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What Causes Swallowing Peroxide Accidently?

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Posted on Thu, 2 Apr 2015
Question: Hi, my wife accidently swallowed peroxide 20% volume ( hair bleaching product)
Will she be ok, ?

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Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Swallowing large amount requires hospital visit to assess injury to stomach

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Hydrogenperoxide is an unstable compound and releases lots of oxygen. There are many concentrations of peroxide available from 3 percent to 90 percent. The bleaching agent contains a moderate concentration of 20 percent.

Treatment of hydrogen peroxide exposures depends on the severity of ingestion and includes airway management, frequent monitoring, and diagnosis and therapy of associated complications. Due to the rapid decomposition, stomach decontamination is not required.

Taking a little amount (less than 30 ml) is not a concern. However taking a large amount can cause esophageal and stomach ulcers due to the sudden release of large amount of oxygen.

If she has taken large amounts then it is better to take her to hospital and get her clinically examined. In most cases the doctors will do an endoscopy to assess any damage to the lining of the esophagus and stomach and provide treatment.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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What Causes Swallowing Peroxide Accidently?

Brief Answer: Swallowing large amount requires hospital visit to assess injury to stomach Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Hydrogenperoxide is an unstable compound and releases lots of oxygen. There are many concentrations of peroxide available from 3 percent to 90 percent. The bleaching agent contains a moderate concentration of 20 percent. Treatment of hydrogen peroxide exposures depends on the severity of ingestion and includes airway management, frequent monitoring, and diagnosis and therapy of associated complications. Due to the rapid decomposition, stomach decontamination is not required. Taking a little amount (less than 30 ml) is not a concern. However taking a large amount can cause esophageal and stomach ulcers due to the sudden release of large amount of oxygen. If she has taken large amounts then it is better to take her to hospital and get her clinically examined. In most cases the doctors will do an endoscopy to assess any damage to the lining of the esophagus and stomach and provide treatment. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek