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Warning-sign checks

Calla lily 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

    Symptoms that are not clearly improving deserve further advice, even if they do not appear to be an emergency.

    Call emergency services immediately for:

    • Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
    • Rapidly worsening tongue or throat swelling
    • Inability to swallow saliva
    • Blue or gray lips
    • Collapse, severe confusion, or difficulty waking
    • Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as widespread hives with wheezing or faintness

    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 same-day care for persistent drooling, increasing mouth swelling, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, significant eye pain, light sensitivity, or any change in vision.

    Clean up fallen leaves and cut stems promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if mouth soreness continues, eating or drinking remains difficult, vomiting recurs, or a skin rash does not settle after washing and avoiding further contact.

    An eye professional may recommend follow-up after a corneal injury.

The article also says

After a mild mouth exposure, follow the poison center's instructions and watch for changes.

The person should be able to breathe comfortably, swallow saliva, and take fluids.

To prevent another exposure, keep calla lilies out of reach of children and people who may chew plants.

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

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