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Warning-sign checks

Ammonia 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

    Seek urgent or emergency care after discharge for worsening breathing, noisy breathing, fainting, confusion, blue or gray lips, coughing up pink or bloody fluid, severe chest pain, new vision loss, or signs of a deep digestive-tract injury.

    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

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the exposure and the organs affected.

    Someone treated for a significant inhalation injury may need review of breathing symptoms and, in some cases, lung-function testing.

    Persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, reduced exercise tolerance, or shortness of breath should be discussed with a clinician.

    Eye injuries require follow-up as directed by an ophthalmologist, even if pain improves.

    Some complications can develop after the initial injury.

    Skin burns may need wound or burn-clinic care.

    Follow-up may be needed to check for delayed narrowing of the esophagus.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are stable but have not fully resolved, when a specialist requested reassessment, or when documentation is needed for a workplace exposure.

    Workers should follow occupational-health guidance before returning to a job involving ammonia.

The article also says

After swallowing ammonia, report new or worsening pain, fever, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or the sensation that food is sticking.

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