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Warning-sign checks

Deodorant 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 now if the person:

    • Has trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, or severe wheezing
    • Collapses, faints, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Has chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or severe confusion
    • Is choking or has repeated coughing after swallowing the product
    • Intentionally swallowed deodorant to cause self-harm
    • Deliberately inhaled aerosol and is now unwell

    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

    Contact a poison centre promptly for more than a small taste, an unknown amount, any exposure in a young child, or any symptoms after swallowing.

    Get advice after intentional inhalation even if the person currently feels well, because heart and nervous-system effects can be unpredictable.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange non-emergency medical follow-up for a cough, stomach symptoms, eye irritation, or skin injury that does not settle.

    Routine follow-up is also appropriate if inhalant use has happened more than once, or if you are worried it may happen again.

The article also says

Move away from aerosol fumes before calling, if you can do so safely.

Do not put yourself into an enclosed contaminated area.

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