“Pumping your stomach” is a common phrase that refers to gastric lavage, a medical procedure performed to empty the stomach’s contents. This serious medical intervention is executed by trained healthcare professionals in specific, urgent scenarios. It is not a technique an individual can, or should, attempt outside of a controlled medical environment.
Understanding Gastric Lavage
Gastric lavage involves washing out the stomach to remove ingested substances. This process aims to eliminate harmful materials, such as poisons or drug overdoses, before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The basic principle involves introducing fluid into the stomach through a tube and then aspirating the fluid along with the stomach’s contents. This technique differs from other methods of gastrointestinal decontamination, like induced vomiting or activated charcoal administration, as it physically flushes the stomach.
Conditions Requiring Gastric Lavage
Gastric lavage is considered in cases of acute poisoning or overdose, especially when a toxic substance has been recently ingested and poses a life-threatening risk. Its use has become less routine due to advancements in other treatments, such as activated charcoal, and a better understanding of the procedure’s limitations and risks. Medical professionals decide to perform gastric lavage after assessing the ingested substance, amount, and time since ingestion. It is most effective if performed within one hour of ingestion, as the amount of toxin removed diminishes significantly after this timeframe.
The Process of Gastric Lavage
The procedure begins with the patient positioned on their left side, often with their head tilted down, to help prevent aspiration. A large-bore tube, either orogastric (through the mouth) or nasogastric (through the nose), is then inserted into the stomach. Medical staff confirm the tube’s correct placement by aspirating stomach contents or using air insufflation with auscultation.
Once the tube is in place, small volumes of fluid, warm water or saline, are instilled into the stomach. For adults, this volume is 200-300 mL per cycle, while for children, it is 10-15 mL per kilogram of body weight. The fluid, along with stomach contents, is then aspirated out through the tube. This cycle of instillation and aspiration is repeated until the fluid returned from the stomach appears clear, indicating that most of the ingested substance has been removed. Throughout the process, the patient’s vital signs are continuously monitored.
Potential Complications and Contraindications
Gastric lavage carries several potential complications, which contribute to its limited use in modern toxicology. A significant risk is pulmonary aspiration, where stomach contents enter the lungs, potentially leading to severe respiratory issues. Other risks include mechanical injury to the esophagus or stomach, such as perforation, and imbalances in electrolytes or body temperature. Cardiac complications, like bradycardia or cardiac arrest, can also occur, especially with certain types of poisoning.
The procedure is contraindicated in several situations due to increased risk. It is not performed if corrosive substances like strong acids or alkalis have been ingested, as this could cause further damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion of hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, also presents a high aspiration risk. Patients who are unconscious or have an unprotected airway require intubation before the procedure to prevent aspiration. Additionally, if the ingested pills are too large to pass through the lavage tube, the procedure may not be effective.
Emergency Response for Suspected Poisoning
If poisoning or overdose is suspected, immediate action is crucial to ensure the safety of the affected individual. The most important step is to promptly contact emergency services, such as 911, or a poison control center. In the United States, the national Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222, connecting callers to their local poison center for expert guidance.
When speaking with medical professionals, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. This includes the name of the substance ingested, the estimated amount, the time of ingestion, and any observed symptoms. Having the product container nearby can be helpful as it contains important information. Avoid attempting to induce vomiting or administering any home remedies unless specifically instructed by medical or poison control professionals. Such interventions are determined by healthcare providers based on the specific circumstances of the poisoning and the patient’s condition.