Nail glue is a common household product known for its strong, quick-bonding adhesive properties. Despite its widespread use, accidental ingestion can occur, particularly with children. Understanding the potential effects and appropriate actions is important for safety. This article details what happens if nail glue is swallowed, providing guidance on immediate steps and medical considerations.
Understanding Nail Glue’s Properties
The primary active ingredient in most nail glues is cyanoacrylate, which reacts rapidly with moisture. This chemical property, known as polymerization, causes the glue to harden almost instantly upon contact with water or other liquids. When swallowed, this rapid hardening means the glue will begin to solidify as soon as it encounters the moist tissues of the mouth and throat. While cyanoacrylate itself is generally considered to have low toxicity, its physical properties are the main concern upon ingestion. The quick setting time means that large quantities are unlikely to be swallowed, as the glue will stick to surfaces immediately, limiting further travel into the digestive system.
Immediate Bodily Reactions
Swallowing nail glue leads to immediate physical reactions due to its rapid hardening upon contact with moisture. In the mouth and throat, individuals may experience a burning sensation and irritation. While rare for significant adhesion to occur beyond initial contact points, minor sticking to the tongue or lips can occur.
As the glue moves down, it primarily causes irritation to the esophagus and stomach lining. Discomfort, nausea, or vomiting can follow, though inducing vomiting is not advised. The small amount that usually makes it past the throat hardens quickly, which generally prevents widespread internal adhesion, but the irritant effect remains the main concern. Airway irritation is also a possibility if fumes are inhaled or if any glue accidentally enters the windpipe, though actual airway obstruction from swallowed glue is extremely rare due to its rapid solidification and the typically small quantities involved.
Emergency Steps and Medical Guidance
If nail glue is swallowed, it is crucial not to induce vomiting, as this can cause further damage to the esophagus and mouth. Instead, immediately rinse the mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residual glue and soothe irritation. Following the rinse, drinking small amounts of water or milk can help dilute any remaining substance and provide some relief to the irritated tissues.
The most important step is to contact a poison control center for expert advice. In the United States, the national toll-free Poison Help hotline is 1-800-222-1222. It is helpful to have information ready, such as the person’s age, weight, the product name, and the estimated time of ingestion. Seek immediate emergency medical care if symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of blockage develop. Medical professionals may monitor vital signs and provide supportive care, and in rare severe cases, an endoscopy might be considered to assess internal damage.