What is it?

Poisoning can occur in many ways. Poisons, of course, can be swallowed. However, children can also be poisoned from inhaling fumes, getting splashed in the eye, or having the poison on the skin.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms depend upon the poison and manner in which the exposure occurred. Many poisonings happen without direct observation. Therefore, a parent must keep a wary eye out for possible ways their children can come into contact with dangerous chemicals and medications. In addition, parents must be aware of symptoms that might suggest the child has been exposed to a toxic substance. These symptoms include:

• Burns on the lips or in the mouth, or excessive drooling
• Unexplained stains on the clothing
• Unexplained odours on the clothing
• Excessive sleepiness and ‘not acting right’
• Nausea or vomiting without other signs of illness, such as fever
• Difficulty breathing

What can/should be done at home

• The first and best step is prevention
• All hospitals’ casualty (A & E) departments have some knowledge of many poisons. They also have a contact telephone number, as do GPs of the Regional or National Poisons Unit. They should be contacted if you suspect poisoning of any kind. It is not unusual for the patients themselves to contact the poisons unit
• If you are unsure if your child has swallowed something, telephone your doctor or the A and E department at your local hospital. They may be able to reassure you or ask you to bring the child in to be on the safe side. There are many dangerous pills, for example, that would show no immediate effect
• Whatever has been swallowed, never try to make the baby or child sick as this could be dangerous
• Take the poison or the container to hospital with you, and note the time the substance was swallowed – this may be vital information
• If the child has swallowed paraffin or white spirit, try to get him to drink some milk. Do NOT try to make him sick. Take him to hospital with a sample of the liquid
• If your child has swallowed medicine or pills, try and find out exactly what he has taken and how much. Telephone your doctor or A and E department giving them all the information
• If the substance swallowed was corrosive, such as an acid or alkali or petroleum product, he will probably scream with pain from the burned areas. Splash water on the affected areas and try to give him water or milk to drink. Get to the A and E department as quickly as possible
• If your child is screaming, coughing, convulsing or behaving strangely in any way take him straight to hospital, dial 999 for an ambulance if necessary. Take a sample of the liquid and the container from which he drank
• If more than a few mouthfuls of alcohol – spirits or fortified wine – have been swallowed it can be dangerous. Call your doctor for further advice – if you can’t get through take your child to the local A and E department or treatment room in your local surgery
• If your child has swallowed batteries of any kind it is possible they may leak. Get her to the hospital and take a similar battery with you, or the toy it came from so that doctors can identify the contents of the battery
• Finally, learn CPR. The life you save may be your child's.

When to get immediate attention

Call 999 immediately if your child experiences difficulty breathing, drooling, throat pain, seizures or excessive sleepiness.