Doctors want curbs on cleaning agents access

​Hyderabad: Expressing concern over the increasing number of suicide attempts in the state by consuming corrosive chemicals like cleaning agents which consists of sulpheric acid, medics want a ban on their easy accessibility.

According to medical experts, on an average about nine cases a day are reported in Hyderabad alone. NIMS has been treating about 4 to 5 such cases at any given point of time.

According to Dr N Bheerappa, head of the department, Surgical Gastroenterology Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, the liquid is highly dangerous.

Though there is a warning on the bottle that it can burn through the skin, reach the bones and melt them and also make one blind, the easy accessibility is one major issue that is disturbing the doctors.

Talking to The Hans India, Dr Bheerappa said the government needs to find some way out since the people who consume this dangerous substance have to undergo virtual hell for long time and have to undergo highly complicated surgeries.

It may be mentioned here that recently the case of G Swati wife of NRI who had consumed some cleaning liquid had once again caught the attention of the media and the medical world. Doctors say that it requires lot of counselling and will power for patients to become a normal person.

The corrosive chemicals are used for many purposes in daily life, like cleaning agents, substances used for house, car, and upkeep of the garden. Oral intake of these substances either by accident, or sometimes purposely, may cause life-threatening problems.

It results in corrosive esophageal burns and can produce oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal damages ranging from minor burns to full-thickness injuries. Gastrointestinal organs, including the lower esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and pancreas get badly affected.

Medical and surgical treatments include complicated surgical reconstruction. According to one of the survivors, the post-treatment period is highly crucial for the patient. One needs to have tremendous will power and needs to change their mindset.

Though while looking at the survivor no one can make out that the person had undergone complicated surgery, it puts certain restrictions on the intake of food. One has to be careful about the kind of food that is being eaten.

Such people should not only avoid chutneys and masala but should also eat in small quantities at frequent intervals. In some cases swallowing could also be painful.

Doctors and psychologists say that to train the patient to become bold and face the world and lead a normal life, it requires lot of counselling and strong support from the family. They add that the government should also take up awareness campaign on such issues.

NIMS, according to Dr Bheerappa, is contemplating organising a programme with a group of survivors who would explain the trauma and travails they had to undergo and create awareness about the dangers of consuming such chemicals.