Medically reviewed by the Rice Emergency Room Medical Team

Dr. Amir Zegar, DO

Medically reviewed byDr. Amir Zegar, DOBoard-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician | Medical Director

Did you know that accidental poisoning is one of the biggest health threats to children? Approx 67,500 children aged under five had to visit the ER because of unintended poisoning in 2019. About 85 percent of these incidents occurred in the home, likely because they ingested incorrect medications, bleach, or laundry packets. (Presidential Document, Federal Register 2021)

Children are obviously curious about everything. They often explore their surroundings with their senses, including taste. This is a common reason why children accidentally ingest or come into contact with poisonous substances.

Poisoning, in simple terms, is an injury or a possible death due to swallowing, touching, inhaling, or injecting different hazardous substances like chemicals, venom, drugs, gases, or extreme medications.

Always call the poison hotline, call an ambulance and visit an ER immediately if you suspect anyone in your family has been poisoned.

Signs of Poisoning in Children 

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of poison and the amount ingested, but they often include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, it is important to get medical help quickly and call the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222.

  • Increased breathing
  • Disrupted breathing pattern
  • Redness around the mouth and lips
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain without fever
  • Unusual drooling
  • Seizures or unconsciousness
  • Confused mental state

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Poisoning

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is helping people to control the cases of accidental poisoning at home by offering tips to prevent and treat exposure to poison. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

  • Store Medications Safely: Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be dangerous if taken improperly. Ensure all medications are stored out of reach of children and in their original containers with the labels intact. Be sure to dispose of expired or unused medications properly, and do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash.
  • Store Household Chemicals Safely: Household chemicals, such as cleaning products, pesticides, and gasoline, can be toxic if ingested. Store these products out of the reach of children and in a locked cabinet if possible. Keep these products in their original containers with the labels intact, and never store them in food or beverage containers. (Prevention tips 2020)
  • Be Careful with Common Household Items: Many common household items are toxic if ingested, including batteries, magnets, and small toys. Keep these items out of reach of children, and supervise young children when they are playing with toys or other items that could be swallowed.
  • Be Aware of Potential Poisoning Hazards: Some potential poisoning hazards may be less obvious, such as carbon monoxide, lead, and asbestos. Ensure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors, and be aware of any lead or asbestos hazards.
  • Be Aware of Poisonous Plants: Many common household plants, such as lilies, azaleas, and philodendrons, can be toxic if ingested. If you have plants in your home, research them to ensure they are safe and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
  • Be Careful with Food and Beverages: Food and beverages can also be sources of poisoning if not handled or prepared properly. Remember to wash your hands and any cooking surfaces before preparing food, and follow safe food handling practices. Be sure to store food at the proper temperature, and avoid consuming any food or beverages that look or smell unusual.
  • Teach Children About Poison Safety: It is important to teach children about poison safety from a young age. Teach them never to touch or taste any medication or household chemicals and to tell an adult if they find something that looks dangerous. Encourage children to ask questions if they are unsure about the safety of a particular item or substance.
  • Know the Poison Help Line: The Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide information on what to do in case of poisoning. Keep this number handy in case of an emergency.

If you suspect poisoning of any kind with your child, immediately act and call the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222.

Steps To Take If Your Child Has Ingested or Come Into Contact With Poison

  • Swallowed poison Immediately take medicine or product containing poison away from the child and help them spit out anything remaining in their mouth. Note to never make your child vomit or use ipecac syrup.
  • Swallowed battery Serious tissue damage can occur in less than 2 hours if your child has ingested a button-cell battery or battery inserts in their nose, ear, or throat. Call the hospital emergency department and get medical help immediately.
  • Skin poison Take your child’s clothes off quickly and rinse it all in lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Eye poison Hold the eyelid open and flush the child’s eye with a stream of room temperature water into the inner corner for 15 minutes.
  • Poisonous fumes Take the child into the fresh air immediately. If the child has stopped breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Do not stop CPR until the child starts breathing independently, or the medical team can take over.

(Mayo Clinic 2020)

Visit An Emergency Room Quickly

If you suspect your child has ingested poison, find the nearest ER, and call the poison hotline (1-800-222-1222) as you head out.

If you are located in Houston, you can visit us at Rice Emergency Room located in Houston near Rice Village. We are open 24/7 and have in-house X-ray and CT diagnostics, which helps us provide children with quick and accurate medical care.

 

Works Cited 

Presidential Document, Document. “Federal Register:: National Poison Prevention Week, 2021.” Federal Register, 24 Mar. 2021, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/03/24/2021-06252/national-poison-prevention-week-2021.

American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP. “Poison Prevention & Treatment Tips for Parents.” HealthyChildren.org, 2019,

www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Poison-Prevention.aspx

Mayo Clinic, Staff. “Poisoning: First Aid.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Apr. 2020,

www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-poisoning/basics/art-20056657.