Poisoning and Foreign Body Obstruction
Poisoning and foreign body obstruction
Poisoning often happens during use, shortly before or after use, or right after purchasing a poisonous substance (including medications). Children ages 0-4 years account for 86% of hospitalisations from poisoning. Foreign body obstruction (FBO) is most common in children under 3.
Poisoning - there is no at-home treatment
- if you think your child has swallowed something poisonous DO NOT make them vomit! - this can cause trauma
- DO NOT give water or milk! - this can make some poisons more harmful
Always call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) if you think a child has swallowed or been exposed to something poisonous. Keep poisons and medications in a child proof draw or cupboard or out of reach.
If a child is unconscious or is not breathing normally call 111 for an ambulance. Follow the Basic Life Support Flowchart and start CPR.
Foreign body obstruction
3 items that cause serious complications
- button battery
- 2 or more magnets
- expandable toys
If you think your child has swallowed any of these three items they need to go to the Emergency Department.
Honey protocol for button battery Ingestion
As long as it doesn’t delay hospital treatment, give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes unless your child is under 12 months.
Signs to look out for:
- if you are worried your child has swallowed something they shouldn’t have look for signs of obstruction such as trouble swallowing and drooling, tummy pain or blood in their poo
Call an ambulance if your child is in severe pain or they are choking