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Warning-sign checks

Pencil eraser swallowing: 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 immediately if the person cannot breathe, speak, cry, or cough effectively.

    Use age-appropriate choking first aid if you are trained to do so.

    If the person becomes unresponsive, begin emergency resuscitation as directed by the emergency dispatcher.

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate for blue or grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or coughing that began suddenly and does not settle.

    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 care for:

    • Drooling or inability to swallow liquids
    • Repeated vomiting
    • Severe or worsening chest or belly pain
    • A swollen or very tender belly
    • Blood in vomit or stool
    • Fever together with significant digestive symptoms
    • A swallowed eraser with attached metal or sharp material

    Contact a healthcare professional or poison information service promptly if a large amount was swallowed, the size is uncertain, the person is a young child, or there is a history of digestive tract narrowing or swallowing problems.

    A routine appointment is appropriate for repeated eraser eating without urgent symptoms.

    The visit can focus on pica, nutrition, iron levels, development, stress, and ways to reduce future swallowing.

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