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Hydrochloric acid
Definition
Hydrocholoric acid is a clear, poisonous liquid. It is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage, such as burning, on contact.
This article discusses poisoning due to swallowing or breathing in hydrochloric acid.
Poisonous Ingredient
Hydrochloric acid
Where Found
It is found in some soldering fluxes. It may also be found in other products.
Symptoms
Symptoms from swallowing hydrochloric acid may include:
- Abdominal pain - severe
- Breathing difficulty due to swelling of throat
- Chest pain - severe
- Drooling
- Fever
- Mouth pain - severe
- Rapid drop in blood pressure
- Throat pain - severe
- Vomiting blood
Symptoms from breathing in hydrochloric acid:
- Bluish color to lips and fingernails
- Chest tightness
- Choking
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Home Care
Seek 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 patient 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 Emergency
Determine the following information:
- The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- When it was swallowed or inhaled
- How much was swallowed or inhaled
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 by IV
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
- Oxygen
- Breathing tube
- Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. Drinking or breathing in hydrochloric acid may be deadly.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
