ALKALI POISONING Meaning and
Definition
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Alkali poisoning is a medical condition caused by the ingestion or exposure to strong alkaline substances. Alkalis are chemicals that have a high pH and are usually found in cleaning agents, drain cleaners, and certain industrial products. Examples of strong alkalis include sodium hydroxide (lye), potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.
When alkali substances come into contact with tissues, such as the mouth, throat, stomach, or skin, they can cause severe damage due to their corrosive nature. Alkalis can lead to chemical burns and tissue destruction, which can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of alkali poisoning may vary depending on the route of exposure but commonly include severe pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, throat or chest pain, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and blood in the mouth or stool. In some cases, alkalis can also cause respiratory distress if the fumes are inhaled or the substances are swallowed.
Immediate medical attention is crucial if alkali poisoning is suspected. Treatment typically involves flushing the affected areas with copious amounts of water or saline solution to dilute and remove the alkali substance. In severe cases, further interventions may be required, such as pain management, antibiotics to prevent infection, and surgery to repair damaged tissues.
Prevention of alkali poisoning involves proper storage and handling of alkaline substances, using protective measures such as gloves and goggles when working with or around these chemicals, and keeping them out of reach of children. Prompt and appropriate treatment is key to minimizing the complications associated with alkali poisoning.
Common Misspellings for ALKALI POISONING
- zlkali poisoning
- slkali poisoning
- wlkali poisoning
- qlkali poisoning
- akkali poisoning
- apkali poisoning
- aokali poisoning
- aljali poisoning
- almali poisoning
- allali poisoning
- aloali poisoning
- aliali poisoning
- alkzli poisoning
- alksli poisoning
- alkwli poisoning
- alkqli poisoning
- alkaki poisoning
- alkapi poisoning
- alkaoi poisoning
Etymology of ALKALI POISONING
The term "alkali poisoning" is derived from two sources: "alkali" and "poisoning".
The word "alkali" originates from the Arabic "al-qalī", which means "ashes of saltwort". It was later adapted into Latin as "alkali" and then into Old English as "ealc". Alkali refers to a type of chemical compound that is soluble in water and has a pH greater than 7, which makes it basic or alkaline in nature.
"Poisoning" comes from the Old French "puisne" or "poisner", meaning "to harm" or "to damage". It relates to the act of introducing a harmful substance into the body, either accidentally or intentionally, resulting in injury or illness.
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