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Warning-sign checks

Oxalic 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

    Get emergency help now after any known or suspected swallowing of concentrated oxalic acid.

    Call emergency services for severe pain, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, confusion, collapse, seizures, muscle spasms, very little urine, or an abnormal heartbeat.

    Elsewhere, contact the local poison information center or emergency service.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after the emergency has passed if you were advised to repeat kidney or calcium tests, have a healing burn, or need monitoring for digestive scarring.

    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

    Do not wait for symptoms and do not induce vomiting.

    An eye splash needs immediate rinsing followed by urgent medical assessment.

    Significant skin burns, continuing pain after rinsing, or breathing symptoms after inhalation also require prompt care.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange earlier review if swallowing becomes harder, urine output falls, swelling develops, or symptoms return.

The article also says

In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use its online service.

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