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Warning-sign checks

Philodendron 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:

    • Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
    • Severe or rapidly increasing throat or tongue swelling
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Collapse, severe drowsiness, or unresponsiveness
    • Choking or inability to swallow saliva

    Keep them away from further plant contact and follow emergency instructions while help is on the way.

    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 care if:

    • Mouth or tongue swelling is increasing
    • Pain prevents normal drinking
    • Vomiting continues
    • Drooling or difficulty swallowing does not improve
    • Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity continues after rinsing
    • Skin symptoms are severe, widespread, blistering, or persistent

The article also says

Call a poison centre after a suspected bite or ingestion, particularly when a child is involved, the plant is uncertain, or symptoms have started.

Poison specialists can help decide whether home observation or an in-person assessment is appropriate.

Do not drive someone who is having breathing difficulty.

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