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What Causes Drastic Weight Loss And Fatigue Post Consumption Of Toilet Cleaner?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Mar 2016
Question: My sister consumed harpic toilet (80-100 ml) cleaner 2 months ago.
We have taken her to hospital immediately and she vomited a lot. Doctors conducted endoscopy test and confirmed that there is corrosive injury in oesophagus and stomach and asked us to provide liquid food.
From then to till date she has lost around 12 kgs weight, feels tired and always feel thirsty.
Mostly she consumes liquid food but vomits everyday. She do not have any pains and burning sensation but we are worried for her drastic weight loss and lack of strength.
Also please let me know how long will it take to cure and the kind of food to be given to her for speedy recovery.
I have attached the reports. Could you please advice on the basis of reports.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Unless she gets proper nutrition her health will continue to worsen

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and have checked the attached images as well. The problem is that Harpic contains acid which naturally damages the mucous membrane it comes in contact with. So, not only has it caused strictures to form, it has also damaged the inner lining of the stomach and other portions of the gastrointestinal tract leading to poor absorption. The liquid diet in actually leading to inadequacy of nutrients, thus complicating the situation. The damage has also led to gastritis which is the cause of the vomitings. It is hard to predict how long it will continue but the condition should gradually improve.

I would insist you to get in touch with a dietitian and discuss the food options your sister has. Pulses are rich in protein and can be boiled to form a slightly thick soup which can be made the mainstay of her diet. Unless proper nutrition is given, her health would keep going downhill.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)
Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

As per your suggestion, we will make sure that she gets proper nutrition.
I would like to know what else can be done for speedy recovery. Is there any surgical procedures needed to be done or we have to wait till the body recovers it automatically.

Also can you please suggest some medicines to cure the damages in gastrointestinal tract which is causing poor absorption.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The damages cannot be undone

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Surgical procedures might be required but not unless the situation is too bad. Acting in advance will not help the situation. You will have to be patient. In the meantime try to take care of her nutritional requirements.

The damages to the gastrointestinal tract cannot be undone. It is like suffering a burn (it is in fact a chemical burn). As the burnt skin can never grow to be the same, the gastrointestinal tract in her case too will never be the same, no matter what you do.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Causes Drastic Weight Loss And Fatigue Post Consumption Of Toilet Cleaner?

Brief Answer: Unless she gets proper nutrition her health will continue to worsen Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and have checked the attached images as well. The problem is that Harpic contains acid which naturally damages the mucous membrane it comes in contact with. So, not only has it caused strictures to form, it has also damaged the inner lining of the stomach and other portions of the gastrointestinal tract leading to poor absorption. The liquid diet in actually leading to inadequacy of nutrients, thus complicating the situation. The damage has also led to gastritis which is the cause of the vomitings. It is hard to predict how long it will continue but the condition should gradually improve. I would insist you to get in touch with a dietitian and discuss the food options your sister has. Pulses are rich in protein and can be boiled to form a slightly thick soup which can be made the mainstay of her diet. Unless proper nutrition is given, her health would keep going downhill. Let me know if I could help further. Regards