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Starch ingestion

Definition

Starch is a substance, one form of which is used for cooking, and another of which is used to add firmness and shape to clothing. Starch ingestion occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows starch.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Cooking and laundry starch are both made from vegetable products, most commonly:

• Corn
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Wheat

Both are usually considered nonpoisonous (nontoxic), but some older laundry starches may contain:

• Borax
• Magnesium salts
• Polishing agents

Where Found

• Cooking starch
• Cosmetic products
• Laundry products (laundry starch)

Cooking starch and laundry starch are different substances. There are many brand names for both. This list may not include all uses of starch.

Symptoms

For cooking starch:

• Gastrointestinal
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Stomach area pain

For laundry starch (with very long-term use):

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Significantly decreased urine output (or none)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Jaundice (eyes become yellow)
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Convulsions
  • Collapse
  • Fever
  • Low blood pressure
• Skin
  • Blisters
  • Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails
  • Flaking skin
  • Yellow skin
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Drowsiness
  • Twitching of the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Twitching of the facial muscles

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

For cooking starch:

You probably will not need to go to the emergency room, unless you are unable to drink fluids or are in severe pain.

For laundry starch:

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing tube
• Fluids by IV
• Oxygen
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Cooking starch is generally not harmful and recovery is likely. Poisonings from laundry starch are more serious.

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. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. 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.