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Warning-sign checks

Potato plant poisoning - green tubers and sprouts: 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 someone has:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe breathing weakness
    • Collapsed, fainted, or become difficult to wake
    • A seizure
    • Severe confusion or rapidly worsening drowsiness
    • Signs of shock, such as cold clammy skin with marked weakness

    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 or seek prompt medical advice after eating a green, sprouted, bitter, or damaged potato if vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, or unusual drowsiness develops.

    Prompt advice is also appropriate when a child has eaten sprouts, potato berries, or another part of the plant, even if the amount is uncertain.

    Repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, blood in vomit or stool, or symptoms that continue or worsen should be assessed urgently.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is usually unnecessary after mild symptoms have completely resolved.

    Arrange follow-up if digestive symptoms persist, hydration remains difficult, or you do not return to your usual level of health.

The article also says

Do not give food, drink, or charcoal to someone who is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow normally.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Potato plant poisoning - green tubers and sprouts. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.