Poisoning: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you think that a poisoning has occurred?

See significance of a suspected poisoning if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Note:
Do not try to cause vomiting. However, if your poison control center recommends vomiting for a specific substance, follow their guidelines.

Do not eat or drink until you have talked with a poison control center or your doctor.

Call the local poison control center (PCC) or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately. The PCC can help determine what steps to take next. Be prepared to tell the PCC the person's age and weight.

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you are unable to reach the PCC.

Have the poisonous substance with you when you talk to the poison control center so you can give complete information, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when. Take the substance with you if and when you see your doctor.

Yes

Do you think that a poisoning has occurred, but the person does not currently have any symptoms of poisoning?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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Last updated:	October 05, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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