Answer to Question #164428 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Fern Elpos

Question

Nerve gas inhibits the action of cholinesterase.what symptoms would you expect to find in someone exposed to nerve gas? Provide an explanation for the symptoms

Answer 1

Symptoms of exposure to nerve include the following; running nose and eyes, small pupills and blurry vision, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, fatigue headache, sweating, muscle twitching and seizure.

Nerve gas is a chemical found in pesticides. One is exposed through breathing in the fumes or skin contact. Nerve gas inhibits cholinesterase enzymes in the smooth muscles of the eyes, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, secretory glands, and voluntary muscles. Nerve gas also inhibits enzymes of the plasma and red blood cells. This causes altered functioning of the affected systems thus producing the aforementioned symptoms.