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Warning-sign checks

Acetone poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, seizure, or inability to wake the person.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical reassessment for worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal pain, persistent dizziness, new confusion, reduced urination, or ongoing eye pain or vision changes.

    Lung symptoms can sometimes appear after vomiting and aspiration.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if symptoms continue, laboratory tests were abnormal, or the exposure happened at work.

    An occupational health professional may review ventilation, storage, protective gloves, eye protection, and respiratory controls.

    Repeated skin symptoms may require evaluation for irritant dermatitis.

The article also says

After discharge, follow the care team's instructions about fluids, activity, medicines, and repeat testing.

Temporary fatigue, headache, nausea, or throat irritation may take time to settle.

Avoid driving, using machinery, drinking alcohol, or taking nonessential sedating substances until alertness and coordination have fully returned.

To prevent future exposure, keep acetone in its original labeled container.

Store it away from children, food, drinks, heat, flames, and sparks.

Never place it in a cup, water bottle, or other container that could be mistaken for a beverage.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acetone poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.