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Updated: May 28, 2026
06:59
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
[Iatrogenic hypernatremia--report of two cases].
Marek Wiśniewski1, Wojciech Waldman, Jacek Sein Anand
1Zakład Toksykologii Klinicznej, Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego.
Przeglad Lekarski
|October 21, 2011
Summary
Using kitchen salt solutions to induce vomiting poses severe health risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and altered consciousness. Paramedics require enhanced training in pre-hospital poisoning management to prevent dangerous complications from homemade emetics.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Kitchen salt solutions are frequently used as homemade emetics despite known side effects.
- Their perceived safety and efficacy in inducing vomiting persist in certain practices.
Observation:
- Two patients experienced severe adverse events after ingesting large quantities of salt solution for emesis.
- Symptoms included bloody emesis, diarrhea, altered consciousness, hypotension, and dangerously high blood sodium levels (hypernatremia).
Findings:
- Gastric endoscopy revealed extensive damage to the gastric mucosa in both patients.
- Intravenous 5% glucose infusion was crucial for correcting electrolyte imbalances and stabilizing the patients.
- Both patients required 10-day hospitalization for recovery and further outpatient treatment.
Implications:
- Ingesting salt solutions for emesis carries a significant risk of life-threatening complications.
- Improved training for paramedics in pre-hospital acute poisoning management is essential to mitigate these risks.
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