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Methemoglobinemia Induced By Ingesting Lava Lamp Contents
Mary E Funke1, Chanel E Fischetti2, Anne M Rodino1,3
1Duke University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
A patient developed methemoglobinemia, a dangerous condition impairing oxygen transport, after ingesting lava lamp fluid. This case highlights the critical need for emergency physicians to suspect and rapidly treat this toxic ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Lava lamp ingestion is an uncommon cause of toxic exposure.
- Calcium nitrate is a primary component of some lava lamp fluids.
- Methemoglobinemia presents as a critical emergency due to impaired oxygen delivery.
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