Alkali vapor poisoning

Alkalis are water-soluble bases. They include metal hydroxides and the chemical elements Ve, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra. Inhalation intoxication with alkali vapors is a pathology based on burn disease. Alkali has a cauterizing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. If the toxin is inhaled, the upper respiratory tract, GI tract and internal organs are affected.

Poisoning and burn injury by alkaline compounds occurs when the regenerant comes in contact with water. The main causes of intoxication are:

• Entry of toxin particles on wet skin, mucous membranes.
• Inhalation and contact of alkali vapors/solution with skin, GI tract, respiratory tract.

Alkali injuries are most often found in the workplace and when substances are handled carelessly. Alkalis destroy proteins and saponify fats, making tissues friable. That is, alkali burns are deeper and more serious, leading to severe damage to internal organs and skin.

Symptoms of the alkali poisoning

The symptomatology of the pathology is similar to acid lesions:

• Sharp pain.
• Bleeding.
• Profuse salivation.
• Vomiting.
• Coughing and pain behind the sternum.
• It is possible to perforate the esophagus or stomach.
• Reddening of the oral mucosa.
• The lip border is gray in color and soapy to the touch.

A few hours after the development of the above symptoms, collapse occurs. The victim's blood pressure drops, pulse rate increases, skin cyanosis develops, loss of consciousness is possible.

With severe damage to the mucosa of the respiratory tract and GI tract, acute respiratory failure and exotoxic shock develop. Due to burns of the larynx, there is an edema of the ligamentous apparatus and there is a risk of mechanical asphyxia. Against this background, dyspnea and pallor of the skin, mucous membranes increase. Without emergency medical assistance there is a high risk of death in the first hours after poisoning.

Treatment of the alkali poisoning

First aid for alkali intoxication is aimed at treating the skin and mucous membranes with copious amounts of water or 3% boric acid solution (0.5% citric acid solution). To eliminate the pain syndrome, the victim is administered cholinolytics, glucosonovocaine mixtures, narcotic and other drugs. It is mandatory to monitor the patient's breathing. If there is a rapid increase in dyspnea, skin cyanosis, asphyxia, tracheotomy is indicated.

Alkali poisoning is a serious medical condition that requires immediate specialized treatment in a medical facility. Here is what that treatment might look like:

1. Neutralizing the alkali: The first priority is to neutralize the alkali that has entered the body. This may involve washing the affected areas with water or a weak acid solution such as acetic acid or lemon juice. This procedure can be carried out for several hours after contact with the alkali.
2. Medical observation and assessment of injury severity: The casualty will be medically observed and assessed for injury severity. This may include assessment of the depth of tissue injury, examination of internal organs, and monitoring of respiratory and circulatory status.
3. Treatment of complications: Alkali poisoning can lead to serious complications such as burns to the esophagus, pharynx, and other organs of the digestive system. Treatment may include surgery to repair damaged tissue as well as providing supportive therapy.
4. Anti-shocktherapy: In case of shock or circulatory collapse, anti-shock therapy, including infusions of fluids and drugs to maintain blood pressure and blood flow, may be required.
5. Symptomatic treatment: Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms of poisoning such as pain, nausea, vomiting and others. This may include the use of analgesics, antiemetics and other medications.
6. Rehabilitation: Once the injured person has stabilized, rehabilitation treatment, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support, may be required.

Forecast

The prognosis for recovery depends on the severity of the injury and is determined by the patient's condition in the first hours after the vapor burn.