Nitric acid

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of nitric acid.

Poisonous Ingredient:

nitric acid

Where Found:

some cleaning agents used to clean metals (such as gun barrels) and other products

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

From swallowing:

body as a whole
- severe pain in the mouth causing mouth lesions
- fever
respiratory
- inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- severe pain in the throat
gastrointestinal
- severe abdominal pain
- vomit containing dark colored blood
heart and blood vessels
- rapid drop in blood pressure

From inhalation:

body as a whole
- weakness
- tight chest
respiratory
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- choking
skin
- bluish colored lips and fingernails
heart and blood vessels
- low blood pressure
- rapid pulse
nervous system
- dizziness

Home Treatment:

DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).

If the acid is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the acid was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk. Give milk of magnesia, 4 to 6 oz., if possible.

For inhalation poisoning, move the patient to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength 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:

For swallowed poison:
- Give water or milk, preferably water.
- Give milk of magnesia.
- Treat the symptoms.
For inhalation:
- Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the acid was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage.

Review Date: 2/4/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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