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Warning-sign checks

Baking soda overdose: 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

    Someone evaluated in an emergency department may be asked to have repeat blood tests to confirm that sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and kidney function have returned to an acceptable range.

    Severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness require emergency help.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • 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 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

    After discharge, seek prompt medical advice for returning vomiting, worsening weakness, increasing thirst, new swelling, palpitations, or confusion.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up needs vary.

    Keep this follow-up even if symptoms have improved, because blood chemistry changes may persist after a person feels better.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

If baking soda was being used regularly for heartburn or indigestion, discuss the symptoms with a healthcare professional rather than restarting it on your own.

Frequent heartburn may need evaluation, and other approaches may be safer depending on the person's health and medicines.

Review all antacids, supplements, and over-the-counter products with a pharmacist or clinician.

Labels may list sodium bicarbonate even when the product is not called baking soda.

People who need to limit sodium should pay particular attention to this ingredient.

Store baking soda and medicines where children cannot reach them.

Keep products in their original containers so that the label and ingredients remain available if an exposure occurs.

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