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Ammonia poisoning most often affects people working in the industry that uses this gas. Ammonia – more popular in the past – is still widespread as a household cleaner (most cleaning products contain an average of about 5% ammonia, ranging from 1 to 10%).
What is ammonia?
Ammonia it is an alkaline substance without color, however – despite its odor and irritating effect (eyes, nose, throat) – the consumption of small amounts of ammonia is not very dangerous. This substance is used for household chemicals, cosmetics, dyes and as cooling agents found in large cooling devices. It is also used to produce soda ash, which is a component of paper, glass and soap. Ammonia is also used in the production of synthetic fabrics and some types of explosives. Its concentration in cleaning agents and cosmetics is approx. 5%, therefore poisoning while using them is rather impossible. Ammonia 27-30% is also commercially available and this is what can cause burns. Therefore, it should never be kept in homes also inhabited by children.
Ammonia poisoning is rare. However, its appearance causes skin burns at the site of contact with ammonia and changes in the respiratory tract, lungs, and even blindness (after ammonia inhaled). On the other hand, intoxication with ammonia in the alimentary tract causes disturbances in intestinal peristalsis, and in extreme cases – death of the patient. The risk of poisoning occurs in people working in industry where ammonia is used in production. This gas is also released in large amounts during the breakdown of matter, e.g. animal faeces.
Symptoms of ammonia poisoning
In people poisoned with ammonia, muscle weakness, convulsions, excessive motor activity and hearing disorders are observed. These symptoms appear even minutes after contact with this gas. With time, new symptoms begin to appear, depending on the way of poisoning and the damage caused. If the poisoning occurred as a result of skin contact with the liquid damage to the skin and the formation of painful blisters and blue discoloration of the nails and lips are observed. Gas inhalation manifested by a sore throat when swallowing, dryness and burning sensation in the mouth, and swelling of the lips. Inhaling ammonia can also lead to:
- damage to the lower respiratory tract – the patient has difficulty breathing, coughing, crunch, shortness of breath and pressure around the lungs;
- eye damage – the conjunctiva is damaged, which is manifested by severe lacrimation and eye pain; in addition, permanent or temporary vision loss may occur;
- damage to the nervous system – the injured experience a state of anxiety and agitation; severe headache and mental disorders are also observed;
- heart damage – manifested by an acceleration of the pulse and, consequently, loss of consciousness.
In people who poison themselves with ammonia by inhaling it or swallowing it in a dissolved form, damage to the digestive system develops. It is manifested by swelling and redness of the mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, pain behind the breastbone, hiccups, diarrhea and urinary retention. In the most dangerous cases, the patient may even die.
Removal of ammonia from the body is supported by HepaDr. in tablets – a dietary supplement available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Ammonia poisoning – diagnosis and treatment
In order to diagnose ammonia poisoning, first of all, obtain information about its consumption, contact with the body or inhalation.
First aid for a person who has been poisoned with ammonia consists in cutting off contact with the toxic gas as soon as possible (including self-protection) and providing the victim with fresh air, preferably in a shaded place. The best solution is to leave the room where the poisoning took place. If ammonia is swallowed, it is recommended to drink a glass of milk, and if we do not have access to it – a glass of water. If ammonia has contact with the skin – wash it with plenty of water. Inhaling water vapor can also help. If the victim stops breathing, perform resuscitation and call for medical help in order to quickly transport the patient to the hospital. After the casualty arrives at the HED, consultations with the general practitioner and, if necessary, with a gastroenterologist, dermatologist or pulmonologist are held. Further prognosis depends on the extent of damage caused by ammonia as well as the concentration of the substance and the duration of its impact on the body.
Hospital treatment is only symptomatic, as there is no single, effective preparation for this type of chemical compound.
How to prevent ammonia poisoning?
It is very important to follow health and safety rules in the workplace where we come into contact with ammonia. In addition, read the chemical labels carefully and follow any recommendations contained therein. In addition, children should be protected against contact with ammonia by appropriate safeguards.