Gasoline

Definition

This poisoning is caused by exposure to gasoline.

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydrocarbons

Where Found

Gasoline
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  o Loss of vision
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  o Vomiting blood
  o Blood in the stool
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Irritation
  o Burn
  o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
  

Home Treatment
For any ingestion, seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the person is conscious, give milk or water to dilute the hydrocarbon.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• Tthe time the gasoline was swallowed
  
• The amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the poison 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
  o Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach
  o Activated charcoal administration
  o Endoscopy - the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
  o Give IV fluids
  o Admission to the hospital
  o Give an antidoteo Treat the symptoms