inhalation
Last reviewed 01/2018
At first, inhalational injury with hydrogen fluoride poisoning causes coughing and choking. Severe poisoning causes severe shortness of breath with congestion of the lungs, muscle spasms and convulsions.
Treatment is largely supportive. If there is pulmonary oedema then positive pressure ventilation should be considered. Hydrogen fluoride binds calcium and hypocalcaemia is a common sequel. Infusion fluids should contain calcium to counteract this effect.