Metal polishes
Home treatment:
for ammonia: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If ammonia is on the skin or in the eye, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If it was swallowed, give milk or water to dilute it. For inhalation poisoning, remove the patient to fresh air.
For misc. acids: 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 it was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the person is vomiting, keep giving water or milk. Give 4 to 6 oz. milk of magnesia if possible. For inhalation poisoning, remove the patient 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 person 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 ammonia
- Give fluids to dilute the poison.
- Use gastric lavage.
- Treat the symptoms.
- for misc. acids
- for swallowed poison
- Give fluids.
- Give milk of magnesia.
- Treat the symptoms.
- for inhalation
Expectations (prognosis):
For ammonia: Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur. A chemical burn that occurred in the eye can heal; however, permanent blindness may result.
For miscellaneous acids: 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.
|
