Following the case of chickens immersed in chlorine: what are the risks of poisoning and what to do?

A worrying situation was reported this week at a Romeral supermarket, which led the Seremi de Salud of the Maule region to confiscate nearly 1,200 kilos of chicken in bad condition .

Not only because of this last point, but also because the meat had been immersed in chlorinated water .

This, in order to eliminate the bad smell that emanated from it Food.

That endanger the health of people who have purchased and consumed the pieces, specialists therefore recommend immediately consulting a health professional. in case you ate this chicken.

According to a press release from INDISA Clinic which was shared on this medium, Eating spoiled food can trigger multiple signs, the most common being those of food poisoning. .

Among the latter are: stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting .

The doctor and head of the Critical Patients Unit (UPC) of the aforementioned establishment, Sebastián Ugarte, said that “They usually appear hours or even days after eating contaminated food.”

“It is important to monitor for any signs of discomfort after consuming food to identify potential health risks and seek medical attention. medical if necessary,” underlined the professional from the INDISA Clinic.

At the same time, he clarified that People who have been sick before or are at higher risk could face severe dehydration. .

People who accidentally consume this substance may experience signs in different parts of the body .

In this sense, Ugarte explained that Chlorine ingestion can manifest itself in two areas .

• At the level of the gastrointestinal system: symptoms such as blood in the stools, burning in the esophagus, severe abdominal pain and vomiting sometimes containing blood, among others, can be observed.
• At the blood level: Chlorine poisoning can cause a significant change in the acidity level of the blood, which leads to damage to various organs of the body. In addition, at the level of the heart and blood vessels, this can trigger circulatory damage.

For these reasons, he emphasized that “It is crucial to consult a doctor immediately in case of chlorine poisoning.

“Vomiting should not be induced unless directed to do so by a poison control center or health care provider. because this could worsen the situation,” added the UPC leader.

If a person consumes chlorine – either through food or directly –, “It is recommended to give water or milk immediately, unless otherwise directed by your doctor” .

However, the expert stressed that “it is important Keep in mind that milk or water should not be given if the patient has difficulty swallowing, vomiting, convulsions, or decreased lucidity. mentally, because it could get worse.

If symptoms appear after consuming chlorine or another toxic substance, It is essential to see a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. .

Under this line, from the aforementioned clinic, they remember that They have emergency services available 24/7 in Providencia and Maipú. .

And as for whether there could be lasting effects in patients who have consumed chlorine, Dr. Ugarte explained to this outlet that “It is crucial to understand that with appropriate treatment, long-term effects are generally minimal in most cases. » .

“However, In situations of serious exposure or lack of rapid treatment, there is a risk of persistence of significant respiratory problems or even damage to vital organs. like the liver,” he added.

“For this reason, we emphasize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention, strictly following the instructions and recommendations of specialists in order to minimize any permanent damage and promote a rapid and complete recovery. » .