Ingestionsschäden

Ingestionsschäden, or ingestion injuries, refer to damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by swallowing harmful substances. These substances can range from corrosive chemicals like acids and alkalis to sharp objects, medications in overdose, or even certain plant materials. The severity of the injury depends on the nature of the ingested item, the amount swallowed, and the duration of contact.

Corrosive ingestions are particularly dangerous as they can cause immediate chemical burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Acids typically cause coagulation necrosis, leading to superficial, well-demarcated burns, while alkalis cause liquefaction necrosis, penetrating deeper and potentially leading to more extensive and severe damage. Symptoms can include severe pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drooling, and in severe cases, perforation of the gastrointestinal organs, leading to life-threatening complications such as peritonitis and sepsis.

Ingestion of foreign bodies, especially sharp objects like glass or metal fragments, can result in mechanical trauma, lacerations, or perforation as they pass through the digestive system. Blunt objects can cause obstruction. Overdose of medications can lead to systemic toxicity affecting various organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, or cause direct irritation and damage.

Management of ingestionsschäden involves immediate medical attention. This typically includes decontamination if appropriate (e.g., rinsing the mouth, avoiding induced vomiting for corrosives), medical imaging to assess the extent of injury, and supportive care. Treatment may involve hospitalization, endoscopic evaluation and intervention, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical repair. Prevention strategies focus on safe storage of potentially harmful substances and education about the risks of ingesting foreign objects.