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Warning-sign checks

Caladium plant 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 difficulty breathing, noisy or labored breathing, rapidly increasing throat swelling, inability to swallow saliva, blue or gray lips, severe confusion, collapse, or unresponsiveness.

    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 assessment for worsening mouth or tongue swelling, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, persistent drooling, severe pain, or signs of dehydration.

    Eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or redness that continues after thorough rinsing also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow the poison center’s or clinician’s instructions about observation and follow-up.

    A mild exposure that fully resolves may not require a routine medical visit.

    Arrange routine follow-up if mouth soreness, skin irritation, or reduced appetite continues longer than expected, even if symptoms are not worsening.

    Children should be watched to make sure they return to normal drinking and urination.

The article also says

To prevent another exposure, place caladium plants out of reach of children.

Wear gloves when cutting or repotting them, wash tools and hands afterward, and avoid touching the face.

Eye protection may be helpful when plant sap could splash.

Teach children not to taste any plant unless a responsible adult has confirmed that it is safe to eat.

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