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Warning-sign checks

Pine oil 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:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Marked confusion or difficulty staying awake
    • Repeated choking or rapidly worsening symptoms

    Place an unconscious person who is breathing on their side while waiting for emergency help.

    Do not enter an area with concentrated vapour unless it is safe.

    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 centre promptly after pine oil has been swallowed, even if there are no symptoms yet.

    Do not wait for vomiting or coughing to begin.

    In the United States, Poison Control is available at 1-800-222-1222 and through webPOISONCONTROL.

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service or urgent medical advice line.

    Seek urgent advice for continuing eye pain or blurred vision after rinsing, extensive skin irritation, repeated vomiting, or a persistent cough after swallowing or inhaling the product.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after the immediate poisoning has been managed if mild breathing symptoms, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance are not improving as expected.

The article also says

Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is very drowsy, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

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