Terms of Use (Triage App and Tool)

Pokeberries: A Grape Look Alike

Pokeberries are found in grape-like clusters on tall perennials with purple-red stems. Eating several berries can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adults have eaten the roots, mistaking them for medicinal plants. Serious symptoms have subsequently occurred, including bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and low blood pressure.

Bird of Paradise: Is it Toxic?

The bird of paradise plant has stunning flowers. It is an ideal houseplant because it is low-maintenance and is considered minimally toxic to humans. A small, unintentional ingestion by a child can result in gastrointestinal effects including vomiting and diarrhea. Swallowing a larger piece can potentially lead to choking. This plant may be poisonous for animals.

Arsenic in Baby Rice Cereals

Arsenic is a known human poison, and can cause severe health effects after high-level or chronic exposures. Arsenic is present in rice and is also found in infant rice cereal. Fortunately, the relatively short duration of time in which infants are given rice cereal in their diets significantly reduces the risk of arsenic poisoning. In addition, providing a balanced diet can also help reduce an infant’s exposure to arsenic.

E-Cigs and Toddlers: Beware

Electronic cigarettes (e-Cigs) are devices made to look like real cigarettes. They contain a battery, a heater, and liquid nicotine. When heated, the nicotine liquid becomes a vapor, which users inhale. Liquid nicotine products contain flavorings and something to help the product vaporize. Liquid nicotine products are very poisonous if swallowed.

Birth Control Pills and Toddlers

Packages of birth control pills contain hormone pills and may contain iron and placebo pills. Children who swallow birth control hormones are not at risk, even if they are boys. There are few, if any short term effects from the hormones. Children who swallow birth control hormones may have stomach upset, diarrhea, or irritability but no long-term effects.

What is Ozempic?

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are members of the GLP-1 agonist class of drugs. These prescription medications help improve blood sugar control and are often prescribed to diabetic patients. In non-diabetic patients who are overweight or obese, certain GLP-1 agonists are also approved by the FDA to help with weight control.