Liquid Household Bleach Ingestion in Children: A Retrospective Review

Current literature and some standard reference textbooks fail to adequately delineate the management of liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as different from other caustic agents. A literature review and retrospective study were conducted to focus attention on the clinical course and the l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Laryngoscope 1997-01, Vol.107 (1), p.122-125
Main Authors: Harley, Earl H., Collins, Millicent D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Biological and medical sciences
Burns, Chemical - etiology
Child, Preschool
Domestic and cosmetic products toxicology
Female
Household bleach
Household Products - adverse effects
Humans
Infant
Male
Medical sciences
Pediatric otolaryngology
Retrospective Studies
Sodium hypochlorite
Toxicology
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Summary:Current literature and some standard reference textbooks fail to adequately delineate the management of liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as different from other caustic agents. A literature review and retrospective study were conducted to focus attention on the clinical course and the low potential for development of long‐term sequelae secondary to liquid household bleach ingestion in children. The records of 19 patients were reviewed. The mean age of children ingesting bleach was 24 months. Most children obtained the liquid from an open container such as a cup. There were no short‐ or long‐term sequelae. We introduce an algorithm for the management of accidental ingestion of liquid household bleach in children. We conclude that in the United States accidental bleach ingestion in children is usually associated with a benign clinical course and usually does not require hospitalization, corticosteroids, or antibiotics unless there is severe dysphagia or signs of significant injury. Esophagoscopy may not be necessary, but fiberoptic examination of the pharynx and larynx should be included in the assessment of these children.
ISSN:0023-852X
1531-4995
DOI:10.1097/00005537-199701000-00023