gasoline poisoning
i was thinking about my baby cousin who drank gasoline, and i was curious to do an internet search on it.
As little as 10 to 15 g (less than one-half ounce) may be fatal in children. Symptoms of intoxication by ingestion of gasoline can range from vomiting, vertigo, drowsiness and confusion to loss of consciousness, convulsions, hemorrhaging of the lungs and internal organs, and death due to circulatory failure. Ingestion can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa and can be complicated by pulmonary aspiration, resulting in chemical pneumonitis.
Systemic effects can occur from all routes of exposure. Exposure to low concentrations may produce flushing of the face, staggering gait, slurred speech, and mental confusion. Higher concentrations may result in unconsciousness, coma, and possible death due to respiratory failure.
Children may be more vulnerable because of relatively increased minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate an area promptly when exposed.
Damage to the digestive tract following ingestion of gasoline may include severe esophagitis, gastritis, degeneration of the epithelium, and mucositis of the oral cavity.
In cases of ingestion, do not induce emesis or use gastric lavage and do not administer activated charcoal. Gasoline is poorly absorbed from the stomach. Catharsis with magnesium or sodium sulfate is acceptable. If spontaneous vomiting occurs, watch for signs of pulmonary aspiration.
As little as 10 to 15 g (less than one-half ounce) may be fatal in children. Symptoms of intoxication by ingestion of gasoline can range from vomiting, vertigo, drowsiness and confusion to loss of consciousness, convulsions, hemorrhaging of the lungs and internal organs, and death due to circulatory failure. Ingestion can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa and can be complicated by pulmonary aspiration, resulting in chemical pneumonitis.
Systemic effects can occur from all routes of exposure. Exposure to low concentrations may produce flushing of the face, staggering gait, slurred speech, and mental confusion. Higher concentrations may result in unconsciousness, coma, and possible death due to respiratory failure.
Children may be more vulnerable because of relatively increased minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate an area promptly when exposed.
Damage to the digestive tract following ingestion of gasoline may include severe esophagitis, gastritis, degeneration of the epithelium, and mucositis of the oral cavity.
In cases of ingestion, do not induce emesis or use gastric lavage and do not administer activated charcoal. Gasoline is poorly absorbed from the stomach. Catharsis with magnesium or sodium sulfate is acceptable. If spontaneous vomiting occurs, watch for signs of pulmonary aspiration.