Lec 2 Flashcards
(75 cards)
What are corrosive materials?
Substances that cause local and rapid damage on contacting tissue surfaces.
List the classifications of corrosives.
- Inorganic corrosive
- Organic corrosive
Give examples of inorganic corrosives classified as alkali.
- Soap manufacturing
- Oven cleaning products
- Swimming pool cleaning products
- Automatic dishwasher detergent
- Hair relaxers
Give examples of inorganic corrosives classified as acid.
- Toilet bowl cleaning products
- Automotive battery liquid
- Rust removal products
- Metal cleaning products
What are the conditions of poisoning from inorganic corrosives?
- Accidental: occupational workers, children
- Homicidal: throwing H2SO4 on face
List the clinical presentations of inorganic corrosive poisoning in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Severe pain of lips, mouth, and stomach
- Excessive salivation
- Dysphagia and odynophagia
- Vomiting
- Symptoms and signs of GIT perforation
List the clinical presentations of inorganic corrosive poisoning in the respiratory system.
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress due to edema of vocal cords
- Bronchoconstriction
- Pulmonary edema
- Chemical pneumonitis
What are the skin clinical presentations of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Chemical burns and eschars
What are the eye clinical presentations of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctival irritation with lacrimation
- Photophobia and severe burning pain
What are the acute complications of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Airway obstruction
- Shock (due to pain)
- Vomiting leading to dehydration
- GIT perforation
What are the late complications of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Stricture leading to cachexia
What are the remote complications of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Carcinoma of esophagus
What radiological investigations are performed in cases of inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Chest X-ray for pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pleural effusion
- Abdominal X-ray for pneumoperitoneum
What is the purpose of endoscopy in inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Should be done within 12 hours for grading esophageal and gastric lesions to guide therapy
What are the grading classifications revealed by endoscopy for inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Grade I: erythema of mucosa
- Grade II: destruction of mucosa
- Grade III: destruction of all layers of the gut beyond the mucosa
What prophylactic measures should be taken when working with corrosive chemicals?
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
- Coat
What is the management for asymptomatic patients after inorganic corrosive exposure?
Only observation in the Emergency Room
What supportive care is provided for symptomatic patients after inorganic corrosive exposure?
- ABC
- Strong analgesic for pain: 10 mg morphine IV
What are the contraindicated GIT decontamination methods for inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Induced emesis
- Activated charcoal
- Gastric lavage
What is the recommended method for decontamination of skin and eyes after exposure to inorganic corrosives?
Irrigation with copious amounts of normal saline for a minimum of 15 minutes
What local antidote can be used for inorganic corrosive poisoning?
Milk to attenuate the heat generated by a caustic
What symptomatic treatments are available for inorganic corrosive poisoning?
- Corticosteroids: intralesional steroids may be given
- Antibiotics: only in cases of GIT perforation
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-blockers
- Nutrition: assess endoscopic grade of lesions for nutritional support
What is a dangerous problem with hypochlorite (Clorox)?
Mixing with other household cleaners produces chlorine and chloramine gases, causing significant irritation.
List the clinical presentations of hypochlorite poisoning.
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Bronchospasm
- Rarely pulmonary edema