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

The biggest risk with inducing vomiting is blocking the throat or damaging the throat and preventing breathing. Whatever damage to the mouth, throat and stomach has already been done. But the person is still alive and breathing.

Vomiting in an uncontrolled situation outside of a hospital has a high risk of making things worse.