Which symptom is associated with salicylism?

Which symptom is associated with salicylism?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Hyperventilation
• D. Polyuria

Answer: (C)

Salicylism involves poisoning with salicylates, which directly stimulate the brain’s respiratory center and drive the lungs to breathe faster. This causes hyperventilation, a hallmark feature of salicylate toxicity. The rapid breathing lowers CO2, leading to an early respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis can appear, but the classic symptom you’d expect to see first is hyperventilation. Other signs like tinnitus, sweating, and dizziness can accompany it, while bradycardia, hypothermia, or polyuria are not typical primary manifestations of salicylism.

Salicylism involves poisoning with salicylates, which directly stimulate the brain’s respiratory center and drive the lungs to breathe faster. This causes hyperventilation, a hallmark feature of salicylate toxicity. The rapid breathing lowers CO2, leading to an early respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis can appear, but the classic symptom you’d expect to see first is hyperventilation. Other signs like tinnitus, sweating, and dizziness can accompany it, while bradycardia, hypothermia, or polyuria are not typical primary manifestations of salicylism.