Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Healthy Choice News

Site Map Links

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Poisons, Children and First Aid

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the injury?

Call the local poison control center to seek medical assistance. These centers are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Keep the number and address in an easy-to-reach place. The number for the local poison control center can be found at www.poison.org, the website of the National Capital Poison Center or www.AAPCC.org, the official website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

If a child has swallowed poison:

check the child's airway, breathing, and circulation. It's usually referred to as checking the ABCs. If necessary, do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

try to find out how the child poisoned himself or herself. Pay attention to the amount of body surface area, also called BSA, that is injured\ \the depth of destruction\ \the location of the burn\ ',CAPTION,'Burns');" onmouseout="return nd();">burns or smells that may help to identify the poison. If the poison is known, bring the container to the hospital.

call the local poison control center or emergency department

do not induce vomiting unless told to do so. To induce vomiting take 1 tablespoon of syrup of ipecac followed by 2 glasses of water.

if the child vomits, protect the airway by turning the head to the side

reassure and observe the child until medical help arrives. If there is poison on the clothing, remove the clothing. Clean the skin with water.

At the hospital, treatment for a poisoning can include:

gastric lavage. This is a procedure in which a large tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. The stomach is washed with salt water.

activated charcoal given by mouth to bind toxins in the stomach and intestines and prevent their absorption into the body

magnesium citrate to speed up the passage of material through the intestines

Whole-bowel irrigation involves putting large volumes of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution into the stomach by drinking or by a tube until the fluid coming out the rectum is clear. It is only used for poisonings with iron supplements, delayed-release medications or drugs like cocaine or heroin.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Vomiting can occur after taking activated charcoal. The vomit can be inhaled into the lungs causing aspiration pneumonia or infection. Use of magnesium citrate can result in fluid and mineral imbalance, dehydration and vomiting. Whole-bowel irrigation can cause vomiting, stomach cramps or bloating.

What happens after treatment for the injury?

A child who has taken poison may need to be admitted to a hospital. Most children recover fully from being poisoned. In some cases, there could be serious injuries to the mouth, esophagus, or lungs. These children will require long-term follow-up care from a healthcare professional. Prevention is the key to avoid poisoning in the future.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement