Small children who put everything in their mouths are particularly at risk. Toxic substances enter the body and can make the child life-threateningly ill. What are the typical symptoms of poisoning and how do you react in an emergency?

 

Symptoms of poisoning

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, speech disorders, drowsiness, headaches, sweating, shortness of breath and unconsciousness. These are usually cigarette butts, tablets or poisonous plants.

Immediate measures in case of suspected poisoning

You should first check the child's mouth to see if there are any remnants of the swallowed substance. Any substances that may be there should be removed from the oral cavity immediately. Plastic gloves should be worn for your own protection.

Regularly check the child's pulse and breathing and, if necessary, apply resuscitation measures until the emergency doctor arrives.

In the case of alcohol, plant, tablet or berry poisoning and swallowed cigarette butts, you can try to make the child vomit. It is best to give him a glass of still water beforehand. Never give salt water as an emetic.
Older children can be given an emetic from the pharmacy after consulting an emergency doctor.
To provoke the choking process, you stick a finger down the child's throat.
Important: If you cannot say with certainty where the poisoning is coming from, do not make the child vomit!
After vomiting, the child should be given a little lukewarm water mixed with medicinal charcoal (activated charcoal) to bind the toxins in the body.
Under no circumstances should the child be given milk, as milk causes toxins to enter the bloodstream even more quickly.
Of course, you should not hesitate to take the child to the emergency doctor. If possible, take a sample of the poisonous substance with you or tell the doctor about possible toxic substances, for example medicines or cleaning agents in the house.