chirurgicales selon les besoins 2, 4, 5, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Aneurysmatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Neurological research and practice, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.