Can gastric lavage be performed for oral poisoning with sulfuric acid?

Generally, whether gastric lavage can be performed in cases of oral poisoning with sulfuric acid mainly depends on the ingested dose. If the amount of ingested sulfuric acid is relatively small, gastric lavage may be considered. However, if a large quantity has been ingested, gastric lavage is not recommended. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Sulfuric acid is a strong acid with intense corrosive and irritant properties. If only a small amount has been ingested and symptoms are relatively mild, gastric lavage may be considered to remove the sulfuric acid from the stomach and reduce further damage to the gastric mucosa. However, the procedure must be performed with caution to avoid aggravating mucosal injury.

Conversely, if a large amount of sulfuric acid has been ingested and symptoms of poisoning are severe—such as significant corrosion and ulceration of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and gastric mucosa—gastric lavage may worsen the injury and even lead to perforation. In such cases, gastric lavage is not recommended, and more complex treatment strategies may be required.

In the event of oral poisoning with sulfuric acid, the patient should be immediately transported to a hospital, where a qualified physician will determine whether to proceed with gastric lavage or other treatment measures based on the specific clinical situation. During this time, the patient should not be given anything to eat or drink to avoid exacerbating tissue damage.