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Pine oil poisoning

 

Pine oil is a germ-killer and disinfectant. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing pine oil.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Pine oil (terpenes) is the poisonous ingredient.

Where Found

 

Pine oil is found in:

  • Various cleaning products
  • Some porcelain cleaners

 

Symptoms

 

Pine oil poisoning can affect many parts of the body.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Throat burning
  • Eye burning

LUNGS

  • Breathing trouble

GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION

  • Rapid heartbeat

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nervousness
  • Stupor (decreased level of consciousness)
  • Unconsciousness

 

Home Care

 

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless you are told to do so by a health care provider or poison control.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Determine the following information:

  • The person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done. The person may receive:

  • Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration. A breathing machine (ventilator) would then be needed.
  • Chest x-ray.
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).
  • Endoscopy -- a camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach.
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV).
  • Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body.
  • Medicines to treat symptoms.
  • Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement).
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach (rare) to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage ).
  • Washing of the skin (irrigation), perhaps every few hours for several days.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. Swallowing pine oil can have severe effects on many parts of the body. In most cases, the biggest problem is that pine oil is swallowed (aspirated) into the lungs instead of the stomach, causing breathing problems.

The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

 

 

Open References

References

Kulig K. General approach to the poisoned patient. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 147.

Lee DC. Hydrocarbons. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 158.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Self Care

           

            Tests for Pine oil poisoning

             
               

              Review Date: 10/3/2016

              Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

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