Paraffin

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Paraffin

Definition:

Ingestion of paraffin.

Alternative Names:

Wax - paraffin

Where Found:

Some arthritis bath/spa treatments
Some candles
Some waxes

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

May cause intestinal obstruction if consumed in sufficient quantities

Home Treatment:

Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control for guidance.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

The patient'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, 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. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Symptoms will be treated if the person is instructed to go to the emergency room.

Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery is likely.

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