[ELI5] Why is it sometimes not recommended to induce vommiting if you accidently swallow a dangerous substance?

Question

For example some lighter fluids

In: Biology

Answer 1

Doctor here, and the other posters are correct in saying that the act of inducing vomiting can be more dangerous than the ingestion of the substance itself. Besides burning the lining of the esophagus, there is also a risk of esophageal tearing from excessive vomiting and subsequent bleeding from the tear (made worse from the already irritated tissue).

Many substances can be detoxified in a safer manner, with timely medical attention. It is better to contact your local emergency authorities (e.g. poison control / 911 in the United States) rather than guess yourself, as they can guide you specifically what to do in the event of exposure to toxic substances.