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Warning-sign checks

Black nightshade 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 for trouble breathing, a seizure, collapse, severe confusion, inability to awaken the person, 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

    Seek urgent reassessment for worsening vomiting, persistent diarrhea, reduced urination, increasing weakness, new confusion, or difficulty keeping fluids down.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if digestive symptoms continue, weakness does not resolve, or the person is not returning to normal eating, drinking, urination, or activity.

    Follow-up may include checking hydration, kidney function, or electrolytes after a more significant illness.

The article also says

Follow the observation plan given by the poison center or treating clinician.

After a mild exposure, this may include watching for vomiting, diarrhea, unusual sleepiness, confusion, weakness, or vision changes during a specified period.

If vomiting or diarrhea occurred, fluids may need to be replaced gradually.

A clinician can advise when normal food and activity may be resumed.

Do not return to foraging or eating from the same plant unless it has been reliably identified by a qualified expert and confirmed appropriate for food use.

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