After accidentally drinking lye water, a young girl in Sorsogon suffered a burned throat
SORSOGON – A young girl suffered a burned throat after accidentally drinking lye water, an ingredient used in making kutsinta.
‘Jenny,’ not her real name, accidentally consumed food-grade lye water that she took from their refrigerator back in 2019. Her mother, Ana Marie Furton, shared, “Yung tita niya gumagawa siya ng kutsinta, tapos inilagay niya ang lye water sa bottle. Tapos ‘yun pala ang nainom niya. Nasunog ‘yung esophagus niya.”
As a result, Jenny has been consuming milk with rice soup for the past four years. She expressed her sadness, saying, “Malungkot kasi ‘yung mga kaklase ko nakikita ko silang kumakain tapos ako, wala.”
There are two common types of lye water: one is used in making industrial cleaners like soap, and the other is food-grade, often used in cooking some rice cakes to make them sticky. However, only a certain amount of food-grade lye water should be consumed, as it can be harmful to health.
If someone has accidentally ingested it, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Also known as sodium hydroxide, it is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe damage to the digestive system.
Dr. Mario Eric Alerta, a surgeon at Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, referred Jenny to the GMA Kapuso Foundation because the hospital facility in Sorsogon couldn’t handle her case. According to Dr. Alerta, Jenny will undergo a major operation where several aspects need to be monitored.
“Ang operation is to cut the esophagus and to pull the stomach up para madugtong ulit ‘yung esophagus to the intestine,” explained Dr. Alerta.
For those who wish to help Jenny, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank accounts, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada. For additional information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.