Drinking Detergents: A Study of Accidental Ingestion of Common Household Liquids

Kiran Hussain1*, John F Curran1, Ketan A Shah2, Ali Qureishi1 and James Ramsden1

1Department of ENT, John Radcliffe University Hospital, Oxford, England
2Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe University Hospital, Oxford, England

^*Correspondance to: Kiran Hussain 

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Abstract:

Many readily available household liquids are known to cause significant damage to the upper
aerodigestive tract with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Current literature reports
long term anecdotal clinical evidence and findings from forensic studies. We performed a novel
study on the effects of 3 common household liquids (thin bleach, drain cleaner and toilet bowl
cleaner) on sheep oesophageal mucosa and muscle over 24 h. The specimens were examined both
macro and microscopically at 0, 4, 14 and 24 h. Macroscopically there was significant weight
loss after a 24-h period when compared to a control. Histologically, there were no demonstrable
morphological changes; however, paradoxically, both controls demonstrated an increase in average
apoptotic count. This study demonstrates that common household liquids have a destructive effect
on the upper gastrointestinal tract and proposed mechanisms for this are presented in this study.

Keywords:

Oesophageal; Aerodigestive; Injury; Acid; Alkali; Mechanism

Cite the Article:

Hussain K, Curran JF, Shah KA, Qureishi A, Ramsden J. Drinking Detergents: A Study of Accidental Ingestion of Common Household Liquids. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2020; 3: 1234..