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Internist, pulmonologist

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Ammonia vapor poisoning

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024

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Symptoms

Complications and consequences
Treatment

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is lighter than air, water-soluble, and burns in the presence of a constant source of fire. Ammonia vapors with air (12-18%) form explosive mixtures.

Ammonia damage to a person is possible if the substance gets on mucous membranes or skin, penetrates into the gastrointestinal tract. A special danger is inhalation of vapors, which provoke severe coughing, suffocation and delirium.

Symptoms of the ammonia poisoning

Danger of ammonia to humans:

Dangerous if inhaled.
Causes severe coughing and choking.
Strongly irritates mucous membranes and skin.
In severe lesions, seizures, swelling of the tongue and lungs, and delirium develop.

Complications and consequences

If the concentration of the substance is high, it can be fatal. If the victim was saved, there is a high risk of complications:

Decreased/complete hearing loss.
Amnesia.
Decreased intelligence.
Dizziness.
Nervous tic.
Disorientation.
Tremor of the limbs.
Predisposition to tuberculosis and acute respiratory infections.
Decreased immunity.
Tumor neoplasms.

Treatment of the ammonia poisoning

First aid in case of ammonia poisoning involves taking the victim to fresh air. Open areas of the body should be washed with water. It is also recommended to rinse the mouth, nose and throat with citric acid solution. If there is a risk of ingestion of the substance in the GI tract, then rinse with a weak solution of vinegar, provoking vomiting.