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Warning-sign checks

Menthol 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, pauses in breathing, or blue or grey lips
    • Has a seizure, collapses, or cannot be woken
    • Is severely confused or unable to stand safely
    • Is choking or develops breathing difficulty after vomiting
    • Has severe chest pain or rapidly worsening symptoms

    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 after swallowing concentrated menthol, an essential oil, an unknown amount, or any amount taken by a young child.

    Seek advice even if there are no symptoms yet.

    Product-specific advice is also important when menthol is mixed with camphor, nicotine, alcohol, or other medicines.

    For eye exposure, begin rinsing immediately and obtain advice if pain, redness, or blurred vision continues.

    For skin exposure, seek help if irritation persists after thorough washing or if a concentrated product covered a large area.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up after the acute event if cough, breathing problems, balance difficulties, confusion, unusual weakness, or changes in urination do not improve as expected.

The article also says

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if it is safe to do so.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they are not breathing and you are able to do so.

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