Dirt ingestion
Key points
- No particular poisonous ingredients unless the dirt contains contaminants such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and waste disposal.
- Poison Control, or a local emergency number They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
- Recovery is very likely unless some contaminant is present that may complicate outcome.
- See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
Definition
Poisoning caused by ingestion of dirt.
Poisonous Ingredient
No particular poisonous ingredients unless the dirt contains contaminants such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and waste disposal.
Where Found
- dirt
Symptoms
- gastrointestinal
o may cause some intestinal obstruction resulting in abdominal pain
Home Treatment
None. Call Poison Control for further guidance.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- the patient's age, weight, and condition
- the time it was swallowed
- the amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring a sample with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room
- Treat the symptoms.
Note: The patient may not need to visit an emergency room.
Expectations (prognosis)
Recovery is very likely unless some contaminant is present that may complicate outcome.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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