Health Care Encyclopedia
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Eucalyptus oil overdoseDefinition: This is poisoning from swallowing�a large amount of eucalyptus oil.
Poisonous Ingredient: Eucalyptus oil
Where Found: Eucalyptus oil is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter products, including some: - Medicated rubs and liniments
- Diaper rash�creams�
- Inhalers to relieve nasal congestion
- Medication for sore gums, mouths, and throat
- Mouthwashes
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms: - Lungs
- Eyes, ears, nose,�throat, and mouth
- Skin
- Redness and swelling (from touching the skin)
- Gastrointestinal
- Heart and blood
- Muscles and joints
- Nervous system
Home Treatment: Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by a physician or other health care professional. Wash exposed skin with soap and water.
Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: - Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number: The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. See National Poison Control center.
What to expect at the emergency room: The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive: - Fluids
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
Expectations (prognosis): Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal. Drowsiness may persist for several days.
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| Review Date: 3/18/2006 Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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