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Warning-sign checks

Mistletoe 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 now if the person has difficulty breathing, collapses, cannot be awakened, has a seizure, or develops severe confusion.

    Fainting, extreme weakness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction also require emergency care.

    Place them on their side if it is safe to do so, and follow emergency-service instructions.

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care and is usually planned after the immediate poisoning has resolved.

    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 after any known or suspected mistletoe ingestion, even if there are no symptoms.

    This is especially important when a child is involved, the amount is unknown, leaves or stems were swallowed, or the exposure involved tea, extract, or another concentrated product.

    In other countries, contact the local poison centre or urgent medical service.

    Do not wait for symptoms before calling.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if symptoms persist after initial care or if you were told that blood tests, kidney function, or heart rhythm need to be checked again.

The article also says

If the person is unconscious or having a seizure, do not give anything by mouth.

In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

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