Super glue is a type of adhesive that is commonly used to bond materials together. While it is an effective adhesive, it is not meant to be ingested. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and people may mistakenly ingest super glue. In this blog post, we will explore the consequences of eating super glue.
Let’s dive into this peculiar topic and uncover the taste, health risks, and even unique uses of glue beyond its intended purpose.
Eating super glue can be a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical attention. It is important to understand the risks involved with ingesting super glue, as well as the steps to take if it happens.
In this article, we will cover the ten consequences that occur when someone eats super glue.
Super Glue Composition
Super glue is composed of cyanoacrylate, a type of resin that bonds quickly and strongly. When cyanoacrylate comes into contact with moisture, it forms a rapid bond. This is why it is important to keep super glue away from the skin, eyes, and mouth.
Hazards Of Eating Super Glue
When super glue is ingested, it can react with the moisture in the mouth and throat, causing a rapid bond to form. This bond can cause serious health complications, as we will discuss in the next sections.
Choking and Swallowing Hazards
One of the immediate dangers of ingesting super glue is the risk of choking. Super glue can quickly bond to the inside of the mouth and throat, creating a blockage that can lead to choking and even suffocation.
Ingesting super glue can also cause difficulty swallowing, as the glue can stick to the esophagus and prevent food from passing through. This can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other health complications.
If you or someone you know has ingested super glue and is experiencing difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to cyanoacrylate, the main component of super glue. When ingested, it can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives difficulty breathing.
Allergic reactions can be severe and require immediate medical attention. In some cases, they can be life-threatening.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Ingesting super glue can also cause a range of gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by the chemicals in the glue irritating the lining of the stomach and intestines.
In severe cases, ingesting super glue can cause ulcers or perforations in the digestive system, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any gastrointestinal problems after ingesting super glue.
Respiratory Problems
Inhaling the fumes from super glue can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be caused by the chemicals in the glue irritating the lining of the respiratory system.
In severe cases, inhaling super glue fumes can cause bronchitis or other respiratory infections, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to use super glue in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes.
Eye Injuries
If super glue comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause severe eye injuries. Super glue can quickly harden and form a solid mass on the eye, which can cause damage to the cornea and other parts of the eye.
If you get super glue in your eyes, it is essential to flush your eyes with water immediately and seek medical attention.
Skin Injuries
If super glue comes into contact with the skin, it can cause skin irritation and burns. Super glue can quickly harden and form a solid mass on the skin, which can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
If you get super glue on your skin, it is essential to wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical attention if necessary.
Chemical Burns
Super glue can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. When ingested, super glue can cause burns in the mouth, throat, and digestive system.
These burns can be painful and may cause swelling, blistering, and tissue damage. In severe cases, chemical burns can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Blockages in the Digestive System
When super glue is ingested, it can cause blockages in the digestive system. The glue can stick to the walls of the stomach and intestines, preventing food and fluids from passing through.
This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, blockages in the digestive system can cause life-threatening complications such as bowel obstruction and perforation.
Respiratory Complications
Ingesting super glue can cause respiratory complications, especially if the glue is inhaled. When the glue reacts with moisture in the airways, it can form a solid mass that can cause breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure.
Respiratory complications from ingesting super glue are rare but can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know has ingested super glue and is experiencing difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Damage to Teeth and Gums
Super glue can cause damage to teeth and gums if it comes into contact with them. When ingested, super glue can stick to the teeth and gums, causing pain, swelling, and damage to the enamel.
In severe cases, super glue can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out. It can also cause damage to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.
Perforation of the Digestive System
Ingesting super glue can cause perforation of the digestive system, especially if the glue has formed a blockage. When the glue hardens, it can create a sharp object that can puncture the walls of the stomach or intestines.
Perforation of the digestive system is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms of perforation include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Treatment for Ingesting Super Glue
If you or someone you know has ingested super glue, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause further damage to the mouth and throat.
Treatment for ingesting super glue may include administering activated charcoal to absorb the glue, performing endoscopy to remove the glue from the digestive system, and providing supportive care to manage symptoms.
Poisoning
Super glue can be poisonous when ingested in large amounts. It can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, leading to organ failure and other complications.
Children are particularly vulnerable poisoning, as they may ingest large amounts adhesive by mistake.
Conclusion
Ingesting super glue is a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical attention. The consequences of ingesting super glue can range from minor irritation to life-threatening complications.
If you or someone you know has ingested super glue, seek medical attention right away. With prompt treatment and care, it is possible to mitigate the damage caused by ingesting super glue.
