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Sodium hydroxide poisoning
Alternative Names: Lye; Caustic soda  Home Treatment: DO NOT make the person throw up. Text Continues Below If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk. However, DO NOT give liquids if the patient is vomiting or the mental status appears altered. If the person breathed in the chemical, immediately move him or her to fresh air. Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: The patient's age, weight, and condition The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known) The time it was swallowed The amount swallowed Poison Control, or a local emergency number: The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible. What to expect at the emergency room: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: For swallowed poison Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach. Give IV fluids Admission to the hospital Give an antidote Treat the symptoms For inhaled poisons A breathing tube may need to be inserted Oxygen Admission to the hospital or to the intensive care unit Bronchoscopy (inserting a camera down the throat into the airway to evaluate the extent of burns to the airway and lungs) For skin exposure Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin) Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care Expectations (prognosis): Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>