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Warning-sign checks

Jerusalem cherry 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

    The poison service can help determine whether home observation, an urgent clinic visit, or emergency department care is appropriate.

    Call emergency services immediately if the person:

    • Has difficulty breathing or develops blue or grey lips
    • Collapses, cannot be woken, or has a seizure
    • Has severe confusion, extreme agitation, or hallucinations
    • Appears to be choking or has inhaled vomit
    • Develops signs of shock, such as fainting with cold or clammy skin

    While waiting for emergency help, do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, confused, seizing, or unable to swallow safely.

    If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

    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

    Contact a poison information service promptly whenever Jerusalem cherry may have been swallowed.

    This is appropriate even when the person feels well because symptoms can be delayed and the amount of toxin is difficult to estimate.

    Seek urgent medical assessment if the person develops repeated vomiting, significant abdominal pain, increasing drowsiness, confusion, unusual behaviour, weakness, or trouble walking.

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