Health Encyclopedia
Ammonia poisoning
Definition
This is poisoning from swallowing or breathing in (inhaling) ammonia. Poisoning may also occur from touching products that contain very large amounts of ammonia.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Ammonia
Where Found
- Ammonia
- Some household cleaners
- Some liniments
- Some fertilizers
Symptoms
- Whole body
- Fever
- Lungs and chest
- Cough
- Chest pain (severe)
- Tight chest
- Wheezing
- Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
- Tearing and burning of eyes
- Temporary blindness
- Throat pain (severe)
- Mouth pain
- Lip swelling
- Gastrointestinal
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Skin
- Bluish colored lips and fingernails
- Severe burns if contact is longer than a few minutes
- Heart and blood
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Collapse
- Nervous system
Home Care
DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.
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 patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) which make it hard to swallow.
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number 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 U.S. 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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Fluids
- Medicines to treat the symptoms
- Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
- Breathing help
Outlook (Prognosis)
Damage is related to the amount and strength (concentration) of the ammonia. Most household cleaners are relatively weak, and cause little or mild damage. Industrial strength cleaners can cause severe burns and injury.
Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur. Chemical burns that occurred in the eye frequently heal; however, permanent blindness may result.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.
