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Warning-sign checks

Elephant ear 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 immediately for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, severe drowsiness, or rapidly increasing tongue or throat swelling.

    Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow safely.

    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

    Call a poison centre promptly after someone chews or swallows an elephant ear plant, especially if it is not confidently identified.

    A specialist can advise whether home observation or in-person assessment is appropriate.

    Seek urgent medical care for:

    • Persistent or increasing swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat
    • Ongoing vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
    • Severe pain or difficulty swallowing
    • Drooling that does not settle
    • A hoarse or changed voice
    • Eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or redness after thorough rinsing
    • Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving

    Breathing difficulty or rapid swelling should not wait for a routine appointment.

The article also says

Mild lingering mouth soreness without breathing or swallowing problems can usually be discussed with a primary care professional or poison centre.

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