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What Are The Repercussions Of The Accidental Ingestion Of Drano And Toilet Cleaner?

Posted on Thu, 2 Jun 2016

Question: A girl I am trying to help is stating she swallowed drano 3 days ago as well as some toilet cleaner. She is having pain in her throat now as well as puffy neck. She is not going to go to the doctor. I am borrowing a computer so if you can tell me what I should have her do and also what would be what we should watch for while I am here, it would be helpful. I think she should go to a doctor, but she will not.

How long does it take to get an answer? I may not have contact with her later

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
she needs immediate medical attention, please take her to your nearest ER..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

Now I really appreciate your concern for her but need to convince her somehow and take her to the nearest ER before things go any worse..

Drano contains mainly alkali in liquid form which causes severe burn of the Gastro-esophageal mucosa and if not treated timely, it can further worsen and cause severe narrowing of the mucosa and even tear (which can be pretty dangerous and even life threatening)..

In the meanwhile please don't let her take anything by mouth (nothing , not even water) as it can further worsen the scenario..

There is no home remedy for this kind of situation, and only prompt as well as urgent medical care is needed..

Since it's already been 3 days so it's better not to hesitate any more other wise that puffiness can further worsen , please make her understood the consequences are really painful and severe , so better not to delay any more..

Also tell her not to throw-up, don't even try to .. cause it can further damage the affected area..

In ER , they will run further tests on her including X-ray of chest as well Endoscopic examination of the esophagus (food pipe) to see the extent of the damage and treating accordingly..

I hope I'm able to clear your doubts, if you still have any feel free to ask..

Let me know how she stays.. Wishing her a fast recovery..

Kind Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (32 minutes later)

She told me she did it at midnight on Saturday so it is 4 and 1/2 days since. She has been eating soft food and water and milk. She still won't go and she isn't with me. Would she be thru the worst yet or is the worst yet to come. I don't know her exact location.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need some further details regarding..

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back dear,

Well several things matter in this case i.e. how much was the quantity ingested / any other problem other than swelling and pain in throat/ any breathing difficulty / any previous medical illness..

The positive thing is that she's still able to swallow soft food and drink but the negative point is is the recent swelling , pain which can become worse if not investigated and treated in time..

As you can see, prediction of worse or not is not at all possible without physical examination and investigations so to know that she must be taken to the nearest urgent care center..

So if possible take help of another family member / friend who can make her understand and take her to the urgent care facility..

Since you've done so much already , why don't you simply explain the severity of the situation so that she can get convinced to visit the ER..

Please let me know if any further doubts..

Kind Regards..

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee