Dishwashing liquid is a common household product designed to clean dishes. It typically contains water, surfactants, enzymes, and sometimes fragrances and dyes. Ingesting this product can lead to various adverse effects. Understanding these consequences and knowing how to respond is important.
Understanding the Immediate Impact
Ingesting dishwashing liquid can cause immediate symptoms, primarily due to surfactants. These agents can irritate bodily tissues. Common immediate reactions include a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This irritation may extend to the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
The foaming properties of dishwashing liquid can cause further issues. Excessive foam may lead to gagging or choking, resulting in the liquid entering the airways, known as aspiration. Aspiration can cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
Immediate Steps and When to Get Help
If someone ingests dishwashing liquid, take prompt action. Rinse the person’s mouth with water, instructing them to swish and spit without swallowing the rinse water. If the ingestion just occurred and the person is alert, offering small sips of water can help dilute the product in the stomach, which may lessen irritation. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause the liquid to be re-exposed to the esophagus and potentially lead to aspiration into the lungs.
Immediately contact a poison control center for guidance. In the United States, the national toll-free Poison Help hotline is 1-800-222-1222, available 24 hours a day. When calling, provide details such as the type of product ingested, the approximate amount, and the age and health status of the individual. If the person collapses, has a seizure, experiences difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, call emergency services like 911 immediately.
Factors Affecting the Outcome
The severity of symptoms following dishwashing liquid ingestion can vary based on several factors. The type of product plays a significant role; automatic dishwasher detergents, for instance, often contain stronger alkaline chemicals and are more corrosive than hand dishwashing soaps. These stronger formulations can cause more severe tissue injury, including chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach. The amount of liquid ingested also directly influences the outcome, with larger quantities leading to more pronounced effects.
The individual’s age and overall health also affect how they respond. Young children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller body size and developing systems. While mild cases may result only in temporary stomach upset, more concentrated products or larger ingestions can lead to complications such as respiratory issues if aspiration occurs or long-term damage to the digestive tract.