Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound familiar to many households, recognized for its uses as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and a disinfectant for various surfaces. While beneficial for external applications, consuming hydrogen peroxide internally is unsafe and can lead to severe health consequences.
Immediate Physical Reactions
Ingesting hydrogen peroxide triggers a rapid reaction within the body, primarily due to its decomposition into water and oxygen gas upon contact with an enzyme called catalase present in mucous membranes. The immediate release of oxygen gas causes internal distention and foaming, leading to severe abdominal pain and bloating. Rapid gas expansion can also result in forceful vomiting, potentially with blood, and foaming at the mouth.
Beyond gas formation, hydrogen peroxide is corrosive, causing chemical burns to tissues. This can lead to swelling and irritation of the throat and esophagus, making swallowing and breathing difficult. The pressure from expanding gas can potentially rupture hollow organs like the stomach or intestines, a condition known as gastric perforation.
Liberated oxygen gas can also enter the bloodstream, forming air embolisms. These bubbles can travel to organs like the brain, heart, and lungs, potentially causing blockages in blood vessels, leading to chest pain, difficulty breathing, disorientation, or tissue damage.
Impact of Peroxide Concentration
The severity of harm from ingesting hydrogen peroxide is directly related to its concentration. Common household hydrogen peroxide solutions, around 3% concentration, are used for minor wound cleaning or as a mouth rinse. Even a small amount of this diluted solution can cause mild symptoms like stomach upset, belching, or throat irritation. Larger quantities can lead to significant irritation and burns requiring medical attention.
Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, such as “food-grade” (often 35%) or industrial-strength (up to 90%) concentrations, pose a much greater risk. These higher concentrations are extremely corrosive, causing immediate, severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Ingesting concentrated solutions can produce a large volume of oxygen gas; for example, about 30 mL of 35% hydrogen peroxide can generate approximately 3400 mL of oxygen gas. This can lead to serious complications like extensive tissue damage, internal bleeding, and a higher likelihood of life-threatening air embolisms.
Emergency Response and Treatment
Immediate action is essential if hydrogen peroxide has been ingested. The first step is to contact emergency services, such as poison control or a local emergency number like 911. Provide as much information as possible, including the person’s age, weight, condition, the product name, its strength if known, and the estimated time of ingestion.
Never induce vomiting in someone who has swallowed hydrogen peroxide, as this can cause further damage to the esophagus and mouth. Instead, if a small amount of a diluted solution was ingested, taking a few sips of water may help clear the esophagus.
Upon arrival at a medical facility, healthcare professionals will stabilize the patient and assess internal injury. This may involve monitoring vital signs, blood and urine tests, and imaging like a chest X-ray. An endoscopy, involving a camera inserted down the throat, may be performed to check for burns in the esophagus and stomach and to relieve gas pressure.
Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms, will be provided. In cases of severe respiratory distress, breathing support, such as a ventilator, may be necessary. For cases involving air embolisms, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered.