Symptoms of a stomach burn. Types of burn injuries. Most common burns

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There are two types: thermal and chemical. Thermal is caused by swallowing hot food. But in most cases, a chemical burn occurs - damage to the walls of the esophagus by aggressive and caustic chemicals. This can happen if these liquids are accidentally ingested, if you lack self-control while intoxicated, or if you attempt suicide.

Most often, a chemical burn of the esophagus is caused by:

Concentrated acids (acetic essence, hydrochloric sulfuric acid)
Alkalis (caustic soda, caustic soda, sodium hydroxide)
Other substances: phenol, lysol, ethyl alcohol, tincture of iodine, sublimate, ammonia, silicate glue, potassium permanganate solution, acetone, hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte solutions.

Along with a burn of the esophagus, lesions of the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and stomach often occur.

70% of victims are children aged one to ten years. This statistic is due to the natural curiosity of babies and their habit of tasting everything. The rest are adults who accidentally or intentionally drank caustic liquids. Among those who tried to commit suicide using chemicals, the majority were women.

It is believed that a burn to the esophagus with acid is more easily tolerated than with alkali. This is explained by the fact that in the first seconds, when acid enters, a kind of film (scab) forms on the mucous membrane, which prevents further penetration of the substance into deeper layers. In addition, the acid concentration is reduced due to the water that is released from the affected tissues.

Burns caused by alkalis often have more severe consequences. This is caused by the peculiarity of the chemical reaction occurring in the tissues. Proteins are destroyed, fats are saponified, and a gelatinous mass is formed from the cells. Alkali easily passes through it, causing necrosis (necrosis) of the deeper layers of the esophagus. Even if small amounts (20-50 ml) are swallowed, a hole may form in the wall of the esophagus.

Most often, accidental ingestion of liquid is caused by improper storage. Containers are placed in places accessible to children. Bright labels of household chemicals attract children's attention and arouse interest. It happens that chemicals are poured into containers not intended for their storage: glass jars, plastic bottles. Lack of labels and warnings that the liquid is poisonous may lead to its accidental use for other purposes.

Anatomy of the esophagus

The esophagus is part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a muscular tube 25-30 cm long. Its function is to ensure the passage of chewed food from the pharynx to the stomach.

In cross section, the esophagus has a star-shaped appearance due to folds and grooves. This structure helps the fluid move faster. In the case when it is necessary to swallow a portion of solid food, the folds are smoothed out and the lumen of the esophagus expands.

The wall of the esophagus consists of three membranes:

Mucous membrane lines the inside of the esophagus. Its glands produce mucus, which facilitates the passage of food.
Muscularis makes up the middle layer of the esophagus. Has two layers of smooth muscle. Some go along the esophagus, others encircle it with rings. Their task is to ensure the movement of swallowed food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Connective tissue membrane (adventitia) limits the esophagus and makes it possible to change the width of its lumen.

The esophagus begins and ends with sphincters. These are muscle rings that look like thickenings of the walls of the esophagus. Their task is to let or not let food into the gastrointestinal tract and prevent it from refluxing from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus has three narrowings and two expansions. This feature is associated with the adjacency of other internal organs to it: the aorta, diaphragm.

Symptoms of a burn of the esophagus Local symptoms of a burn of the esophagus

The tissues of the esophagus are penetrated by nerve endings. Therefore, their burn causes severe

It is felt in the neck, behind the sternum and in the upper abdomen. Footprints

noticeable on the lips and in the oral cavity.

Tissue swelling quickly occurs. As a result, the lumen of the esophagus is blocked and the swallowing process is disrupted.

Shortness of breath occurs due to swelling of the laryngeal tissue. This is often accompanied by vomiting mixed with mucus, blood and pieces of the affected mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Sometimes spasms of the esophagus occur.

Immediately after taking an aggressive liquid, damage occurs first to the mucous membrane, and then to other membranes of the esophagus. Chemical compounds destroy cells and cause tissue death. The areas where the esophagus has physiological narrowings are most affected. Cauterizing liquids linger there and cause severe burns.

A 3rd degree burn can create a hole in the wall of the esophagus. In severe cases, the bronchial wall is also destroyed and an esophageal-tracheal fistula occurs.

General symptoms of damage to the body

General intoxication of the body develops. It is caused by poisoning, which occurs due to the accumulation

toxins

– tissue breakdown products. Its signs are an increase

temperature

Strong

weaknessnausea

Violation of heart activity.

Kidney-liver failure can result from damage to the body by toxins. The kidneys and liver, which are responsible for clearing the blood of waste products, are unable to cope with their task.

The severity of damage to internal organs depends on the concentration of the chemical and the amount of liquid ingested.

There are three degrees of esophageal burn:

I degree, the easiest. The lesion affected only the upper layers of the epithelium, which covers the mucous membrane of the esophagus. There is redness, swelling, and increased vulnerability. All phenomena disappear within 10-14 days.
II degree, average. The mucous membrane and submucosal layer of muscle cells are destroyed. In this case, severe swelling occurs, which can completely block the lumen of the esophagus. The lesions have the appearance of ulcerations, which are gradually covered with a layer of fibrin fibers, a blood plasma protein. If no complications arise, the surface of the esophagus heals by the end of 3-4 weeks.
III degree – severe. The lesion covers all layers of the esophagus and can spread to the surrounding tissue and nearby organs. In this case, common phenomena arise - intoxication and shock. During the healing process, scar processes develop. Narrowing and shortening of this organ is possible. If emergency care is carried out correctly, healing lasts from three months to two years.

Treatment of a burn of the esophagus Treatment of a burn of the esophagus of II-III degree is carried out in a hospital. This is necessary to prevent serious complications (bleeding, esophageal rupture, sepsis). It is impossible to determine the degree of burn on your own. Therefore, if you swallow cauterizing liquids, call an ambulance as soon as possible.

Depending on the extent of the damage, the patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit or intensive care unit.

The treatment is carried out by a toxicologist.

First aid to the victim

The first thing to do is gastric lavage. The victim is given a liter of water to drink and vomited to remove the chemical compounds.

The next step is to neutralize the substance. In order to properly provide first aid, it is necessary to determine what caused the burn to the esophagus. It is often impossible to interview the victim: state of shock, childhood. Then you need to try to determine this by the smell of your breath or find the container in which the chemicals were located.

If it is determined that the burn was caused by acid, then to neutralize its effect it is necessary to rinse the stomach with alkali. To do this, use a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate (2 g per liter of water). At home, you need to dilute half a teaspoon of baking soda in a liter of lukewarm boiled water and drink in small sips. After this, try to induce vomiting.

As first aid for a burn of the esophagus with alkali, gastric lavage is used with a weak solution of acetic, citric acid or vegetable oil.

If the burn is caused by potassium permanganate KMnO4, then wash with a 1% solution of ascorbic acid.

If the cause of the burn cannot be determined, the effect of the chemical compound can be neutralized with milk. Give 2 glasses of milk in small sips, warm but not hot.

It is important to rinse within the first 6 hours after drinking the liquid.

Treatment of a burn of the esophagus in a medical institution

If the patient has a spasm and cannot swallow, then gastric lavage is carried out in the hospital through a tube. Before this, it is generously lubricated with oil. Analgesics are pre-administered to relieve pain during the procedure - promedol 1 ml. 2% solution or atropine sulfate. In addition, local anesthesia of the mouth and pharynx is performed.

Complex treatment of chemical burns of the esophagus:

For pain relief, promedol, morphine, and analgin are used.
To relieve esophageal spasm, atropine 0.5-0.6 ml is prescribed.
Relanium is used as a sedative to relieve agitation.
To relieve shock - prednisolone, sodium bicarbonate solution, rheopolyglucin, intravenous saline solutions.
To prevent the formation of scars on the walls of the esophagus, adrenal cortex preparations are administered.
To prevent infectious complications, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used - cefamezin, ampiox
If necessary, medications are prescribed to normalize the activity of the heart and kidneys

In the first 5-7 days, vegetable or vaseline oil is prescribed - this promotes better healing of burns. Eating food, even liquid food, is excluded during this period.

In severe cases, the patient undergoes gastrostomy. This is an opening into the stomach cavity through the anterior wall. This is necessary for nutrition in the first weeks after a burn.

In the first days, in case of a II-III degree burn, X-rays and endoscopic examination are not prescribed, so as not to further injure the esophagus.

To prevent narrowing of the esophagus, bougienage is prescribed. This is a procedure for gradually widening the esophagus using elastic probes of different diameters. Such manipulations begin from 5-7 days and are repeated for several months after the mucous membrane has healed.

The forecast depends on:

the type of solution that caused the burn and its quantity.
degree of damage, with degrees 1-2 it is favorable
pH level of cauterizing liquid – liquids with a pH less than 2 and more than 12 cause severe damage
correctness and timeliness of first aid and further treatment
complications that occur after a burn

In the most severe cases - stage 3 - mortality can reach 50-60%. In other cases, the prognosis is favorable. Timely and correct treatment of a burn of the esophagus gives favorable results in 90% of cases.

Prevention of esophageal burns

The main measures to prevent burns of the esophagus include proper storage of household chemicals. Substances that are cauterizing liquids must be stored separately from food products.

Keep household chemicals out of the reach of children. If everyone heeded this warning written on every label, there would be far fewer accidents.

It is especially dangerous to pour chemicals into food containers: cans, bottles. These liquids are mistakenly mistaken for water and drunk, resulting in a burn to the pharynx and esophagus.

About 70% of burns are caused by ingesting vinegar essence. Based on this, you should stop using it and replace it with vinegar.

Caustic soda, which is used to clean pots and pipes, should not be stored in the kitchen. It does not have a pungent specific odor and is mistaken for baking soda.

In previous years, up to 10% of victims received burns after drinking a strong solution of potassium permanganate, which was used as a disinfectant. Therefore, if you still have supplies of this drug, do not dilute it in mugs and do not leave the prepared solution where children or other family members can get it.

Conversations with children on the topic of safety play an important role in the prevention of esophageal burns. It is necessary to promptly tell your child what dangers household chemicals pose and why they should not be used for other purposes.

Answers to frequently asked questions: What causes esophageal burns in children?

The majority of victims - up to 45% - are children under 7 years old. The older the child, the lower the risk that he will take unsuitable liquid into his mouth. According to statistics from specialized departments of children's hospitals, the main cause of esophageal burns in children is vinegar essence (about 60%). In second and third place are cleaning products and ammonia.

In recent years, the amount of household chemicals based on concentrated acids and alkalis has increased sharply. Each apartment has a variety of liquids in colorful packaging. “Mr. Muscle”, “Mole”, tile and toilet cleaners and stain removers cause severe consequences and disability.

What are the characteristic symptoms of an esophageal burn?

The first symptoms of a burn to the esophagus occur immediately after the cauterizing liquid enters the body.

Signs of a burn to the esophagus:

Severe pain and burning behind the sternum.
Due to swelling of the larynx, there is a lack of air and suffocation.
Traces of burns and necrosis - tissue death - are visible on the lips and mouth.
Spasm of the esophagus causes difficulty swallowing.
Severe salivation occurs.
Vomiting, often mixed with blood. Thus, the body tries to get rid of the chemical compounds that have entered it.

If these symptoms appear, you must immediately call an ambulance.

How to provide first aid for a burn of the esophagus?

The prognosis of the course of the disease and the speed of recovery depend on whether first aid is provided correctly.

First of all, it is necessary to cleanse the body of the substance that caused the burn. To do this, they give you water or milk to drink, and then induce vomiting.

After the remaining chemicals have been washed away, you can begin to neutralize their effects. You cannot start from this step. Because the reaction of acid and alkali releases a large amount of carbon dioxide. This may cause suffocation.

If the victim drank acid, then you need to give him a weak solution of baking soda (2 grams per liter of water). If the burn was caused by alkali, then neutralize its effect with a weak solution of vinegar in water or citric acid (3-4 grams per liter).

The ambulance team performs gastric lavage through a tube. Before this, the patient is given 100 ml to drink. novocaine solution for anesthesia of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and esophagus. Analgesics are administered subcutaneously to relieve pain shock. About 10 liters of water are used to lavage the stomach.

After cleaning the stomach, the hospital department begins complex treatment appropriate to the patient’s condition. They take medications that improve the functioning of the heart, kidneys and lungs, hormones, painkillers and drugs for intravenous nutrition.

If the victim can swallow, then in the first days a 5% solution of novocaine is prescribed - 100 ml in small sips throughout the day. It is also recommended to drink vegetable oil with the addition of an antibiotic.

What happens when the esophagus is burned by alcohol (alcohol)?

Alcohol burns occur when strong alcoholic beverages are swallowed. This can happen when consuming medical alcohol 70 or 96% and various tinctures based on it. When the esophagus is burned by alcohol, loss of taste, dizziness and weakness, pain in the neck, chest, and stomach occur.

When the esophagus is burned with alcohol, a white coating of fibrin forms on the surface of the mucosa, which resembles the white of a boiled egg. This is tissue that is dead as a result of an alcohol burn.

96% alcohol tans mucosal cells. A thin film is formed, which delays penetration into deeper layers. Therefore, severe burns do not occur when drinking alcohol. If the stomach has not been filled, a burn to the gastric mucosa may occur. But more dangerous is alcohol poisoning, which occurs when taking large doses of alcohol.

What happens when the esophagus is burned with vinegar?

Table vinegar does not cause severe burns to the esophagus. More severe consequences occur when vinegar is absorbed into the blood. Vinegar destroys

red blood cells

and arises

renal failure

Serious acid damage to the esophagus can occur if vinegar essence is ingested. It has a cauterizing effect. Water leaves the cells of the esophagus, and they turn into a dry crust - a scab.

Although acetic acid, unlike alkalis, does not cause perforation (rupture) of the esophagus, it can cause severe painful shock and damage to internal organs: liver, kidneys, heart.

How to treat a burn of the esophagus with folk remedies?

First-degree chemical burns of the esophagus, after examination by a doctor, can be treated at home with folk remedies.

As first aid for burns of the esophagus, traditional medicine advises drinking a liter of milk or a glass of vegetable oil, or 5 raw egg whites. These products help neutralize the effects of chemicals.

For a speedy recovery, you can use one of the recipes

Stir the white of a fresh egg in a glass of water. Protein forms a film on the burned surface and promotes its healing.
Chamomile tea prevents the development of complications, soothes and relieves inflammation. Brew tea at the rate of 2 teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Drink warm throughout the day.
A decoction of flax seed is used as an enveloping agent that promotes healing of the mucous membrane and relieves pain. To do this, take 12 teaspoons of seeds, add a liter of water and boil over low heat for 10 minutes. After this, let it cool and filter. Drink in small sips throughout the day.
Pour a teaspoon of quince seeds with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, then strain. Take 4-5 times a day, 1 tablespoon before meals.
Pour a tablespoon of marshmallow rhizome into 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take a few sips 3-4 times a day.
Tricolor violet herb - 1 tablespoon, pour a glass of boiling water. Leave in a warm place for 2 hours. Strain and drink throughout the day.

Treatment of burns of the esophagus is a complex and lengthy process that can last for years. That's why it's so important to prevent this accident from happening. Take precautions when using chemicals and keep them away from children.

What foods can cause a burn to the esophagus? By eating hot food, you can get a thermal burn of the esophagus, which will result in the typical symptoms described above in the article. The optimal food temperature is no more than 40°C. It is dangerous to eat food that has not cooled down, especially for children. In addition, constant consumption of hot food can lead to spasms of the esophagus, inflammatory processes, and cancer.

What are the possible consequences of a burn to the esophagus? The following conditions may develop as a result of a burn to the esophagus::

Esophagitis– inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
Scar narrowing of the esophagus. The narrowing caused by chemical burns is most often located in the lower part of the esophagus. There can be many areas of scar narrowing, sometimes they stretch along the entire length of the organ. Sometimes scar tissue also grows in the surrounding fatty tissue, causing the esophagus to move to the side. Scar narrowing of the esophagus after burns is eliminated using bougienages(gradual expansion of the lumen) or surgical intervention.
Cicatricial shortening of the esophagus.
Perforation of the esophagus. A hole forms in the wall of the organ. Most often this occurs due to burns from alkalis. In turn, perforation can lead to other, more severe complications.
Mediastinitis- inflammation of the space that is located inside the chest between the lungs and is filled with internal organs ( mediastinum). The inflammatory process develops as a result of penetration of the contents of the esophagus into the mediastinum against the background of perforation.
Esophageal-bronchial and esophageal-tracheal fistulas. With perforation and the development of the inflammatory process, pathological communications may occur between the esophagus and the bronchi and trachea.
Aspiration pneumonia. Thermal and chemical burns of the esophagus are usually combined with lesions epiglottis– cartilage of the larynx, which covers the airways during swallowing. It ceases to cope with its functions; food and saliva entering the lungs lead to the development of pneumonia.
Pleurisy. Inflammation of the pleura - a thin film of connective tissue that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. May occur as a complication of aspiration pneumonia or esophageal perforation.
Esophageal carcinoma. After a burn, the risk of cancer increases 10-1000 times. The diagnosis can often be very difficult to establish in the early stages.

Can gastric juice burn the esophagus? Gastric juice is acidic, and if it enters the esophagus, it can damage its mucous membrane. This happens when gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The effect of gastric juice on the esophageal mucosa can lead to some complications:

erosions and ulcers of the esophagus;
esophageal bleeding;
narrowing of the esophagus;
Barrett's esophagus– a precancerous disease in which cells that differ from normal appear in the mucous membrane of the esophagus;
esophageal carcinoma.

What is a radiation burn of the esophagus? Radiation burns of the esophagus are rare. They are caused by the effect of ionizing radiation on the organ and arise, as a rule, as a complication of radiation therapy in the treatment of tumors of the mediastinum and mammary glands. Typically, such radiation burns of the esophagus manifest themselves in the form of inflammation of its mucous membrane - esophagitis. Swallowing is impaired, pain and discomfort occurs in the chest.
How is a burn of the esophagus coded in the ICD?

Depending on the cause of the burn, it is designated by one of two codes:

T28.1– thermal burn of the esophagus;
T28.6– chemical burn of the esophagus.

What happens when the esophagus is burned by soda? In the past, at the end of the 19th century, poisoning and burns of the esophagus with soda were quite common. But this was not food familiar to all modern people ( sodium bicarbonate), A caustic soda – sodium hydroxide. This very aggressive substance, capable of causing severe burns to the skin and mucous membranes, was previously widely used for the manufacture of various hygiene products.

Currently, burns of the esophagus with caustic soda are extremely rare. Burns of the esophagus caused by another alkali are much more common - ammonia. This substance is often thoughtlessly used to sober up during alcohol intoxication.

What substances most often cause chemical burns of the esophagus?

Acids: acetic, sulfuric, hydrochloric.
Alkalis: caustic soda, caustic potassium, caustic soda, ammonia.
Heavy metal salts: copper sulfate, sublimate.
Strong solution or potassium permanganate crystals.
Phenol.
Alcohol.

Damage to the esophagus as a result of exposure to liquids with high temperatures, alkalis and acids, leads to the development of burns of the esophagus. Such conditions occupy an important place in the structure of injuries among the population and lead to severe conditions, the need for long-term treatment and a serious decrease in the quality of life. In this regard, understanding the causes of the disease, knowledge of the main symptoms and methods of treatment is necessary for every person.

This is what a burn to the esophagus looks like during esophagoscopy

Burns of the esophagus occur as a result of exposure to a number of chemicals on the wall of the organ, or elevated temperature. A similar condition may occur in the following cases:

Damage to the mucous membrane as a result of contact with acids or alkalis. Most often it occurs due to poisoning at work, suicide attempts and the mistaken use of these aggressive liquids. Acids and alkalis damage the wall of the esophagus in a short period of time and lead to damage of varying severity - from an inflammatory reaction to perforation of the wall with the development of mediastinitis and bleeding. Sometimes, similar damage can be caused by hydrogen peroxide. A burn of the esophagus with acid leads to the formation of a dense crust, while a burn with alkali often leads to softening and rupture of the wall. Chemical burns of the esophagus are the most common type of burns of this organ.
Damage to the lining of the organ can occur as a result of a burn of the esophagus by liquid or food with a high temperature. You can burn your esophagus with excessively hot tea, other drinks, or just boiling water. Thermal burn of the esophagus is less common than the first option and leads to inflammation and necrosis in the upper parts of the esophagus.

Thermal burn of the esophagus can occur when drinking hot drinks

As a rule, damage to the esophagus from aggressive liquids is the result of accidents!

The entry of aggressive chemical liquids or liquids with elevated temperatures into the esophagus leads to the development of the following processes:

Acute inflammation, which is simple esophagitis. As a rule, this condition does not require specific treatment and, if you follow a gentle diet, goes away on its own without any complications.
Ulceration of the wall with the formation of an ulcerative defect of varying depth (from the inner epithelial layer to the outer membrane). Superficial ulcers are capable of self-healing without surgery, and deeper defects require hospitalization of the patient and provision of surgical assistance due to the possible development of severe complications: bleeding from the esophageal vessels, perforation of the wall with the development of mediastinitis, adhesions between the walls and narrowing of the lumen of the organ up to his complete absence.
If caustic alkalis enter the esophagus, perforation may quickly develop without the stage of ulceration. In these cases, the patient needs emergency surgical care.

Symptoms for burns of the esophagus can be divided into two large groups: local and general, characterized by the peculiarities of their manifestations.

At the first moment of the burn, severe pain appears

The esophagus contains a lot of nerve fibers, and therefore any damage to its wall leads to severe pain. Most often, it is widespread in nature with the main localization in the retrosternal region with transition to the neck and upper abdomen. In addition, external signs of poisoning include visible damage and burns on the lips and facial skin.

Some of the aggressive fluid always ends up in the larynx, which leads to damage to the vocal cords. This situation is manifested by hoarseness and changes in the person’s voice. Possible swelling of soft tissues, leading to disruption of the swallowing process and difficulty breathing with symptoms of shortness of breath.

In rare cases, a spasm of the esophageal muscles may occur, which leads to an even greater increase in pain and the appearance of colic behind the sternum.

In addition to local pain and other symptoms, the patient begins to experience developing intoxication of the body associated with the accumulation of toxins and breakdown products of esophageal tissue in the body. The patient experiences a rise in body temperature, general weakness, nausea and headache. With severe intoxication, liver and kidney failure may occur, which directly threaten the patient’s life.

Based on clinical symptoms, there are three degrees of severity of burns:

Mild severity occurs when the surface epithelium is damaged. The mucous membrane becomes red, swollen and more easily injured. This condition goes away on its own within one to two weeks if you follow a gentle diet.
Moderate severity is associated with the destruction of the mucous membrane and the muscle layer lying behind it. In addition to direct damage, severe swelling appears that can completely close the lumen of the organ. Ulcers form in the esophagus, healing up to one month with treatment.
In severe cases, all layers of the wall are affected, and even nearby organs. Intoxication and inflammatory syndromes are clearly expressed, and infection is possible. The esophagus becomes narrowed and scarred, and it may become shorter or completely impassable for solid and liquid food. The process of complete healing extends to several months or even years.

Burns vary in severity

An esophageal burn is a serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization and treatment.

It is not difficult to make a correct diagnosis of a burn of the esophagus. As a rule, the doctor immediately understands what he is dealing with after interviewing the patient or people close to him. The fact of taking an aggressive liquid immediately explains all the symptoms. Additional consultation with the surgeon allows you to identify the type of damaging agent, its quantity and concentration, as well as assess existing damage and determine further tactics.

Intensive therapy and stabilization of the patient's condition allow additional research methods to be carried out. The “gold standard” in diagnosing a burn of the esophagus is an endoscopic examination, which allows the doctor to examine the esophagus, determine the volume and location of damage. In some cases, the risk of complications can also be assessed. Endoscopy also allows you to assess the dynamics of recovery during the treatment process, as it is a simple, cheap and informative examination method.

In addition, in some cases, X-ray examination of the esophagus with a contrast agent is used. In this case, the contours of the esophagus, wall defects, as well as narrowings and perforations in the organ are clearly visualized.

Treatment of esophageal burns is a difficult task, requiring an integrated approach and a combination of both surgical and therapeutic methods. The burned organ regenerates for a long time, replacing the damaged areas.

First aid for a burn of the esophagus should be provided to all patients before hospitalization in the intensive care unit of the hospital. What to do if this condition develops? First aid consists of thoroughly rinsing the mouth with plain clean water to remove and neutralize the aggressive agent, as well as drinking two glasses of milk, which also do an excellent job of neutralizing. Under no circumstances should you try to induce vomiting in a patient in order to clear the stomach of acids, alkalis or other substances using a large volume of water. As a result of such an attempt, the esophagus may rupture, which will significantly worsen the person’s chances of recovery.

First aid for a chemical burn of the esophagus should be provided quickly, preferably while transporting the patient to the hospital or simultaneously with calling an ambulance. Emergency care is the most important component of successful and effective treatment, especially for a chemical burn.

Treatment of a burn of the esophagus must necessarily be comprehensive and include the following steps:

Adequate pain relief through the use of narcotic analgesics - Promedol, Morphine, Tramadol and other drugs.
Antispasmodic therapy with Atropine to relax the muscle wall of the organ.
Preventing the development of painful shock with the help of Prednisolone, Reopoliglucin and other drugs.
Prevention of bacterial infection involves the use of antibacterial drugs - Amoxicillin, cephalosporins, Amoxiclav and others.
When renal or liver failure develops, appropriate groups of drugs are used.

Carrying out infusion therapy

In the first week after a burn, plant oils are used to prevent further ulceration of the mucous membrane. These days they don’t even take liquid food. Parenteral nutrition is used. In severe cases with the development of esophageal stenosis and other complications, a gastrostomy tube is recommended to provide nutrition. As a rule, X-ray and endoscopic methods cannot be used in the first days due to the possibility of developing side effects from these procedures and deterioration of the patient’s general condition.

Which treatment method is the most effective? It is very difficult to give one answer to this question - it is necessary to treat it comprehensively. In order to prevent and treat narrowing of the esophagus, bougienage is used, which consists of a gradual expansion of the esophagus using special elastic bougies of various diameters. This manipulation is carried out by a surgeon starting from the second week after receiving the burn, and continues for several months after the mucosal defects have completely healed.

Do not self-medicate under any circumstances - this will only worsen the results and can lead to serious complications, including death.

Children are much more likely to be affected at an early age. Almost half of all cases of esophageal burns among children occur under the age of seven years. First of all, this is due to poor organization of the baby’s life. Parents may leave dangerous liquids (hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid) within reach of the child, and children rarely pay special attention to what they are trying to put in their mouths. In addition to these products, very often children get burns as a result of taking ammonia or various aggressive cleaning agents.

Burns of the esophagus in children, as a rule, are severe with symptoms of severe intoxication. Children are always subject to hospitalization and monitoring of their condition. Very often, to prevent stenosis, bougienage with elastic dilators is used in childhood, as well as various plastic surgeries on the esophagus. Surgery can cope with even severe defects of the esophageal wall.

Household chemicals should be stored out of the reach of children

The most important cause of esophageal burns, especially in childhood, is drinking inappropriately aggressive liquids and solutions. In this regard, the most important point in preventing such injuries is organizing proper storage and access to such liquids. All household chemicals, vinegar essence, and ammonia must be stored out of the reach of children. It is necessary to check and update the labeling on all containers with solutions, especially aggressive ones.

Alcohol burns to the esophagus can be prevented by limiting its use, or even better, by completely abstaining from alcoholic beverages. It must be remembered that alcoholic drinks are powerful damaging agents that can cause ulceration on the mucous membranes of even an adult. Any product containing alcohol can burn the internal lining of the digestive tract.

For children, conversations about safety rules play a vital role. It is recommended to conduct such conversations in the form of educational games. With this simple measure, most childhood injuries can be prevented.

A burn to the esophagus and stomach occurs as a result of substances of elevated temperature or chemical reagents entering the internal organs of a person. Depending on the irritant, burns are classified as thermal or chemical.

Thermal injuries develop from swallowing food that is too hot or from inhaling large amounts of steam.
Chemical damage occurs as a result of damage to the walls of the stomach or esophagus by various chemicals and other harmful substances.

According to medical statistics, most burn injuries occur as a result of chemical exposure.

The most common chemical damages are:

acid burn (vinegar essence);
burn from alkali (caustic soda, caustic soda);
burns with other substances (alcohol-containing liquids, phenol, gasoline, acetone, silicate glue, potassium permanganate solution).

At the first symptoms of a burn or after direct ingestion of irritating substances, the victim must be referred to a medical facility. A person’s life often depends on the timeliness of treatment measures taken, especially if the stomach or esophagus is damaged in children.

Signs of a burn

The soft tissues of the esophagus contain nerve endings, so after a burn the victim experiences severe pain. Pain in the abdominal area is the first sign of traumatic injury. In addition, pain can spread to the neck or back area. After a burn injury to the esophagus, traces of the burn (redness and swelling) are observed in the oral cavity and on the lips.

As a result of exposure to chemical reagents, the victim’s voice changes and hoarseness is observed.

The consequences of a traumatic injury are swelling of the esophageal mucosa, as a result of which the natural process of swallowing is disrupted in the victim. Tissue swelling is accompanied by shortness of breath, vomiting, and spasms of the esophagus.

When ingesting chemicals, not only the walls of the esophagus are affected, but also other components of the stomach. The chemical aggressor that gets inside destroys tissue cells, resulting in tissue necrosis.

In case of serious burn injuries, the formation of a hole in the esophagus, destruction of the bronchi and the occurrence of a fistula in the esophagus are observed.

Along with the main symptoms of a burn, the victim experiences chills, his body temperature rises, and his heart rhythm is abnormal.

The severity of a stomach burn depends on the duration of exposure of the aggressor to the internal organs, on the nature of its origin and on the concentration of the irritant substance. Accordingly, with more complex traumatic lesions, the victim experiences more painful symptoms, accompanied by general weakness and other negative symptoms.

Severity of burns

In medical practice, there are 3 degrees of severity of burns of the esophagus or stomach.

First degree (mild stage). In case of a burn injury, only the upper layer of the soft epithelium is damaged, while the internal soft tissues are not affected. Symptoms of a 1st degree burn are redness and slight swelling of the mucosal walls, the victim feels slight pain. As a rule, no special medical intervention is required in this case, and all signs of a burn injury disappear within a half-month on their own.
Second degree (middle stage). During a burn, the mucous membrane and internal muscle tissue of the esophagus or stomach are affected. As a result of the burn, severe swelling appears on the mucous membrane, and the surface of the mucous membrane itself becomes covered with ulcers. In this case, the victim must receive qualified medical treatment. If no complications arise from the injury, the injury will heal within a month.
Third degree (severe stage). As a result of a burn injury, all layers of the esophagus and stomach are damaged, and the damage often spreads to nearby internal organs. After the incident, the victim experiences shock and intoxication occurs in the body. Even if the victim receives timely medical care, scars remain at the burn site, and the wound heals in a period of 3 months to 3 years.

Treatment and first aid

A 1st degree burn does not require drug treatment, but the victim still needs to be shown to a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and to carry out preventive procedures for complications after the burn. 2nd and 3rd degree burns require medical intervention, which is provided to the victim after providing primary care.

The further successful recovery of the patient from a burn of the esophagus and stomach depends on the speed and immediacy of primary care.

First aid:

rinse the stomach. To do this, the victim must promptly drink at least 1 liter of clean warm water, and then induce vomiting;
if the damage is caused by chemical compounds, then the reagent is neutralized. This action can only be carried out if the nature of the stimulus is reliably known. If the burn aggressor is not known, then neutralization is carried out only by doctors;
the victim must be taken to a medical facility or an ambulance team must be called to the scene of the incident.

In a medical institution, the nature of the lesion is determined and the main aggressor of the burn is determined. After determining the necessary basics, the patient's stomach is washed again. If the victim experiences esophageal spasm, rinsing is carried out using a probe. Before using the umbrella, the esophagus is pre-treated with oil and the patient is given an anesthetic.

The main treatment for burns consists of the following procedures:

taking painkillers;
use of drugs to relieve esophageal spasm;
normalization of the cardiac and excretory systems;
preventing intoxication of the body;
relieving the victim of shock.

As an additional treatment method, doctors recommend that the victim take vegetable oil orally. In addition, the victim should follow a strict diet.

Chemical burn of the esophagus and stomach

A dangerous chemical burn to the esophagus occurs as a result of intentional or accidental ingestion of aggressive chemicals. Most often, the aggressor of chemical damage is vinegar essence or alcohol-containing liquids.

Symptoms:

spasm of the esophageal muscles;
sharp pain in the stomach area, radiating to the neck or back;
pain shock;
intoxication of the body;
vomit;
breathing problems;
hoarseness of voice.

After a chemical burn, the victim must be urgently taken to a medical facility. Further successful treatment, and often the life of the victim, depends on the speed of provision of primary care.

Acid burn

If it is reliably known that traumatic damage to the esophagus occurred due to acid, then the effect of the irritant must be neutralized with an alkaline solution. To prepare an alkaline solution, use baking soda (in the ratio of 1 teaspoon of soda per 1 liter of boiled warm water). The victim is given a prepared alkaline solution to drink and then vomited.

Alkali burn

As a result of a burn of the esophagus and stomach with alkali, gastric lavage is performed with acid solutions. In this case, you can use acetic, tartaric or citric acid. A small amount of the necessary acid is dissolved in a liter of warm and boiled water, and then the victim drinks the prepared solution. After which vomiting is induced.

Acetic or other acid can be replaced with vegetable or sea buckthorn oil.

Burn with alcohol (alcohol)

The degree of injury from a burn caused by an alcohol-containing substance is influenced by the amount of liquid drunk and its strength. The first signs of alcohol trauma are: dizziness, general weakness, loss of taste, pain in the stomach, abdomen, neck and back.

Primary care for burn injuries is gastric lavage. After this, the victim must be taken to a medical facility.

Vinegar burn

The most dangerous burn injury is caused by vinegar. The speed of initial assistance actions directly affects the future life of the victim. After taking vinegar, you must immediately rinse your stomach with an alkaline solution (soda solution) or plain water.

Even when the victim does not feel pain or changes in general physical condition, he still needs to be taken to a medical facility to provide basic treatment for a vinegar burn.

Thermal burn of the stomach or esophagus

Thermal damage to the stomach or esophagus occurs during the process of swallowing uncooled food or during intense inhalation of hot vapors.

In medical practice, thermal burns are not as common as chemical burns. 1st degree injuries can be treated with independent methods, but for burn injuries of 2nd and 3rd degrees, the victim must undergo treatment as prescribed by a doctor.

Food burn

When swallowing hot food or liquid, pain occurs in the esophagus. First aid for food burns involves cooling the walls of the esophagus. To do this, the victim needs to drink 1 liter of cool water in small sips.

With severe burns of the esophagus, damage to the walls of the stomach is possible.

Boiling water burn

First aid for a burn with boiling water is similar to first aid for a burn with hot food. After a traumatic injury, the victim needs to drink enough cool water.

After a burn to the esophagus, the victim must follow a diet that excludes salty, spicy and smoked foods.

Burn of the esophagus and stomach in a child

In most cases, children suffer from burns of the esophagus and stomach. Kids drink the liquid they are interested in, but at the same time do not think at all about the possible consequences.

After a traumatic injury, adults urgently need to call an ambulance; this is important to do in a timely manner even in cases where there is a slight burn to the child’s esophagus.

First aid after a burn in a child is to lavage the stomach cavity; for this, the baby needs to drink a large amount of cool water and then induce vomiting.

Further treatment is prescribed only by the doctor after examining the little patient and conducting the necessary laboratory tests.

It is important for parents and adults to take care of the prevention of burn injuries to the child’s esophagus. To do this, you must follow these simple steps:

Follow the rules for storing household chemicals. It should be kept out of the reach of children;
Replace vinegar essence with vinegar. It must also be stored in places inaccessible to the baby;
Conduct timely conversations with your child about the dangers of chemicals and the consequences of burns.

Alternative treatment for burns of the esophagus or stomach

After providing medical assistance as a result of 2nd and 3rd degree damage, as well as after a 1st degree burn, the victim can use traditional therapy. Traditional therapy methods will help normalize the physical condition of the victim and promote rapid wound healing and restoration of the functions of the esophagus and stomach.

take 1 tbsp daily on an empty stomach. a spoonful of vegetable, sea buckthorn or olive oil;
drink fresh milk several times a day;
three times a day, take 1 glass of decoction of medicinal herbs (chamomile grass, quince seeds, marshmallow roots).

Vinegar

The vinegar liquid itself is not a factor in severe injuries that need to be treated in the hospital. Vinegar is dangerous because, when absorbed into the blood, it destroys its components (proteins, red blood cells), which in turn will lead to a decrease in the functioning of the immune system and diseases of the kidney system. Damage to the epithelium of internal organs is possible when acetic essence gets on them. A large dose of vinegar can cause shock and abnormalities in the functioning of the heart and liver.

Characteristic for people suffering from reflux gastroesophageal disease. The peculiarity of the disease is that it provokes the release of gastric juice into the esophagus. The digestive secretion, in turn, gets on the mucous membranes of the esophagus, burns them, all this leads to ulcerative formations, stenosis and even cancer.

Treatment of chemical burns of the esophagus at home is not always effective, and can sometimes lead to serious pathologies. It is best not to self-medicate, but to seek qualified help, this will avoid further complications.

mix 200 grams of boiled water and one egg white, drink;
drink green or chamomile tea several times a day;
make a tincture of flaxseeds (12 spoons per liter of water) and drink 59 grams three times a day;
take a decoction of quince seeds (one tablespoon per glass of boiling water);
treat yourself with violet tea.

Forecast

The rehabilitation period directly depends on how severe the degree of the burn is, how much active substances enter the body and how aggressive they are. High concentration alkaline solutions cause severe damage to internal organs. First and second degree thermal burns are the safest. Chemical injuries of high severity (3 -4) – can lead to death, in medical practice this is 50% of cases.

A burn of the esophageal wall is damage to the structure of the tissue of the digestive tract that occurs as a result of chemical, thermal, biological or radiation aggressive effects of a provoking agent.

According to statistics, most often children under the age of 10, alcoholics, drug addicts, people with mental disorders or in a state of altered consciousness when attempting suicide suffer from damage.

Anatomical features of the organ structure

The esophagus, about 30 cm long, is an intermediate section of the organs of the digestive system, a continuation of the pharynx, and begins in the perimeter of the fourth section of the spine. In the anteroposterior compartment it is characterized by a flattened hollow muscular tube that smoothly passes into the stomach.

There are three active areas in the organ with anatomical and physiological thinning of the passage:

Anatomical:

cervical with diaphragmatic narrowing;
thoracic – pharyngeal narrowing;
abdominal - bronchial narrowing.

Physiological: aortic and cardiac thinning.

The digestive region has two sphincters (upper and lower food valves), which control the passage of food and prevent the penetration of caustic gastric juice into the esophagus, pharynx and oral cavity:

the upper sphincter is located at the larynx;
The lower esophageal valve is located at the base of the stomach.

The structure of the wall consists of mucous, submucosal muscular and adventitial films. The muscle two-layer film contains longitudinal outer and inner circular tissues. The upper section is structured with striated muscles; in the middle of the organ they gradually change and towards the base of the stomach they completely switch to a smooth muscle structure.

The mucous film is covered with multiple layers of non-keratinized epithelium of the mucous glands. The epithelium is located on a fine fibrous junction and consists of a bundle of collagen, reticulin fibrous compounds and connective tissue cells that protrude into the structure of the epithelium in a papillary form.

Gastric motility ensures accelerated movement of swallowed substances from the larynx to the gastric region without mixing and clumping. Transportation occurs in 10 seconds when swallowing solid elements, and in 3 seconds when swallowing a liquid substance. Pushing begins due to contraction of muscle tissue with a large amplitude of movement and duration of distribution of elements along the esophagus.

Types of burn injuries

The degree of damage to the walls of the digestive tract depends on the concentration, chemical and thermal parameters and the time period of contact of the mucous membrane with an aggressive environment.

A mild form provokes the formation of a catarrhal inflammatory process with separation of the arterial layer and the further appearance of vesicular formations, which subsequently transform into erosions. The deep layers are deformed due to the development of the inflammatory process. With a mild burn, erosive formations heal without the formation of scars.

The average degree of deformation of the mucosa is characterized by the spread of an aggressive environment to the internal levels of the structure; in this case, submucosal and muscular tissues are affected.

Acid and acid-salt burns coagulate necrotic cells to form a dry scab, which to some extent protects the underlying structures from further damage.

In case of mercuric chloride poisoning, deep coagulative necrotic changes in the esophagus develop with decomposition of the wall and the formation of a purulent and putrefactive process in the sternum.

The most severe burn of the esophagus occurs as a result of exposure to caustic alkali, as it causes colliquation necrotic changes in matter with the destruction of the structure of proteins and saponification of the fat layer.

Characteristics of the burn

Thermal injury most often occurs as a result of ingesting hot food or liquid. Less common: thermal burn of the esophagus from inhalation of fumes. Severe tissue damage with the development of scars and narrowing of the walls of blood vessels practically does not occur.

A chemical burn occurs due to oral ingestion of chemically active elements. Chemical exposure affects all digestive organs and the mediastinum, which provokes swelling of the lungs and respiratory failure. This occurs as a result of the action of chemically active volatile compounds.

30% of victims of traumatic injury are adults; poisoning occurs as a result of suicide attempts or unintentional consumption of a poisonous drink.

The most common contingent among victims: children under 6 years old, in second place are the age categories from 6 to 11. Burns of the esophagus in children occur as a result of improper storage of chemical mixtures at home or in public conditions.

Important! To prevent injury to children, all chemicals hazardous to life and health must be stored in hard-to-reach places.

Severity of burn exposure

The depth of deformation of the organ structure differs in three types:

First degree: oral intake of a tiny amount of a caustic or thermally active substance, as well as insufficient concentration of the aggressive element. In case of poisoning, the upper layer of the epithelium along the entire or partial length of the esophagus is affected. Painful sensations of a mild nature. The condition will stabilize within two to three days.

Second degree: the internal layers of the epithelium are captured up to the germinal area. Formation of vesicular neoplasms with serous filling occurs. The affected areas heal completely after two weeks due to the regeneration of the remaining germ area.

The third degree is divided into severity levels A and B:

Level A – there is partial deformation of the mucous, submucosal and muscular structures of the tissue.
Level B – total damage to the tissue structure.

The fourth degree of burn injury is complete necrotic deformations, tissue destruction, and the formation of large holes.

Important! Chemical damage to the digestive tract always entails a general toxic effect. First of all, the pathogenic effect is produced on the lungs, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys.

Post-traumatic stages

Each burn injury is characterized by individual healing characteristics, the risk of complications or irreversible consequences.

Stages of deformation of organs and tissues:

The first stage is physical damage to the tissue, begins at the moment of ingestion of aggressive burning substances, and ends several hours after interaction with the mucous membrane of the organs. During this time, primary damage to the organ occurs - alteration.
The second stage is characterized by the development of the inflammatory process in the affected area. It is a direct continuation of the first stage and lasts from three to five days after the injury occurs. The intensity of the process depends on the severity of the burn injury and may be accompanied by suppuration of the tissue.

A mild form of injury from chemical solutions is a serous and catarrhal inflammatory process.

The moderate and severe form in the second stage is characterized by pathological changes, degeneration of the necrotic structure begins: melting, restriction and splitting of necrotic formations occurs.

The third stage is the separation of the dead area and ulceration of the area, which lasts from 14 days and lasts for an indefinite period of time, depending on the nature of the injury.

The liquefied necrotic process is characterized by the fact that liquefied masses flow through the esophagus into the stomach and exit the body naturally.

The coagulation period is expressed by the process of separation of necrotic masses - sequestration. The danger of the process lies in the fact that individual pieces of a homogeneous compound in the form of a hose or a piece of material can provoke asphyxia.

A severe degree (in the third stage) can manifest itself as a complete violation of the integrity of the structure of the digestive tract. The development of delayed perforations is observed in weakened patients due to a chain destruction reaction: necrotic transformations become infected and cause the death of newly formed cells. This condition is defined as prolonged destruction.

The fourth stage of pathology development concerns only second and third degree lesions. With mild damage, the tissue completely regenerates on its own.

Second and third degree burns at the fourth stage are characterized by the formation of new tissue cells through granulation of elements. With limited trauma with the submucosal layer intact, natural regeneration actively restores lost cells and is completed in a short period of time.

Extensive damage inhibits regeneration, the formation of a ring-shaped protrusion occurs, which leads to a decrease in organic space.

The fifth stage of healing of the area is scarring of the tissue after granulation and maturation of the connective fiber. Due to scarring, the esophagus shortens. With deep injuries, scars form, which provokes straightening of the angle of His, the functionality of the gastric cardia is disrupted, reflux is deformed and inflammation of the mucous membrane begins.

Symptomatic characteristics

After taking a traumatic agent, severe pain occurs in the oral cavity, pharynx, sternum and epigastric cavity. Profuse salivation begins, repeated vomiting appears, and dysphagia occurs as a result of spasm of the esophagus in the affected areas.

The patient's skin surfaces acquire pale blue shades, and cold sweat appears. The burnt person's breathing quickens and tachycardia begins. During this period, various manifestations of shock may occur:

Drowsiness, lethargy, decreased reaction to the environment.
Excitement, aggressive behavior.

After a certain period, manifestations of post-traumatic toxemia begin, which is expressed in temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions. Breathing quickens, becomes shallow, pulse increases to 130 beats per minute, blood pressure decreases, and painful thirst begins as a result of dehydration of the body.

First emergency aid

The sooner first aid is provided, the greater the chance of a person’s survival and recovery. In case of damage by chemical elements, it is necessary to urgently take a neutralizing solution. The neutralizer is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the chemical used.

In case of acid damage, soda solution or magnesium is used for neutralization.
The alkaline environment is neutralized with an acetic solution; for this, the poisoned person is given a teaspoon of vinegar dissolved in a glass of water.

The use of a neutralizing solution is important for several hours after poisoning.

The second stage of urgent rehabilitation is gastric lavage:

For alkaline burns of the esophagus, treatment is carried out by rinsing with acetic acid with the addition of water.
Acid burns are washed with a soda solution.

Rinsing is carried out by oral administration of a warm soda or vinegar solution.

The use of sulfa drugs, which protect cells from decay and decomposition, and reduce pain, has a positive effect. Weakens the destructive process of a chemical reaction - a mixture of milk with a medical suspension of coal and magnesium sulfate.

The third stage of urgent rehabilitation:

Narcotics to prevent coma.
Ice compresses on the esophagus area.
To reduce salivation and relieve spasmodic urges, ganglion blockers are administered.

Primary rehabilitation actions in a hospital setting

A burn to the esophagus always requires urgent hospitalization. Patients must be sent to the surgical department, as urgent surgery may often be necessary: insertion of an endotracheal tube, dissection of the anterior wall of the trachea, creation of an artificial entrance to the stomach cavity.

In the hospital, therapeutic procedures are performed aimed at relieving shock and detoxification.

In case of damage resulting from the use of vinegar essence and the formation of intravascular hemolysis, an alkalizing method of rehabilitation is used: for this purpose, a solution of 5% sodium bicarbonate is administered and forced diuresis.

If acute renal failure occurs, the patient undergoes hemodialysis. If breathing is difficult, a tracheostomy is performed.

Urgent gastrostomy is indicated to exclude oral nutrition.

Therapeutic methods of rehabilitation

Further general therapeutic measures are carried out depending on the severity of poisoning, damage and the general condition of the patient. Due to severe dysphagia in the first days, complex therapeutic methods are required to maintain protein and electrolyte balance:

strict diet;
for first-degree burns, food intake is completely excluded for 24 hours;
second and third degrees - fasting for seven days;
oral administration of anesthetics and antibiotics with the addition of vegetable oils.

Multicomponent infusion therapeutic procedures to restore the volume and composition of extracellular and intracellular fluid are carried out by administering medicinal solutions. Medicines are prescribed individually depending on the development and possible complications after the burn.

Antibacterial therapy is prescribed to prevent the development of esophageal gangrene, sepsis and other infectious diseases of internal organs.

Corticosteroids (Prednisolone, Cortisone) - to prevent scar formation, retain fibroblasts and reduce inflammatory deformities of the esophagus.

A week after the injury, bougienage of the esophagus is prescribed. Before bougienage, esophagoscopy is performed to determine the degree of organ damage and the presence of necrotic transformations.

Hyperbaric oxygenation: reduces the spread of necrotic zones, limits infiltration, helps cleanse the burned surface and accelerates epithelial growth in the damaged area.

Conclusion

In case of injuries to the digestive system, necrotic changes involve all layers of organs and also spread to the insides of the mediastinum. Major damage to the tissue structure provokes the formation of mediastinitis, which extremely rarely ends well. If the outcome of events is favorable, this damage is completely healed.

The greatest deformations of the lining of the esophagus due to chemical compounds occur in places where the organ is narrowed, where massive scars subsequently form. Often a burn of the esophagus also covers the gastric region - completely or affecting only the pyloroantral part.

Important! In 99% of cases, a burn of the esophagus, ranging from the second and third degree of severity, leads to lifelong disability. Fourth degree burns are usually fatal.

Burns of the esophagus occur due to inattention, loss of self-control and deliberately - during a suicide attempt. There are chemical burns - damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and esophagus by aggressive and caustic substances, and thermal burns - damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane is caused by ingestion of hot food and boiling water.

What causes the dangerous condition?

Most often, a dangerous condition is caused by the use of such substances:

high concentration acids - acetic, sulfuric, oxalic;
alkali - caustic soda;
ammonia;
acetone;
hydrogen peroxide;
ethyl alcohol;
potassium permanganate solution...

The latter solution is often used undiluted for medicinal purposes, without suspecting that in this form it causes more harm than the diseases that are trying to be eliminated by taking it. Along with a burn of the esophagus, it is necessary to immediately treat a burn of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, nasopharynx and stomach.

Most of the victims are children and men under the influence of alcohol. It is usually women who consciously try to harm themselves.

The most severe consequences occur when burned by alkali. A chemical burn of the esophagus instantly dissolves tissue, destroying proteins and saponifying fats. The alkali quickly penetrates into the gelatinous substance, which is no longer a protective barrier, causing necrosis of the deep layers.

When acid enters the body, a scab instantly forms on the surface of the mucous membrane, making it difficult for the reagent to penetrate deep into the body. In addition, the reaction of body tissues to acid ingress is the release of liquid, and accordingly the concentration of the solution decreases.

Symptoms of a burn to the esophagus

Whatever the nature of the burn, the victim experiences severe pain.

It extends beyond the sternum, innervates the abdominal cavity, extends under the scapula, collarbone and into the neck.

Symptoms in the form of visual changes - damage to the lips and oral mucosa;
The voice becomes hoarse, or the ability to make sounds completely disappears;
The mucous membranes swell, the lumen of the esophagus is blocked;
Shortness of breath increases, vomiting appears - with severe lesions, mucus, blood, pieces of exfoliated mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach can be seen in the vomit;
Intestinal spasms may occur.

In severe cases - more often when caustic substances enter the body - perforation of the esophagus and stomach begins, and tracheal-esophageal fistulas appear in the esophagus.

The body develops general intoxication with its inherent symptoms:

high temperature;
weakness;
cardiac dysfunction;
disorder of consciousness...

The most dangerous complication is hepatic-renal failure, which often leads to death.

Classification of burns by severity of condition

The severity of the damage depends on the concentration of the chemical or the temperature of the food, and the volume of liquid swallowed.

The easiest is grade 1. The nature of the lesion is swelling of the upper epithelial layers of the mucosa and its redness, the appearance of increased sensitivity;
With degree 2 damage, not only the mucous membrane is destroyed, but also the sublayer of muscle cells. With swelling, the lumen of the esophagus may become blocked. The ulcerations are gradually covered with a layer of fibrin;
The most severe is grade 3 damage. All layers of tissue of the oral cavity, esophagus and stomach, as well as the fiber of nearby organs, are destroyed. The victim experiences a painful shock. If healing is possible, the organs become deformed due to the appearance of scars.

First aid to the victim

Whatever the degree of burn, treatment should be carried out in a hospital - especially since it is impossible to determine the degree of damage on your own.

Before the ambulance arrives, the patient should try to alleviate the condition:

wash the stomach orally - give clean water to drink and try to induce vomiting;
neutralize the effect of the active substance.

If the esophagus is burned by a bite or other acid, alkali should be added to the water - it is rare that there is no baking soda at home. The neutralization solution is prepared in the following proportions: half a teaspoon of soda per 1 liter of water.

If alkali enters the body, add citric acid to the water - you can dissolve lemon juice in the water. Sometimes it is better to neutralize alkali with vinegar - 1 teaspoon per liter of water - or pure vegetable oil.

Manganese is neutralized with ascorbic acid - water with lemon juice or making a 1% solution. If it is unknown what the victim took, he is given a homemade antidote - beaten egg white and milk are dissolved in water.

Treatment for burns of the esophagus with hot food or alcohol at home - give the patient a glass - or more - of cold milk, try to alleviate the pain by taking any vegetable oil.

Treatment for chemical burns of the esophagus

The following therapeutic measures are carried out in the hospital:

Gastric lavage through an oil-lubricated tube. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia;
Relieves spasm of the esophagus;
Means are used to eliminate the state of shock;
Infusions of saline solutions and medications are added to help avoid renal and hepatic failure;
Antibiotics may be required to prevent secondary infection - broad-spectrum agents are chosen;
To maintain the body's activity, hormonal agents are introduced.

It should be taken into account that in case of severe lesions of the esophagus and stomach, the patient is in conditions
resuscitation and he may need urgent surgery - excision of damaged areas of the mucosa, assistance with internal bleeding if a perforation occurs. Gastroscopy is also performed to ensure that food enters the body.

Treatment for burns of the esophagus with alcohol and hot food - if the damage is serious - must also be carried out in a hospital. It must be taken into account that the victim cannot swallow for the first days - in the hospital he will be fed through a tube or supported by intravenous administration of the necessary nutrients and fluids.

During the first week after burns, the patient is sometimes able to swallow only an oil solution.

After initial healing of the mucosa, bougienage is performed to prevent narrowing of the esophagus and restore swallowing ability - probes of different diameters are inserted into the esophagus. At home, as you can see, intensive therapy cannot be used, but it can prevent pathological deformation of internal organs.

Burn of the esophagus by gastric juice

Damage to the esophagus from gastric juice does not appear overnight. The severity of the condition increases with the worsening of chronic diseases, for example, reflux esophagitis, or nutritional disorders caused by poor diet or taking medications. Increased production is caused by infectious diseases, intestinal dysbiosis, pathologies of the intestinal tract...

The complications are quite serious:

erosion of the esophagus and stomach;
ulcers;
perforation;
bleeding;
vascular thrombosis.

The risk of intestinal obstruction increases. The condition requires mandatory treatment.

If a person does not have any disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, then the digestive process goes on without attracting special attention. A burn to the esophagus can cause great difficulty in eating and can have serious health consequences. You should know why such a situation might happen in order to avoid it.

Types and reasons

The esophagus has a functional purpose - transporting food mass from the oral cavity to the stomach. Its structure is a tube with gaps of different sizes and folds to ensure the mechanics of movement.

The esophagus has three layers of tissue:

mucous surface,
muscle fibers,
connective tissue.

Experts distinguish several types of burn damage to the esophagus, depending on the cause of the problem:

Chemical damage occurs from ingestion of aggressive liquids:
- alkalis:
  - ammonia,
  - caustic potassium,
  - caustic sodium,
  - caustic soda;
- heavy metal salts:
  - sublimate,
  - copper sulfate;
- acids:
  - salt,
  - vinegar,
  - sulfur;
- alcohol,
- if the patient suffers from reflux disease (part of the food flows back from the stomach into the esophagus), then a situation is created for the negative impact of gastric juice on the lower parts of the esophagus;
- other chemicals, for example:
  - phenol,
  - strong potassium permanganate solution.
Thermal damage possible when eating too hot food, as well as from steam from boiling liquid entering the esophagus.
Radiation damage– appears when an organ is exposed to radioactive rays; it can happen during radiation therapy on neighboring organs.

Typically the causes of a burn are:

Inattention to the storage of dangerous liquids, which can lead to children taking them inside out of curiosity or ignorance.
An insane state, for example, intoxication - as a result of taking a liquid that causes a burn (by mistake).
Intentional consumption of such liquids for the purpose of suicide.

Burns of the esophagus of radiation and thermal nature are rare. The most common type of injury to the esophagus through a burn is contact with aggressive liquids.

Symptoms

A burn of the esophagus manifests itself with clear signs. The degree of damage to the organ and the nature of the substance that acted as an aggressor in relation to the tissues of the esophagus influence the nature of the symptoms.

Local

A burn of the esophagus has local symptoms, which are expressed by discomfort, other sensations, as well as the consequences of damage to the organ.

Traces of burns are observed in the oral cavity - tissue necrosis.
The lips become swollen and have dead areas in places.
Severe pain in the following places:
- behind the sternum,
- in the area of the esophagus,
- in the oral cavity,
- in the upper abdomen,
- in the neck.
There is drooling.
Spasm of the esophagus makes swallowing difficult.
The swelling spreads as the aggressive fluid flows:
- language,
- pharynx,
- esophagus.
The voice becomes hoarse due to damage to the vocal cords.
Swelling of the larynx provokes shortness of breath and poses a threat to life (in case of severe swelling).
With third degree damage, holes may form in the esophagus.

Are common

When the esophagus is burned, signs appear that express general well-being. The affected esophageal tissue may be in a state of some degree of destruction. Decay products are involved in intoxication of the body.

General signs:

renal-liver failure,
cardiac dysfunction,
very poor health
elevated temperature,
nausea.

Degrees

The degree of damage to the esophagus shows the extent to which the tissues of the organ are affected by the negative process.

First degree burn– it is implied that the problem affected only the first layer of the organ (mucous membrane).
The second degree is stated if pathological changes have spread to the second layer of the esophagus (muscle tissue).
Last degree of damage- the pathological process has affected all layers of the organ. At this stage, holes may appear in the esophagus. Damage can spread beyond the organ and create a high background of intoxication.

Diagnostics

The disease is determined by the signs that characterize it. It is established how the burn was received, what factor became determining in the damage to the esophagus.

Examinations using equipment are not performed in the first three days, so as not to add the risk of injury to organ tissue.

When the condition has stabilized a little, x-rays are taken, if necessary. This method allows you to see the condition of the inner surface of the esophagus and the degree of damage to the mucous membrane.

Endoscopic examination is also used. It is carried out at different periods in order to understand what processes occur in the esophagus and the stages of their development.

Treatment and first aid

If the esophagus is damaged in the second or third degree, then it is necessary to call an ambulance so that specialists can provide the necessary assistance in a hospital setting.

The first thing the patient needs to do is gastric lavage. The injured person is asked to drink a large amount of liquid (one liter), then efforts are made to induce vomiting.

The second step, which relates to first aid measures, is to neutralize the remnants of the substance that caused the burn. For this procedure, solutions are used that are prepared depending on the nature of the aggressive liquid that caused the burn.

In the hospital, lavage is performed through a tube. In this case, the patient is given painkillers, and the probe is thoroughly lubricated with oil.

Chemical burn of the esophagus and stomach

Most often, a burn to the esophagus occurs from aggressive liquids entering its walls. Signs that this problem has happened to a person:

lack of voice, the patient experiences suffocation;
the person is scared, the breathing rhythm is disrupted;
there may be smudges around the mouth,
mouth slightly open, gaze frozen, drooling;
there may be inclusions of blood in the vomit,
a man in a cold sweat, looks pale,
the victim may be unconscious.

Stages

The classification of damage to the esophagus due to a chemical burn provides information about the stage of the process caused by the damage.

At the initial stage, the situation is designated as acute, the mucous membrane has acquired a red, inflamed color and has become swollen. The acute stage lasts up to 10 days. During this period, the patient experiences discomfort and severe pain. Observed:
- rapid breathing,
- elevated temperature,
- low blood pressure,
- increased number of heartbeats.
- possible shock.
The second stage is determined if the process of necrosis of the tissues that have been burned has begun. As a result of necrosis, the surface of the esophagus may become covered with ulcers. The second stage lasts up to three weeks. The patient already swallows food somewhat more freely than in the first stage.
The third stage is characterized by the fact that the affected areas begin to heal.
The fourth stage marks the period of scarring in areas where tissue healing occurs after deep necrosis. This process can last several years after healing has begun. Scars can cause a narrowing of the esophagus.

Lesions in children

Children make up the majority of people in trouble (65%). This situation occurs when parents did not worry about their safety and did not hide liquids in a safe place that could attract the attention of children and harm them.

A burn to the esophagus in childhood poses an increased risk. The reaction of the tissues of the esophagus and larynx to damage is the appearance of edema. This can cause a reflex spasm, which can be fatal.

Treatment

After first aid is provided, the patient is treated in order to prevent the consequences of the burn. The measures are prescribed by the doctor. Self-medication is not recommended.

In cases where the degree of damage is second or third, treatment procedures are carried out only in a hospital setting.

The following medications are used (if necessary):

painkillers,
antispasmodics,
anti-shock,
antibiotics,
to prevent scarring.

Alcohol damage

As a result of the burn, the mucous membrane becomes covered with a white coating. This film is the result of necrosis of the cells of the mucous layer. In a sense, the film plays a positive role because the lesion does not penetrate to a deeper level.

Such an injury to the esophagus is a dangerous case, because tissue necrosis to such an extent causes poisoning of the body. An examination in a hospital setting is required. Treatment often takes place in the emergency room.

People who have had similar lesions in their medical history should stop drinking alcohol forever.

Lye

The effect of alkalis on the walls of the esophagus is very aggressive.

Such a reaction occurs that the tissues do not interfere with the penetration of the solution to other organs. Therefore, it is especially important to start providing assistance as soon as possible.

Often ammonia acts as an aggressive alkaline liquid.

In such cases (alkali burns), washing is done with a weak acid solution (citric or acetic). You can use vegetable oil for these purposes.

Hot food

Damage to the esophagus can occur if a person eats food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees. This can cause a burn to the esophagus with all the associated symptoms.

Thermal burn is less dangerous compared to other cases.

The esophageal mucosa is damaged, but the process does not extend to deeper levels. It is necessary to put the patient to bed.

If the victim can eat food, then it is allowed to eat it in cool and liquid form. You should consult a doctor if you experience prolonged discomfort in the throat and chest area.

Vinegar essence

The effect of acid on the walls of the esophagus is very harmful. Coagulation necrosis occurs. Tissue necrosis is a dangerous process for the body. However, the fact that a film is formed, as with an alcohol burn, creates some protective barrier against penetration of the lesion to deeper levels.

In such cases, washing is performed using alkali. To do this, dissolve baking soda (half a teaspoon) in a liter of warm water.

Gastric juice

Cases are possible if a person suffers from a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, in which food receives retrograde movement and returns in some part from the stomach to the esophagus. Gastric juice is an aggressive environment for the esophageal mucosa and it is damaged.

The process of mucosal disease develops over some time. The patient has time to notice this phenomenon, be examined, identify the cause and receive a specialist appointment.

Therapeutic prevention of cicatricial narrowing of the esophagus after a burn

To prevent the esophagus from receiving unwanted narrowing of the lumen, a bougienage procedure is provided. This is the name for dilation of the esophagus using elastic tubes (probes).

The action is carried out approximately a week after the burn and is repeated periodically, using probes of increasingly larger diameters. Prevention is carried out over several months.

Types of bougienage

Depending on the characteristics of the patient, the following types of bougienage can be used:

through the mouth opening “blindly”, if the patient does not have serious injuries to the esophagus;
the same, but under the supervision of an esophagoscope - used if there is cicatricial stenosis;
bougienage “by thread” is prescribed if the patient has cicatricial and rigid stenosis; the probe is inserted into the gastrostomy tube (an artificial entrance to the stomach) and removed through the nostril.

Indications for the use of bougienage

If the patient has suffered a second or third degree burn to the esophagus, bougienage is performed to prevent narrowing of the organ. This procedure is not possible if the patient has the following lesions of the esophagus:

fistulas,

Video about what to do in case of a burn of the esophagus:

A burn of the esophagus is damage to its tissues, which occurred due to the influence of chemical, thermal and some other quite aggressive agents. According to experts, at least 70% of patients with this problem are children. Considering the high criticality and danger of such burns for all segments of the population, it is very important to take care not only of the causes and symptoms, but also of what exactly the treatment should be, including the use of folk remedies.

Causes and symptoms of esophageal burns

The most common type of injury associated with the esophagus area is chemical burns. Such damage can be caused by the following components:

concentrated acid, in particular acetic, hydrochloric or sulfuric acid;
certain types of alkali, namely caustic soda, caustic soda and even sodium hydroxide;
other components, the list of which includes ethyl, phenol, iodine, ammonia. We can also talk about compositions widely used in everyday life, such as silicate glue, potassium permanganate or, for example, hydrogen peroxide.

The reasons for using such aggressive chemical components can be very diverse. It should only be noted that the vast majority of patients with burns of the esophagus and symptoms of the presented condition will be children from one year to 10 years. Among adults, such aggressive damage directly to the esophagus is associated with accidents in 50% of cases. Speaking about this, experts pay attention to the use of so-called alcohol substitutes or caustic components. They can be consumed either while intoxicated or due to inattention.

Other examples of such burns are associated with attempted suicide. The use of aggressive compounds specifically for suicidal purposes is much more typical for female representatives. Thermal and radiation burns associated with the esophagus area are quite rare.

A chemical burn of the esophagus, being a pathological condition, is characterized by more than pronounced symptoms that simply cannot be ignored. First of all, note the formation of significant pain as the burns spread. When talking about this, we mean the oral cavity, throat, as well as the area behind the sternum and in the epigastrium. It is this distribution algorithm that is associated with the fact that the damaging component penetrates from the esophagus into the stomach, provoking a specific chemical gastritis.

Aggravated damage to tissue structures, called corrosive esophagitis, leads to significant swelling. So, first of all, the lips and tongue will swell, after which the process will begin to spread to the pharynx and further along the esophagus. Speaking about symptoms, note the following characteristic features:

due to swelling of the pharynx and larynx, aggravated shortness of breath begins - one that accompanies a person even at rest;
damage to the vocal cords quickly affects the development of hoarseness;
in the area of the esophagus, the most significant changes appear in areas of so-called physiological narrowings;
at the initial stage this leads to dysphagia (destabilization of the swallowing process). In the future, of course, in the absence of qualified treatment, we are talking about the development of vomiting.

In the vomit, it will be possible to independently identify not only blood clots, but also certain fragments of the mucous membrane of the tube adjacent to the esophagus. Third-degree chemical burns of the esophagus may well lead to serious respiratory problems. The same may apply to profuse bleeding, as well as the occurrence of esophageal and bronchial fistulas. Of course, it is very important to begin treatment of burns as early as possible, using exclusively proven means and methods for the intended purpose.

Is it possible to use folk remedies?

Speaking about the treatment of esophageal burns with folk remedies, experts draw attention to the admissibility of their use solely as additional measures.

They cannot be the main part of therapy for any form of burn, the same applies to any stage of the present condition.

In the process of excluding this pathology, special attention is paid to instrumental or surgical treatment.

Traditional methods are applicable as a means to combat complications or in the final stages of treating burns in order to speed up the process. Of course, this approach should be discussed with the attending physician and in no case should it be used independently by the patient, or especially by a child. It is necessary to carefully monitor individual physiological reactions, because the likelihood of complications or critical consequences is high. The list of the main such means and compositions includes compresses and infusions.

Features of the use of folk remedies

Folk remedies, namely compresses, can indeed be effective, but only if part of the chemical component gets on the skin. In order to cope with this, they resort to techniques such as wetting gauze in sea buckthorn oil and applying it to the burn. For the compress to be effective, it will be necessary to wait at least 20 minutes, after which the oil compress is replaced with a new one or a break is taken. Speaking about other folk remedies, experts pay attention to such techniques as:

the burned area that has been affected by any chemical components must be rinsed with running water. This should be done for at least 10-15 minutes;
after this, such an area is treated with a solution of baking soda (to neutralize the acid) or a weakened composition of citric acid (to combat alkalis);
after such treatment, compresses such as gauze, which was soaked in sea buckthorn oil with vitamin E dissolved in the presented composition, are applied in turn to the affected area;
Along with this, you will need to use a fabric that has been soaked in an exceptionally strong decoction of coltsfoot or, say, oak bark.

All kinds of infusions are much more effective against the esophagus. For example, it would be more than acceptable to prepare a decoction of chamomile or oak bark to use as a constant rinse for the mouth. Experts call the following composition an equally effective remedy: pour a tablespoon of violet with boiling water in an amount of 200 ml and leave for 120 minutes. The resulting composition for a burn of the esophagus and its treatment is used for 24 hours.

An alternative remedy can be called one more, for the preparation of which not only milk is used, but also honey. The preparation method is as follows: dilute 2 tsp in one glass of milk. natural fresh honey. This composition must be taken orally in one dose. This can be done only after completion of the main rehabilitation course or, in exceptional cases, at the last stage of therapy.

How to provide help at home?

Special attention should be paid to how exactly first aid should be provided if you receive a burn to the esophagus at home.

The first step is, of course, gastric lavage.

The child or adult is given at least a liter of water to drink and vomited to ensure that all harmful chemicals are removed.

The next step should be to neutralize the chemical component. In order to correctly and competently provide such assistance before the doctors arrive, it is necessary to establish what exactly caused the burn in the esophagus. Quite often it is not possible to interview a person, because he may be in a state of shock or he may be a child. In this case, it is recommended to identify this component, for example, by the smell from the mouth or try to find the container that contained the chemical components. When noting the order of the following actions, please note that:

if it is determined that the burn was caused by an acid, then to neutralize its effects it will be necessary to lavage the stomach with some kind of alkali;
for this purpose, use a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate in a proportion of two grams per liter of water;
at home you can also dilute half a tsp. baking soda in a liter of lukewarm boiled water and let the person drink it in small sips;
after which it is very important to make every effort to provoke vomiting.

As an emergency aid for burns of the esophagus with all kinds of alkalis, it is practiced to provide gastric lavage with a weak solution of acetic or citric acid. Vegetable oil can also be used for this purpose. If the burn was caused by a substance such as potassium permanganate KMnO4, then wash with a 1% solution of ascorbic acid. The same measure may be effective in treating burns of the esophagus with alcohol.

In a situation where it is not possible to accurately determine the cause of the burn, it will be possible to neutralize the effects of the chemical compound with the help of milk. So, 400 ml of milk is given to drink in small sips, warm, but not hot. Next, it will be important to rinse within the first six hours of drinking the liquid.

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1.Can cancer be prevented?
The occurrence of a disease such as cancer depends on many factors. No person can ensure complete safety for himself. But everyone can significantly reduce the chances of developing a malignant tumor.

2.How does smoking affect the development of cancer?
Absolutely, categorically forbid yourself from smoking. Everyone is already tired of this truth. But quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing all types of cancer. Smoking is associated with 30% of deaths from cancer. In Russia, lung tumors kill more people than tumors of all other organs.
Eliminating tobacco from your life is the best prevention. Even if you smoke not a pack a day, but only half a day, the risk of lung cancer is already reduced by 27%, as the American Medical Association found.

3.Does excess weight affect the development of cancer?
Look at the scales more often! Extra pounds will affect more than just your waist. The American Institute for Cancer Research has found that obesity promotes the development of tumors of the esophagus, kidneys and gallbladder. The fact is that adipose tissue not only serves to preserve energy reserves, it also has a secretory function: fat produces proteins that affect the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the body. And oncological diseases appear against the background of inflammation. In Russia, WHO associates 26% of all cancer cases with obesity.

4.Do exercise help reduce the risk of cancer?
Spend at least half an hour a week training. Sport is on the same level as proper nutrition when it comes to cancer prevention. In the United States, a third of all deaths are attributed to the fact that patients did not follow any diet or pay attention to physical exercise. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 150 minutes a week at a moderate pace or half as much but at a vigorous pace. However, a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in 2010 shows that even 30 minutes can reduce the risk of breast cancer (which affects one in eight women worldwide) by 35%.

5.How does alcohol affect cancer cells?
Less alcohol! Alcohol has been blamed for causing tumors of the mouth, larynx, liver, rectum and mammary glands. Ethyl alcohol breaks down in the body to acetaldehyde, which is then converted into acetic acid under the action of enzymes. Acetaldehyde is a strong carcinogen. Alcohol is especially harmful for women, as it stimulates the production of estrogens - hormones that affect the growth of breast tissue. Excess estrogen leads to the formation of breast tumors, which means that every extra sip of alcohol increases the risk of getting sick.

6.Which cabbage helps fight cancer?
Love broccoli. Vegetables not only contribute to a healthy diet, but they also help fight cancer. This is also why recommendations for healthy eating contain the rule: half of the daily diet should be vegetables and fruits. Particularly useful are cruciferous vegetables, which contain glucosinolates - substances that, when processed, acquire anti-cancer properties. These vegetables include cabbage: regular cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

7. Red meat affects which organ cancer?
The more vegetables you eat, the less red meat you put on your plate. Research has confirmed that people who eat more than 500g of red meat per week have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

8.Which of the proposed remedies protect against skin cancer?
Stock up on sunscreen! Women aged 18–36 are especially susceptible to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In Russia, in just 10 years, the incidence of melanoma has increased by 26%, world statistics show an even greater increase. Both tanning equipment and sun rays are blamed for this. The danger can be minimized with a simple tube of sunscreen. A 2010 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology confirmed that people who regularly apply a special cream have half the incidence of melanoma than those who neglect such cosmetics.
You need to choose a cream with a protection factor of SPF 15, apply it even in winter and even in cloudy weather (the procedure should turn into the same habit as brushing your teeth), and also not expose it to the sun's rays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9. Do you think stress affects the development of cancer?
Stress itself does not cause cancer, but it weakens the entire body and creates conditions for the development of this disease. Research has shown that constant worry alters the activity of immune cells responsible for triggering the fight-and-flight mechanism. As a result, a large amount of cortisol, monocytes and neutrophils, which are responsible for inflammatory processes, constantly circulate in the blood. And as already mentioned, chronic inflammatory processes can lead to the formation of cancer cells.

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