Dirt - swallowing

Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing or eating dirt.

Poisonous Ingredient

There are no particular poisonous ingredients unless the dirt contains contaminants such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, parasites, and waste.

Where Found

• Dirt

Symptoms

Swallowing dirt may cause constipation and  intestinal obstruction, which results in stomach pain.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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 a sample of the dirt with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The patient may not need to visit an emergency room. If the person goes to the hospital, treatment may include:

• Medicines to treat the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is very likely unless the dirt contains something that can cause complications.  

References

Callahan GN. Eating dirt. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Aug;9(8):1016-21.

Davis S, Mirick DK. Soil ingestion in children and adults in the same family. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2006 Jan;16(1):63-75.