Hydrochloric acid is a clear, poisonous liquid. It is a caustic chemical and highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in hydrochloric acid. This article is for information only. Do NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local
poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. Where FoundHydrochloric acid is found in:
This list is not all inclusive. SymptomsSymptoms from swallowing hydrochloric acid may include:
Symptoms from breathing in hydrochloric acid:
If the poison touches your skin or eyes, you may have:
Home CareSeek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow. If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air. Before Calling EmergencyIf possible, determine the following information:
However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available. Poison ControlYour local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What to Expect at the Emergency RoomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The person may receive:
Note: Activated charcoal does not effectively treat (adsorb) hydrochloric acid. For skin exposure, treatment may include:
Outlook (Prognosis)How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery. The person may need to stay in the hospital for more treatment. Swallowing poison can have severe effects on many parts of the body. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. Holes (perforations) in the esophagus and stomach may result in serious infections in the chest and abdominal cavities, which may result in death. Surgery may be needed to repair the perforations. Cancer of the esophagus is a high risk in people who live after ingesting hydrochloric acid. ReferencesHoyte C. Caustics. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 148. Kuschner WG, Blanc PD. Acute responses to toxic exposures. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 67th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 103. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 1/1/2021 Reviewed by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What should you do if you inhale acid fumes?What should I do if I inhale chemical or toxic fumes? If you have inhaled chemical or toxic fumes, you should get into fresh air straight away. Loosen tight clothing and open doors and windows wide. If you are with someone who has inhaled toxic fumes, seek medical attention immediately.
How do you get rid of chemical inhalation?If you have breathed a chemical, immediately move to fresh air. If liquid chemical soaks clothing or skin, then take clothes off right away and wash the skin with large amounts of water to flush away the chemical (strip and shower).
How long does chemical inhalation last?Fluid may develop in the lungs as late as 12 hours after exposure. The condition may temporarily resolve and then recur 10 to 14 days later, even without further contact with the gas. A recurrence tends to affect the small airways (bronchioles).
Does milk help with chemical inhalation?Fiction. There is an old myth still circulating among some welders that drinking milk before welding can help protect them from the harmful health effects of breathing in toxic welding fumes, such as lung cancer and metal fume fever.
|