Paraquat poisoning
Alternate Names : Paraquat lung
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome depends on the severity of exposure. Some people may develop mild breathing-related symptoms and have a full recovery, while others may have permanent changes in the lungs. If a person swallowed the poison, death is likely without immediate medical care.
Complications
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Holes in the esophagus
- Inflammation of the area between the lungs (mediastinitis)
- Kidney failure
- Scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis)
Calling Your Health Care Provider
If you believe you have been exposed to Paraquat, you should seek medical care immediately. 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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number
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