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Sodium hydroxide
General Info · Symptoms · Treatment
Definition
Poisoning from an overdose of sodium hydroxide.
Poisonous ingredient
* sodium hydroxide
Where Found
* some aquarium products
* some drain cleaners
* some oven cleaners
* Clinitest
* some hair straighteners
* lye
* some metal polishes
Note: This list may not be all inclusive
Sodium hydroxide
General Info · Symptoms
Symptoms
* body as a whole
* severe pain in the mouth
* collapse
* respiratory
* breathing difficulty due to throat swelling
* eyes, ears, nose, and throat
* severe pain in the throat
* gastrointestinal
* severe abdominal pain
* diarrhea
* heart and blood vessels
* hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
Sodium hydroxide
General Info ·Treatment
Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes flush with lots
of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY.
If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk.
Before calling emergency
Determine the following information:
* the patient's age, weight, and condition
* the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
* the time it was swallowed
What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
* for swallowed poison
* Give fluids.
* Give an antidote.
* Treat the symptoms.
* for inhaled poisons
* Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali
was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat,
and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the
extent of this damage. Damage continues to occur to the esophagus
and stomach for several weeks after the alkali was swallowed,
and death may occur as long as a month later.