eli5: On the packaging of toilet cleaner and an article on mouthwash says that if ingested, do not induce vomitting, why is this? Wouldn’t it be better to get rid of as much of the harmful liquid as possible? What harm can happen if vomitting is induced?

Question

eli5: On the packaging of toilet cleaner and an article on mouthwash says that if ingested, do not induce vomitting, why is this? Wouldn’t it be better to get rid of as much of the harmful liquid as possible? What harm can happen if vomitting is induced?

In: 1821

Answer 1

Your upper digestive system is extremely resilient, and you can survive for some time with some pretty severe damage to it. Your respiratory system is extremely delicate, and any significant damage is immediately fatal.

Better to rush you to the hospital and pump your stomach than to risk aspirating the caustic substance.