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Warning-sign checks

Boric acid 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
    • A seizure
    • Collapse or inability to wake the person
    • Severe confusion or agitation
    • Signs of shock, such as fainting, very pale or clammy skin, or profound 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

    Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms are worsening, vomiting prevents fluids from staying down, urination becomes noticeably reduced, or unusual drowsiness or confusion develops.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if vomiting, diarrhea, rash, reduced appetite, weakness, or irritation continues.

    People treated for a significant exposure may need repeat blood tests to confirm that kidney function, electrolytes, and hydration have returned to normal.

    Follow-up is particularly important after hospitalization or if kidney injury occurred.

The article also says

Follow the instructions given by Poison Control or the treating clinician.

After a minor exposure without symptoms, home observation may be all that is needed.

Do not repeat the exposure, and store or dispose of the product according to its label.

To prevent another exposure, keep boric acid in its original labeled container.

Store insecticides away from food and medicines.

Keep vaginal products separate from oral capsules, and never transfer boric acid powder into cups, jars, or food containers.

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