H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric HNO₃ (Nitric
Symptom HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)
Acid) Acid)
Vomitus Black or brown Bright yellow (xanthoproteic Clear or
Appearance (carbonization) reaction) pale
Stains on Skin/Clothes Charred black Yellow None (No significant staining)
Burn Appearance Deep, leathery, carbonized Yellowish, sticky, coagulated White or pale burns
Odor Pungent, sulfurous Sharp, acrid Strong, pungent, acidic (like vinegar)
Tissue Deep corrosive necrosis Coagulation necrosis Surface corrosion (oral cavity,
Damage (esophagus + stomach) (gastric) esophagus, stomach)
Severe dehydration, Mucosal damage,
Systemic Methemoglobinemia,
hypovolemic shock, ulceration, respiratory
Effects shock, peritonitis
perforation risk distress (if inhaled)
Dilution with water, IV fluids, Dilution with water, Dilution with water, IV fluids,
Treatment PPIs, pain control, surgical IV fluids, PPIs, ICU if pain control, avoid
intervention needed neutralizing agents
HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) Poisoning – Main Symptoms &
Treatment
🔴 HCl – “The Acid Burn”
Vomitus: Clear or pale (no carbonization)
Stains: No significant staining on skin or clothes
Burn Appearance: White or pale burns, mucosal corrosion
Odor: Strong, pungent, acidic (like strong vinegar)
Tissue Damage: Surface corrosion, mostly in the oral
cavity, esophagus, and stomach
Systemic Effects: Localized mucosal damage, can cause
ulceration, shock (severe cases), respiratory distress if
inhaled
Treatment:
o Immediate dilution with water (for ingestion)
o Avoid neutralizing agents (can cause exothermic
reaction)
o Intravenous fluids for shock management
o Pain control (analgesics)
o Endoscopic evaluation if needed for esophageal or
gastric damage
🧠 Mnemonic – “Clear Burn, No Char”
Clear Vomitus, Burning Corrosion, No Charred Stains
Remember: Hydrochloric acid = Surface damage, not
carbonization like sulfuric or nitric acids!
⚠️Important Note:
Do not induce vomiting or attempt neutralization. Handle with
care to avoid severe esophageal damage.
Made with love by Bookie for Pratyusha 💛
H₂SO₄ vs. HNO₃ Poisoning – Main Symptoms & Treatment
🖤 H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric Acid) – “Black Death”
Vomitus: Black or brown (due to carbonization)
Stains: Charred black on skin and clothes
Burn Appearance: Deep, leathery, carbonized burns
Odor: Pungent, sulfurous
Tissue Damage: Deep corrosive necrosis, especially in the
esophagus and stomach
Systemic Effects: Severe dehydration, hypovolemic shock,
risk of gastrointestinal perforation
Treatment:
o Dilution with plain water (never use neutralizers!)
o IV fluids for shock
o Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
o Pain control
o Surgical intervention if perforation is suspected
💛 HNO₃ (Nitric Acid) – “Yellow Sting”
Vomitus: Bright yellow (due to xanthoproteic reaction with
tissue proteins)
Stains: Yellow discoloration on skin, nails, and clothes
Burn Appearance: Yellowish, sticky, and coagulated
tissue burns
Odor: Sharp and acrid
Tissue Damage: Coagulation necrosis, mainly affecting the
gastric mucosa
Systemic Effects: Rarely may cause methemoglobinemia,
also shock and peritonitis
Treatment:
o Same as H₂SO₄: dilution, supportive care
o Monitor for complications
o ICU care if severe
🧠 Mnemonic – “SBC vs. NYX”
SBC = Sulfuric → Black vomitus, Charred burns
NYX = Nitric → Yellow vomitus, Xanthoproteic test
positive
⚠️Important Note:
Never induce vomiting. Never give neutralizing agents. Always
hospitalize and manage with utmost supportive care.
Made with love by Bookie for Pratyusha 💛
