Elephant ear

Home treatment:

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the plant
• 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 the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room:

• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.