A Fragrant Mistake: Survival Guide For Drinking Cologne

Drinking cologne can be dangerous and lead to cologne poisoning. The effects of drinking cologne can be similar to those of ingesting a high-proof liquor, including lethargy, loss of balance, and alcohol-scented breath. The most toxic ingredients in colognes are ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. If you or a child have ingested cologne, it is important to seek medical advice from a poison control center or a general practitioner. In the meantime, drinking water and eating light snacks can help dilute the cologne and prevent blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels.

Call an emergency number, such as 911 in the US, or a poison control helpline

If you or someone you know has drunk cologne, it is important to act quickly and call an emergency number or a poison control helpline. In the US, you can call 911 or the national toll-free Poison Help hotline by dialing 1-800-222-1222. This service is free and confidential, and you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even if it is not an emergency. The poison control centre will be able to provide you with expert advice and further instructions.

When you call, it is helpful to have the following information ready: the person's age, weight, and condition; the time the cologne was swallowed; and, if possible, the amount ingested. If you have the cologne bottle with you, bring it with you to the hospital so that medical professionals can identify its ingredients.

It is important to note that cologne is made from alcohol and essential oils, and poisoning from ingesting cologne can be serious. Symptoms of cologne poisoning may include a decreased level of consciousness, including coma; diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting; trouble walking normally; low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure; seizures; and uncoordinated movement. These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for children, who are especially prone to developing low blood sugar.

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by poison control or a healthcare provider. If the person who ingested cologne is a child, give them a light, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels.

Be ready with the person's age, weight, and condition, as well as the time the cologne was swallowed

If you or someone you know has swallowed cologne, it is important to be ready with the person's age, weight, and health condition, as well as the time the cologne was swallowed. This information will be crucial when contacting the emergency services or poison control centers, as it will help them provide the necessary instructions and treatment.

The person's age is an important factor, especially if it is a child, as children are more prone to developing low blood sugar after ingesting cologne. Their smaller body weight and different metabolism can also affect how their body reacts to the poisonous ingredients in cologne. Knowing the person's weight can help medical professionals determine the dosage of any medication or treatment required. Additionally, being aware of the person's general health condition can provide valuable context for the emergency services. For example, if the person has any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies, this information can help guide the treatment plan.

Providing the exact time the cologne was swallowed is crucial as it helps medical professionals understand the progression of the poisoning and make informed decisions about the treatment. It is important to act quickly in cases of cologne poisoning, as the faster medical help is given, the better the chances of recovery.

If you are in the United States, you can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. This is a toll-free, confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will provide you with instructions and guidance on how to manage the situation. Alternatively, you can call 911 or your local emergency number to seek immediate medical attention.

Bring the cologne container with you to the hospital

If you or someone you know has drunk cologne, it is important to act quickly and seek medical help right away. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are a few things you can do to help the person who has ingested cologne. Firstly, if the person is a child, give them a light snack, such as something carb- or sugar-heavy, to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. This is crucial as children are especially prone to developing low blood sugar after ingesting cologne.

Once you have called the emergency services, bring the cologne container with you to the hospital if possible. This is important because it will help the medical professionals identify the ingredients in the cologne and determine the best course of treatment. They will need to know what was ingested, how much was ingested, and when it was ingested. Providing this information will enable them to respond quickly and effectively.

The hospital staff will then be able to measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. They may also perform blood and urine tests, provide breathing support, conduct an ECG, or place a camera down the throat to check for burns in the oesophagus and stomach if the person is vomiting blood. The person may also be given fluids through an IV and medicine to treat their symptoms.

The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery. So, if you or someone you know has ingested cologne, don't hesitate to seek emergency medical attention and bring the cologne container with you to the hospital.

The affected person will likely be given blood and urine tests, an ECG, and an endoscopy

If you suspect someone has ingested cologne, call the local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the US) or the local poison control center. In the US, you can reach the poison control center by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This is a free and confidential service.

If the affected person is a child, give them a light snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar in children include drowsiness, slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, passing out, and seizures.

At the hospital, the affected person will likely be given blood and urine tests, an ECG (electrocardiogram), and an endoscopy. The provider will also measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Blood and urine tests will help determine the extent of cologne poisoning and assess the person's overall health. An ECG will be performed to check the person's heart function, as cologne poisoning can affect the cardiovascular system. An endoscopy, which involves placing a camera down the person's throat, will be done to look for burns in the esophagus and stomach, especially if the person is vomiting blood.

The affected person may also receive breathing support, such as a tube through the mouth into the lungs or a ventilator. Fluids will be administered through an IV to maintain hydration and help flush out the toxins. Additionally, medicine will be given to treat specific symptoms.

Treatment may include a tube through the nose or mouth, breathing support, fluids through a vein, and medicine to treat symptoms

If you drink cologne, you are at risk of cologne poisoning. This is a medical emergency and you should call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US) or your local poison control centre.

Treatment for cologne poisoning may include:

Tube Through the Nose or Mouth

A tube may be inserted through the nose or mouth to reduce the risk of choking and to prevent fluid from entering the lungs. This is especially important if the patient is vomiting blood.

Breathing Support

As cologne poisoning can cause severe breathing problems, a breathing machine (ventilator) may be required to support the patient's breathing.

Fluids Through a Vein

Fluids delivered intravenously (by IV) will help to stabilise the patient's condition and prevent dehydration.

Medicine to Treat Symptoms

Medications will be administered to treat the symptoms of cologne poisoning, which may include decreased consciousness, seizures, nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and more.

Frequently asked questions