Patient's question:
A two-month-old baby accidentally ingested an amount of 95% ethanol, the exact quantity being uncertain. The baby drank a lot of water, and after about 20 minutes, vomited some milk. Since the hospital was quite far away, it took nearly an hour to arrive. Upon arrival, the baby was given a gastric lavage and intravenous fluids, and a thorough examination revealed no problems with the blood. Later, the doctor allowed the baby to be sent home.Doctor's answer:
From the perspective of the treatment process, since the discovery was relatively timely and the treatment measures were also appropriate, it should absolutely not leave any sequelae. 95% ethanol enters the body through the mouth and nose, but it has a relatively short duration, and the treatment is also timely. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier in the human body blocks most substances from entering the brain, so it should absolutely not interfere with intelligence. If a large amount of ethanol enters through the nose, it may damage the nasal mucosa. If the amount is significant, it may also affect the olfactory cells in the nose, causing damage to the sense of smell. Therefore, it is important to carefully observe the child's sense of smell. If it is indeed damaged, it is recommended to seek treatment from an otolaryngology department.