Subject | Contents |
Definition | Poisoning from an exposure to ammonia. |
Alternative Names | |
Poisonous Ingredient | ammonia |
Where Found | ammonia some household cleaners some liniments some fertilizers Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
Symptoms | from swallowing body as a whole mouth pain (severe) collapsefeverrespiratorycoughchest pain (severe) wheezing eyes, ears, nose, and throat throat pain (severe) gastrointestinal abdomen pain (severe) vomiting from breathing fumes body as a whole swelling of the lips respiratory cough tight chest eyes, ears, nose, and throat temporary blindness skin bluish colored lips and fingernails gastrointestinal vomiting heart and blood vessels rapid, weak pulse nervous system restlessness from skin or eye contact severe burns if contact is longer than a few minutes |
Home Treatment | DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING . If the ammonia is on the skin or in the eye, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the ammonia was swallowed, give milk or water to dilute it. If the ammonia has been inhaled, take the person to fresh air. |
Before Calling Emergency | Determine the following information: the patient's age, weight, and condition the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known) the time it was swallowed the amount swallowed |
Poison Control, or a local emergency number | They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room. |
What to expect at the emergency room | Some or all of the following procedures may be performed. Give fluids to dilute the poison. Use gastric lavage . Treat the symptoms. |
Expectations (prognosis) | Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur. If chemical burns occurred in the eye, they frequently heal; however, permanent blindness may result. |
| |