Inquest Confirms Patient Died from an Allergic Reaction to Mouthwash
An inquest has confirmed that a dental patient died from an allergic reaction to mouthwash.
Sacha Rumaner died after having routine dental treatment at a clinic in Brighton, after the 30 year old suffered an anaphylactic shock after swilling her mouth with mouthwash.
Ms Rumaner had visited the dentist because she was suffering from pain after having had a tooth removed the week before. She was advised to wash her mouth with mouthwash and promptly complained of feeling itchy and hot. She then collapsed and fell off the dental chair. The dental team called 999 but were lead to believe that she was suffering an epileptic seizure, rather than anaphylactic shock. According to coroner, Dr Karen Henderson, the only thing that could have saved her was a shot of adrenaline and added that it was impossible to say if Ms Rumaner’s life could have been saved if dental staff had correctly diagnosed anaphylactic shock.
Coroner Karen Henderson said that the reaction of the staff was regrettable, but understandable and added that she would be writing to the chief executive Sussex Community NHS Trust to review protocol surrounding the provision of resuscitation equipment and medication in treatment rooms.
Dr Henderson also stated that there was nothing in Ms Rumaner’s medical history to suggest that she would experience such a severe allergy to the chlorhexidine ingredient in the mouthwash.
Andy Painton, chief executive of Sussex Community NHS Trust, offered his deepest sympathies and confirmed that a full review would be undertaken in line with the coroner’s recommendations.
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