Sodium carbonate

Definition

This poisoning is from an overdose of sodium carbonate.

Where Found

• Automatic dishwashing soaps
  
• Some antacids
  
• Some bleaches
  
• Some bubble bath solutions
  
• Clinitest tablets
  
• Some steam iron cleaners
  

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  o Severe pain in the mouth, throat, chest, or abdomen
  o Shock
  o Collapse
  
• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty, due to throat swelling
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Hoarseness
  o Drooling
  o Difficulty swallowing
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe Abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Low Blood pressure may develop rapidly
  

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE Vomiting.

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, give ONE GLASS of water or milk IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT give water of milk if the patient is Vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

Before Calling Emergency

If readily available, 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
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• For swallowed poison
  o Give fluidso Give an antidoteo Treat the symptomso and/or