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Health

Treatment of vinegar poisoning: what to do first?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Vinegar poisoning is quite common nowadays. This poisoning is most often of a household nature. Vinegar is widely used for preservation, cooking, marinades. It is also used as an effective cleaning and washing agent. Vinegar allows you to quickly remove scale, unpleasant odor, persistent dirt. However, there are also industrial, mass poisonings that occur in production, when working with various acids, including acetic acid.

Treatment of vinegar poisoning is carried out only after first aid has been provided and the threat to life has passed. Treatment is usually aimed at restoring the body and maintaining basic vital functions. In this case, symptomatic and supportive therapy is used. If pain syndrome occurs, the pain that accompanies the lesions is relieved. For this, anesthetics, painkillers, including narcotics (in the case of severe, unbearable pain) are used.

Since poisoning is almost always accompanied by hemolysis of the blood, hypovolemia occurs. Infusion therapy is performed to eliminate its symptoms, as well as to remove toxic hemolysis products from the blood and the body as a whole. The volume of infusions is quite large and ranges from 5 to 10 liters. This significantly reduces the load on the heart muscle, and eliminates the effects of blood thickening.

In almost all cases, special preparations are indicated that allow not only to increase hemolysis, but also to eliminate burns and their consequences, relieve inflammatory processes, edematous and congestive phenomena, and also to prevent the addition of viral and bacterial infections, which is quite often observed against the background of weakened immunity. When taken orally, laser irradiation of the esophagus walls is used. Both with external and internal lesions, hormonal drugs are administered to prevent stenosis and bleeding.

Pathogenetic treatment is also widely used. Correct therapy always leads to a favorable result. During the recovery period, it is important to restore the normal amount of iron, prevent hemolysis and the development of anemia. The diet of patients should include meat, which is very well absorbed.

Iron from animal products is absorbed faster than iron from plant products (heme number). Blood transfusions are indicated in cases of anemic coma. The criterion for vital signs for blood transfusion is hemodynamics.

Treatment of the consequences of red blood cell hemolysis should also be carried out with iron preparations. Cyanocobalamin is not advisable in this case, since there is no deficiency. It should be remembered that the consequences of intoxication are best treated with iron preparations intended for oral administration.

What to do in case of vinegar poisoning?

In case of vinegar poisoning, there is no time to waste – you need to provide first aid to the person as quickly as possible. To do this, you need to assess his condition. If the person is in a critical condition, has lost consciousness, he needs to be brought to his senses as quickly as possible. To do this, you need to give him cotton wool soaked in ammonia to smell.

After this, you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible. At this time, the patient is provided with access to fresh air. It is not recommended to induce vomiting on your own, since the walls of the digestive tract and esophagus may be damaged by acid, which will lead to the development of a chemical burn. It is better to wait for the arrival of qualified medical care, and specialists will independently perform gastric lavage, as well as all the necessary treatment measures.

First Aid for Vinegar Poisoning

In case of vinegar poisoning, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim as quickly as possible. To do this, first of all, you need to wash the stomach (until the waters are clear). The stomach is washed even if there is severe vomiting and blood impurities, since the main task is to remove vinegar from the stomach, prevent its further absorption into the blood, and eliminate the damaging effect. Washing should be done within 6 hours after ingestion of the substance, otherwise it will be ineffective due to the fact that the active component - acetic acid is no longer absorbed.

Many people resort to using laxatives, but this is wrong. You should avoid taking laxatives, because this will only worsen the situation and contribute to more intense damage to the entire digestive tract. The lesion develops more intensively. The affected area is constantly developing and growing.

If swelling of the larynx and blockage of the airways or suffocation occurs, a tracheotomy should be performed immediately, during which a special tube is inserted into the larynx, through which air enters the lower airways, and gas exchange occurs.

What to do if you inhale vinegar fumes?

When inhaling vinegar vapors, poisoning with further intoxication may occur. As a result, typical signs of poisoning appear - nausea, vomiting, headache, chills. You need to drink a sorbent as quickly as possible, for example, activated carbon or sorbex. They will help absorb substances and remove them from the body. You should rinse your mouth and wash your nasal cavity with warm water. It is also necessary to provide access to fresh air, drink plenty of fluids.

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How to flush the stomach from vinegar poisoning?

It is not recommended to wash the stomach on your own, since vinegar poisoning is a serious danger. The active substance that has a damaging effect on the body is acetic acid. If it comes out with vomit, it can lead to damage to the mucous membranes and walls of the digestive tract. Washing is carried out in a medical institution using special solutions and equipment, until "clean waters". Therefore, the only way to help the victim is to call an ambulance.

Drug treatment

In case of severe blood damage, when active hemolysis occurs, it is necessary to prescribe treatment against anemia, aimed at preventing further hemolysis. It is necessary to strictly observe precautions, follow the prescribed treatment regimen, since failure to follow the principles of treatment with iron preparations can result in severe side effects. One of them is intoxication of the body, since iron is a highly toxic substance.

Ferrocal is effective among domestic drugs. One tablet contains 0.2 grams of iron sulfate, 0.1 grams of fructose diphosphate, 0.02 grams of cerebrolecithin. Ferrocal is given 2 tablets 3 times a day with ascorbic acid, preferably on an empty stomach. It is used mainly in pediatric practice.

Conferron is also used, which contains 250 mg of iron sulfate (or 51 mg of iron). The drug is well tolerated. Take 6 capsules per day.

Iron is well absorbed in the form of glycine sulfate. This substance is part of the drug orferron. The drug is taken 2 tablets per day. It must be taken for a long time, even after the iron level is normalized, which will provide a supporting effect.

Ferrum-Lek is intended for intramuscular administration. It is produced in the form of ampoules (2 ml). Each ampoule contains 100 mg of iron. Ferrum-Lek is also available in the form of a solution for intravenous injections. Here, the iron is bound to a sodium-sugar complex. It is administered according to a specific scheme. On the first day - half an ampoule, on the second day - one, on the third - 2 ampoules. After the third day, 1 ampoule is administered twice a week to achieve the required dose in the blood.

What to do in case of vinegar poisoning at home?

In case of poisoning at home, you need to provide first aid as quickly as possible. If you have taken a large amount of vinegar, it is advisable to drink a sorbent. Activated carbon is a traditional drug. It is taken 5-6 tablets at a time every 3-4 hours. It absorbs all toxic substances. Then you need to call an ambulance as quickly as possible and undergo the necessary comprehensive treatment. If you inhale vinegar vapors, you need to rinse your nose and rinse your mouth, then drink a sorbent.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of intoxication, as well as recovery from injuries and damage caused by exposure of the body to acetic acid.

In this case, substances with sorbent properties are especially effective. A mixture prepared from several components has proven itself well. Thus, it is necessary to take sea buckthorn and blueberry fruits in approximately equal quantities. Pass it all through a meat grinder, mix with oats, previously ground in a coffee grinder. Oats are the main means that sorbs toxins in the body and removes them. The berries in this product additionally saturate the body with nutrients and vitamins. Thus, on the one hand, the body is cleansed, on the other - it is intensively saturated with vitamins and microelements. This additionally stimulates the body, activates its immune system, defense mechanisms.

Also widely used is a remedy aimed at restoring the mucous membrane after the damaging effect of acetic acid on the mucous membranes. To prepare the remedy, take butter as a base. Melt it over low heat, stirring constantly. Add freshly squeezed aloe juice to the butter. To prepare aloe juice, take 2-3 large leaves and squeeze out the juice.

Add juice to melted butter. Stir and immediately remove from heat. Allow to solidify and infuse. After the product has cooled, put it in the refrigerator for further solidification. After the product has solidified, it can be cut into small pieces and consumed internally, slowly dissolving. It is also recommended to add to tea and drink before bed.

After completing the full course of recovery, it is recommended to drink a remedy that increases the level of iron in the body. This will eliminate the effects of red blood cell hemolysis. So, to prepare the remedy, it is recommended to take the peel of one pomegranate, one lemon, and a fig. Put all this through a meat grinder. Put the lemon together with the peel. Separately, take the watermelon, sort it from the seeds. Mash the pulp with a fork (about 2-3 scraps). Mix all the ingredients and add 2-3 tablespoons of honey, mix thoroughly. Use 2-3 tablespoons per day.

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Herbal treatment

Medicinal herbs have long been used in the treatment of various diseases, including poisoning.

To eliminate the effects of intoxication, bogbean is used. Due to the high content of alkaloids and glycosides in the composition, the drug has a neutralizing effect. It neutralizes all toxic substances, removes their decay products. It also contains vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties, due to which the effect of free radicals and cellular toxins is neutralized. Mainly leaves are used. They should be collected in May-June. A decoction and infusion are prepared from the leaves. You can drink about a third of a glass of decoction per day. It helps restore mucous membranes, and also relieves pain and discomfort.

Zamanikha is used to restore mucous membranes, eliminate the effects of intoxication. Stimulates the nervous system, promotes activation of the immune system. Increases blood pressure, normalizes the level of red blood cells. Significantly increases performance. It is used mainly in the form of decoctions and infusions. Roots and rhizomes are used for preparation.

Potentilla erecta is used to prepare decoctions and infusions. It is used as a poultice in case of external vinegar burns. It has a stimulating effect on mucous membranes, stimulates local immunity, accelerates recovery processes in the body. Additionally, it has hemostatic properties, has an astringent and bactericidal effect.

Homeopathy

Despite the fact that many specialists consider homeopathic treatment to be more perfect than traditional, allopathic, it is necessary to observe a number of precautions when resorting to its methods. Otherwise, numerous side effects may occur. These are quite potent substances, so they can cause intoxication, overdose, deterioration of health, allergic reactions, disruption of the nervous system and heart.

Otherwise, homeopathy satisfies the basic requirements for therapeutic effects: it treats gently, quickly, effectively, which is confirmed by numerous confirmations in therapeutic and even pediatric practice. The advantage and distinctive feature is that homeopathy is able to heal pleasantly: it contains various components that have a gentle effect on the body, have a pleasant taste and aroma, and practically do not cause side effects.

To quickly eliminate signs of intoxication, it is recommended to use a mixture of the following composition: margarine and flour with the addition of a large amount of salt. So, to prepare this remedy, you need to melt the margarine over low heat, remembering to stir constantly. Add flour until a homogeneous mass is formed. Then add about a tablespoon of salt, mix thoroughly, and allow to harden. Cut off and use in small pieces.

To restore iron in the body, it is recommended to take juice, which includes watermelon juice, as well as pomegranate and birch juice. Mix in equal parts, then pour a glass, and add a tablespoon of honey, stir thoroughly. Drink up to 3-4 glasses a day. Allows not only to eliminate intoxication, but also relieve swelling, redness, skin rashes.

Vinegar ointment helps well to heal external burns. To prepare, you need about 50 grams of butter. Melt it over low heat, stirring constantly. You also need to add about 3-4 tablespoons of pine needles to this solution. Boil for about 5 minutes, add ground almonds, stir and allow to harden. After that, allow the product to harden. Cut off a small piece, rub into the okzha in a thin layer. Before applying each new layer, it is necessary to wash off the previous layer.

To prepare an enveloping agent used for esophageal burns, it is recommended to use a starch sea buckthorn decoction. Boil the starch over low heat, add about 5-6 tablespoons of sea buckthorn. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, let sit for an hour. Then take a glass twice a day. Starch envelops the walls of the digestive tract, providing a protective effect. Sea buckthorn has the ability to restore damaged tissue, promotes rapid healing of wounds, burns, and injuries.

Surgical treatment

Poisoning is rarely treated with surgical methods. The exception is cases of tissue necrosis. In this case, areas of severe damage, zones of necrotic areas dying off are damaged. For example, when the esophagus is burned with vinegar, severe poisoning can develop, in which many areas die off. To stop the spread of necrosis, it is necessary to remove the affected areas in time.

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