What should you do if you swallowed a tick? - briefly
If a tick is ingested, contact a medical professional promptly for evaluation and possible treatment. Do not attempt self‑induced vomiting; monitor for fever, rash, or other symptoms and report them to the clinician.
What should you do if you swallowed a tick? - in detail
If a tick is accidentally ingested, act promptly to reduce the risk of infection. First, remain calm and avoid inducing vomiting, as this can cause additional irritation to the throat and esophagus.
Next, contact a healthcare professional or poison‑control center without delay. Explain the incident, the estimated time since ingestion, and any known details about the tick’s species or size. Follow the provider’s instructions, which may include observation of symptoms or a recommendation for a medical visit.
If the tick is still visible in the mouth or throat, attempt gentle removal with clean tweezers or a gloved finger, taking care not to push it further down. Do not use forceful suction or unsterilized tools. After removal, wash the area with soap and water and clean the tweezers with alcohol.
Monitor for signs of tick‑borne disease over the following weeks. Symptoms to watch for include fever, headache, rash (especially a “bull’s‑eye” pattern), muscle aches, joint pain, or fatigue. Record the onset and progression of any such signs and report them to a medical professional immediately.
In summary, the proper response includes:
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Seek medical advice promptly.
- Remove the tick safely if it remains in the oral cavity.
- Observe and document any subsequent symptoms.
Timely medical evaluation and symptom monitoring are essential for effective management after accidental ingestion of a tick.