Toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if the exposed person:
Has trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or blue or grey lips
Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
Cannot swallow saliva or has severe throat or chest pain
Vomits blood or has severe abdominal pain
Has major eye pain or sudden loss of vision
In other countries, contact the local poison information service or emergency medical service.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
For any recent swallowing exposure, call a poison centre promptly, even if there are no symptoms.
In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .
Get prompt medical assessment for persistent vomiting, drooling, hoarseness, worsening cough, wheezing, blurred vision, or a skin burn with blistering.
Do not drive yourself if you are becoming short of breath, faint, or confused.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is important after a known internal burn or hospital treatment.
New difficulty swallowing, food sticking, ongoing cough, or unexplained weight loss may indicate a healing complication that needs assessment.