Accidental ingestion, Family Medicine FAQ

Accidental Ingestion of Lollipop Stick: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Ingestion of a plastic stick from a lollipop approximately 3 centimeters in length? Does a stick automatically cause bowel movements? If there has been no abdominal pain for about 10 hours, should I go to the hospital?

Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Miss JPJ: Ingesting a plastic stick from a lollipop approximately 3 centimeters in length raises concerns about the risk of gastrointestinal perforation or inflammation. It is advisable to seek medical attention for an examination to ensure safety. Wishing you good health a...

Accidental Ingestion of Ichderm Cream: What You Need to Know

Accidental ingestion of topical ointment? Today, I applied Ichderm cream (Doxepin 5% cream, 15 gm tube) from the brand Meishi for folliculitis in the intimate area. After applying the cream, I washed my hands and later ate some cookies. I noticed that there was a bit of the cream...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if it is a very small amount of accidental exposure, theoretically it should not have a significant impact on your body. You can observe for a few days to see if there are any discomforts. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provi...

Accidental Ingestion of Alcohol Gel: Risks and Medical Concerns

Ingestion of alcohol gel? On the evening of May 12th, while eating hot pot, I discovered a small transparent gel-like substance on the cabbage, about the size of a grain of rice. It seems that the staff might have accidentally gotten some lighter fluid on it while igniting the fi...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, most commercially available alcohol gels contain methanol and thickening agents. Methanol is indeed a toxic alcohol, and "excessive" intake can lead to acute methanol poisoning, which may occur within 6 to 12 hours or may be delayed until the next day. If you hav...

Accidental Ingestion of Cooling Spray: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Accidental ingestion of cooling spray? I woke up at 7:30 AM with a bit of a scratchy throat. I usually spray some propolis, but instead, I grabbed the Thai Snake Brand cooling spray and used it four times. Afterward, I rinsed my mouth to remove any residue and drank a large amoun...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main ingredients of cooling sprays are water, alcohol, and plant-based essential oils (such as menthol). Ingesting these substances should not cause symptoms like fever, muscle pain, or dizziness. Your discomfort may not be related to the accidental ingestion of the co...

The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know

The harm of maggots to the human body? Hello, doctor! As mentioned, I am currently a student and working part-time as a cleaner at school. Yesterday, when I lifted the lid of a trash can, a lot of small insects, likely fruit flies, flew out. I also discovered several maggots on t...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The harm caused by maggots to the body primarily occurs when they burrow into the host's tissues and feed, resulting in severe damage to the host's body tissues. The infected areas typically produce foul-smelling secretions and may become ulcerated, leading to or...

Concerns About Accidental Ingestion of Battery Acid: What to Do?

Inquiry about suspected ingestion of battery acid? Hello doctor, a few days ago while watching TV and snacking, I accidentally discovered that the remote control had some battery leakage. I'm still worried that a little bit might have gotten into my food. I've heard tha...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Bai, 1. Carbon-zinc batteries are the most common and inexpensive type of dry cell batteries. The positive electrode is composed of powdered manganese dioxide and carbon, while the negative electrode is zinc. The internal electrolyte typically used is zinc chloride, als...

Accidental Ingestion of Bath Salt: What to Do Next?

Ingestion of bath salts? Hello, doctor. My grandmother accidentally ingested bath salt (Dr. Sea Israel Dead Sea Bath Salt - Original Flavor). What effects could this have? Should we seek immediate medical attention, or should we just drink plenty of water and observe? Thank you.

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, theoretically, bath salts should not have any special toxicity. However, it is necessary to clarify whether other ingredients have been added to the product and the potential effects of oral ingestion, as well as to assess the quantity involved. It is still important to re...

What to Watch for After Accidental Ingestion of Borax Solution?

If someone accidentally ingests borax solution and has not experienced any symptoms after a day, it is still important to monitor for any delayed reactions. Watch for signs such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or any unusual symptoms. It is advisable to consult a h...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, borax is metabolized in the body to produce boric acid. Minimal intake may not pose significant toxicity, but it can cause gastrointestinal irritation symptoms. According to literature and animal studies, large amounts can still be dangerous. It is advisable to seek medica...

What Are the Risks of Delayed Medical Treatment After Shampoo Ingestion?

What are the potential effects of ingesting shampoo if medical treatment is not sought immediately? Hello, doctor! A family member recently ingested approximately 200-300 ml of shampoo at a mental health care facility. The facility indicated that they needed to observe the situat...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Min, In the case of accidental ingestion of shampoo, it is important to seek medical evaluation to assess gastrointestinal health and to conduct blood tests to check for any impact on liver and kidney function. After your family member ingested 200-300 ml of shampoo and...

Safety Concerns After Breaking a Mercury Thermometer in a Baby's Room

Breaking a mercury thermometer? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask a few questions. A week ago, I accidentally broke a mercury thermometer in a room where my baby was present, and mercury spilled out. I used tape to try to collect the visible mercury, including in the gaps of t...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, mercury is the only heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature. The toxicity of mercury and the organs affected often depend on its form, which can generally be categorized into elemental, inorganic, and organic forms. Elemental mercury in liquid form can easily evapor...

Accidental Ingestion of Povidone-Iodine: Risks and Recommendations

Ingesting iodine? Hello doctor, I accidentally drank water from a cup that had come into contact with a cotton swab soaked in povidone-iodine. It has been a few hours and I haven't experienced any unusual symptoms. Is there any danger in accidentally ingesting a small amount...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. 123: Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as Excellent-iodine, is a polymer of povidone and iodine. It contains 9-12% iodine. Its mechanism of action involves the release of iodine, leading to microbial death. Clinically, it is not recommended for ingestion or use on oral...

Safety Concerns of Accidental Ingestion of Topical Sprays

Topical spray Hello: I accidentally got a small amount of an external spray containing Indomethacin on my lips while using it. I have the following questions: 1. The instructions state that this spray should not be ingested. If a small amount of this spray is accidentally swallow...

Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: The active ingredient in the spray you are using, indomethacin, is also available in oral formulations, which may pose potential issues. It is important to consider the other excipients or components contained in the spray. I recommend that you first call the customer serv...