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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
This is poisoning from swallowing or eating dirt.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Poisonous Ingredient Return to top
There are no particular poisonous ingredients unless the dirt contains contaminants such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, parasites, and waste.
Where Found Return to top
Symptoms Return to top
Swallowing dirt may cause constipation and intestinal obstruction, which results in stomach pain.
Before Calling Emergency Return to top
Determine the following information:
Poison Control Return to top
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.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room Return to top
The patient may not need to visit an emergency room. If the person goes to the hospital, treatment may include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Recovery is very likely unless the dirt contains something that can cause complications.
References Return to top
Callahan GN. Eating dirt. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003;9(8):1016-1021.
Davis S, Mirick DK. Soil ingestion in children and adults in the same family. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2006;16(1):63-75.
Update Date: 2/17/2009 Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/24/2007).
