POISONING WITH ACIDS AND LYES Concentrated mineral acids and powerful lye, such as ammonia in the shape of sal ammoniac, are used for cleansing purposes in most households. The foolish habit of keeping such powerful caustic fluids in beer bottles, soda water bottles and the like often has unfortunate results.
of the parts reached by the fluid. De struction of the epithelium, and ulceration of the deeper layers, erosion of blood vessels, complete perforation of the msophagus or stomach. The fluid takeiCis in part expectorated, soon afterwards vomiting occurs with the rejection of epithelial tissue and masses of mucus, sometimes also blood.
Violent pains and restlessness and great weakness with weak pulse, at times symptoms of internal htemorrhage. The further course varies. Recovery may ensue within a short time, or sudden death result in some eases weeks later as the result of gastric perforation. More frequently
permanent and tedious injuries ensue in the shape of scar formation, especially in the tcsophagus. CEsophageal strictures follow very fre quently after lye poisoning and may be impermeable for fluid as well as solid nourishment.
removal of the poison from the stomach by lavage and neutralization of the poison; for acids, sodium bicarbonate, magnesia calcined 10 Gm. in 500 c.c. water, soapy water, chalk, albumin water, milk; for lye, vinegar, lemon juice, milk. The pain may be relieved by cocaine and glycerin, swallowing of ice pills and ice cold food. Consecutive stenosis of the cesophagus must be guarded against by prolonged use of the (esophageal sound. Gastrostonly, and dilatation of the stricture with shot.