Stomach, acid exposure

The signs and symptoms of bulimia are similar to those of anorexia. Other signs may include binge eating and inappopri-ate use of diuretics or laxatives. Cavities or gum infections may develop, or the enamel of the teeth may show signs of being stripped off, because of the frequent exposure to stomach acid. 

In the diet, vitamin B12 is bound to proteins. Although some release of protein-bound vitamin B12 begins in the mouth, most of the release occurs in the stomach on exposure of food to gastric acid (HC1) and the proteolytic enzyme pepsin. For this reason, either hypo-chlorhydria (abnormally low concentration of HC1 in gastric fluid) or achlorhydria (the absence of HC1 in gastric fluid) may decrease the availability of dietary vitamin B12 for absorption by preventing the activation of pepsinogen to pepsin, the principal enzyme responsible for proteolysis in the stomach. Achlorhydric patients with adequate production of IF may have low normal or subnormal serum B12 concentrations because of failure to liberate B12 bound to food. 

A key physiologic response when the body is exposed to foreign substances is the production of fluids at the site of exposure to help dilute, solubilize, or physically clear the substances. For example, inhalation of particulates leads to an increase in the amount of mucous and other fluids produced in the respiratory tract. Ingestion of food or other substances triggers the production of increased stomach acids to maintain the pH optimal for food digestion in the stomach. 

Hydrogen chloride in air can also be a phytotoxicant (88). Tomatoes, sugar beets, and fmit trees of the Pmnus family are sensitive to HCl in air. Exposure of concentrated hydrochloric acid to the skin can cause chemical bums or dermatitis. Whereas the irritation is noticed readily, the acid can be water flushed from the exposed area. Copious use of miming water is the only recommended safety procedure for any external exposure. Ingestion is seldom a problem because hydrochloric acid is a normal constituent of the stomach juices. If significant quantities are accidentally swallowed, it can be neutrali2ed by antacids. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Acid-vapor-type respiratory protection rubber gloves chemical worker s goggles other equipment as necessary to protect skin and eyes Symptoms Following Exposure Inhalation irritates mucous membranes. Contact with liquid causes severe bums of eyes and skin. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth and stomach General Treatment for Exposure Get medical attention following all Exposures to this compound. 

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