Understanding the Side Effects of Ethylene Glycol on the Kidneys

Ethylene glycol side effects on the kidneys generally occur 24–72 hours after the toxic substance enters the body, either intentionally or unintentionally. If ingested, ethylene glycol initially affects the central nervous system, then the respiratory system, heart, and finally the kidneys.

Ethylene glycol is a chemical found in a variety of household and automotive products, such as vehicle brake fluid, antifreeze in vehicle radiators, detergents, and wall paint. However, these chemical compounds are also known to be contained in syrup preparations, such as paracetamol.

Understanding the Side Effects of Ethylene Glycol on the Kidneys

Syrup preparations generally taste sweet, so they are susceptible to being swallowed in large quantities intentionally or unintentionally, especially by children. In fact, ingesting ethylene glycol can be dangerous and risk causing organ damage, especially the kidneys.

Ethylene Glycol Side Effects on Kidney

The symptoms of ethylene glycol side effects generally occur in three stages. In the first stage, the first symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning resemble signs of alcohol intoxication, such as drowsiness, headache, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, speech disturbances, and impaired body coordination.

Severe symptoms begin to be felt after 12 hours of ingestion of ethylene glycol. In this second stage, ethylene glycol poisoning can cause organ dysfunction, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and brain.

If detected late or not treated, ingested ethylene glycol can cause fatal poisoning effects, namely hypertension or hypotension, pulmonary edema, brain damage, and even organ failure such as heart failure and acute kidney failure.

The side effects of ethylene glycol on the kidneys can occur in the third stage, which is 24–72 hours after ingestion of ethylene glycol. The impact is in the form of acute kidney failure with the following signs:

  • very little or no urine
  • Deep brown urine
  • Swelling in legs to feet
  • Pain in the waist area
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Proteinuria or excess protein in the urine
  • Seizure
  • Loss of consciousness

Both children and adults who ingest ethylene glycol can experience serious toxic effects. In fact, 120 mm of ingested ethylene glycol is enough to cause death in adults.

Therefore, you should be aware of the side effects of ethylene glycol on the kidneys. If you or your child has symptoms of alcohol intoxication but feel that you don't drink alcohol or do not smell alcohol on your breath, go to the emergency room or the nearest hospital to get a checkup and treatment from a doctor.

Early treatment can prevent the risk of acute kidney failure and damage to the brain, lungs, and heart. If delayed, the side effects of ethylene glycol on the kidneys can be fatal even within 24 hours.

Label : Health cat_Health

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Information Related to Pediatricians

Foods That Contain Harmful Gluten? Here are the facts

7 Ways to Reduce Menstrual Pain