Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very strong odor. It is part of various compounds, each of which has its own name.
Example:
- during the interaction of ammonia molecules (gas) and water, a compound is formed - ammonium hydrate;
- an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrate is ammonia (the word "alcohol", in this case, means "spirit" - "spirit" "gas").
Ammonia in medicine
In medicine, a 10% solution of ammonia is used and it is often released under the name “ammonia”. Therefore, if in a pharmacy you are offered ammonia instead of ammonia, be aware that this is one and the same thing.
Description
The solution is clear, has a pungent odor and evaporates quickly. Therefore, the container must be tightly closed.
Act
Ammonia is a respiratory stimulant, local irritant, antiseptic and disinfectant.
Indications for use:
- fainting (syncope) and collapse - to stimulate breathing;
- toxic effect of alcohol - to stimulate vomiting;
- surgical practice - for hand disinfection (method of S. I. Spasokukotsky and I. G. Kochergin);
- neuralgia, myositis - pain relief;
- insect bites - as a distracting and disinfectant.
Contraindications:
- externally - with eczema, dermatitis, skin diseases;
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- children's age - up to 3 years;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- epilepsy.
Ammonia 10% (instructions for use warns) has some side effects:
- Avoid breathing ammonia fumes for a long time, this can lead to headaches, intoxication symptoms (nausea, vomiting) and respiratory arrest.
- Do not use undiluted inside, it can cause poisoning and burns of the digestive organs.
- With external use, irritation, burns, an allergic reaction can occur. In this case, it is necessary to stop contact with the drug and rinse the skin and mucous membranes with plenty of clean water.
Release form
The solution is released in bottles of 10, 40, 100 ml and in ampoules of 1 ml. Bottles should be tightly closed and not to let ammonia smell out.
If you purchased ammonia in ampoules, the instructions for use will differ only in the way the container is opened: you need to wrap the thin neck of the ampoule with a piece of cotton and then break it off with a little effort.
It is released without a doctor’s prescription.
The effect of ammonia on the human body
With the correct use of an ammonia solution, it has a positive effect.
- when applied to the skin, it has a vasodilating effect, improves tissue regeneration, suppresses the source of the pathological process, reduces muscle tension, vascular spasm, pain (distracting effect).
- when inhaled, it excites the respiratory and vasomotor centers.
- when taken orally (in diluted form) increases the excitability of the vomiting center and provokes vomiting.
Help with insect bites
Ammonia is very suitable for relieving pain during insect bites. The instructions for use explain this by the fact that it activates substances that block pain impulses from receptors to the brain.
Therefore, it is often prescribed for insect bites to relieve an unpleasant itching, and sometimes significant pain at the site of the bite.
A 10% ammonia solution must be used. Instructions for use are quite simple:
- moisten a piece of fleece in the solution and attach to the bite for a few minutes;
- if an allergic reaction or pain occurs, remove the cotton wool and solution and rinse the skin with clean water.
The action of ammonia during fainting
Even in the dissolved state, ammonia quickly evaporates, and its smell appears immediately after opening the bottle.
The surprisingly fast effect of ammonia vapors on a person’s condition is explained by the fact that this substance, when inhaled, enters the mucous membranes, penetrates inside and irritates nerve endings. This causes the respiratory and vasomotor centers to be excited , which is manifested by rapid breathing and an increase in blood pressure.
That is why, most often in medical practice, an ammonia solution is used to bring a person to a sense of fainting. After all, this condition is characterized by a decrease in pressure and respiratory depression.
Help with fainting
Fainting can happen completely unexpectedly with any person. It occurs with prolonged stay in a stuffy room, blood loss, lowering blood pressure, with some diseases, severe nervous shocks.
Therefore, it is advisable to always have ammonia on hand. The instructions for use recommend that when fainting, slightly moisten a piece of any tissue or cotton wool (gauze, scarf) in an ammonia solution and bring it to the victim’s nose for literally 1-2 seconds - no longer.
This almost always immediately brings the victim to consciousness and simplifies the provision of follow-up medical care, if necessary.
Ammonia for alcohol poisoning
Sometimes, with an excessive amount of drunk alcohol, provocation of vomiting helps to alleviate the condition. However, it is not always possible for a person to provoke a corresponding reflex. Then a solution of ammonia can be very useful. Instructions for use usually do not contain detailed information in this case. However, doctors recommend acting as follows:
- with an average alcoholic intoxication, drop 2-3 drops of a solution of ammonia into a glass of water;
- with severe intoxication, increase the number of drops of solution in a glass of water - 5-6 drops.
The victim must drink this water, and then his gag reflex will work. Even if this does not cause vomiting, it will help to quickly bring a person to life and simplify further assistance. Treatment should be supplemented with a large amount of drink in the form of strong tea, coffee, fermented baked milk or kefir. It is also recommended to rub the affected whiskey with ammonia solution (ammonia) - this will clarify his consciousness.
Ammonia solution as a remedy for binge
It is quite difficult for a person who has arrived in a drinking bout for a long time to recover. To help him with this, you can use ammonia. Instructions for use of the drug does not officially give recommendations in this regard. This method is, rather, folk, but effective.
However, dosages should be strictly adhered to in order to prevent the occurrence of side effects that ammonia can provoke. Instructions for use describe them in detail (they are also presented to your attention in the article).
So, a person after a long drink of alcohol should be given the following remedy to drink: 10 drops of ammonia solution in a glass of water. Such a drink must be given three times a day.
Ammonia with neuralgia and myositis
How else can ammonia solution be useful? Instructions for use contain information about the treatment of neuralgia and myositis, but the details of its implementation are not described.
These recipes are varied and characteristic mainly for traditional medicine. There is no need to describe them all. Usually it comes down to lotions and compresses (applications), which include ammonia.
Neuralgia
Neuralgia is characterized by muscle pain caused by inflammation, pinching, or irritation of nerve endings.
With the disease, ammonia in the form of lotions, compresses can be used. Do not use the solution undiluted. It is better to mix ammonia with water, oil or cream in a ratio of 1: 5, where 1 is a solution of ammonia (ammonia).
This method is intended, more likely, to relieve pain than to fully recover. Indeed, the causes of neuralgia can be very different: from colds to injuries.
In any case, if there is a burning sensation or other uncomfortable sensations, you should stop the procedure, remove the compress and rinse the skin with water.
Myositis
Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles. The main symptom is pain at the site of inflammation: in the neck, shoulders, chest, back or thigh.
Ammonia (ammonia solution), as with neuralgia, helps to reduce pain in this condition. Such treatment is considered symptomatic, and not basic.
Compresses are applied to the sore spot, which include 1 part ammonia and at least 5 parts of another component (water, oil, broth, cream).
Before conducting such treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.